Well, the pups have arrived from West Germany. Both are male both with correct structure, One is a bit more independent than the other, likes to explore, the other is more a lover, but both are adventerous and loving. They follow her anywhere and try to navigate any obstacles. They both chase the rag nicely right out of the crate. So, now I have to decide which one that I want. I have asked the breeder to keep an eye on them and inform me of any personality differences but other than that they look identical to each other. Any suggestions to help pick? We are driving to Denver and will be able to chose between the pups on Thursday. Still, any thing in particular that I need to have the breeder watch for? Remember, I am going to try Schutzhund but I am a complete greenie in the sport. So whatever advice I can get would be great. I ordered Ed's 8wk puppy video but it won't be here until we've left already. Should I pinch them both? lol. Any ideas are welcome.

I am assuming you are getting a showline.That was my first Schutzhund dog and last......Just kidding!But yes it was my first.
Any ways , you might want to bring a rag or if you have a leather flap type of tug drag it around and see which of the 2 pups is really interested in chasing and biting it.And hopefully does not want to let go .Also if they are walking around with you , following you, see which one is going the furthest with you without wanting to head back( i hope it's clear)I look for a dominant dog and independent dog( my preference) but I'm not sure that is what you should be looking for ,being that you are a greenie.
The puppy has to have or show some drive.Everyone is different at picking their puppy and what they look for .I usely have the breeder pick it out for me.My last breeder( I bought from) has bred for a long time and has competed for the past over 20 years and has titled many dogs and so on and on so I trust what he'll pick for me at any time.My last pup now a year is a dog that was born for the sport that dog is incredible,most of our members are amazed at this dog and what he can do at his age.And my breeder Dean C. picked him out.So talk to your breeder and see what she thinks is best for the sport and being that you are new to the sport as well.If she is a reputable breeder she will know the one for you

She says they both went after the rag right out of the crate! One is a bit more independent than the other and she has stated that i need to make up my mind what I want exactly...she knows that drive is crucial and also knows that I am a greenie. She has made it clear that I am in no way obligated and that I need to decide just exactly what kind of dog I want. A family dog or a dog for sport! I'm really turned on for Schutzhund but must admit, I'm a tad bit intimidated. (hard to believe, very few things in life intimidate me). I dont think doing the sport is what scares me...it's the what if I suck part that scares me

you just have to have a go and see if you're any good. Though stubborn people like me will fail, fail, and keep trying until I get it right. Don't let any faliures get you down. We learn, we make mistakes, it what makes some of us human.

Hi
I think you should go with the pup that seems to suit you best. You want prey drive, and for that, I would see what the pup does with the rag- does it just jump on it and tug a bit, and then give up, or does it take the prize off for safe keeping? Does the pup. The lover pup may actually be a pup with less drive- but it is hard to tell. The woman has until thursday to get to know them, so if possible, ask her to videotape them. See how they react to strange noises, and people. There is still time.

I think a stable dog is what we should all want- one that isn't afraid of strange noises/people. One that will be up for playing/training whenever you like. One that is not so hyper that they can't chill out. Basically a dog that isn't neurotic- if you have that you have a LOT!

Julie

I am with Julie, stability is the key for a house with three children. If the breeder thinks one is better for sport, and because of it's drives may be difficult for a family, I would take the other, as long as it is very stable in temperment. If the higher drive pup is OK for a family with young kids according to the breeder, you can chose either. You may have time for Sch, you may not, but you will have the dog for 13-15 years. Will made a lot of excellent comments in earlier threads on the problems inherent in keeping a high drive, bite-trained dog in a family. Remeber, your dog has to be safe with your kids, and their friends, or you have a big problem. And do not consider taking both, even for a second. Two is a lot more work then one, and you already have at least one other dog to consider.

I agree with Polly & others. If this is your first GSD, let alone your first Sch dog, take the lover pup. It will be easier to learn with.

Dabbling in Schutzhund is one thing, getting a gsd that is a tad protective is another. Will the lover have this trait or will it tend to be a weenie. Females are lovers and tend to be pretty protective so do you think this is a good combination. She says both are lovers, but one is just more independent.

I'd get the one with higher prey drive, personally. You can always fix your handling skills...it'll be tough to get a puppy that's not so high prey drive and then decide to do Schutzhund with it later on down the road. They shouldn't (hopefully) be that drastically different...I got a pup that was supposed to be a mid-level pup, okay for beginners, and he turned out to be a really, really good dog (and I'm not just saying that).

nad never forget, puppies are great, we all love them, but they are a gamble!