[Mozi]

Hello

My name is Mozi and this is my first post. I am from Beirut, Lebanon, lived most of my life in the US and now live in Dubai.

I will try to make the post brief. Please ask me anything that you think you might need to know to help with any advice on the situation.

I live alone and I would like to have a GSD as my companion. I have the ability to take the dog to work on a daily basis. I am living in an apartment but will move to a place with a yard and a dog park close by. I am active and willing to commit the time to exercise physically and mentally with training for my dog. So I think I am ready to own up to the responsibility

I have been going crazy on researching where do I get the dog from, puppy versus adult, Europe import, US, local breeder etc etc etc....The breeders here are not advertised and they are little.

I just so happen to look at classified and I saw an ad put today for a male long hair 9 months old puppy. Called and I talked to a very nice man and decided to just go.

The man lives in a villa with his family. Young man who is a horse jockey. He has an older dog who is 13 years old and he has Rex. He got Rex when he was a 2 months from apparently a father and mother who mated here and were imported from the Ukraine. The man is a jockey and also is in the intel police here and people dont screw with such profiles here.









The man is travelling lots to compete with horses and is not spending as much time as he thinks he should with Rex. Also, his family is not accommodating.

We came over. He lives in a Villa. Within it, Rex and the other older dog were fenced in a large garden. He let Rex out. Super friendly demeanor, came directly, played ball, curious, high energy, excited, there were cars around and trucks and noises. The dog seemed fearless. He is big and beautiful. I loved the interaction. I want Rex

My worries:

1. He is microshipped and registered here at the municipality with all health checks and vaccines. It was clear to me that the dog is very well taken care of. The owner had the food, the vitamins, taking him to grooming and bathing with professional groomers and videos and all. Bottom line, it is clear that this ia a happy dog who lived a healthy life.
There is no pedigree and I have no idea about the health of the parents or anything about them. The man did not do xrays for hips etc but the dog was jumping around and moving very well. Looks super healthy, but I am not expert. How can I tell if his bone structure is good etc? He gave me the number of his vet at the vet hospital and told me it is open book. Do as much checks as you want. Would the vet know? How can I tell?

2. He only has trained the dog. He could sit and recall and he told him to go to like a crate room. The dog happily obliged. But there is no training beyond that. The dog was jumping on me and all. I guess normal for a puppy. However he is big and I think he needs to enroll in classes right off the bat. Can I just get the dog and enrol at this age? He also learned his few commands in Arabic and he was listening to the owner well. I also gave him a few commands and he listened. We need to move to English. Is it a good idea to start training right away.

3. Can you guys tell anything from the pics and videos attached about looks and demeanor. Am I just too excited or isnt he a real beauty? Can you tell if he has a good demeanor and generally healthy movement and look?

The man was getting a call every minute while I was there for the dog. I dont want to miss the opportunity. But I would like a plan. How can I check if he is all healthy? Can a vet determine without Xray about bones and health? Should I start training right away with a professional? I have no experience in training.

Sorry for the long post. Please tell me if you can tell anything from the videos and pics.

Many many thanks - frantically excited!

Mozi

 

[huntergreen]

This isn't the best advice, but if I liked the dog, I would take the Gamble and go for it, unless the price was outrageous. Make sure there are trainers in your area and check out some vets. How was he on a leash ?

 

[Muskeg]

If you are ready, go for it. He is beautiful and looks like a sweet dog.

 

[Sabis mom]

Without doing xrays there is no way of telling about structural issues unless they are bad enough to be visible. Other health concerns would require genetic testing which you have no time for. So basically you are adopting an unknown and the price needs to reflect that.

He is a lovely dog, with a curious and open expression. He looks like a fun boy. Training can always be done, no worries there, age does not matter except that you may need to use a bit more pressure then with a pup.

 

[tim_s_adams]

My advice, get the dog! Puppies are always a gamble. With a 9month old dog, you're getting a much better idea of what you'll end up with. He's alert, playful, and seems of good temperament; he moves well, has great bone structure, and seems fairly bidable with his limited training. He could have some genetic health issues, but so can any puppy you choose to get...there are no guarantees! You like him, he's healthy, go for it! It's always a gamble...

 

[Sunsilver]

He's gorgeous! I'd go for it, if I were you!

My first GSD was a 5 year old rescue who had been a farm dog, and wasn't even leash trained. After 6 weeks of obedience classes, I took her in a fun match, and she scored 175/200 points in the novice obedience class!

These dogs are really smart, and can learn at any age.

