German Shepherds Forum banner

House Trained GSD Puppy from any breeders?

8K views 66 replies 16 participants last post by  G-burg 
#1 ·
Hi all,

I'm new to this board, but I've been following the great posts for the past year or so. I've never owned a dog, but have always wanted one, and now I'm finally in a work/financial position to do so. I was searching for a pet/companion dog with protective instincts and then came across media discussions that criminalized a few dog breeds -- like the GSD, Rottweiler, Doberman, Pitbull, etc. I also saw how Insurance companies make folks pay more for owning certain breeds and certain towns, provinces, and countries have banned certain breeds altogether. I was shocked.

But one thing I have learned from my research is that the owner matters a whole lot more than the breed in whether a dog is a danger to the public. So as a university researcher, I've become interested in researching "dangerous" dog breeds and their owners and how dog bans and restrictions may be potentially misguided. And to do the research properly, I need to own one of the so-called dangerous dog breeds. My wife grew up with a GSD and highly recommends that I get one. I also believe that the GSD is the best choice since it's super intelligent, loyal, and attentive -- which is important for someone who's never owned a dog.

I want to purchase a GSD from a breeder in the Ontario area. I also prefer a dog from a working line breed since I plan to train it for protection, etc. (though I definitely don't want it to be an "attack" dog). I also plan to take the dog with me everywhere, especially to my research sites, where I do research in gang and crime-ridden neighborhoods. Except for one day a week, I'll be spending time with the dog every day since I mostly work from home.

However, as a new dog owner, I would prefer a low to low/medium energy dog. I also prefer to skip the house training stage since I'm currently living in an apartment (I can't even begin to imagine running into the hall, then into an elevator, then outside with a puppy for up to 8 to 10 times a day). My fear in getting an adult GSD from a rescue is that I wouldn't know (at least, I think) whether the dog was conceived through a "backyard breeder," whether it's a pure GSD, and whether it experienced previous traumas and eventually have psychological pop up.

I'm asking the board for help in directing me to an appropriate breeder in Ontario. Also, I want to know whether breeders practice holding a pup until 12 to 16 weeks to begin teaching it house training (I'd be willing to pay a higher pup price for this service).

Thank you in advance.
 
See less See more
#2 ·
If you want low-medium energy, you want a show-line dog. Many are trained in protection, so that is not a problem. Pick a breeder who does that with their dog. But maybe your first dog is not the dog you want for that training... Whatever.

If you want an older pup that is house trained, then you need to realize that it will still need to be trained for your schedule and your home, and it will need to learn how to let you know it has to go, so expect some accidents. A 12 week old puppy can maintain his bladder for 3-4 hours. So, you are going to be getting on the elevator and outside quick even with an older puppy.
 
#3 ·
Thanks, I see what you mean by holding off on the protection training. I definitely need to get a sense of having a dog before I take it to the next level. The only thing with getting a pup from a show line breeder -- and I got this information through the previous discussions posted here, but I could've misinterpreted some of it -- is that the show line breeder breeds mostly, but not totally, for appearance. This is why show line dogs have a severe downward angle toward their hind quarters. I don't want to revive the angulation debate here or unintentionally say something offensive, but I don't want a GSD with that downward angulation. But then, as you mentioned, working-line GSDs are way more likely to have high energy. I guess the question becomes: does a low energy working line GSD have more energy than a low energy or medium energy showline GSD?
 
#5 ·
I also plan to take the dog with me everywhere, especially to my research sites, where I do research in gang and crime-ridden neighborhoods. Except for one day a week, I'll be spending time with the dog every day sin
Just curious, if you don't mind, but what kind of research do you do in gang and crime-ridden neighborhoods?
 
#6 ·
I'll take the advice below and be open to show lines since it's unfair to lump show line breeders into one category. As for my research, I spend time observing and hanging out with people who commit crime or have formerly committed crime, like drug dealers, gang members, street robbers, cd and dvd bootleggers, ex-offenders, etc. I don't believe in studying crime from afar, like in only examining crime statistics. I prefer to get up-close to the phenomenon because they're lots of things that the statistics don't capture. For example, like when you only look at dog bite stats in the US -- the numbers alone would make you think that Pitbulls and GSDs are inherently a dangerous breed, or that there's something about them genetically that predisposes them to being dangerous toward people. But I know that there must something else going on in terms of the environment under which the dog is raised. And I don't like to speculate about those things; I prefer to get up close and witness them firsthand.
 
