I am moving in a couple of weeks and wil finally be on my own land (10 acres) and will be looking to get a female pup or titled female at that time. I am new to workinglines and have been told all czech lines wouldbe "to much dog" for me.What specifically does that mean to you guys? Ialso was told a czech/ddr cross would be a better way for someone like myself to go.I will join usa when I get to my new state.Also pu vs adult? Am I better off learning schtutzhund with a dog that alreadyknows what she is doing(unlike her new mama?) LOL The problem is I canmost likely not afford one.I have been getting prices of $5000 up for a zvvi titled female Aslo any bloodlines that would be better for me vs others? I am still researching but may put a deposit on an unborn litter in the northwest soon.Please private email nmme about this streamlinebiz@yahoo.com

I forgot to add that I am looking mostly for a personal protection dog an dnot a sport dog.I will be living in the country by myself(and my kids from time to time,refuse to own a gun,and want a dog more for protection than say a top schutzhund prospect.

Where in the Pacific NorthWest do you live?

Since I think a 'real' working dog is EXTREMELY intelligent and high energy, and needs alot of time/attention/work to 'be all that it can be' I wouldn't really recommend one to you at all for what it sounds like you need. A trained adult that you spent $5000 still needs to be worked to keep up with the training and skills you paid for. And a puppy needs TONS of time and training to get to be a 'guard/watch' type dog that isn't out of control.

I have found just plain owning a GSD is a deterent to people who don't know me and want to come into my yard or house. And I have absolutely no protection training on my dogs and will never do any. I do train them for obedience and agility. And to be a part of my life so they can go anywhere with me (vacation!) and also let family and relatives come to my home with no problems.

NOT saying you can't do the training necessary, I just know that to work some obedience and then focus on agility is as much as I can fit into my life. To work a dog to be great at obedience, tracking AND protection work is a level of time/training skills I can only dream about with my 'normal' and busy life.

And a good breeder of 'working' dogs will have some of the puppies in the litter more of a 'pet' quality that may fit your needs. So the looks, health, good temperment you probably want, without the 'drive you up the walls' NATURAL DRIVE you may get with other pups in the litter that would benefit from a VERY experienced owner.

Good luck!

Well said, Jenn K. Sometimes people's eyes are bigger than their stomach, so to speak! I speak from experience, I wanted a hard dog with high drives for competitive obedience. Be careful what you wish for, you might get it! If he isn't worked on a daily basis (this comprises of two half hour obedience sessions plus (2)one hour walks) the dog makes normal living impossible. Don't get me wrong, I love this dog, but if you don't devote the time, $$$ or energy to the "working" GSD, he can be hard to live with (to say the least!) Nothing wrong in dreaming big, just be prepared for the responsibility!

Couldn't agree more with the last two posts. Be verry careful what you wish for. Our pup was bred as a working animal and as first time owners of a GS we have been surprised at the time involved. Literally, 24-7! You have to find an outlet for all that drive and as the dog matures (even when neutered) you'd be surprised how fast that drive can increase in a poor direction if not properly channeled.

We also live in a rural area in the Pacific NW. Just having a GS deters most folks who have 'naughty' on the mind. GS dogs have a rep. (no always deserved), and that is what you can count on even if you have a pet quality pup. Both our neighbors have GS dogs as well. We've never had any problems and NO ONE gets out of their cars around here.

Unless you have tons of time to spend training a pup, don't get a pup from a high drive line. Believe me, it doesn't pay. We love our pup, now 18 mos old, but he has taken a lot of work and will continue to take a lot of work. As the pup ages, protective instincts will kick in and then you'll really see the problem with high drive (prey and otherwise). Find a kennel you can visit, trust and interview other owners! Having a calm dog you can control is a far safer deterent than having a high drive dog that isn't properly trained and can't be trusted around strangers.

Good luck in your quest!

You guys/gals are all sissys <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> ! After 30 yrs with terriers, the last 15 with working bred, CRAZY, HIGH DRIVE, hunt terriers, my working line GSD has been like training someone that already has a PHD. I can't imagine having ANYTHING else now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> LOL, LOL, LOL! My 6'2" 250lb husband begs to differ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

Originally posted by laurie merlo:
My 6'2" 250lb husband begs to differ!

Hmmmm looking at the mirror....6'2" 210lbs
Hmmmm looking around the house....1 Czech dog, 3 DDR dogs

what's the problem? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

LOL! Better not reply, otherwise I might find myself in over my head (again!) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />