I am considering purchasing a GS bitch to breed and train for police and protection work. I know very little about breeding except that it is costly and alot of responsibility. So I am doing extensive reading and talking with other breeders. So if I ask stupid questions, I apologize. How do you find out what line a particular dog has? I am interested in finding a dog with a specific line. There is a black & silver GSD named "Sick Nick" who worked on the streets of South Florida with a K9 Officer named Mike Harlow. Besides the dogs amazing capabilities, he looks like my GSD I just had to have put down due to cancer. I have read that the European lines have better temperments than the American. Is there any truth to that?

If you are looking to breed for police and sport dogs I would first get involved in the sport. Each and every time I get out on the field with my dogs I learn something new. You learn about drives, dogs responding to pressure, how to read dogs. My opinion of my dogs weaknesses and strengths is far different then it was a year ago.

Sick Nick sounds more like a call name for a dog then their "real name". If you want to fine out the pedigree of the dog I think I would contact the police department and ask for his registered name.

I prefer the European working lines over all. My opinion is that it is far easier to find a working dog there then in the American Lines.

Thanks, Betty. Unfortunately I live in a rural area. There was one Schutzhund Club about 40 miles away, but it no longer exists. My problem with Schutzhund is that it is a sport,not real life. There are many dogs out there with Schutzhund titles who are not suitable for Police work. The GSDC has also broken up because everyone has moved away and it was too much work for only a few people. The Kennel club does not have any agility classes at this time. There is a SAR but it is approx. 3 hours away. So I feel like I don't have too many options with any clubs right now. I train with 3 of my dogs on a daily basis.I agree, Sick Nick is probably not his real name, I will try calling that dept, maybe they can help. What sports are you currently involved in?

Lisa,

I agree sports dogs and police dogs are two diffrent breeds of dogs (bad chose of words?) But i do think its good if you get involved in a sport for networking and it will also be good to show of your training skills. It might not show the training a police dog would need but it shows the fact you do know how to train a dog.

But the distance would be a problem. Maybe try and set up a training group in your area?

I train for shutzhund and definately agree that is not real life. Depending on the day of the week I have either been blessed or cursed with 2 dogs that would do well in either venue though. Actually Annabelles calling in life would probably to be a "real" personal protecion dog but I'm making her do the sport. <grin>

But my sport training director is an ex K-9 officer. We often have people at my club that are active K-9 or military dog handlers. I trained with a guy today that places a lot of dogs with police departments.

So if you can find an active club there can be a lot of crossover.

And I do really think that learning how to read a dog is invaluable for a breeder. In my mind how can you breed for specific traits with out really being up front and personal with all the nuts and bolts that makes the dogs final package what it is?

If at all possible it would really be beneficial to find a club BEFORE you buy the dog. You will have a lot better chance of getting what you want and need when you do buy her and a place to train once you get her.

How close is your nearest club? If you can even get out there a few times to meet people there is a good possibility you may find someone closer to you. Most of the trainers/decoys I know do actually live in rural areas. Makes it a lot easier with multiple dogs.

All of the above is just my opinion of course and things that I have found from my own limited experience.

I actually worked for a German lady several years ago who was into Schutzhund big time. However, I did not leave there on good terms, so i doubt I would be welcome at her club.(Personality & professional conflicts re: grooming...not training) She is the only one I know of in my area. She is an excellent trainer. I do have some contacts in the Dog world nearby, I will contact them to see if they can help me find a club. I agree it would be good for networking and to train with others. I like Mike's idea of forming my own club. Equipment I imagine would be costly...and I wouldn't even know where to start!

 Quote: Betty Waldron

But my sport training director is an ex K-9 officer. We often have people at my club that are active K-9 or military dog handlers.

What base are you near? just wondering.

Mike, Betty was talking about me there as the sport training director.

We were lucky to have Chris come down from Ft. Benning ( about a 2 and 1/2 hr. drive from us ) where he was a Black Hat in the Airborne training area. He's since PCS'd back to Ft. Bragg and is now doing civilian Law Enforcement- we miss him, he was an excellent decoy and a top rate dog trainer.

Ahh ok,

I was trying to think of what base is down in FL and i gave up thinking it might have been some AF base. Hm... Chris is near Bragg? well thats good. I am PCSing there in a few months.

Mike,
I'm not near bragg anymore. I moved back to my home state of Louisiana, and am a LEO here.

Will thanks for the comments man, I feel very very weird in saying another man made me blush

CHRIS DUHON

PS: Matt Hammond a former 11yr MWD handler (Army) who served in the GWOT and a good friend of mine is on the SC/GA border in Augusta, GA it's a 3hr drive from Bragg, let me know when you move and I'll hook you up with him, he now has his own K9 business.