I'm not sure if this is the correct section to post my question. Let me know if I'm wrong.

My wife and I have been offered a dog from someone in our church. The woman's cousin recently died and no one in the family can take his dog. She offered the dog to us because she knows someone is home all the time and we care for our dogs.

She says it's a Belgian GSD. 3 year old male. Her cousin paid approximately $2k for it and it's 'trained to guard'. She's not familiar with the training beyond that. She's been around the dog a lot and says it's very good with adults, children and other dogs. She's a reliable, good friend of my wifes and we don't suspect she's dumping a problem dog on us to get rid of it.

Our background: we recently put our Bullmastiff down at 5 years old due to bone cancer. 2 months ago we were given a 15 month old female GSD, nominally obedience trained. 'Greta' has worked out well. Good disposition, well socialized with other dogs and children. (She came from a family with 3 children and 3 dogs). I obedience trained the Bullmastiff using Leerburg videos. I don't have any Schutzhund experience, only interest in it. We've been looking for another dog and this opportunity seems to be unique.

My question is; how do I reasonably assess this dogs' training? What recommendations do others have?

Thanks, Shaun

First of all, there is no such thing as a Belgian GSD.....maybe a mix, maybe a GSD that came from Belgium, but not a specific breed. If you want to asses the dog's training I would think you ought to try finding someone with the qualifications that could look the dog over. Perhaps a local K9 officer, a professional trainer, someone heavily involved in Schutzhund, etc.

You could probably post your location, and someone on this board could point you in the right direction. Good Luck

Thanks Drew,

Northeast Pa. (Allentown to Wilkes Barre area).

Just a little clarification ...... When I say a GSD from Belgium, I mean one that originated in Belgium.....one with bloodlines originating out of Belgium....just like Malinois' that come out of Holland.....Dutch bloodlines, etc. So to say there is a breed called a Belgian GSD....then no, there is no such breed.....but a GSD from Belgium, with Belgian bloodlines.....yes.....my thanks to the clown... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the clarification.

I called Hunde Arbeits Verein in Walnutport, Pa. (found through http://www.germansheparddog.com )and he'll assess the quality of protection training the dog's received if we're otherwise interested in him. This is very close to our home.

Hopefully the surviving family has some paperwork on the dog.

Thanks very much for the advise, I'm more confident we're moving in the right direction.

Shaun