#8 ·
You're absolutely right, sorry for not making the distinctions between dog bites and maulings. I've seen different sites with different stats and it gets confusing sometimes. But I know at some point, I have to get the most accurate one and hopefully someone here can lead me to it (no Dachshunds in this research since they're not considered a "dangerous" dog -- at least not in the public imagination!).

It looks like I'm in good company here since you've pretty much outlined lots of things that I should do in terms of proper research. I plan to spend time with dog owners from all social classes and I'll do this through meeting people in dog parks, (and like you mentioned) in competitive trials, in training facilities, and just hanging out in different neighborhoods. I especially want to meet breeders of dogs considered dangerous to get their insights into how to properly socialize and breed dogs for the best outcome. I could also learn about their experiences in placing dogs in people's homes.

But I'm still completing a current field research project in the states so this is more of a long term deal. I want to own a GSD to experience for a few years what it's like to be GSD owner -- the good and bad. I also want to ensure that I spend enough time meeting new owners, experienced owners, and expert breeders. And I'm truly looking forward to it because I just keep hearing about how GSDs make wonderful companions -- which is why I wanted a dog in the first place!
 
#9 ·
Good luck in your endeavors. However, I highly doubt that you will find any one source that accurately tracks bites, mauling AND fatalities. I am not so sure I understand why you would want only one. That strikes me as rather biased. How will you gage the veracity of any data source?
 
#10 ·
Low/medium energy and working line GSD are definitely not in the same category, breeders don't breed working line shepherds to be low energy, they breed for high energy, high drive so they can excel at protection training. A show line would be the best pick for you, but definitely a good shoreline from a good breeder, one that doesn't focus or have dogs with extremely roached backs (the slope) I'm also from ontario an can help you find a couple good show line breeders.
Puppies 12-14 weeks are still puppies, they will still need the same type of schedule and potty breaks as younger puppies, they need to go out every 3-4 hours (4 at the longest) Maybe an older puppy, more around 6 month to a year would be better for you, and remember you can't just get a puppy and have it fit into a perfect mould that you want the dog to be.
I'm also confused on what your definition of an "attack dog" is, do you mean a dog trained in police work? because if thats so than protection training/IPO is basically the same thing, the dog does all the same commands and the same training that police dogs would go threw, (living in Ontario I can also help you find a great trainer of protection based on where you live) I would do tons and tons of research right now on the different types of training and dogs sports. As well as the different types of shepherds i.e. show line, working line, and which one would fit you best, personally i think a properly bred show line, thats not to to big (60-70lbs maybe) that is low to medium energy with a medium drive would fit you best, and that is the type of dog you would be most compatible and happy with. I'll do some research on some great breeders of proper show line GSD's, i'm curious myself :) There are show lines that do protection so you shouldn't choose working line just because of that, working line's are intense dogs with needs that many people don't have time, patience, or experience to give them. and with this being your first dog it would be very difficult to handle a working line, or high energy high drive dog, and not for any other reason than you lack of experience, its crazy how having experience can help so much, but don't worry you will get there :)
Now for the research that you are doing, i'm confused to if it is for your job, or more the breed researching?
 
#17 ·
Thanks, that's the part that I don't know too much about -- the ability of show lines to do protection work, etc. I want to eventually do protection work so that I could understand from firsthand experience how it feels and to understand better what folks who are experts tell me about doing that type of work (it's like stepping on a dance floor to understand better what dancers feel when they dance). But I do understand that I first have to get experience and feel for having a dog before I even take it to that level.

In terms of the research, this is something that I would eventually do for my job. I would try understand and explain how certain dogs get criminalized by politicians and the public and whether it is an accurate portrayal. This is just a starting point, which is why it's still hazy. As I meet trainers, owners, breeders and become more familiar with how they socialize and train dogs, the main goals and questions will fall into place.

