I think I am ready to get a dog

[fastrack]

Hello all I am new to the forum. Last March I had to put down my dog.

I am in my late forties and have always had a German Shepard dog since I was a child. Most of all our dogs have been females.This is my second GSD since I been living with my wife.Both dogs lived around 11 to 12 years and both were trained by me and my wife. Both dogs were trained not to leave the yard unless they were on a leash.I have no complaints on how the other dogs were I am just hoping to repeat it

So this is why I am here

I am trying to get a refresher on how to raise and train a dog.I am looking for some good videos/books that explain the whole thing that I can share with my 2 teenage children so they better understand the importance of us all being on the same page.Video would be better so we can watch them together.

I also want to understand the difference in a male and female in there behavior. As I said above we have always had females and I feel they are more nurturing No matter what the dog will be nurtured.

We have allot of friends that know we lost our dog and they put the word out and we had the opportunity to attain allot of dogs 1 to 3 years old. I know every GSD I have ever owned was always eager to learn and please me ,I always thought that was because they grew up knowing I was the the pack leader. I also worry how the dog was treated before I get it could it make it a biter or a dangerous dog, how old is too old. I expect my dog to follow all the rules of the home just like very one else has to.I would love to get a rescue dog but I have met some bad dogs trained by some misguided owners and worry about getting one of those dogs.

Then for now what do you look for in a pedigree or back round of the father and mother.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions to get me going in the correct direction.

PS I also need a dog for my wife to walk as she has put on some weight since my dog passed away.

[MaggieRoseLee]

Two really great places to look on here are the Welcome to the GSD/FAQ's for the first time owner - German Shepherd Dog Forums and the The Puppy Place - German Shepherd Dog Forums

It's great you aren't in a hurry and are doing your research. Also give more time to save some money to make sure your get the best pup AND can also spend the time/money on the training classes!

Plus, you may not want to rule out getting a great dog from rescue. Shockingly young purebred GSD's end up in kill shelters and make great pets too.

[fastrack]

Thank you for your input that is allot of information to sort thru

Again Thanks

[MaggieRoseLee]

Originally Posted by fastrack

Thank you for your input that is allot of information to sort thru

Again Thanks

Sure is! But it makes it so much easier when we know more on the front end before we get the new addition to the family!

Can't wait to see pictures and updates when you finally decide and find the new pup!

[Marnie]

Originally Posted by fastrack

PS I also need a dog for my wife to walk as she has put on some weight since my dog passed away.

LOL, I hope your wife doesn't read this.

You might consider a few things before eliminating a rescue dog. Most rescues are very good about evaluating the dogs they place. Their dogs spend some time in a home situation with an experienced GSD owner who can judge if the dog is unstable and likely to bite. They will work on housebreaking issues, socialization issues, and basic training before the dog goes into its forever home. Rescue won't place a dog that might bite. They may not have time to completely train the dog but they will tell you what problems need to be worked thru. They will also tell you the dog's strengths/weaknesses, for example is it good with cats/kids, will it pull your arm off while walking, is it ok to leave uncrated while you are gone, etc.

IMHO, the two best things about a rescue dog are 1. the good feeling you get by giving a dog a second chance at happiness and 2. you can bypass the puppy chewing stage and save yourself those several times a nite walks outside while housebreaking.

[fastrack]

Originally Posted by Marnie

LOL, I hope your wife doesn't read this.

You might consider a few things before eliminating a rescue dog. Most rescues are very good about evaluating the dogs they place. Their dogs spend some time in a home situation with an experienced GSD owner who can judge if the dog is unstable and likely to bite. They will work on housebreaking issues, socialization issues, and basic training before the dog goes into its forever home. Rescue won't place a dog that might bite. They may not have time to completely train the dog but they will tell you what problems need to be worked thru. They will also tell you the dog's strengths/weaknesses, for example is it good with cats/kids, will it pull your arm off while walking, is it ok to leave uncrated while you are gone, etc.

IMHO, the two best things about a rescue dog are 1. the good feeling you get by giving a dog a second chance at happiness and 2. you can bypass the puppy chewing stage and save yourself those several times a nite walks outside while housebreaking.

Thank you for the additional information. I think we are ruling out a rescue dog and sticky with a local breeder as i am most concerned with health and temperament and have had great success with his previous dogs