I've worked out, that if I work my butt off for the next few months, finish up school in December, settle in somewhere, and get everything in order I can have another puppy in about a year or so.

I'm thinking a dutch shepherd or malinois as my next breed (though I do love the ACD, thanks to some adorable puppy pictures SOMEONE posted >_>. Where I'm torn is a bit stupid (and entirely cosmetic on one side XD). Either way I'd be looking for a dog that is "Malinois shaped". However I really like the brindle and while I'm interested in really trying out some of the bitesports , the appeal of being able to do typical "show dog" things with an AKC registered Malinois seems like it could be fun.

However I'm nervous as I start my breeder search as I remember the issues I had getting my first dog which led to me turning to craigslist in desperation...Of course now I'm glad I did, I got my "perfect dog" by luck. However I've been hesitant to even contact breeders as well...I remember going to rescues.

I've always been on the side of "brutally honest" when it comes to my ability and what my plans are for my pup which got me in a lot of trouble with the rescue questionnaires. I wasn't approved by ONE SINGLE rescue I tried to get a dog from....my "rejection" reasons were as follows and while some I "sorta" get as they would depend on the dog and if it was a good match, some were just weird....I'd like to think I'm a good dog owner. I have a well behaved dog adjusted who can go about anywhere I need him to. He doesn't get the newest shiniest things but he gets the vet care he needs, eats a good food, and is worked with daily.

I was rejected because I was a student, because I lived in an apartment (despite documentation that I was permitted a dog), because I didn't have a yard, because I didn't have a fence, because I crate trained, because I planned on using the "tether method" with my puppy, because I have no problem with prong collars, because I objected to bark collars, because my housemate at the time had a cat, because said cat was over 3 years old, because I had interest in bite sports, because I was single (WTF?), because I was under 25, because I was female (do I was interested in was "to much" for a girl), because I wasn't married, because I won't use the food the rescue recommends (they insist on science diet!), I couldn't feed raw, because at the time I didn't have a full time job, the list keeps going...and gets even weirder O_o

Now I'd like to think that most of the breeders I'd go to are a little more sane than some of these rescues...however I can't help but think I'm not doing the right thing. I've known some people who've gotten dogs from rescues who are HORRIBLE pet owners. I can't help but think I'm missing something. I'd like to make the right first impression AND be honest.

I am looking for a challenging dog, I've done a lot of research, met a lot of dogs, met a lot of puppies, I honestly think I know what I'm getting in to. My current pets shouldn't be much of an issue (then again, I was rejected from one rescue because I kept a hisser colony, apparently my hissers breed fleas....um okay?). Ryuk is a pile of mush when it comes to puppies, and they'll never be alone together anyway unless they're in their crates.

So what's a list I should try to "conform" to. I don't mind changing some of my ways to get the right puppy. What do I need to do make the right impression?

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I was rejected because I was a student, because I lived in an apartment (despite documentation that I was permitted a dog), because I didn't have a yard, because I didn't have a fence, because I crate trained, because I planned on using the "tether method" with my puppy, because I have no problem with prong collars, because I objected to bark collars, because my housemate at the time had a cat, because said cat was over 3 years old, because I had interest in bite sports, because I was single (WTF?), because I was under 25, because I was female (do I was interested in was "to much" for a girl), because I wasn't married, because I won't use the food the rescue recommends (they insist on science diet!), I couldn't feed raw, because at the time I didn't have a full time job, the list keeps going...and gets even weirder O_o

Must rescues would reject me. I have intact dogs, I breed, I have dogs that spend a lot of time in a kennel. The reasons go on and on.....

I have placed dogs successfully in some homes that other breeders would not and I have passed on others only to have another breeder sell them a pup.

Just be honest and be yourself. Most breeders that screen placements are looking for a total picture of the life their pup will have and not checking things off a checklist.

Go for it, Jamie! d{><}b

If you want to do a bite sport with your pup it might be a good idea to research the available clubs before you get the pup. There are many benefits to this:

- you'll hit the ground running when the pup arrives;

- you'll have time to get familiar with the methods used by the club and see if this is the right club for you;

- it is important to get a dog that is the best fit for you. If the breeder knows you well they'll be able to match you with just the right dog, if you don't know the breeder you could have somebody with experience give you a recommendation and discuss your needs with the breeder.

- unless your breeder is going to be your TD it is very important that your TD supports your choice of puppy. If you are serious about the sport you will need support from your training group AND hopefully the breeder as well

"Just be honest and be yourself" X2

what will be will be, what you were turned down for I would also be turned down on and I'm 64, two intact male Lab's, widower, drink and work at a state job!!!!!

Live the life you want and all will come to you

Take video of you, working with Ryuk. Post it on YouTube, and provide the breeder a link. That says it all, I think...

I wouldn't try to conform to anyone's list - just be yourself. The right breeder/rescue will be a good match for you.

FWIW, Kenzi came through rescue. That rescue recommended high quality kibble and a some of the foster homes fed raw. And I'm a college student without my own place, without a fenced in yard, traveling back and forth between two houses for school and work.

I emailed them several times and talked on the phone a couple times before I met Kenzi. By the time I met her they were quite excited at the prospect of me taking her.

Jamie, be yourself. A good breeder will see through BS in a heartbeat. And don't beat yourself up over not being able to get a dog from a rescue.. I highly doubt they would accept me either.

Find a breeder that you like, and contact them. Don't be annoying or pushy, but let it be known that you are interested in one of their dogs, and while you don't know everything, you are willing to learn.

Cindy Rhodes once told me that she preferred to have her pups go to loving and caring homes than to homes where they will earn titles but live in the kennel. She wanted her pups to be the center of the universe to it's owner. I have to believe that the good breeders think that way.

When Cindy gave me Toni, I had 3 dogs already, had NO CLUE what a Mal was all about, and since I worked for her she knew what I made She not only gave me Toni, but I got Caterina 2 years later, and Drift a year after that.

To answer your question, YES, Jamie, if I was a breeder, I would give you a pup.

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Cindy Rhodes once told me that she preferred to have her pups go to loving and caring homes than to homes where they will earn titles but live in the kennel.

Amen

If the pup is happy, and the owner is happy all is good.

Personally, Jamie, I think you'd fit a breeder that has 'working dog's' criteria just fine!!!!

Be honest in what you want- drive level, hardness.... and I loved Ana's suggestion of making sure your TD supports your choice in a puppy. I just had a discussion today with a friend, that there is only one good club in the area that could provide a nice, supportive fit for a DDR puppy. (And in this area, I've got 5 clubs easily within driving distance!) Making sure the person that will be helping you develop a pup into a sport dog knows and understands the breed/lines/tendencies is important, even if they don't particularly like that line, at lease know they'll support you.



One last thing. Yay for Brindles!

No one could be a better owner, you are all about your dog, ACDs are not a dog for an amateur, look how great Ryuk has turned out.