I agree with the member that said mental and physical energy has to be burned. I can't tell you how much I don't like dogs, was not a dog person and did not want dogs. Our daughters want to do cross country and track and field training....our dogs were bought for a tool, to be trained in protection. Running buddies for the kids...so I would not be so stressed. Well! Right a a year later....I can't tell you how they were the best decision we have ever made! This coming from someone who was not a dog person! I have informed my girls they will have to get and train new dogs for when they eventually leave home to start their own life....that Millie and miles are not allowed to leave me. They are the most amazing dogs! I researched the breed for over a year. And we picked them up January 2013....if I could suggest anything...the working lines....they are amazing! Healthy parents, family and good breeder!
While researching, I looked at shelters and rescue centers but they all seemed to have developed quirks and issues. We needed stability as we have kids from every age in and out of the house in a daily basis. Finally found the lines we liked. The temperaments we liked. The drives we liked. They are high energy, high prey, work, ball, food, toy, attention, praise, protection drive!
Since they were two months old, we have trained once a week...simple at first, much more detailed as we move on. They love to go to training. They play about 2-3 hours a day between mental and physical...when in the house they chill or do doggie puzzles. We will also play hide and seek.
I learn something new about the breed everyday! Don't underestimate them! They are problem solvers and will not stop until they figure it out! Millie at 5 months old, jump (like a cat) on top of the counters and devoured the steaks set aside for grilling. No running start...just floor to counter top! Potty trained after 1 day, bell trained the same time, never had an accident in the house or kennels. Millie watched us unlock and open the patio door....next day...came from the from of the house...patio door open, pups running figure 8 patterns under the trees in the back lawn. Just know they desire to be a huge part of the family! They do not like not being able to protect the pack. Our kids get out of their sight, they start shirking, whining and making a weird moaning sound. The second they see them...they stop. They don't care what you do, as long as they are close by. Ours go everywhere with us. Miles seems to be worse than Millie....she will chill while I clean...she can see me from a central location. But miles has to be right next to me! If I am in the tub, he is beside it, while I scrub floors he is laying beside me and moves back as I do. If I wash dishes, he is laying next to my feet. If you don't mind a tag a long for outings and being dedicated to training and exercise it will be the best choice ever! Remember....not a dog person...did not want one, especially two....now I could collect them!!! 5-6 maybe more! Lol.....our friends who have never owned animals, feel in love with them, they were able to get one of their litter mates about 9 months old! Now we are in love with three! They have play dates almost everyday!
We always say..,,we don't know how we lived without a German shepherd! They tolerate anything our girls throw at them...
Everyone was Waldo for Halloween. Some pics of them outside the house....they don't stop, and pics of them in the house! They are the best dogs about turning the energy on and off! Good luck making a decision. Post pics if you get one....;-)
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