Dan, take this advice for what you paid for it.

Wait until your current dog is at least three and has perfect OB among other skills. Then Chico can help you raise a pup.

Your friend,

Rob.

Hey Dan, I have two young shepherds. It can be a pain sometimes even with the help of my wife and daughter. I'm way behind where I was with my Rott at the same age and if I didnt separate them, I think they would both completely ignore me for each other.

Andy my rott is 7. I can handle him paired up with either shepherd. The age and training are key. Listen to what everyone is saying. Your going to turn everything with Chico into work and not enjoy him as much as you do now.

Rob,
my friend. I do not intend to sacrifice the attentions that is needed for Chico, or the new pup. I love my dogs as or more than anything that I currently have.

And I have the best, so I will continue to give the best,just so the potential at a high level is not sacrifice.

They will be separate, and train separate, bonding will be done, I don't have any other work or interest that would take time away from them.

To me this is a move I most make, lucky for me this pup came up. I am looking for a horse stall to keep my pups and myself from time to time, with an office in the middle. build on site. don't stop giving your word on this, I appreciate you, and I am willing to work 24/7. I am an old broken down soldier, that will always do the right thing even at my expense. Chico help me so much, now I am looking for a pack 2 no more, Dan

Betty, rest assure that they roaming around been best friend would not happened, I am in charge, challenges that come up, I will learn, and we will be on the podium.

Thanks Anne, believe you me, I have never have this feeling of worth for such a long time. I will do good by the dogs, They will not be doggies. Dab

Steve, I hope not, and I will not settle for all training and no play, separately. Dan

Connie, Your experience, knowledge, gain all the respect due to You. Give me a chance to show you guy's my commitment and dedication to my soon to be my dogs. I understand fully my soon to be obligations and learning. Dan

Anne, Take one by one on base, male outside in the barn I will have built, female crated inside, walks will be on base with leash. no roaming around every six month until. I am fence around the whole propriety, Anne I will have my ayes very open. I have had a intact show pet for nine years. no mistakes. Dan

Lenka, thanks for your input. I know it is a all day and night job, I am ambulatory to some extent, it will be alright with us. Dan

Dan, My friend, this concerns me. I know your heart is absolutely in the right place - you couldn't have it in the wrong place if you tried. However, I'm worried a decision is being made BY that great heart, without listening to the brain which is located in the skull above the afore mentioned heart...

It sounds like this is a done deal... is it? COULD the deposit/payment be applied to another dog a year and a half down the road - IF you chose to do do?

You have learned so much from your friends here at Leerburg, and from the hard work you have invested in the past six months. You have always come to us for advice when you needed to think something through, and you've trusted and I think, followed most of that advice, correct?

I know you would sooner hurt yourself than one of your dogs and I have no doubt you will do everything in your power to make things work. Considering your physical condition which you've shared with us, this is going to be much more difficult than it would be for most folks. Even when your mind and heart are willing, there are going to be days when your body is going to say "no way good buddy". What then? Is there a possibility that the added strain, both physically and mentally could cause your condition to weaken or have an adverse effect on your overall health/immune system? (I couldn't support a new pup for someone who has a six and a HALF month old pup still in training - for the vast majority of trainers, regardless of their physical however.)

Dan, it is impossible for me to feel enthusiastic about this new pup AT THIS TIME. In another year and a half, I'd be throwing you a "Puppy Shower"...

Regardless, you know we will be here to help in any way we can, but the honest help I'm giving now is to WAIT, continue learning and training Chico, let him mature and your bond with him continue to develop and grow. THEN, when he is two, get your new little gal. I sincerely hope you trust the advice you are receiving on this subject as much as you have trusted us in the past.

All my best Dan - you know that.