Is this worrying puppy behaviour?

[Panda]

Hi everyone!

I have posted in the intro thread if anyone wants to know a bit about me.

I am getting a puppy very soon and am a bit concerned about his temperment. I found the breeder on the German Shepherd Dog League site and they are very professional and the parents have been breed surveyed and health checked etc.

We did not get to choose our puppy as he was the last puppy left in the litter. Looks wise I would have chosen him anyway as he is the biggest and fluffiest with adorable markings. I have been to the breeders a few times just to spend time with the puppy and after readng a post in this forum which had a link to a puppy temperment evaluation test I am a bit concerned.

He seems quite aloof and uninterested in me or my fiance and doesn't run up to us like the puppies in the litter do. He just runs around sniffing and playing with the other puppies.
He wont come when we call him or squeak toys etc and when the breeder brings him to us he doesn't seem to even notice we are there, even when we pat him and just runs straight off.
When my fiance picked him up he struggled a lot and was whining.

When she brings him out on his own he still shows no interest in us and will go to the other end of the yard and find a place to lie down.

I am only worried because when I went through the results section in the volhard test it came up with this:

So independent that he doesn’t need you or other people
Doesn’t care if he is trained or not - he is his own person Unlikely to bond to you, since he doesn’t need you.
A great guard dog for gas stations!
Do not take this puppy and think you can change him into a lovable bundle - you can’t, so leave well enough alone

Is this something to be concerned about or do you think once we take him home and he bonds to us he will be a loving puppy?

P.S He doesn't seem frightened he just seems uninterested. He does wag his tail at the breeder sometimes and will occasionally follow her for a very short time which I guess is a good sign.

Thanks for your help. I really want this puppy but am soscared of getting a dog that won't bond to me.

[Dainerra]

have you discussed your concerns with the breeder? what was their response? If you are feeling hesitant that the puppy won't fit in or isn't what you are looking for, I would recommend going elsewhere. Does the breeder have a reason that they think this is the puppy for you? Or is it simply the only one left and they have to sell it to someone??
I would think that, given your concerns, the breeder should be willing to work with you. Even if it means waiting on a different litter to get the RIGHT dog.

ETA: another thought. Have you had "one on one" time with the puppy? or only in a large group with the others in the litter? that could possibly make a difference in his interactions with you, but I'll let someone more knowledge tell us if that is true

[Panda]

The breeder has said that the puppy is just too busy sniffing around at all the new smells. They also said that the puppys personality is the serious one in the litter and more of a thinker and also that the puppy will bond to us once we get it home and have one on one time with it.

We have had time with the puppy without the other puppies around but not without the breeders around.

She said we can take him and if there are any major problems we can give him back to her (within 10 days) and she will refund or we can wait for another litter but I know I won't be able to give him back once I take him because I will get very attached.

[heather122]

I would also wait on getting the puppy. I wouldn't want to get attached to a dog that wasn't attached to me. A puppy is a huge commitment and much more enjoyable if they are as attached to you as you are with them.

[GSD07]

Originally Posted by Panda

The breeder has said that the puppy is just too busy sniffing around at all the new smells. They also said that the puppys personality is the serious one in the litter and more of a thinker and also that the puppy will bond to us once we get it home and have one on one time with it.

Your breeder excuses are complete BS, sorry.

What you see is what you get, the puppy may bond to you down the road (or may not, really) but it's not fun to live with an anti-social dog that doesn't accept anyone besides the family.

Don't let yourself be tricked into getting this puppy.

[MaggieRoseLee]

I'd also wait, for good or for bad, there are tons of great breeders and puppies out there. What is the challenge for all of us is to take the time and have the patience to get the best mix possible for puppy and our level of background/experience/expectation.

As you probably are realizing, the 'look' of a puppy physically (...I would have chosen him anyway as he is the biggest and fluffiest with adorable markings.) is, in the long run probably one of the least important pieces of the puzzle.

[Raziel]

SO WHAT?
My puppy did this too!
He is more concerced about his FAMILY.
LOL I think its SO silly to come to such a HUGE statement on a small pup.
Take him AWAY from the litter & spend some time with him.
My pup wouldnt let me hold him when I got to meet him & his mother & brothers & sisters.
Its a puppy for crying out loud. lol
My dog was squirming to get away from me.
Hes the best dog I can ask for.


Ps WHAT IS THIs? Who made this test up??? LMAO
"So independent that he doesn’t need you or other people
Doesn’t care if he is trained or not - he is his own person Unlikely to bond to you, since he doesn’t need you.
A great guard dog for gas stations!
Do not take this puppy and think you can change him into a lovable bundle - you can’t, so leave well enough alone"

[robinhuerta]

Please remember this is a GSD puppy.......the breed standard states that they are "aloof" to strangers. Even though this is a "baby"...you are NOT part of it's pack.
The breeder's family & dogs are his/her pack.....he/she doesn't need to be "kissy faced" with you.
A pack of puppies consist of all temperaments....(independent puppy, alpha puppy, subordinate puppy, etc...) you get the idea....
When ALL the puppies needs are supplied by YOU.....the puppy, will bond....it's natural balance.
I am not saying that THIS puppy or breeder has the right puppy for your wants or needs.....I am only stating my opinion on GSD puppies in general.....again...all puppies are different.
My post is only my personal opinion regarding, independent-confident puppies.
If YOU the potential buyer, is having doubts....then absolutely find a different litter to choose from. You should always be confident in YOUR decision.....
again...JMO
Robin

[wolfspirit]

My breeder said that Kofi was one of the more independent ones from the litter and when I went to see him at 5 weeks and again at 7, he wasn't really interested in me...

When I bought him home and held him for more than a nano second he screamed blue murder for me to let him go. I have to say I was worried that he wouldn't be a really cuddly 'into me' dog.

But he is 17 weeks old now and has really bonded very well. He is confident (so doesn't panic if I go out of sight) but he is not what I would call independent. On a walk he never goes more than a few meters away from me and he comes first time when i call and is always focused on me. I am super pleased with him, and he likes nothing more than snuggling up and cuddling too.

So, I understand your concerns, but from my experience it seems to have turned out ok. As others have said, you are not currently part of his pack and if he is happy to leave his pack to come greet strangers, might that also be the type of dog who will be happy to run off and leave you to go greet some other dogs/people? I know I would prefer a dog who wants to stay with his pack.

[GSD07]

The breed standard describes adult GSDs. With all due respect, all puppies I've ever seen that were described as aloof in reality were insecure puppies.