Hello,

I am new here, and am about to be a new owner of a cute female gsd puppy. This is my first experience with owning a dog (other than childhood) and I have a few questions. Because I am inexperienced and happen to be getting a breed that is a bit more invovled than your average dog, I have been reading like mad and I have come across a few things that I don't know if I believe. First is from "German Shepherds for dummies" the author of this book says that I shouldn't give my dog "free affection," like just petting it for the heck of it, and that it must work for affection. So I'm not supposed to pet my dog until it performs a command? I don't know if I like this idea, I kinda like the option to pet my dog if we are just watching tv together or whatever, is this true? Am I going to screw up my dog otherwise?

#2, I have heard that tug-of-war is not a good idea, that it promotes dominance, is this true?

#3, I would like some measure of protection from this dog, but I am hoping to rely on it's natural instincts to protect rather than taught attack commands, is this just wishful thinking?

I am really looking forward to this puppy in my life, but I am a little bit nervous, I feel like any deviation from what I have been reading, and my dog is screwed..... am I overreacting a little?

Thanks, sorry it's so long!

Allison

Allison, I can answer all your questions with two words. "It depends"! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Is the dog from show lines, backyard breeding, or working lines. Is the dog going to be a pet, sport dog, etc? The reason behind the no petting is some think it devalues the petting if the dog doesn't have to earn it. For the average dog, I don't see this as a problem. Tug-o-war can create problems if it isn't done on your terms. The dog shouldn't win. As a first time dog owner, I'd stay away from it for now. Protection can be genetic, or trained, or both. Genetics without training may give you a dog that will put on a good show for you, but don't expect a serious protection dog without serious training. Being your first dog you need to find a good trainer in your area. There are many good books to help you with training at home, but for a first timer, chances are you will benifit from a training class.

Thanks, I guess I should have been more specific about the origins of my puppy: she is from american bloodlines, and I am getting her from a guy that has been an akc judge for 30 years and has raised gsd's that long as well, so no backyard breeders, and probably has been bred for show quality. I want her to be a family pet, but I also would like some protection. I get nervous though about having a dog that is taught attack commands, because we have a 2 year old son, and I just have these nightmares that he will want to "show off" to his friends one day and accidentally hurt someone. This probably isn't realistic, though, right?

So can I teach a show dog to protect?

thanks again!

The dog would have to be evaluated by a qualified person. A show breeder would not, as a rule, be qualified to do that. He'll no doubt tell you the dog can do anything. Take that with a grain of salt. Most show line dogs have lost what it takes to function as a true GSD. They've been bred for looks so long, that any natural instincts are watered down. Again, the breeder will probably tell you different. If the purchase of this puppy isn't a "done deal" you may want to reconsider and study this forum to find out what a good GSD is made of. Or, you may get lucky. As far as teaching attack comands, any dog can be taught to bark on command. A barking GSD is usually enough to change the mind of all but the serious crazies out there.

Hi Alison,

I have two shepherds from show backgrounds - I dont have any experience with American show dogs - mine are from english and german backgrounds, but the point is they were bred to be shown and not worked - I definatly dont show them however they both participate in shcutzhund and are doing the business (before anybody jumps in theyre not as good nor will ever be as good as your typical working line dog) but the point is theyre in there doing it which means even though theyre from show backgrounds they have the ability work - theyre drives are throught the roof.
Whether or not they would protect in real life with or without training i wouldnt know - i like to think that my boys would jump in and get theyre paws dirty, they certainly show signs that they would, however i would never bet my life on it. But then whos ever going to mess with 2 big ole german shepherds that are showing off how clean and sharp their teeth are, even good looking show dogs look ugly when they snarl and bare theyre teeth <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
When it comes to trianing personel protection in real life situations - apparently, according to the board - i have no experience in this, you will need a very hard very serious working line dog.

Since I think your 2 year old son and your pup getting along well should be your first priority, I'd really work on the socialization of your puppy and read up on pups and kids. Have you located a good place in your area to go to with your pup for dog training? Got the dog crate purchased and sitting by your bed ready to go?

Here are a few sites that should help:

http://www.doberman.org/articles/puppy.htm

http://www.uwsp.edu/psych/dog/lib-Puppy.htm#soc

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/newpup.html

http://www.cyberpet.com/dogs/articles/lexi/kidpup.htm

Leerburg's Puppy video will answer many of your questions. Ed created it to help answer most of the questions his puppy buyer's posed. It has a ton of great information.

http://www.leerburg.com/120.htm

First, you need build a background of strong & happy obedience. That can be started from day one with motivational methods -- praise & food. Get a Schutzhund B (preferred) or AKC CGC certificate on the dog. That provides a training goal. Working with one of the local clubs to get the certificate also helps get the dog socialized.

I would forget about any 'attack' training. A good, fierce bark & hold is all the deterent you'll ever need. In fact, I would teach the dog that it never has permission to bite a human. The burglar rarely get's chomped -- they see the large barking dog and go elsewhere. It's usually the neighbor kid, the UPS guy, family friend, or someone else that doesn't deserve a bite.

Do a search on Will Rambeau's posts -- he has a number of good comments on what it really takes for owning and training a personal protection dog. The training demands are high -- very high. Essentially, if you have a real need for a PPD, you are probably better off packing a 9mm.

I'd like Bob mentioned go to a dog trainer not associated with the breeder, and have the puppy evaluated. Some show GSD have the ability to work, they may not work at the level of a Working bred but they may be easier to live with.

There is such a thing as having too much of a dog for you and your family. You don't want that.

Like it was mentioned make sure that puppy and your son are best friends. There is levels of protection and most people only need the threat, you can help build confident in the dog as it grows up.

There is one thing for certain a GSD needs a job to do, weather its home/family pet & protector or boy scout every ready to check things out.

Good luck with your puppy and training.

Thank you all so much! I have ordered the puppy video, and I am just waiting for it to come.... Crate is assembled and ready to go. I think that I'm just going to teach her a good scary barking command (with help of course), my first priority is to have a good family pet, and I don't want to mess around with anything more. The last thing I would want is for my dog to bite an innocent person and then get sued or worse, have my dog taken away.

Thank you for such great advice! So unless I hear otherwise from you all, I am going to feel free to pet my puppy whenever I want <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Reguardless of what your dog will be used for, pet, SAR, obedience, or a full blown attack dog , the beginning of ALL good training is lots of socialization. People, places, things, etc. Get the pup adjusted to all of it.