Thanks for the help!
 
#11 · (Edited)
For example, like when you only look at dog bite stats in the US -- the numbers alone would make you think that Pitbulls and GSDs are inherently a dangerous breed, or that there's something about them genetically that predisposes them to being dangerous toward people
There is something that predisposes them to be dangerous towards people.

Genetics.

Look at the breeds that end up on the top of the lists. Most have origins as guardians, fighting or hunting dogs. That means they have high prey drive. High defensive/fight drives. Biting things have been their jobs for 1000s of years.

Then you have the poorly bred ones with nerve issues.

None of the "dangerous" breeds are appropriate for inexperienced/first time owners (exceptions of course for those willing to take dog 101)

That is how tragedies happen. People who don't understand dogs, Don't understand what their dogs are capable of, And don't manage their dog's properly get a dog they cannot handle.

I've owned pits. I love pits. I've been around -a lot- of pit bulls. I have a GSD now. Had GSD's as a kid. Had a lot of GSD mixes. It is NOT how you raise them or how you train them. It is 100% how you manage them.
 
#12 ·
where are you in Ontario?
the OP doesn't want a hyper reactive dog.


I can introduce you to some excellent trainers so
that you can make a better decision .
I don't think a show line dog is what you would want.
That is where the OP needs to see dogs in work and
speak with those who routinely provide dogs for these
requirements.
 
#15 ·
Thanks, that's the part that I don't know too much about -- the ability of show lines to do protection work, etc. I want to eventually do protection work so that I could understand from firsthand experience how it feels and to understand better what folks who are experts tell me about doing that type of work (it's like stepping on a dance floor to understand better what dancers feel when they dance). But I do understand that I first have to get experience and feel for having a dog before I even take it to that level.

In terms of the research, this is something that I would eventually do for my job. I would try understand and explain how certain dogs get criminalized by politicians and the public and whether it is an accurate portrayal. This is just a starting point, which is why it's still hazy. As I meet trainers, owners, breeders and become more familiar with how they socialize and train dogs, the main goals and questions will fall into place.
 
#22 ·
I wish you luck. I think everyone should have a great GSD.

I guess I just don't understand your motivation and it makes me uncomfortable TBH. your "research" has no plan, no theory, nothing to prove or work from, just this general idea of wanting "to be closer" to a certain element. And it's just not possible. Sorry. By being close, by interacting you are changing. You want a dog to understand dangerous breeds, but never thought to talk to victims of attack? You want to understand the socioeconomic factors that cause someone to be a thrift but go home to you cozy home and wife every night?

I don't know. It's just seems very poorly thought out and I don't like bringing a dog into a situation that makes no sense. Sorry.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MineAreWorkingline
#23 · (Edited)
I wish you luck. I think everyone should have a great GSD.

I guess I just don't understand your motivation and it makes me uncomfortable TBH. your "research" has no plan, no theory, nothing to prove or work from, just this general idea of wanting "to be closer" to a certain element. And it's just not possible. Sorry. By being close, by interacting you are changing. You want a dog to understand dangerous breeds, but never thought to talk to victims of attack? You want to understand the socioeconomic factors that cause someone to be a thrift but go home to you cozy home and wife every night?

I don't know. It's just seems very poorly thought out and I don't like bringing a dog into a situation that makes no sense. Sorry.


yeah -- something odd here .


quote OP
" But one thing I have learned from my research is that the owner matters a whole lot more than the breed in whether a dog is a danger to the public. So as a university researcher, I've become interested in researching "dangerous" dog breeds and their owners and how dog bans and restrictions may be potentially misguided "

which university?
you must be familiar with meta-analysis?

quote OP
"And to do the research properly, I need to own one of the so-called dangerous dog breeds"

no you don't .
no more than you need to take addictive drugs ,
become anorexic , be a pornographer -- all first hand experiences to understand the dynamics and associated problems each one creates to the person .

as a counter balance you don't need to become a surgeon , a floor trader on the stock exchange , nor
a member of the opposite sex to understand the daily challenges .

quote OP
" I also plan to take the dog with me everywhere, especially to my research sites, where I do research in gang and crime-ridden neighborhoods. "

makes no sense -- go to the local police in that jurisdiction and get reports from them

use the newspaper , daily reports , police call reports .
even our local neighbourhood paper has a column for
fire and police call responses
- go to the library -- you can do a historical search which will
allow you to see patterns over time

then to add this " Except for one day a week, I'll be spending time with the dog every day since I mostly work from home."

how can you go deep undercover into crime ridden areas and do this from home?

good luck .
 
#31 ·
Thank you for your help and insights. Those are definitely things I have to think about. It's interesting that you mention that mixed breeds might be incorrectly pegged as purebred, which then erroneously increases the number of bites, maulings, etc. for a particular breed. I also like your point that some dogs may actually bite more, but not seen as biting more. What could also be happening is that a lot of dog bites go unreported because of the breed that did the biting, like a chihuahua, or even a lab. But I'll definitely look at the statistics more closely, but as I mentioned in a previous post, they get confusing because they come from so many different sources.

But thanks for the insights!
 
#25 ·
I am skeptical of the research angle too. I'm not going to say why, as others have alluded to it. If you really are a social anthropologist doing field work, I'd have concerns about owning any pets due to the extended travel and likely institution-hopping (moves) that post-docs often face before finding a tenure-track position.

Moreover, anyone who is reluctant to potty train a dog or puppy has no business getting a GSD. Period.

Here's why: All the other training that comes later requires a lot more time, commitment, and patience, so if you can't be bothered with the most basic of skills with a "baby," there's no reason to assume you'll follow through with other harder stuff with an adolescent or adult who isn't nearly as cute.

IMHO, the apartment is a cop out -- you're either all in for what puppies require, or you're not. And if you're not, please read the puppy threads here about the frustration and stress that will engulf your life. It's not fun to have a GSD pup constantly bite you, tear up your stuff, eat your furniture, growl at the neighbor kids, or worse.

I don't know what good breeders look for in homes for their puppy, but if I were to get an adoption app in rescue for a puppy where the applicant expressed unwillingness to potty train a puppy essentially because it's inconvenient, I doubt that I would be sending a puppy to that home. I kind of have a hunch good breeders who care about where their puppies go would feel similarly.

I'm sorry if this all sounds harsh -- I just want you to do a bit of a reality check on your perspective here.
 
#26 ·
Also the dogs in the bite or mauling statistics are just given the breed identification base on their looks i imagine most of these dogs are gsd mixes of some sort. Then on top of that i highly doubt that any of those dogs were well bred much less trained in protection with an experienced owner. If you looked at each individually i would assume it would be some combination of a nervy or fearful dog caught off guard or not properly managed on pubic property. Anyone doing serious training with their dogs knows how important it is to have their dog under control at all times and would never push their dogs limits in an uncontrolled environment. So a well bred working line shepherd is pretty much a whole different breed from a showline which is again pretty far removed form a byb dog or gsd mix thats labeled a gsd because it was big and had pointed up ears.

Maybe the reason pits and gsds are so high on the statistics list is because they are 2 of the most common dogs found in america. Pitts are filling all shelters and so many people are breedeing them for protection or to make a quick buck. GSDs used to be the best of the best as working dogs people capitolized on that back yard breeding them and selling them for cheap to anyone with $500 and fond memories of childhood gsds in the 80s.

If you want to do real research compare the statistics as a percentage of total dogs in the US. 100 gsd bites but 10000 gsd in the US vs 50 standard poodle bites out of 1000 poodles in the US. If you look at bites only yea there are more GSD bites but as a percentage the poodle is far more likely to bite. Those numbers are made up and the poodle was used as an example but you get the idea. If i where you i would reanalyze the data try to account for unregistered dogs as well and then see which dog is most likely to bite because i highly doubt it will be a gsd. And then study that dog
 
#30 ·
dont worry about causing comotion a lot of the members her are pasionate abou their dogs and they show it.
check this out though

