I'd like to know if other working line GSD owners have seen this kind of behavior.
My family had a GSD when I was a kid. I have no idea of her pedigree beyond her parents. She liked to be with the family but didn't seem all that interested in anything that didn't involve running, chasing a ball, playing with kids or eating.
Hans, who is three years old and from working lines, is very curious. To the point where if workmen are going to be at the house he has to be put away because he tries to "help". The last time we had a plumber working in our kitchen Hans tried to crawl under the sink with him.
Whenever a box comes into the house he is all over it. The other day I had to put him away again so I could install a new piece of equipment for my entertainment center. I couldn't open the box without him trying to see what was going on, and he tried to inspect the contents once the box was open.
Do other working line owners see this kind of curiosity in their dogs? Is it a common trait, or do I just have a busy body?
Molly Graf Webboard User Reg: 06-11-2004
Posts: 301
Loc: PA, USA
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Oh yes. My old boy Eagle is the most curious of dogs, he has always been and still is at 10+ years old. If he sees something new he must investigate it - if only to sniff and then ignore - but before he ignores he must check it out. If it's a box, bag or container of any kind, he must put his head in it, sniff around and check it out before leaving it alone. In new places he explores and investigates. Very inquisitive dog, I think it demonstrates intelligence and personality. But of course he's my special dog, can do no wrong
Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
Posts: 2784
Loc: Toronto, ON
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It's normal for a driven dog to want to be on top of everything, the dogs are bred to be reactive. Their mind is constantly looking for something to do, vs. a lower drive dog that is content not doing anything unless prompted to.
Mine is the Official Inspector of everything that comes into our house, or into my truck when she's in it, or any new environment we enter together...etcetcetc
Carolyn Pike Roman Webboard User Reg: 03-20-2007
Posts: 559
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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I have no idea what Jake's lines are (and I doubt they are working) but he, too, is always into everything. To the point where he has to check out the inside of my pant-legs as I'm trying to get dressed in the morning. He has also tried to fit in the cabinets with me as I was replacing plumbing fittings under the kitchen sink. My favorite, trying to crawl under the house with me .
He acts scared when I come in the house with a big box, although once he relaxes he's into that, too.
Then we are VERY driven in this house also as we inspect everything from toes to tools...Better than laying in front of the sofa dreaming about being driven IMO I will try to remember I said that at a later date...
OH yes! Very curious. Dangerously so. I had to get used to it and take precautions. I'll never forget the time I was up in a hayloft and saw Caleb's head peek up through the floor! I was terrified he'd fall going down the totally vertical ladder and hit the concrete barn floor.
It is a bit annoying to have to wait until everyone has sufficiently inspected everything new, but I wouldn't trade it for a less-interested personality for anything.
Cathy Goessman Webboard User Reg: 12-03-2007
Posts: 1231
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
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All three of our pet drive level boxers must investigate whatever is brought into the house. I think it's more of a breed trait for them. Ali thinks sniffing is a contact sport.
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Curiosity in working line GSDs
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