Please don't Hang Me!

[Konotashi]

So I've been doing some serious, hard thinking lately.

I know I want a GSD, that's obvious. I knew that when I was 4. One of the things I was thinking about was if my current job would really allow for me to own a GSD, both financially and time-wise.

I want a working line and work him in SchH. However, I think I'm already sort of pushing it with work for not being able to work Sunday mornings (period), and having to take time off lately for flyball tournaments for Ozzy. My schedule is pretty much completely random. The only thing I can really count on is that I don't work mornings. (In the near 2 years I've worked there, I think I've only worked 5 morning shifts, if that).
Looking at clubs, and when they train - there'd be no way, with the job I have right now. One SchH club trains two evenings during the week, and one morning. Another club trains two evenings of the week, and Sat/Sun in the morning. Another club trains Sat/Sun in the mornings.
Not to mention, I took Ozzy to tournaments and demos that our team was at, regardless of whether Ozzy was going to be training/racing at all. We went as team members. I don't know if the same goes for SchH, but I would like to go anyway, just because I'd like to watch the dogs work and get their titles and such.

Anywho, long story short - I think I should wait until I'm completely financially secure and have a job with set hours before I get a GSD.

My boyfriend and I set a goal to move out by this year's end. (Which I found is pretty much the best time to get a house, because the banks are trying to get the homes off of the books, so they'll slash/accept a lower price).

I was looking at some smaller breeds, in the meantime, and discovered mini Aussies. So I looked into them a bit more, and they would be pretty much perfect for the situation. After settling into the new house, seeing where we are with finances (I don't expect to leave my current job anytime soon), and all that good stuff, I'm seriously looking into getting a mini Aussie. I put in a puppy application to a breeder. I also asked if I could request the tail be kept on a puppy and not docked, and she told me as long as the puppy was paid in full by 3 days of age, then she would keep the tail on.

So yadda yadda yadda, blah, blah, blah - my initial wait time for getting a GSD just got substantially longer. But I'd rather wait until the right point in my life to get a GSD than try to struggle owning one to get one sooner.

[StellaSquash]

why would anyone hang you for making a completely mature, well thought out decision?

[JakodaCD OA]

I agree with Jennifer, and I want to say a mini aussie will be great for you AND ozzy! so much you can do with them, they are wonderful little dogs ,

I have standard aussies but on the smaller side a friend of mine has mini's and I LOVE THEM!!!

Good decision

[Todd]

I fell in love with GSDs when a girlfriend in college got one. I took my good old time going back to finish college so I was in my late 20s. After we broke up, I always wanted one, but I worked too much, travelled too much, moved too much, and really really liked the nightlife. I read a lot about GSDs and still wanted one, but I wasn't willing to make what I thought at the time was a sacrifice.

When work settled down, I started to move less often (active duty military) and I'd done everything I could in a bar short of getting arrested, I finally adopted Heidi.

I don't think there's anything wrong waiting until the time is right. Things will probably never be perfect with work and money (short of winning the lottery!), but you'll know when you can spend the time required.

So, I'm with Jennifer and Diane and agree with your decision. The right dog, in the right situation with work and family, is well worth the wait.

[arycrest]

Sounds like a plan! But I have a question ... Do you really want a dog with a tail enough that you'll commit to a particular puppy which is 3 days old? IMHO it isn't enough time for either you or the breeder to make an informed selection of the proper pup for you.

[doggiedad]

i think you should get the GSD. if you don't have time
for Schutzhund train him in some other arena. which
one do really want a GSD or an Aussie?

[Stosh]

There's plenty of time to get your gsd! In the meantime, you're learning so much from the training you're doing with Ozzy.

[Wolfiesmom]

I wonder why you want another dog, if you don't have the time for a GSD? You have Ozzy, and adding another dog is adding more work, GSD or not. Are you looking for a companion for Ozzy? I am wondering because I have just one dog, and the reason I don't have two, even another breed, is because I am too busy right now with the one.

[Jax08]

Love Aussie's! I was just at a home yesterday dropping something off that has 5 of them. You would have been in heaven!

http://asca.org/

[shannonrae]

Originally Posted by Wolfiesmom

I wonder why you want another dog, if you don't have the time for a GSD? You have Ozzy, and adding another dog is adding more work, GSD or not. Are you looking for a companion for Ozzy? I am wondering because I have just one dog, and the reason I don't have two, even another breed, is because I am too busy right now with the one.