Rank Dog Breed # of Attacks per percent of dogs (based on # of ads)
1 Rottweiler 1603
2 Wolf Hybrid 840
3 Pitbull Terrier 597
4 Bull Mastiff 380
5 Akita 163
6 Boxer 120
7 Chow 77
8 Labrador 64
9 German Shepherd 63
10 Great Dane 44
11 Malamute 43
12 Mastiff 42
13 English Bulldog 40
14 Brittany Spaniel 40
15 Husky 33
16 Sharpei 25
17 Doberman 21
18 Malinois 14
19 Saint Bernard 11
20 Golden Retriever 7


GSD barely made the top 10
 
#36 ·
Hi all,
I was searching for a pet/companion dog with protective instincts and then came across media discussions that criminalized a few dog breeds -- like the GSD, Rottweiler, Doberman, Pitbull, etc.
Odd, but I never saw any significant media discussion criminalizing GSDs, Rotts, or Dobes. Can you document these accusations?


I also saw how Insurance companies make folks pay more for owning certain breeds and certain towns, provinces, and countries have banned certain breeds altogether. I was shocked.
Interesting, can you name which insurance companies make folks pay more for owning certain breeds? From past discussions on this board, most either insure them or they don't.

Canada has its share of breed attacks, maulings, and fatalities, not to mention breed bans. How can you live in Canada, spend time in the US, and not be aware of such a controversial topic in your own backyard?

But one thing I have learned from my research is that the owner matters a whole lot more than the breed in whether a dog is a danger to the public.
Sounds like you already have your mind made up, why research? Why not just run with your current documentation?

So as a university researcher, I've become interested in researching "dangerous" dog breeds and their owners and how dog bans and restrictions may be potentially misguided.
As a researcher, should not the subject be whether dog bans and restrictions are misguided or not? One again, it does not sound like you are seeking to do research, but that you are trying to look for information, real or not, that shores up some preconceived notion you already have formed in your mind.

What is it that you are trying to research about these owners?

And to do the research properly, I need to own one of the so-called dangerous dog breeds.
Who defined GSDs as dangerous? Do you think you will find anybody on this board who will aide and abet you in trying to prove your preconceived notion that our breed is dangerous?


My wife grew up with a GSD and highly recommends that I get one. I also believe that the GSD is the best choice since it's super intelligent, loyal, and attentive -- which is important for someone who's never owned a dog.
This doesn't sound like you are choosing a breed based on it being a dangerous dog but on it being a good pet.

I want to purchase a GSD from a breeder in the Ontario area. I also prefer a dog from a working line breed since I plan to train it for protection, etc. (though I definitely don't want it to be an "attack" dog). I also plan to take the dog with me everywhere, especially to my research sites, where I do research in gang and crime-ridden neighborhoods. Except for one day a week, I'll be spending time with the dog every day since I mostly work from home.
What is your dog going to do when you bring it to these neighborhoods? Is it going to sit in the car? Is it going to be hanging out with you on corners?

My fear in getting an adult GSD from a rescue is that I wouldn't know (at least, I think) whether the dog was conceived through a "backyard breeder," whether it's a pure GSD, and whether it experienced previous traumas and eventually have psychological pop up.
Why would this matter? Your point is to own a dangerous breed dog, no?
 
#37 ·
Why is it that you want a GSD, other then the fact it has a public perception as a dangerous dog and you aspire to do hands on research in that area?

This is a living being we are talking about here.

GSDs - especially working line GSDs - are generally NOT good choices for "newbies" to the dog and shepherd world.

In your first post you said you wanted a dog with protective instincts - why? Generally speaking most of the breeds with protective instincts are not for unexperienced dog owners. They need solid training, and an owner savvy in dog language to make sure their protective instincts don't kick in at inappropriate times. These are not breeds you can afford to make mistakes with.

I am confused, you say you want to train your dog in protection, but don't want an attack dog? What do you expect your dog to do to protect you? WHY do you want a protection trained dog? Doing protection work is a huge time and money suck. You either absolutely must have dire need for a guardian, or have a love for working dogs and a deep seated appreciation for the elegance of the work to make it happen. Have you ever seen working dogs in action?

What is your lifestyle like? Are you a runner? Do you have access to areas where a large breed an exercise? Does your apartment even allow the 'dangerous breeds'? Do you mind dog hair and grooming? How often do you travel to work sites? How are you going to accommodate a dog that faces Breed Specific legislation and policies. Many hotels and apartments don't allow GSDs.

I wonder if a GSD is the right choice for your current lifestyle - research ambitions aside.
 
#46 ·
I wasn't going to respond to any more comments since it seems like some folk's have become obsessed with discrediting me -- which is strange because I admitted several times that I didn't know much and asked for help in clarifying several things.

And for the record, in my first post I put "dangerous" in quotes as a sign that that's not something I believe, but that others do. This is why in my first post, I also used the term "so-called." I thought this would show that I didn't believe that GSDs were dangerous, but that others do.

But I appreciate the way Voodoolamb addressed his/her concerns. I didn't know that protection training led to an "attack" dog. When I used the word "attack," I meant it as a term that referred to an out of control dog. The newbie in me didn't know better since I've never been around protection training or trainers, so I inappropriately threw the word around.

As to why I would be interested in protection training -- I figured that if it's something that I would be learning about, why not do it? (The same way I would do advanced obedience training, etc.) I also believe that -- and I could be wrong -- it's an ultra way of training and creating a connection between the dog and owner. I'm sure that it requires a high level of commitment, but I'm willing to do it.

Even if I wasn't thinking of potentially doing this type of research, a GSD would still be absolutely high on my list. I've looked deeply into several different dog breeds and the GSD stands out as being highly intelligent, eager to please (especially in terms of work), and loyal. Also, my wife grew up with a GSD and REALLY wants me to get one (and her 100 percent support is really important to me). As I mentioned in my first post, I'm going to a get a dog regardless. Why not have it be one with all of the qualities I just named above?

In terms of activities, I'm a serious walker, especially when I'm doing field research. So my dog would be with me at all times and doing tons of walking through neighborhoods. I also enjoy going to the park and throwing a ball around (but my son is older now and prefers to play with friends), so I'll make sure to find an open field, lake, beach, etc., where I could throw a ball around with my dog. I would also be interested in doing various types of training with my dog -- even if it's a money suck. It would be exciting and rewarding for my dog and me.

I really like Strom's advice -- make sure to get around dogs to get a feel for them. I do love dogs. The neighborhoods that I study are filled with dogs and I really have grown fond of them as I play with them during my visits. I just want to have my own now. But I will make sure to attend GSD events and meet with people who are highly committed to training. Maybe then I'll see that a GSD is not for me. Or maybe I'll see that it is.

Again, I appreciate the concerns you have raised, which gives me lots to think about.
 
#38 ·
Hi Researcher, that sounds like an interesting project. I hope that you find the help and resources that you need. I'm in the wrong location to help you search for breeders. I imagine that it is not terribly hard to find someone willing to sell an older puppy. That said, GSDs require more time and effort than many breeds (training, exercise, socialization, ect,) especially a working line GSD. I think others might be more inclined to help if they were assured that you were committed to providing all of those things. A GSD will probably live 13-15 years and may outlive the research project. I'm sure this goes without saying, but make sure that you want the dog for more than just research. If you really want a dog, and are willing to put in the work to raise it properly, I'm sure that the experienced people on this site will help you find a breeder.
 
#51 ·
Hi all,

I'm new to this board, but I've been following the great posts for the past year or so. I've never owned a dog, but have always wanted one, and now I'm finally in a work/financial position to do so. I was searching for a pet/companion dog with protective instincts and then came across media discussions that criminalized a few dog breeds -- like the GSD, Rottweiler, Doberman, Pitbull, etc. I also saw how Insurance companies make folks pay more for owning certain breeds and certain towns, provinces, and countries have banned certain breeds altogether. I was shocked.

But one thing I have learned from my research is that the owner matters a whole lot more than the breed in whether a dog is a danger to the public. So as a university researcher, I've become interested in researching "dangerous" dog breeds and their owners and how dog bans and restrictions may be potentially misguided. And to do the research properly, I need to own one of the so-called dangerous dog breeds. My wife grew up with a GSD and highly recommends that I get one. I also believe that the GSD is the best choice since it's super intelligent, loyal, and attentive -- which is important for someone who's never owned a dog.