 

[tc68]

Hard to say no to that face. But I would at the least talk to his vet first. If the vet is willing, ask to see all the dog's medical records. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be...he will be yours. If it's not meant to be, there are plenty of German Shepherds out there in the world. There's no rush. You can always take your time to find the right dog. I'm not saying don't get him. All I'm saying is do your "homework" first. See if you can go visit the dog again and spend some time with it. That way you can observe him. Ask the owner more questions, like does the dog like to lie around a lot or does he have a high drive/energy? Is he scared of loud sounds? Etc. The more you find out about the dog, the more you know if it's the right one for you. Don't go by looks alone. Maybe the dog's personality isn't what you're looking for. The good thing is at 9 months old you missed the "landsharking" stage.

 

[wolfy dog]

You seem to have a good sense of what to look for. If you like what you see, do it. That's how I do it. The ones I have chosen with my heart worked out better than the ones I got after extensive research and deliberation. He seems like a good soul. It probably is impossible to take your time when so many people are calling.
Let us know soon!

 

[sebrench]

He is beautiful, seems like a lovely dog. Have you asked or seen how he behaves in public and around unknown dogs?—if that is important to you? He looks like a good find!

 

[Orphan Heidi]

Great find! Gorgeous Dog and he seems to have a nice happy expression. I'd Grab him fast. Just be prepared to spend

lots of time training and mannering him. But Shepherds are super smart and learn very quickly. they are a joy to train.

Keep us posted and Good Luck!

 

[tc68]

You seem to have a good sense of what to look for. If you like what you see, do it. That's how I do it. The ones I have chosen with my heart worked out better than the ones I got after extensive research and deliberation. He seems like a good soul. It probably is impossible to take your time when so many people are calling.
Let us know soon!

That sounds like a ploy that salesmen use. Have you heard this before, "I've got several people interested in this car." Anyway, you're right, he sounds like he wants to do what's best for the dog. In my previous statement, I was just being a little cautious in case there are health issues that he couldn't see in a quick visit. But I'm pretty sure we all (or most of us) chose our dogs by looks alone whether it's a cute puppy or a sorry dog at the pound. So if he wants it really bad and he's willing to take that chance, then go for it.

 

[Stillworks]

Nice looking Dog. Go for it ! Keeping my fingers crossed he's still available

 

[Elsieb]

Beautiful boy! Hope you have a very good vacuum cleaner!

 

[tim_s_adams]

OP, if you do decide to get him, give him at least a couple of weeks to adjust before starting any training. Just let him learn you and his new environment...feed and play with him, teach him his new routine and your house rules. Bond with him, build some trust between the two of you. Your relationship with the dog should be your highest priority initially. Learn what gets him excited, what he likes, what he doesn't like, and who he is. Figure out how to motivate him. Then training him will be easier.

Your video of the dog will need to be posted to YouTube, then linked here. You can't upload a video here directly...So none of us have seen it, yet.

Please let us know what you decide!

 

[Mozi]

Update!

First of all, I want to thank all of you for the valuable feedback and encouragement. It has helped a lot

Went today with a senior trainer from (I could not post link as I am new but very reputed and impressive experience - training of police dogs and family dogs) , who seem to be the best here. He loved the dog to the point that he waved the consulting fee. We spend a good hour off leash. People came about. Cars, noise. Dog happy curious, playful, attentive, and stands ground.

We went on leash. Does not pull. Walks nicely.

So I paid a deposit

Tomorrow, I am taking the dog to the vet, after which we will go to a villa like kennel. It is located in a nature type area where you can go take the dog out in nature. I will go daily and spend the week with the dog to bond. No training for that week. Only bonding.

After, trainer and I will train Rex for two weeks. 3 times per week, rest of time I will just spend with him the time.

In the mean time, I will move from my small apartment to a small townhouse with a private small garden and a dog park walking distance So after about 3 weeks, I will take the dog from the kennel after the training to our new home. I will do one more week of training in the house.

So that s the plan! I have more butterflies and serenity than when you meet someone you feel you are going to fall in love with.

Trainer says I am lucky. He is a working line. He has a double coat and is considered medium long hair.

I will upload videos on youtube. Here are pics from today.

 

[Stillworks]

Congratulations! to both of you. You sound like the perfect owner. Woo Hoo

 

[Mei]

Awesome! I'm sure you wont be disappointed and I'm glad you were able to get him. Congrats!

Great lookin pup!

 

[Quinnsmom]

Congrats! He's a gorgeous dog and you have a great plan for him!

 

[wolfy dog]

I am so happy for you, as if I found him myself. He is gorgeous and you still had the opportunity to check him out with a trainer. Many happy trails together.

 

[sebrench]

Congratulations! And thanks for the update! I think you and he will both be very happy!