Hi Eitan,

I can address your third question. Having had both dogs acquired as adults and puppies, I can honestly say there is no difference in the bond/connection you develop with the dog. I think people who say you must have a puppy of a certain age to develop a bond are wrong. An adult dog is just as capable of bonding as a puppy.

In order for people on this board to help you, maybe you can tell us exactly what your goals are for the dog.

Are you interested in sport? Schutzhund? protection? hunting? a service dog? a companion? What size dog? what is your activity level? etc.

Angela,
thanks for the response. Your answer is something that I suspected. When I was only five years old my family adopted a 3 1/2 year old dog from the SPCA. It only took a couple of weeks until it bonded with all of our family (especially my mother and father, considering they were the primary caregivers). I'm just thinking that maybe it might be easier to train a puppy not to jump, etc.

regarding your questions, here are the answers:
1. I'm looking for a companion first and foremost, although I would like to train the dog to pick up things (such as my cell phone if it falls, etc.), and maybe turn on the lights. Simple things like that, not a full-fledged service dog.

2. I would like a midsize/large dog. However, the dog must have a very gentle temperament. I can't have a dog that would pull me unexpectedly when I'm in my wheelchair. Let me rephrase that, every dog can ask unexpectedly, I just want a dog that would walk beside me and not jump all over the place all the time. I know this is part of training, but certain dogs are more energetic than others.

3. I am pretty active, considering my disability, however it is not like an able-bodied person. I would like to walk the dog at least 15 minutes minimum in the morning (more like half an hour) and in the evening about 30 to 45 minutes. I do have a lot of time to play with the dog.

4. I'm currently in the process of building a house which takes up most of my day, along with work. My schedule is usually full from 10 AM until 4 PM. Actually, some days I'm home all day long, and others I only come back at 5/6 in the evening. (I'm a mechanical engineer and do freelance/contract work for companies)

I hope that answers your questions, feel free to ask any more. I would like to provide as much information as needed in order to get the best responses. The problem is, I don't know which information is needed so please ask.

Thanks,
Eitan Waks

Hi Eitan,

Here is a very good thread about a Malinois. If that description does not match your idea of a usual day with your dog a Mal is probably not a dog you are looking for.

One of my dogs is a Border Collie/Lab mix, got her at 1 year old, she is 3 now. Very easy to train, only needs a voice correction most of the time and wants wants wants!!! to please. Also a nice sized dog at 50lb. Breeds like that are supposed to rely on voice commands and whistle all the time and are very smart. They are not couch potatoes so you probably won't get bored. She does not have a mean bone in her body so I never have to hold her while she is trying to go after another dog on a walk, lunging at the end of the leash. You might consider a dog like this.

Good luck!

Ana,
that link is just plain hilarious!!!
Are they all like this? This girl I know down the street has one that she kept from the Army and it's actually quite low-key, but then again she said that this is the only dog she trained for their unit that was low-key. She has never met another one like it. Too bad, they are just so beautiful and smart.

What you think about German shepherds? Are they also this active?

I called the guide dogs for the blind Association in Israel and I'm on the waiting list for a dog that doesn't make it through all that program. They usually have labradors and golden retrievers however they also have the occasional German Shepherd.

It might seem as though I'm stuck on the German Shepherd, but that's not the case. In fact, we (my family) have only owned one German Shepherd in the past and that was when I was just born. The German shepherd passed away when I was one and a half years old so I don't have any experience with that breed. The rest of our dogs have been mixed breeds. I just want a good companion, whether it be a German Shepherd, a Labrador, a golden retriever, or anything else for that matter.

Thanks for the reply,
Eitan Waks

I really think a Labrador might be your best choice - smart, very trainable, steady temperament, a good size, active, but not crazy energetic as a rule.

Other people on the forum would be able to tell you more about GSDs and Mals. There is a whole bunch of threads about working line dogs, for example this one. From what I've heard and read, Mals are all like this. GSDs are not supposed to be that crazy but that's still a very serious dog. Never had either but wanted to. My husband had to drag me away from every single GSD in the rescue and the shelter. From what I understand you better have a very good trainer ready if you want to get a working dog. Are you planning to participate in dog sports? Then you need a right dog for the sport. For a companion you would need a dog that is right *just for you*. Some breeds are very impressive but do you really need all that trouble in a pure companion dog?

I envy you, getting a new dog!

Hi Eitan,

The odds of finding a low-key Mal are slim. They are bred to work and they do it non-stop.

If you would like a German Shepherd, I would look into some local breeders.... When you find a reputable breeder, tell them what you would like. I have a GSD right now that would be perfect for you, so I know they exsist (and NO you can't have her!!)

They might be able to match you with a good pup, or they might have an older dog that they are retiring from their breeding program. The most important thing is to be HONEST and up front with the breeder as to what you are looking for and what you are capable of as far as exercise and training. The breeder that matched you with a strong female pup either wasn't a very reputable breeder, or they were mistaken as to what you were looking for.

The guide dog program is a good idea, but make sure they are honest with you as to WHY the dog washed out of the program. You might ask if they have any dogs that are retiring and looking for a home as well.

I agree that age doesn't matter when it comes to the bond. I have a Mal that came to us at over 2 years old and her bond with me is the strongest of all 4 dogs.

I would like to add, that several breeds of dog would be able to fit the bill for you. Even mixed breeds could do it. It would be best if you could ask this trainer that you talked to about the Shepherd if he could go with you and evaluate any potential dog. A knowledgable eye is invaluable when looking for a dog

Good luck, and I hope you get a GREAT dog!! Sounds like you will give it a great home!!!

--Kelly

yes, you're right I do have to have a very good trainer working with me. In fact, I have the name of one of the best trainers in Israel (in my opinion) and he lives nearby my house. I've already talked to him and explained what I want. He told me that I should think whether I want to deal with the puppy or just get an older dog. I think I'm leaning towards the older dog. He also said that he would be glad to join me when looking in order to choose the right dog with the right temperament, energy, etc.

I completely understand your yearning for German shepherds. I feel the same exact way even though I know somewhere deep down that unless I get a really calm and docile dog and train it very well I might be getting more than I bargained for!

I don't believe that it will participate in any dog sports. I just don't have the time to train for such applications. Although it sure does look like a lot of fun!


if anyone reading this has a G German shepherd that i gentle or calm, I really would like to know about it. How old i she? How much did you have to train her? Etc.

I'm looking for all the advice I can get!

Eitan Waks

Kelly,
it's great to know that there are German shepherds out there that would be fitting! You really made my day, rather night as it is 1:30 AM in Israel right now.

By the way, you're right about that breeder. They were in a hurry to get her off to me. I was young and foolish in the ways of breeders and dogs. Now that I've read days upon days of material I know better and I'm never going back to them again! The trainer that I'm working with works with several veterinarians and breeders. As a side note, I had the most wonderful experience two days ago when I went to see him. He was at his training facility when they brought in four German shepherds in order to see if they were pregnant. It was incredible looking at the veterinarian using ultrasound to check for the puppies!

Now that I know more about dogs I know a little more about their needs. Is taking a German shepherd out for two walks a day, each one around half an hour (maybe 15 minutes in the morning and 45 minutes in the evening) and some playtime enough exercise for them? I currently live in an apartment, but in October/November my house will be finished and then I will have a 100 m² backyard.

Also, would I be better off with working line German shepherd, or not working line?

Thanks for the replies, it really means a lot,
Eitan Waks