Great replies here and feel much better about getting a young adult gsd. My wife is very sad that we may not be getting a puppy, but her and I definitely want a gsd no matter what. I had to make her understand that that our work schedule just might not be suitable for the puppy.

I had already made an appointment with a club member to see a few male 10 week old puppies. We are still going to go anyways. I guess our search for a young male will begin today.

Keep the replies coming for the people that have had different experiences with puppies, young adults, whatever... Thank you.

 Quote: Frank Crivello

I had already made an appointment with a club member to see a few male 10 week old puppies. We are still going to go anyways.

Oh man, Frank...be very careful! It's very difficult to resist a puppy when they are right in front of you...especially if the breeder starts to nudge you along...

leih

 Quote: leih merigian

 Quote: Frank Crivello

I had already made an appointment with a club member to see a few male 10 week old puppies. We are still going to go anyways.

Oh man, Frank...be very careful! It's very difficult to resist a puppy when they are right in front of you...especially if the breeder starts to nudge you along...

leih

Thank you, Leih! I didn't know how to phrase it.

The very last thing a baby dog needs is to go to a house that's empty for ten hours a day. Absolutely nothing against the O.P. (who deserves major kudos for doing his research ); I wish more folks stopped to think before taking on a puppy who will not be able to be potty-trained, socialized, or bonded with.

I say good for Frank, and do NOT take a check book along. (Not to make light, either; it's really serious about not succumbing to puppy breath when it's the wrong time in life to do it.)

Frank, you are so wise to think ahead and ask for input prior to bringing a new baby into your home. And that is exactly what you are getting ready to do... bring a new BABY into your home.

If this were a human infant instead of a pup, would you ever, in your wildest imagination think that somehow, with the best of intentions, you could make it work if you brought home a human infant and left it alone for 10 hours a day? And from the pup's persepective... would YOU want to be young, helpless and alone for ten hours a day?

I know to some it might be an extreme comparison, but in reality it is not THAT much different. Both mammals need an enormous amount of nurturing, attention and assistance to develope into a well adjusted individual. This potential pup is going to requre a heck of a lot more attention than you can imagine if you want a healthy, happy family member, and I think you are the type of individual who knows this in your head. Don't let your heart over-rule all logic. Don't take your check book and don't take cash. I'll go as far as to say don't go... really.

I am still going to go see the puppies with my wife, but I am not taking any money with me. It doesn't really matter anyways, because the breeder won't sell me a puppy since she already knows our situation. Actually, I couldn't find a breeder around here that would sell us a puppy in our situation. Yeah, I could lie, but I would never raise a puppy by itself like that. I would feel very guilty knowing the puppy wouldn't be raised right.

I'm currently searching for a young male gsd.

 Quote: Frank Crivello

Actually, I couldn't find a breeder around here that would sell us a puppy in our situation.

Sounds like you've got some nice, ethical breeders in your area!

Good luck with your search for a young male. There are so many wonderful dogs out there available and just waiting for great homes that you shouldn't have much trouble finding the right one...and it sounds like you'll take your time and make sure you do find the right one who will fit with you and your wife.

Let us know how it goes...

leih

You really are to be commended for giving this so much thought and asking for advice, and giving that advice serious consideration. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for just the right older dog at just the right time.

Maybe I'm a little wierd but when I got Erika at eight weeks I took almost three weeks off and worked on crate training and house training IAW Eds "Your Puppy 8 weeks to 8 months" Not one accident and everything went like clock work

I don't think you are weird Dennis, well, at least not in this example! We planned Falcon's purcase around my work schedule when I would be slow for a few months and could be home far more than gone (self employed landscape designer). From Dec - Feb I'm pretty much a house frau and we brought him home Dec. 5th. It also worked out great; never a potty issue in the house and tons of time to get to know each other, bond and start the fun.

One thing I would like to ask is, what if I left a 10 week puppy in my yard with an open door on the crate? I have a secured yard where the puppy will not get in trouble nor chew anything up. Nothing but 600 sqft of concrete and chain link fence with 2 gates. Then when I get home, I bring the crate back inside and the puppy can stay inside overnight.