Hello everybody,

Could somebody please help me to get a very clear picture of what to do/expect if we get another dog? I am considering getting a GSD or Mal for Schutzund (don't have Ring clubs close enough). Before we make this decision I would like to have a very clear picture of what the ideal situation would look like and how to get there. I would like to be sure all the conditions could be met before we get the dog: time, space, socialization, training needs etc.

With the existing 3 dogs we are working on OB and pack structure and it's working pretty good. The problem is my dogs' training needs are fulfilled. They could learn more tricks with markers and 1, maybe 2 could do some AKC OB or agility (at low level) but are just as happy with the training they get now. They do not have much drive and I cannot do much with them. Between us my husband and I at least seem to have enough time to train yet another dog and keep these 3 in shape.

I did some research on this website and it seems theoretically possible. Would it practically work in our situation? There will be some pack issues we'll have to work with and the pup will need proper introduction to our 4 cats.

I would greatly appreciate your comments and suggestions.

I have four and have had no issues whatsoever. I think it's about YOU maintaining appropriate leadership over everyone, and finding time for each dog indivisually, as well as as a pack.

I have found that a puppy entering an existing group that already has a routine and structure learns the "house rules" pretty quickly.

Just my experience.

Its a whole lotta work Ana. If your going to take up Schutzhund, there goes the majority of your time with the one. Older dogs can be ok with it because they don't need as much excercise and training, but plan on your husband being the main source of everything for the other three.

One good thing, you have the contact for finding a good prospect and some excellent training.

How old are the other three dogs? For me, I now make it a rule to never have 2 pups together. Or any dog under 2 when I get a new pup. I have done it once, not by choice, and will never do it again! It was a lot of work, but I got 2 amazing dogs out of it. (We waited almost a year for our Leonberger pup and 3 weeks before she arrived, we took on a foster that was locked in a shed for the first 8 weeks of her life, with 12 littermates. She took 9 months to house train and 3 months to teach her that humans were ok. By the end of it, we could not let her go, so she stayed.)

We have 3 dogs (2 1/2, 3 & 6 years old) and 2 weeks ago added our 4th (now 10 weeks). It was not as much of a transition for us because we can have 3-7 dogs at once staying at our place between fosters and dog sitting.

I always keep in mind it is going to take a minimum of 6 weeks for any dog to adjust to a schedule and pack order and at least that long for us to establish one.

I have not noticed any changes in training with the other three, other than they are not accompanying me to class as much. (I am apprenticing as a dog trainer) That is because I slipped on some ice 4 weeks ago, chipped a bone in my ankle, and have been in a cast since. So I do not think it wise to bring my older dogs to a place where I need absolute control, and I won't because of mobility issues. With that said, once this cast comes off, I will resume bringing 2-3 dogs at a time to classes while I teach (they are demo dogs and I work them in rotation during the higher level classes that don't need as much help)

I work my dogs 3-5 times a week at home doing OB, Agility and ScH. The rest of my home time is walking, playing with a frisbee or ball, some biking or roller blading.

I like the idea of lots of work. I have been an athlete once and miss that level of exercise and competitiveness.

Right now my husband has minimum involvement (accompanies us for a walk once in a while) but he agrees that it would be good for him to do some marker training with the 3.

Our dogs are 3yr old female, 3.5yr old female and 1yr old male(fully grown but not fully mature yet, but his OB is good).

It has been suggested that we rehome one of the 3 but I know I would miss them every day. If having 4 dogs turns out to be impossible I would rather keep the 3 for now.

I've got 4 and it involves a lot of help from my wife and my daughter. The two shepherds are 17mos and 8mos. Do you have room for a kennel outside?

I, personally, couldnt do it without the outdoor space for them Ana. You should come out on a Friday night to Dave's club and see if it's really something you would like enough to persue.

 Quote: steve strom

I, personally, couldnt do it without the outdoor space for them Ana.

That is exactly why I am posting this question. Why do I absolutely need the outdoor space?

eta: I have a very vague idea about living with a working dog.

 Quote: steve strom

You should come out on a Friday night to Dave's club and see if it's really something you would like enough to persue.

That's the plan. Don't laugh us off the filed, please The idea I have is to do whatever I can with the 3 to teach myself to be a better handler so that I would be in a better shape if we get a pup.

I currently have all of the dogs inside during the day/night, 3 crated , one in a pen.

I also could not have this many, with 2 being higher drive, without outdoor space. We live on just over 3 acres. The dogs currently have an acre penned for the cold days/bathroom times and we use the other 2 acres for exercise and walking. (We also leave the property to walk of course, but when it gets dark at 4pm for 3 months a year and there are no street lights, I like to play it safe by coming up with stuff to do on the property)

This summer, I will be fencing in the 2 acres separately and putting 4 outdoor and 2 indoor/outdoor kennels on my property. It is going to be sooooo much easier to be able to rotate the dogs a little more when we have "guests".

So I guess my point is, 4 dogs can be done with little space, but it is just going to be that much harder for you. If you are looking for a decent ScH prospect, then you are going to have to expect a lot energy and drive.