Eitan,

I would vote for an older dog so you don't have to deal with all the puppy stuff, especially given that you do have work days that are pretty long, as far as leaving a young puppy alone at home. Also, I imagine it could be very challenging for you to deal with a baby pup, who is on the floor, while you are in your chair...being able to scoop it up and get it outside when an accident is happening, that kind of thing.

Exercise-wise, I don't think two relatively shortish walks would meet the needs of an active breed like a GSD. However, fetch and related kinds of games would provide enough exercise, in conjunction with the walks.

The right GSD is probably out there for you...if you are patient enough about finding him/her. I'd definitely get that trainer's help in finding and selecting your dog! He sounds like a real find.

leih

Leih,
I think you hit the spot exactly. I'm going to call the trainer tomorrow and I think we'll start looking for grown German shepherds that we can train immediately.

I'll definitely have a lot of fun playing fetch. I don't know whether or not I should play tug because I've read that this increases prey drive, and that's not something I think I'm really keen on. What are your thoughts?

Out of curiosity, when I get a grown dog into my house, if it hasn't been accustomed to crates, should I use one? If so, how do I go about training this behavior in an old dog that had not grown up using one?

Eitan Waks

I agree that an older dog would be best for this instance. Puppyhood is a trying time even without a disability. Once you get some experience with training, then you can tackle a puppy

I also agree that this is probably not enough exercise for a GSD, but since you will only be in this situation for a few more months, you could probably make do. Mental exercise is great for wearing the dogs out as well, when you can't always get outside and be physical with them. Playing a "find it" game or working on marker training will work well for mental stimulation.

As for working line or not working line... the debate rages on. I say, find the right dog for you. When you find the right dog, then you will know. The GSD I have is a 2 year old working line Leerburg dog, and she has the temperament and personality that you are looking for..she is also super smart and willing to do anything. I am currently training her to be a Therapy Assistant Dog.

--Kelly

Kelly,
alright, now I really want your dog!

it's too bad I don't live in Chicago anymore, that way I would've driven up to Wisconsin to visit the Leerburg facility in person and would've discussed taking a dog from the kennels up there.

I guess all I need is a lot of patience to find the right dog for me.

Eitan Waks

I also agree that an older dog vs a pup would be a wiser decision... I was shocked at how much energy and enthusiasm our now 16 month old GSD had! If you stay with a GSD, I would advise a working line BUT only if the breeder is working with you on the right kind of dog and understands what you are looking for. I also agree that labs or mixed breeds could make the perfect pet as well, so just keep the mind open to the right dog at the right time.

Look into the Marker training info on this site. This will be a great way for you to not only train your new dog but also exercise him/her mentally - which is just as important as physical exercise. It will be the PERFECT way to train picking up your phone, fetching keys, etc... and is easy, fun and will no stress on either of you.

Best of luck in your search for the right dog. I think you are going to enrich this dog's life, and in return, will receive the same but ten times over.

Barbara,
I am keeping an open mind. First and foremost I want a companion that I can live with happily. If it happens to be a German Shepherd, all the better. Labradors and mixed breeds are also wonderful.

As for marker training, I have looked into it and it seems is not only the best way for me to train, but also something that I can physically do easily.

Has anyone bought marker training DVDs on this site? If so, would you recommend them? Which ones specifically?

Eitan Waks

I have the Power of Training with Markers and really like it... especially the part where Ed Frawley is "the dog" in an exercise and has to figure out what the trainer wants!! Not only is it entertaining, but is really shows what we are asking of our dogs!

I've watched it several times and continue to learn from it each time.

 Quote: eitan waks

I'll definitely have a lot of fun playing fetch. I don't know whether or not I should play tug because I've read that this increases prey drive, and that's not something I think I'm really keen on. What are your thoughts?

Out of curiosity, when I get a grown dog into my house, if it hasn't been accustomed to crates, should I use one? If so, how do I go about training this behavior in an old dog that had not grown up using one?

I love tug. Prey drive is what will make your dog want to fetch. If you're worried that increasing prey drive will make your dog want to chase animals or something, well, that's what a "leave it" command is for.

The thing about tug is that you start and end the game, and you define the rules. Also, it's a good idea to remember that you will want to reward your dog with activities and things that your dog finds rewarding.

As far as the crate, YES!, you want to use one. Do a search using the word crate (upper left hand corner of screen for archives), and you'll find tons of info on this. Also, check out Ed's dog training eBooks (see menu on left). There is a ton of free info here...

It's great you're thinking all these things thru ahead of time.

leih

hey Eitan,

when i was looking for my GSD i tried to look for the calmest B-type of the different litters i saw. compared to the rest of the litter, they re usually playful but more relaxed. Karly s been a bit sick ever since i got him, i m not sure if that s what affected his mood or if he s simply calm. and even when he s extremely excited, he might jump around and bark a bit, but if u give him 5mins, he s lying down again resting or nibbling on his ball.


I ve read there are different ways to test for temperament when getting a pup:
- calling the dog and seeing if he comes, how fast, if he jumps aggressively on you
- how much he nibbles on you
- throwing keys on the floor to make a noise and seeing if he gets startled
- pinning him down and seeing if he resists or gently accepts
- how he treats fellow mates in the litter
..etc

as for an extra tip apart from having him checked, just visit the kennel more than once, for like a couple of weeks, check on the pups and how they interact with one another... (try to check their stools to see if they re firm!! i m having a very bad experience dealing with a sick pup that i fell in love with now and it s eating away at me..)

good luck with your search

Since it seems low-key, lower energy level seems to be your first priority out of necessity, I would personally recommend you get an adult dog since you will already see it's true temperament and energy level. With a pup, that can change over time.

I have a lab mix and though he's energetic at times, he's definitely not high energy and after following the posts here, I think he's probably easier to train... not so distracted or easily enticed away from the project at hand.