I'm all for getting an evaluation done by a trainer, but how much do you pay somebody to do that? I don't want to pay more than it costs to get the dog in the first place.

I don't hardly care about the protection part, especially if he's not up to it, I just want to spend time with him and I really admire the breed.

He probably had papers at some point, but I don't know if these have come with him. He is a pretty boy though!

Edited by Laurel Hamby (11/06/2010 06:30 PM)
Edit reason: spelling

Oh boy Laurel, do you know anyone able to evaluate a dog who will do it for free?

Ummmm, no? I made an aquaintance who works with SDA protection dogs, but I don't know them very well and it would be a 3 hour trip for them so I don't think they'd go for it.

Well, my reply was to what you posted before editing but what I would think about, is do you want a constant liability to be your first dog?

He may be the sweet dog you were told he was, but the part about "unless told not to be" should be a red flag to you. I'm not saying you arent a capable person, but a fearful dog alone is a lot of work. Now you take that ability to not be sweet if he's told not to be and you are looking at a huge responsibility. I think you'd be happier with a different temperament.

Hi, Laurel,

I really hope that you are taking in what the folks who have bite-work experience are telling you. They are saying as nicely as possible that to take this dog (particularly as a first dog) without an experienced person doing an eval first is a bad idea.

They're not saying this to be a downer. They're saying it because they see the red flags that may not be obvious to others.



eta
I understand about the cost. But I'd measure that cost against the decade-plus commitment you are about to make.




Edited by Connie Sutherland (11/06/2010 07:11 PM)
Edit reason: eta

In my area there's a trainer that will do evals for $125 (last I knew) if the dog is brought in to him. What he would consider for travel time I've no idea.

But Laurel your mind set is all wrong. Even if the eval costs more then twice as much as the dog does, it'd still be worth it.
Think about it.
Laurel, what are you going to do with a dog that has a nerve issue and probably sharp on top of that? Ever handle a sharp dog much less one with issues?
Are you planning on tutoring under a trainer with this dog? If not, then do plan on it otherwise make sure your health insurance and home liability is paid up.

I too vote for giving the pretty dog a pass.

His lines would still be nice to know though. Be a nice education....for me too if you'd post them.

 Quote: Laurel Hamby

at
Info on the Mal: He was a military flunky because he was made to be fearful from abuse (so they said) and has since recovered and is very stable now.


He was bite trained by the military,
Laurel

Laurel,

Confused about the order of this.

Laurel, this dog is NOT a good prospect for you. Any of us here experienced with high drive, WL dogs,protection work, dogs with issues of fear, aggression, sharpness etc, would pass on a dog like this. It is not what any of us would take on, on purpose, if you had a choice not to. Many of us that have experience with these kinds of dogs will tell you it is a royal PITA to deal with. Not to mention the liability,like Randy mentioned, in a time when people are so quick to sue for the slightest thing. You are setting youself up for a big headeache.

There are plenty of other dogs out there that if you take your time & contunue to look, that you will find & will be better suited to your knowledge & level of handler ability. And that you can actually enjoy working with & taking everywhere with you with peace of mind. A dog with his kind of baggage is not worth the headaches that he will present.

Admiring a breed is not enough of a reason to decide to get a dog of that breed. You really need to do a great deal more research about breeds & lines, before makeing a decision that will affect your life for many years to come.

Good luck on your search for the perfect companion.

Accepting a dog who is way beyond your level of experience or expertise (no matter WHAT the person trying to sell the dog tells you) is not a favor to the dog. It's Step One on the rehome/rehome/rehome/shelter/PTS road.

Independent evaluation is not just a "good idea." It's crucial here. The evidence that you don't see it as worth the money is black-and-white proof that this is not the dog for you.

The bluntness here is in fact coming from concern for the dog, which is pretty much where all bluntness here comes from.

I hope you realize this. No one here wants to alienate you. Everyone here wants to save you some heartache.