Natalya, that's one handsome boy!

Another RR owner here! Well, owner-to-be...my ridgeback baby is coming home in 2 weeks.

Thanks Judy, he is quite a representative for the breed, he just doesn't have that silly ridge! And yes, I will definitely consider keeping him at least teathered even when we're out in the woods. More importantly, I'm going to seek a behaviorist or serious trainer that can suggest how to begin 'correcting' his issues with kids. Hopefully we'll be able to balance him out a bit.

Heather - are you getting a new baby girl or boy? You're going to love your RR! I'm certainly hooked on the breed. For an active lifestyle and firm but kind owner, there's no better dog. Do be ready for an independant HOUND though - they love to sniff, will chase anything that moves - and they have a fixation for food (anything even remotely edible) that is unmatched. I wouldn't trade mine for the world. Best of luck, and have fun with your puppy!

I am thinking of neutering the new rescue 11 mo old male gsd I just got....Is 11 months too early for that?? not to hijack thread ...but is about neutering...I want to train for PPD Any advice

denise--the best you can do for yourself, your dog and the species in general is to get your boy neutered!!
for the following reasons:
1)as a longhair who i'm assuming is unregistered/able as a rescue, he CANNOT contribute anything to the breed. if nothing else, the longcoat is enough to be considered "not breedworthy" in any GSD registry that i know of.
2)as what seems like your first "own" GSD (from previous posts), the last thing you need to deal with is a male going thru adolescence and trying to boss you around cause he's "entire" (and he WILL)
3)there are a whole host of health reasons to nueter a male/female which are perfectly valid, ESPECIALLY when the dog in question is simply a pet!! i've ALWAYS had altered dogs/cats--go volunteer for a week or 2 at the local humane society and you will too. i'm not a breeder, neither are you.
4)research what "PPD" really means and involves as an owner (search this site alone--it has plenty of info) handler/trainer, then re-think what it is you are REALLY looking for from you dog.
5)last, but certainly not least, find a good club/trainer near you to help! feel free to ask here!

you have a simply BEAUTIFUL dog! Nuetering him will do NO HARM!! and will probably only do both him and you good in the long run.

good luck!! sorry it's not a "quick reply"...

If there are no obvious issues that *may* be curbed by neutering, such as problem marking, dominance, aggression, etc., then I would say wait until about 2 years or so to allow his hormones to do their stuff. Then neuter.

I agree with Ann...REALLY research the PPD idea.

Good luck!

I agree Ann, All I have to do is look at rescue groups and clubs, and that is reason enough to NOT breed. He is AKC, but not for showing in USA...nor is he breed worthy, there is no doubt he needs cut, its just a matter of when...He is not marking as of yet, but I see him tracking smells and way to interested in females now...I was thinking sooner rather than later...He is already challenging me, as of 3 weeks of having him. He is back on strict kennel confinement, and doing the Leerburg thing as a new dog on the property.
I feel uncomfortable waiting til 2...Can someone explain why I should wait that long.....Can I get more than one opinion please on what age is best. coz like I said, he has started to challenge this last week...I was just about to call for a early April appt...I believe whole heartedly in spaying and nuertering, after being in the show ring with a yorkie I have seen a lot of bad breeding.Please advise at what age best to cut and thanks

Denise,

Here's the link to Ed Frawley's opinion on neutering:

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

Thanks Amber.....How could you not follow the advice of such a professional

I have had a couple people tell me, to keep as pet, and not train as PPD...Wonder why??? Wont say who, doesnt matter...just getting an opinion...
Come on ladies and gents, and give me an answer to this one..

Denise, I am by no means an expert (as I was the worried one who started
this post, having doubts about my decision) but we waited as long as we did for physical growth reasons. There is some research to support the beneficial influence of testosterone on a young male's growing anatomy - especially for those that will go on to lead very active, athletic lives. Do a search on "Chris Zink + neuter" and you'll find an article on some of these anatomical effects. The cancer argument goes both ways, depending on what you read and what breed you have.

*Most studies on hormone's effects (or lack thereof) on growth compare animals that were neutered "early" (around 6 months) so you may well already be past this point.

Oscar had a number of worrisome issues with his leg bones and joints all through his puppy hood (thankfully all cleared up on their own), and he's the most insane gymnast/athlete I've ever seen, so we wanted to make absolutely sure that his skeleton and joints were completely finished maturing before we cut off the hormones. I'm a trail runner and I really want him to be my long distance partner for as long as he enjoys it.

I'm glad we waited, he's a robust and well developed animal. But that said, we now have some very dominant behaviors to deal with, because while his bones were maturing, so was his big fat boy head, and we have a lot of work to do. There are quite a few threads on this forum regarding waiting for the 'mind' to mature as well before neutering, especially in dogs who are embarking on a lifetime of VERY serious training (as Ed's own article points out). As the owner of pet dog - and a HOUND at that - I don't really need his attitude and high drive all the time, but now I have it. Be prepared, as Ann said, the more he matures intact, the more he WILL challenge you.

With so much information out there today, you can find someone to back up whatever decision you're leaning towards - which really just means that you need to decide what's best for YOU and YOUR dog. You know your animal better than anyone else, and you know your capacity and comfort level as an owner/trainer. I don't know anything about PPD, and I'm certainly not talking you out of it, but if you're feeling uncomfortable with your dog's challenging you now, and he's still an adolescent, I'd really think about what exactly you want out of him and how much time and effort you can invest in creating a balanced companion. Now may very well be the best time (I'm pretty sure you can still train in all of the same protection areas with a neutered dog). I know I put off Oscar's neuter precisely until I started to feel uncomfortable with how he was changing, and how I was able to deal with him, and that's what ultimately made up my mind. Don't be afraid to listen to your instinct AS WELL as the opinions of professionals.

Whatever your decision, good luck with your boy - he may not be breed standard, but he really is BEAUTIFUL.

~Natalya

Thank you Natalya...this is a very good discussion thread and I appreciate you letting me in...I think that you were right on target to me with your reply. He is challenging me, and went right back to basics and guess what..in one day, I can already see the difference. He is much more subdued...Ed is really right on target with HIS training technics...If I were to follow them to the letter, there would be small room for any questions.
As I am new to this breed, but have some animal backround I felt like I wanted the challange of taking one of these bad boys on.
There is nothing more facsinating to watch, than a working dog...and thats what I want...One that obeys the commands I give. I am willing to put forth all of the effort and hope to achieve the desired results.
I think I will take the ultimate test, and wait for him to mature, I got just as much moxie as he does....
Thanks everyone!!!!