Warning Sign?

[Steelhead]

If the breeder says you cannot pet the parent of a potential puppy isnt that a warning sign? The breeder said we could look at dad but not interact or pet him because the dog may bite. That doesnt sound right. A stable good tempered dog shouldnt bite especially if the owner is right there.

Just checking.

[Freestep]

Yeah, I would take that as a warning sign. Either the dog wasn't socialized, or he has an incorrect temperament. Either way, it's a red flag for the breeder.

[shannonrae]

I would consider that a red flag. When I was looking for my pup friendly parents was a requirement. I had to meet and interact with BOTH parents. When I found a breeder I was interested in I made a date to meet the parents, the pups were only 3 weeks old at the time. I did not even want to look at the pups until I had met Mom and Dad.

[LaRen616]

It depends.

If the dog is friendly towards family members and people that he knows but not friendly towards strangers I dont really see an issue.

As long as aggression isn't passed on to his puppies, I have no problem with it. I am pretty sure I know the male is question, I have met him and stood about 5 feet from him, he did not growl, bark or bare his teeth at me. I watched him interact with the breeder and his wife and he was very sweet and affectionate.

I would also like to add if it is the male I am thinking of, I would LOVE to get an offspring from him and I actually know alot more people that want one of his puppies as well.

Get the whole story about the male before judging, there is more to it than you think.

[Kittilicious]

Yep, big red flag.

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by Steelhead

If the breeder says you cannot pet the parent of a potential puppy isnt that a warning sign? The breeder said we could look at dad but not interact or pet him because the dog may bite. That doesnt sound right. A stable good tempered dog shouldnt bite especially if the owner is right there.

Just checking.

Run, do not walk to the nearest exit! Do not even consider this breeder. That is ridiculous and you should not even consider it - a BIG problem waiting to happen!

[msvette2u]

As long as aggression isn't passed on to his puppies,

And how would one know, until the puppies got older? Genetic fearfulness is tough to override.

I would also take it as a warning sign. Any GSD should be able to accept people into it's home unless the people are wearing ski masks and toting guns.

[LaRen616]

Originally Posted by msvette2u

And how would one know, until the puppies got older? Genetic fearfulness is tough to override.

I would also take it as a warning sign. Any GSD should be able to accept people into it's home unless the people are wearing ski masks and toting guns.

Because the dog I am thinking of has puppies that are 3+ years old and have no aggression issues.

[msvette2u]

While that's great and all, the sire is still 1/2 of the equation. Perhaps they've been lucky so far.

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by LaRen616

If the dog is friendly towards family members and people that he knows but not friendly towards strangers I dont really see an issue.

A proper temperament includes discernment--the dog may not be "friendly" toward strangers, but should not be apt to bite guests in the owners' escort. If this is a genetic temperament issue, you don't want it passed on. If it is a socialization issue, it leaves you to wonder WHY the breeder did not socialize the dog, and what else is the breeder not doing?