May be adding a PP GSD to the family

[Eryxis]

I'm a business owner who has unfortunately been robbed twice in the past year. I've got all the standard stuff, alarms, cameras, I carry a weapon, but when somebody walks in your door with a gun drawn there's not a whole lot to do. My wife and I have two beagles currently, but they're obviously not gonna be very helpful in a life or death situation. This will be my first working dog, but I'm looking forward to it. I plan on getting a trained adult from a good working line. I know there's some serious money involved in this, but compared to my life, and my employees and customers it's pretty reasonable. Any input, experience, or general thoughts are appreciated.

[ShenzisMom]

Do your research. Don't expect to buy the dog and never train. If you want the dog to be a true PPD it will be work, tears and sweat. Also, let him lay by the fire when he is 'off' duty. An outside dog won't protect you. A bonded inside dog...will put his life down for you. Good luck! And ask LOTS of questions

[Mrs.P]

Originally Posted by Eryxis

but when somebody walks in your door with a gun drawn there's not a whole lot to do.

It is unfortunate you have been robbed multiple times but what do you expect your dog to do if someone walks in and draws a gun on him? Trained or not he would be just as defenseless against a gun. You're probably better off investing in a better alarm system of some sort.

[GusGus]

Originally Posted by Mrs.P

It is unfortunate you have been robbed multiple times but what do you expect your dog to do if someone walks in and draws a gun on him? Trained or not he would be just as defenseless against a gun. You're probably better off investing in a better alarm system of some sort.

A dog can hear waaaay better than is so this dog would already be on alert and ready also, as I understand it a PPD is trained to disable any arm with a weapon. So the dog will know the robber is there before the robber knows the dog is there.

Or a bark first.. a bark from a GSD may even deter (spelling?) A robber where as a beagle probably will not.

[Eryxis]

Originally Posted by GusGus

.. a bark from a GSD may even deter (spelling?) A robber where as a beagle probably will not.

This is the ideal situation. I obviously don't want to train, work, live, bond with a dog to have it get shot by some idiot. That is not in any way appealing to me. HOWEVER, if he/she could give me even a few extra seconds it could very well be the difference between life and death for me or my employees. I believe that someone or something who would give his life to protect his friend (master) is the truest kind of hero. =/ My dog would definitely be an inside dog. The companion aspect of a GSD is just slightly less important that the PP abilities to me and my wife.

[onyx'girl]

If I were in your situation, of course a dog is a given because I love dogs and this breed in particular. But I wouldn't spend 1000's to buy an already trained PP dog. I'd rather get a young dog and work it myself because a dog that is strongly bonded is going to be a partner and you know exactly the strengths/ weaknesses thru your training. There can be kinks in the armor that you'd never ever know about until proofed. And proof is in the pudding. Still, no guarantees.
So finding a responsible breeder that breeds for biddable/stable/balance is most important. Not the biggest bada** that shows teeth, that one could be the unstable low threshold fearbag.

[mycobraracr]

Research research research. You don't want to end up with a "trained" dog just find out it was just a wash out some where. Also find a place to continue on with the dogs training and get some training for yourself. Just like a gun a dog can only be as effective as the operator. So learn how to handle your dog.

Jane brought up a great option. Look into getting a young dog that has been started and continue on training it to your specific situation. Good luck!

[Eryxis]

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

I'd rather get a young dog and work it myself because a dog that is strongly bonded is going to be a partner and you know exactly the strengths/ weaknesses thru your training. There can be kinks in the armor that you'd never ever know about until proofed. And proof is in the pudding. Still, no guarantees.
So finding a responsible breeder that breeds for biddable/stable/balance is most important. Not the biggest bada** that shows teeth, that one could be the unstable low threshold fearbag.

How young are you talking? I'm leaning towards an adult dog simply because of the time frame and uncertainty of training a pup from scratch. I am definitely not looking for a "mean" dog, just a well trained, healthy, GSD. Because of my beagles and wife I definitely want a stable, loyal dog.

Originally Posted by mycobraracr

Research research research. You don't want to end up with a "trained" dog just find out it was just a wash out some where. Also find a place to continue on with the dogs training and get some training for yourself. Just like a gun a dog can only be as effective as the operator. So learn how to handle your dog.

I have been researching a LOT, been lurking here for a while, and talking with another business owner I know who has a PP GSD (although in a different part of the country than I am so I can't rely on him for local training,etc). What would you look for as far as a place to continue training.

[onyx'girl]

Maybe 8-10 months? I'd rather go young because of the other dogs in the home, some aren't going to be neutral to other dogs(especially same sex)
Some breeders will hold on to dogs to grow them out some. If that dog isn't what they want for breeding then placing into a home is a given. Some basic training, maybe not PP or bitework foundation, but evaluation is done. Though an older pup with some training is going to run more, depending on the breeder. YOu may be able to find this situation on the PDB classifieds or a FB working dog page.

When it comes down to it, an 8 week old from good lines will be what you want in 8 months. That puppyhood flies by and knowing the whole history is an asset. After 7-8 mos GSD's look like adults, even though they aren't mature in their head. Hopefully someone in your area will see this thread and suggest some good one on one training for you.

[pets4life]

they are not getting a fully trained pp dog they are getting a started dog with the foundation already done and some started work done

not a level 3 pp dog or anything

just a dog thats tested and well started so they got a chance to further advance the training themselves if they like

the place they are getting their dog from does not usually offer fully trained pp dogs

the trainers are some of the best ever so they they can't go wrong in the foundation/started work

But just remember a IPO 1 2 or 3 is not a pp dog

this person is not that experienced i would not ever send them to classified or fb they are too many scam artists there.

The dog needs to be at least a year old id say.