Considering a puppy and want advice

BayouBaby · 08-23-2010, 03:49 PM

Hi all,

I saw an ad in my local paper concerning a litter of AKC registered, 4 month old puppies. I know nothing about the backgrounds of the pups yet, but am supposed to go see them tonight. I know that a picture isn't always the best way to judge something, but I thought maybe some of the more experienced members could eyeball the photos and tell me if they at least look good. I am not interested in breeding or showing. I just want a protector and new best friend. All advice is welcome.

chicagojosh · 08-23-2010, 03:53 PM

i'm wondering why there are still so many available after 4 months.... the breeder we got our pup from posted the add when they were 10 weeks.

considering they are older in terms of puppies, I'd just make sure they have been socialized. a 4 month old should have been socialized a LOT by now, and if they have not been, I wouldn't buy one...just my thoughts.

they are cute! so hopefully their first 4 months included some socialization

Stosh · 08-23-2010, 03:55 PM

If the parents have a good health background and the puppies are healthy, wormed, vaccinated then I don't see why not. They seem pretty sturdy in the photo! If you do buy one, I would base it on a 24 or 48 hr period to bring it to a vet and have the pup checked over first. There's plenty of info on here about picking out a pup that you may have read. How come they have 4 mo olds? That would be my biggest concern- have they been returned for some reason or couldn't be sold?

crisp · 08-23-2010, 03:59 PM

I agree with ChicagoJosh. Make sure the puppies have been socialised. Ask the breeder to see where they have been staying this whole time, and ask what has been done in terms of socialisation. With so many pups, it might have been hard to introduce them to new places, people, and situations.

lizzkatris · 08-23-2010, 04:08 PM

Make sure you ask to see the dam and sire.

BayouBaby · 08-23-2010, 04:15 PM

Supposedly the dam and sire are both on the premises... so I should see them tonight, too. I don't know why they have the whole litter at 4 months... seems kind of odd, but maybe they moved or someone was sick?

Also just to state, the mother is supposed to be 80-90 pounds, dad is 140 pounds. I'm interested in the black and silver female or the solid black female.

chicagojosh · 08-23-2010, 04:22 PM

140 pounds!!!! that is one huge GSD. i think they are definitely worth checking out. just ask a lot about the socialization and and as Stosh mentioned, maybe some kind of "return" policy.

Jessiewessie99 · 08-23-2010, 04:24 PM

140lbs=

Stosh · 08-23-2010, 04:34 PM

If they've just been hanging out in the backyard their entire lives, they have lost a lot of ground but I'd ask about any kind of training- housebreaking, leash, basic commands, etc. They are nice looking pups though

BowWowMeow · 08-23-2010, 04:47 PM

They look and sound like backyard bred pups to me. AKC registration only means that they paid the fee to register them--nothing about health, temperament, etc.

I would ask A LOT of questions. Health of parents (have they been x-rayed for hip and elbow dysplasia and tested for other genetic diseases)? What specific kinds of socialization and training have the parents and pups had? References?

Btw, 140 pounds is WAY out of standard (as in more than 50 pounds above standard) and could lead to lots of joint problems.

I personally would feel more comfortable getting a pup that age from the foster home of a reputable rescue or from a reputable breeder.

08-23-2010, 03:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
BayouBaby Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Springfield, LA Posts: 144	Considering a puppy and want advice Hi all, I saw an ad in my local paper concerning a litter of AKC registered, 4 month old puppies. I know nothing about the backgrounds of the pups yet, but am supposed to go see them tonight. I know that a picture isn't always the best way to judge something, but I thought maybe some of the more experienced members could eyeball the photos and tell me if they at least look good. I am not interested in breeding or showing. I just want a protector and new best friend. All advice is welcome. Attached Thumbnails

08-23-2010, 03:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
chicagojosh Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Wicker Park, Chicago Posts: 1,789	i'm wondering why there are still so many available after 4 months.... the breeder we got our pup from posted the add when they were 10 weeks. considering they are older in terms of puppies, I'd just make sure they have been socialized. a 4 month old should have been socialized a LOT by now, and if they have not been, I wouldn't buy one...just my thoughts. they are cute! so hopefully their first 4 months included some socialization __________________ A tired puppy is a good puppy CODY - Sable GSD Born 11/15/09 MANDI - GSD/Husky/Lab Mix Born 6/3/06

08-23-2010, 04:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
BayouBaby Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Springfield, LA Posts: 144	Supposedly the dam and sire are both on the premises... so I should see them tonight, too. I don't know why they have the whole litter at 4 months... seems kind of odd, but maybe they moved or someone was sick? Also just to state, the mother is supposed to be 80-90 pounds, dad is 140 pounds. I'm interested in the black and silver female or the solid black female. Last edited by BayouBaby; 08-23-2010 at 04:17 PM. Reason: Wanted to add something

08-23-2010, 04:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
chicagojosh Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Wicker Park, Chicago Posts: 1,789	140 pounds!!!! that is one huge GSD. i think they are definitely worth checking out. just ask a lot about the socialization and and as Stosh mentioned, maybe some kind of "return" policy. __________________ A tired puppy is a good puppy CODY - Sable GSD Born 11/15/09 MANDI - GSD/Husky/Lab Mix Born 6/3/06

08-23-2010, 04:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jessiewessie99 Crowned Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Lakewod, CA Posts: 6,807	140lbs= __________________ Jessica-Shelter Volunteer Molly-GSD ✔ Certified Ninja Dog Tanner-GSD ✔ Certified Lovebug RIP: Max & Simba "No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible."-George Chakiris, as said by Agent Derek Mogan

08-23-2010, 03:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 8,434	If the parents have a good health background and the puppies are healthy, wormed, vaccinated then I don't see why not. They seem pretty sturdy in the photo! If you do buy one, I would base it on a 24 or 48 hr period to bring it to a vet and have the pup checked over first. There's plenty of info on here about picking out a pup that you may have read. How come they have 4 mo olds? That would be my biggest concern- have they been returned for some reason or couldn't be sold?

08-23-2010, 03:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
crisp Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Palatine IL Posts: 492	I agree with ChicagoJosh. Make sure the puppies have been socialised. Ask the breeder to see where they have been staying this whole time, and ask what has been done in terms of socialisation. With so many pups, it might have been hard to introduce them to new places, people, and situations.

08-23-2010, 04:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
lizzkatris Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 41	Make sure you ask to see the dam and sire.

08-23-2010, 04:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 8,434	If they've just been hanging out in the backyard their entire lives, they have lost a lot of ground but I'd ask about any kind of training- housebreaking, leash, basic commands, etc. They are nice looking pups though

08-23-2010, 04:47 PM	#10 (permalink)
BowWowMeow Crowned Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 14,794	They look and sound like backyard bred pups to me. AKC registration only means that they paid the fee to register them--nothing about health, temperament, etc. I would ask A LOT of questions. Health of parents (have they been x-rayed for hip and elbow dysplasia and tested for other genetic diseases)? What specific kinds of socialization and training have the parents and pups had? References? Btw, 140 pounds is WAY out of standard (as in more than 50 pounds above standard) and could lead to lots of joint problems. I personally would feel more comfortable getting a pup that age from the foster home of a reputable rescue or from a reputable breeder. __________________ Ruth & the 4 Legged Rescue Gang Rafi the malaroo http://www.dogster.com/dogs/693238 Gio & Varda, the krazy kittens ....In my heart: Cleo Kitty Chama Kai Basu Massie

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