These are German Showlines!

 

Thanks. So better than American show line but from what I understand, I am looking more for a German working line correct?

 

I think whether you choose working or show line is up to you and based on your preference. Just as members here have their own preference and opinions of each line. You should be able to get a range out of both, which ever you choose.
I think what should be at the top of your concern list would be health checks. Vom Haus Berg seems to do this.
Next, you might want try to find a breeder that has bred and placed their puppies in a similar situation with similar needs to yours.
It helps to come up with a list. Typical day for the dog, household members, training you plan to do, dog experience, etc. Then email the breeder and ask if they can produce what you want.

 

Re: geese.

You’ll need to train both the geese and your dog from Day 1. I’d start with day-old goslings and raise them in a brooder in your garage or basement.

You can start teaching impulse control to your dog as soon as they arrive, and you will also need to condition your birds to accept the dog. It’s a two way street.

It’s a lot more work to raise baby birds this way vs buying adults, but geese in particular tend to either like dogs or hate them. We had many geese over the years, and the ones added as adults were wildcards. My first GSD would pin them to the ground if they came after her (or me), but wouldn’t hurt them. I’ve had other dogs that will not put up with getting bit or chased by geese, and nasty geese wouldn’t last long.

When you work a lot of impulse control when both the birds and dogs are inside in a controlled environment, the dogs understand that “these are MY birds” and the respect translates better when they move outside. All of my birds will flee from dogs they don’t know, but the ones raised around my personal dogs have mostly learned to accept them as a non-lethal part of the environment.

Good luck in your search.

 

You can get solid nerves and stability from showlines my two showlines best family dogs. My American showlines my life will not be the same without him in it. I have had infants out my house kids of all ages. Of course you still have to watch they are dogs it is really a nice to Be able to have a high level of trust with your kids and family. As mentioned impulse control training is needed with other small animals geese, rabbits etc. A dog with high prey drive the more focus on impulse control training you will need. Prey drive vary in ALL the lines. It is important you have time for the gsd pup A pup especially some gsds pups are like having another kid.

 

They look like German show lines to me. Good luck on your search for a breeder, and take your time it’s a important decision!

 

It is an issue of odds and what you consider solid nerves. Working lines that tend to produce very good police dogs will give you better odds of having very good nerves because the dogs' nerves are tested in a much more rigorous way. Even high level IGP dogs do not have their nerves tested much at all. They are exposed to gun fire, being driven on the bite, padded stick hits and a courage test, but there is not that much pressure put on the dog and it is all done on a flat, grassy field. That is why so many of the European show lines can obtain titles even though the judging and helper work in trials is very weak/poor in order to accommodate the dogs and appease the handlers.

 

Perhaps focus less on "nerves" and breeder goals. If you are set on working lines or proven dogs with titles I would think about breeders who do search and rescue, assistance dogs or other working titles. Perhaps not herding champions for the sake of the geese.