Hello, I am thinking of getting a puppy, yet durring the year I am a student for a couple hours everyday, and I also work. What would you reccomend for handling this delema, I am without a dog right now and it is killing me. Would you reccomend having me take the dog to work, or leave them at home loose or kenneld? I am wanting to raise a working dog.

Devon,

I am not the expert here but I can give you what little I know. I think a few questions should be directed back at you. How committed are you at spending time with and working the dog? What type of training do you wish to put on the dog? Do you have a club or experienced trainer in your area?

These are all important questions that will aid you in making your decision. I am not sure how knowledgeable you are on working dogs and pups, but it takes a lot of time and patience to work and handle a pup. Raising a working dog is completely different than raising a pet. This is one that I have personnaly experienced, if you have limited knowledge in training, you can only do so much with a dog on your own. If you are new to working dogs, you really need help from others, with working dog experience, to help you and your young dog out.

I would suggest learning as much as you can about working dogs and puppies before getting one. You are definately in the right place for that. I would aslo suggest looking in your local area to see if someone trains any working dogs and try to hang out with them and learn. Do your homework before buying a pup. I made the mistake of just going out and buying a pup without doing my homework. It's tough. I believe I had a good dog, but I did not have the resources to help me (knowing nothing about working dogs) out in training or raising a working dog. The pup turned into an expensive pet.

I hope this help. Like I said, I am not the expert, but this is what I have learned. Do your homework, try to get involved with someone that owns and trains working dogs and learn, learn, learn.

I am in the process of looking for somone to train with, I am a volunteer with the local sheriffs department, so I am hoping to get some help from one of the k-9 handlers. I am looking to train for schutzhund/ possible police k-9. I am very comitted to spending time, I have raised about 5 or 6 pups, and none have been serious working dogs. I have ED's dvd raising a working puppy, and will buy other before I buy my new pup. I am going to buy a leerburg shepherd, so I know I will be starting with the best. If anyone knows of any trainers in the Silverdale, kitsap county, WA area please let me know!

Well, it sounds like you have been doing your homework. Great. It will pay off for you. Put your order in or one of Ed's pups and good luck in your training!!

Thank you, I am going to try and do the most I can!! Can't wait to get a pup!

I know your anticipation. I will be getting one when I move to Germany, after I do my homework. I will need to find a club and breeder. Actually, my homework has started. I am in contact with a few Germans that are either trainers or breeders in the local area where I will be moving to. I have been looking around on the internet and e-mailing different kennels over there, so hopefully my homework will pay off as well. I have a few breeders in mind, but I will have to wait until I get there before I make any decisions.

Lucky u moving to the motherland!