How old is this pup?
I don't have one yet still looking in the Raleigh, North Carolina area for a good breeder.Originally Posted By: GSDBESTK9How old is this pup?
Be careful with what you wish. I've not seen a GSD with big problems to understand concepts or in need of hundreds of repetitions to get an idea as I've seen in other breeds, but the "dumbs GSDs" I've met are more in the sense of lacks of motivation or for being too laid back.Originally Posted By: Carter4well i said dumb but difficult seems like a more suitable word. I have a 4 year old daughter and a 1 year old son the son is fearless but my daughter hates being scratched so i will have to teach down and no jumping quickly
Thats a great idea, Sarge was about 2 when we got him. He had been abused for the first 2 years of his life,he was also pretty much a mess. No training, way under weight, scared of everybody and everything. Turns out he was very smart and learned quickly. Now hes a well adjusted member of our family. Deffinately something for you to think about. I recommend it highly.Originally Posted By: CampPappyMaggieRose Lee makes an excellent point.
They are a CHALLENGE and a lot of work the first year or two. Why not consider a young rescue? There are many Fantastic dogs out there that desparately need homes.....and they are already over the difficult early years. A good rescue organization can help you with an appropriate selection for your family.
Everyone just wants to make sure you know what your in for. GSD puppies tend to be jumpy and mouthy and lovingly referred to as little alligators.Originally Posted By: Carter4whoa whats going on i have had puppies me and my wife both know what to expect and we are prepared i just didn't want to get my hopes up thinking that the GSD is exceptionally smart and end up being disapointed
We are not trying to criticize you at all. What we are trying to say is that many of our GSD pups are much harder the first year than many other breeds. And NOT because of a lack of intelligence. It's cause of being too smart with the energy level of that crazy Energizer Bunny.Quote:GSDs are (on average anyway) exceptionally smart but I think what people are saying is that smart doesn't necessarily translate to well behaved or calm. In fact, I'd argue that the smarter the GSD puppy the more mischievous, energetic, and generally challenging it probably will be.