I want to purchase a GSD from a breeder in the Ontario area. I also prefer a dog from a working line breed since I plan to train it for protection, etc. (though I definitely don't want it to be an "attack" dog). I also plan to take the dog with me everywhere, especially to my research sites, where I do research in gang and crime-ridden neighborhoods. Except for one day a week, I'll be spending time with the dog every day since I mostly work from home.

However, as a new dog owner, I would prefer a low to low/medium energy dog. I also prefer to skip the house training stage since I'm currently living in an apartment (I can't even begin to imagine running into the hall, then into an elevator, then outside with a puppy for up to 8 to 10 times a day). My fear in getting an adult GSD from a rescue is that I wouldn't know (at least, I think) whether the dog was conceived through a "backyard breeder," whether it's a pure GSD, and whether it experienced previous traumas and eventually have psychological pop up.

I'm asking the board for help in directing me to an appropriate breeder in Ontario. Also, I want to know whether breeders practice holding a pup until 12 to 16 weeks to begin teaching it house training (I'd be willing to pay a higher pup price for this service).

Thank you in advance.
You don't have the energy to house train your dog. You mostly work from home, but cannot imagine running a pup outside 8-10 times a day. Tip of the ice-berg man, you want a working line dog, but you aren't understanding that puppies, yes 12-16 week old puppies have energy. And the more intelligent they are, the more important it is for YOU to channel that energy into proper venues, else that puppy is going to get out of hand. You don't have to worry about a dog maybe having some psychological issues from some past trauma, you will be cause the dog to go bananas.

We are passionate about the dogs. And the expectations that some people have for puppies. Because we have puppies, and we are sometimes frightened by who is out there wanting to bring them home.
 
#53 ·
Well said, and I completely understand your point. But I'm talking mostly from living in a condo building on a high floor and the need to take the elevator, etc., and then not making it in time. If I lived in a single-family home, then it wouldn't be a problem. So it's not about "energy" or "commitment," it's about probably never making it out in time to properly teach a pup that it needs to go outside not inside. But I'll start looking into moving into a single-family home to deal better with this issue -- thanks!
 
#52 ·
I have a working line dog that is not high drive, but he does have a lot of energy. However, he knows how to stop working when I tell him to, and has a lot of down time. My most challenging and most active dog was a WGSL, who was both high drive and extremely high energy. I don't understand why everyone here says otherwise. It depends on the dogs, the breeder, the parents, and which dogs are sold as pets vs working dogs. Our breeder pulls out the higher drive dogs for working homes and the lower drive for pet homes.
 
#54 ·
I have a working line dog that is not high drive, but he does have a lot of energy. However, he knows how to stop working when I tell him to, and has a lot of down time. My most challenging and most active dog was a WGSL, who was both high drive and extremely high energy. I don't understand why everyone here says otherwise. It depends on the dogs, the breeder, the parents, and which dogs are sold as pets vs working dogs. Our breeder pulls out the higher drive dogs for working homes and the lower drive for pet homes.
Yes but, the chances are better to get a dog without very high energy, very high drive, if you are not breeding for it. Yes you can get it in WGSL, that's why they can do protection, and they can do police work, and they can do just about whatever you want for them to do. But, you are far less likely to get a dog whose energy requirements are so high that it has trouble managing in a home like this one, who really wants a dog that is low-medium drive.
 
#56 ·
Op - Welcome back and thank you for clarifying some things.

Definitely get out there and meet some dogs. See if there is an IPO club near you that you can watch training.

Hint: bring donuts. These IPO guys are easily bribed with food and well talk your ear off about their dog's when plied with sugary fried goodness. That is actually how I found my pup. I was the dog less weirdo that showed up to schutzhund practice with food lol I had half the club putting out feelers for dogs for me. They wanted to make sure I got a pup, and not just ANY pup, but the right pup, in my hands so they wouldn't lose the hook up j/k
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top