I have heard from many trainers and owners of Czech dogs that you should only handle one if you are an experienced handler and can handle a dog with extremely high drive. Is this true? I am not familiar with Czech dogs but have heard alot of good things about their working ability. Thanks.

I, personally, wouldn't advise a new trainer/handler to get a Czech dog as a first. In the one's I've observed, they're a bit harder, handler hard, don't focus so much on equipment (so they will bite someone), and are kinda like me (hardheaded, I do what I want kind of person). We have 2 WGR bitches and a Czech male (just a pup), but the differences between how they react (as pups) to similar stimuli is completely night & day, also the ease of motivation is different. I, personally, think they could become dangerous in novice hands, that's why I recommend a different breeding to newbies. I might be right, I might be wrong, but that's what I've seen from those I've observed and worked with.

In all breedings, doesn't matter the lines you are going to find dogs of all abilities. As a general rule I wouldn't recommend Czech dogs to novices though. However, we had a litter recently 3 of the 5 would have been fine for a novice. The litter before none of the 8 would have worked. So not only do you have to watch the lines you have to be able to pick out the right pup for yourself. Ideally a breeder with some knowledge can do that for you. The Czech lines IMO are tougher, more handler hard(not saying that other lines aren't), higher fight drive...

Also, one of the keys is a willingness to learn, to admit when you need help. Which is hard for some of us to do...lol

I've heard this from several people. I think it's very accurate about people not admitting they need help, when they know they do.

But for the people that want a GSD but face what many people talk about already, will they be hard enough, aggressive enough, etc., such the Rott, Malinois, and some of the wild Dobies out there is this what they want?

What type of breed do these seem to behave like with temperament, if that can be answered?

The sad part I think is that there's many inexperienced handlers that want a GSD but will go with a Belgian etc., because they want that type of dog or something more aggressive. Is it a bad decision? From some of the people on the board yes, and they have more reasons to make that prediction because there are many professionals here. (Not Me)

BUT I think one thing it would achieve is putting out the notion in people's minds that the GSD isn't ever as hardcore as some of the other breeds.

Some breeds have weaknesses in obediance that GSDs don't have, such as the Rott. Not all, there's just many that're head strong and won't do well with a amatuer. (Just an opinion)

I wonder what the image of the GSD would be if something like this was put out there more?

This is just a question from an analystic point of view for info only. I'm not saying this is fact, just wondering.

I am assuming you are talking about Czech working lines? My dogs parents are Czech showlines and he is none of those. He is not hard etc.....

My group has several Czech working line dogs, & I would characterize these dogs more as handler sensitive, as opposed to handler hard. I think the key to our groups' training is we start with pups or young dogs & have a pretty experienced TD. That being said, I know that a lot of imported dogs are handler hard.

To answer the question, if you are able to train with an experienced group, then developing/training a Czech pup could be a very pleasent experience.

Gretta Welsh

My dog Cerro is now 16 months old and he has been with me for 8 months now. He is purely Solvakia and Czech lines...his registration is Slovakia.
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/497999.html

I am not a novice...but close. I am returning to schutzhund from a long time ago. I had two previous GSD's DDR working lines...one was a SchIII DDR import. When I received Cerro I was absolutely in shock. Cerro is significantly more powerful with massive drives...nearly out of control. Just playing with him...I have to be very careful that he does not injure himself...he is wide open...full blast. He destroyed my backyard the first week...including patio furniture, waterfall, and my wife's plants (waiting for my dog run to be delivered...big mistake).

He has been a wonderful pleasure everyday. Cerro is a hard biting dog...he will jerk your arm out of the socket. Tracking is very good with a deep nose. Obedience...he is a fast learner and eager to please. I have seen some sharpness :-)

Overall...my next dog will be Czech/Slovakian...I highly recommend to anyone who is well informed and dedicated.

4 and 1/2 years since the last comment on this thread - this might be a record!

Byran, I award you the following title!
http://redwing.hutman.net/~mreed/warriorshtm/necromancer.htm



And congrats to joining us Czech owners!!

 Quote: Will Rambeau

4 and 1/2 years since the last comment on this thread - this might be a record!

Byran, I award you the following title!
http://redwing.hutman.net/~mreed/warriorshtm/necromancer.htm

The necro is from one of my favorite comedy sites:
http://redwing.hutman.net/~mreed/

If you'll look at some of the categories from the roster, you'll recognize types of posters from any forum that you'd care to name - they're universal.

Alrighty, back to dog training!