How Soon is too Soon?

Konotashi · 12-06-2011, 04:18 AM

So on paper and in writing, I love WGSLs. It seems like they'd be a good fit for me, even though I know WL breeders can get medium drive puppies that are suitable for a pet home. I'd just be looking for a dog that has medium drive, most likely will be competing in agility and/or flyball, and I would want the dog to be able to do SchH successfully if I choose to pursue it.

There are several breeders I know of that I'd be willing to drive to, both SL and WL.

How soon would be too soon to start visiting different breeders? I'm not going to be getting my GSD in a few years (sad face), but want to start testing the waters now. I want to see breeders' facilities, their dogs, and see what I like in person, rather than just online. Also, I'd like to possibly stay in touch with breeders that I liked and maybe talk to some of their puppy buyers about dogs/puppies they got from them.

GSD Fan · 12-06-2011, 07:14 AM

I think you can do that anytime you like!

GatorDog · 12-06-2011, 09:13 AM

Be warned though...if you see some puppies you might get sucked in sooner than you'd imagine

BlackGSD · 12-06-2011, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GatorDog

Be warned though...if you see some puppies you might get sucked in sooner than you'd imagine

You may also find a breeder you really like, only to have them no longer breeding when you are ready for a pup. In which case you have to start again with your search.

Emoore · 12-06-2011, 11:14 AM

There's a thread exactly like this going on at PDB right now.

By the way, looks like Phoenix Schutzhund club is having a trial Dec 10-11. Might be a good chance for you to go check out some dogs. I have no idea where in AZ you are though.

Konotashi · 12-06-2011, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emoore

There's a thread exactly like this going on at PDB right now.

Look who the poster is.

sddeadeye · 12-06-2011, 08:20 PM

Even if the breeders aren't in business in a few years down the line when you are looking for a pup, meeting them will still give you exposure to the lines you are interested in.

Konotashi · 12-07-2011, 01:22 AM

I put 5 years on PDB, but I think 3 years would be more realistic. I just don't want to say 3 years and then if it takes longer, be disappointed. (Like how disappointed I was when I guessed a year or so and I still don't have my GSD).

I know the AZSchH club was supposed to have one on the 3rd and 4th this month, but had to be cancelled due to the judge being ill. On their site it said they expect to have the trial some time in Feb.

EDIT: Just saw the 10/11th trial is in Cali. Definitely won't be able to make it to that one.

Unfortunately, looking at the USCA site, there won't be any trials in a reasonable distance from me until February, if the Arizona club reschedules it for then.

12-06-2011, 04:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
Konotashi Knighted Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,380	How Soon is too Soon? So on paper and in writing, I love WGSLs. It seems like they'd be a good fit for me, even though I know WL breeders can get medium drive puppies that are suitable for a pet home. I'd just be looking for a dog that has medium drive, most likely will be competing in agility and/or flyball, and I would want the dog to be able to do SchH successfully if I choose to pursue it. There are several breeders I know of that I'd be willing to drive to, both SL and WL. How soon would be too soon to start visiting different breeders? I'm not going to be getting my GSD in a few years (sad face), but want to start testing the waters now. I want to see breeders' facilities, their dogs, and see what I like in person, rather than just online. Also, I'd like to possibly stay in touch with breeders that I liked and maybe talk to some of their puppy buyers about dogs/puppies they got from them. __________________ Ozzy - Chocolate Pom "In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog." My Photography

12-06-2011, 09:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
GatorDog Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 1,006	Be warned though...if you see some puppies you might get sucked in sooner than you'd imagine __________________ -Alexis Aiden vom HausDaka - CGC, TT, BH

12-06-2011, 11:14 AM	#5 (permalink)
Emoore Crowned Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North DFW, TX Posts: 9,214	There's a thread exactly like this going on at PDB right now. By the way, looks like Phoenix Schutzhund club is having a trial Dec 10-11. Might be a good chance for you to go check out some dogs. I have no idea where in AZ you are though. __________________ Rocky vom Backyard- 10 years young Kopper vom Felssclucht Bach - 17 months At the Bridge: Cash van der Animal Shelter 2006-2010 Last edited by Emoore; 12-06-2011 at 11:17 AM.

12-07-2011, 01:22 AM	#8 (permalink)
Konotashi Knighted Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,380	I put 5 years on PDB, but I think 3 years would be more realistic. I just don't want to say 3 years and then if it takes longer, be disappointed. (Like how disappointed I was when I guessed a year or so and I still don't have my GSD). I know the AZSchH club was supposed to have one on the 3rd and 4th this month, but had to be cancelled due to the judge being ill. On their site it said they expect to have the trial some time in Feb. EDIT: Just saw the 10/11th trial is in Cali. Definitely won't be able to make it to that one. Unfortunately, looking at the USCA site, there won't be any trials in a reasonable distance from me until February, if the Arizona club reschedules it for then. __________________ Ozzy - Chocolate Pom "In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog." My Photography Last edited by Konotashi; 12-07-2011 at 01:28 AM.

12-06-2011, 07:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
GSD Fan Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MS Posts: 1,128	I think you can do that anytime you like!

12-06-2011, 08:20 PM	#7 (permalink)
sddeadeye Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: North Dakota Posts: 241	Even if the breeders aren't in business in a few years down the line when you are looking for a pup, meeting them will still give you exposure to the lines you are interested in.

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