Greetings from Charlotte, NC :-)

[Drea]

Hi everybody...

I'm Drea & I've been stalking this board for several months, so I figured it was time to join and introduce myself. My other half & I have both always wanted a GSD, and now we are actively searching (and researching) for our new family member.

Had several different breeds of dogs before, but never a GSD...interested in a good companion dog, thinking we want a male, and preferably one that's rather large. We're somewhat open to rescuing, but are going back and forth between that and a puppy.

Right now, we live in a large apartment (I know!) but it does have several large grassy areas and a built-in dog park. The landlords are totally welcoming of GSDs, we have at least 2 neighbors who we regularly see walking theirs.

Ok, that's about it for now, any advice/etc is welcome! Thanks! :-)

[Loneforce]

I have no advice,but would like to say welcome aboard!! ...Althought with the area you said you have for the gsd to play I dont see any problems.

[Nigel]

Hello, good luck with your search!

[MaggieRoseLee]

Welcome to the forum!

Great you are doing all your reseach and reading before getting a puppy. Just figuring out how to crate train takes some time.

As long as you are willing and able to go up and out from the apartment with a puppy then that isn't an issue in itself. Guess the initial housebreaking will be more challenging but once that's done many of us have to get out and about with our dogs when they go outdoors.

Finding a great place to train is also something you can do now. Specially finding some good puppy classes.

[Drea]

Thanks for the welcomes, everyone This forum is great

Right now we're trying to figure out where in the world to find a puppy (or maybe an adult dog) without having one shipped...there are surprisingly few/none in the Charlotte area. I did find one breeder who wants $4500 for a puppy...I can't really justify that given my present financial situation.

I think having a puppy in an apartment will be a lot of work, but I've done it before (though it was with a Boston Terrier - who was a wonderful albeit super destructive dog - think small body with a shark mouth!)

SO ready to find our new family member! Trying to be patient!

[Mac's Mom]

Hi and welcome to the forum. check out petfinder.com lots of beautiful GSD in North Carolina

[jocoyn]

Welcome to the forum. I used to live in Fort Mill (near Charlotte) but don't know any breeders around there..though there was a schutzhund club that trained near huntersville and another that trains near Hickory - they may be of some help.