Betty IMO 95% of working breeds today are bred for the pet market. Pet does not necessarily mean sub-standard just dogs that no longer can perform there function on an ongoing basis under harsh conditions. They can if vetted properly be healthy and mentally sound thus making them perfect for a pet home. Unfortunately today most of these *pet dogs* are not tested for health or for temperament. Those *pet* dogs make lousy companions and I would take one if it was free.

Mike wrote:

The amount of GSD's out there that are the way you describe are in the vast minority.

Mike, unfortunately you are correct.

 Quote: Norman Epstein

... Working line GSD in most cases do not make good house dogs

I echo Mike's WHAT???!!!


Almost all the working line (and working ) GSDs I know live in the owner's house.

 Quote: Norman Epstein

Betty IMO 95% of working breeds today are bred for the pet market. Pet does not necessarily mean sub-standard just dogs that no longer can perform there function on an ongoing basis under harsh conditions. They can if vetted properly be healthy and mentally sound thus making them perfect for a pet home. Unfortunately today most of these *pet dogs* are not tested for health or for temperament. Those *pet* dogs make lousy companions and I would take one if it was free.

Perhaps, but the very reasons you gave is why I would not recommend that anyone look to a breeder that specializes in pets.

Most working line litters have a couple of puppies that are better suited for pets. I think in the long run people looking for a pet will be much happier looking at breeders that breed for a purpose that takes stability and temperament in consideration.

Norman,

The OP stated he wants a Schutzhund dog. If he gets a "pet breed" dog, as you suggest - let's say a shih tzu - how will he be able to do Schutzhund?

He wants to get a working line GSD and work the dog. His question is, is it a good idea to get his sport dog right before having a baby?


To the OP:
I think it depends on whether you think *you* will have time to train the dog after the baby is born. I don't know what your wife's attitude is about getting a new dog, but I don't think I would be too happy if my husband went and got a puppy and expected me to try and keep the dog entertained while raising the baby.

I have a 7 month old dog and he's a handful. I certainly wouldn't want to try and raise a sport/working dog and a baby unless there was a good way the work could be divided - so it depends on if YOU would be willing to take the responsibility to
- go to work everyday
- walk and spend time with your existing dog, every day
- walk and spend time training with your new pup, every day
- spend time with your wife and new baby, every day

In other words, is your wife on board with this, does she want to help raise the dog? If not, you will have to decide if you can give the pup appropriate time. Otherwise, the poor thing might be looking for a new home by the time it's a year old.

That's just my two cents - disclaimer: I don't have kids. But I did find it frustrating trying to raise a pup, care for my other dogs and work full time - there's just not enough hours in a day!

 Quote: Norman Epstein

Betty IMO 95% of working breeds today are bred for the pet market. Pet does not necessarily mean sub-standard just dogs that no longer can perform there function on an ongoing basis under harsh conditions. They can if vetted properly be healthy and mentally sound thus making them perfect for a pet home. Unfortunately today most of these *pet dogs* are not tested for health or for temperament. Those *pet* dogs make lousy companions and I would take one if it was free.

The O.P. said that he wants a SchH prospect.

I'm lost.

 Quote:

I still want to get the puppy but my wife is unsure if would should considering a baby is on the way. She thinks it might be over whelming having a 8 month old puppy and a new born at the same time.

If your wife is hesitant at all I would say no. How much are you going to be involved with the day to day routine of the pup?

If you do get a pup, make sure you discuss this with the breeder for several reasons. One is the type of dog they place with you and the second reason is that you need to make sure the breeder will take back the dog if things do not work out.

 Quote: steve strom

This is just my own preference George and nothing more. I would rather introduce a baby to a dog I have raised and trained for 8 months then the other way around. I would end up waiting until the baby is around three or so before I got a puppy if I was going to wait.

I agree with this.
When my dog was 8 mo. old, she was doing very well with her training, and was at a place where I was actually starting to allow her supervised interactions with 2 kids I lived with. As long as your wife is on board with this, and is prepared to continue to provide the attention to the dog that is needed, (Many people have been able to do this quite well) then I see no reason not. All that is important is that, at the end of the day, everyone's needs have been met, both 2 and 4 legged.

George, will this baby be your first child? I'm thinking he/she must be because otherwise you'd know the answer to your question. If I'm right, this is your first child, read what I have to say carefully. It is very good advice.

Babies don't come with a manual. When that little boy or girl comes home from the hospital it will be up to you and your wife to figure out how to do everything. Raising a baby is a whole new lifestyle, a big change in your life, and an experience you can't possibly begin to understand until you have been through it. If you are lucky you'll have a mother or mother-in-law or other relative whom you like having around who can come and spend a few days (or weeks), helping you and your wife. If you are unlucky, you will be completely on your own.

You and your wife will have sleepless nights. Fluids and solids will come from every opening in your new baby's body, but food only goes back in one, and you'll be hard pressed some nights to remember which one. You'll never have enough hands to do everything you need to do. You and your wife will be taking every opportunity to get a nap in the first couple of months. If you're lucky, you will be able to sleep in shifts. Just because she is taking a year off doesn't mean she won't be in desperate need of your help.

My advice to you is to put off getting the pup until after the baby is born. Then you and your wife can decide, going forward, when it will be a good time to do so.

Boy Rich, maybe I'm odd but I enjoyed everybit of it. Dogs included.