Coincidently all my large breed dogs have been from October litters, I picked them up in December. I didn’t give consideration to the season, it just happened this way. I live in Massachusetts and frequent Maine. I don’t mind the cold, and find that there are fewer distractions for walking and being outside with a pup. Fewer off leash dogs running around, I am at home more in the winter, the frozen ground has less smells, they seem to do what they need to do faster, and windows are closed in the event you get a vocal one!

How much time with a WL pup...Lots and Lots!

 Quote: laura winters

How much did all of you prepare before you got the puppy and did that make a big difference.
what is one thing that you wish that you would have done different?
I just so want to do this right.
when you take your dog to work do you take the crate with you?
or do you just have him on a leash?
is it ok to let the puppy just lay on your lap and sleep?
I know this sounds like a dumb question.
I just feel like I am re learning everything that I know about dogs.
I want to raise a working protection dog and want to do the right thing.
Can a person really train a dog just by training themselves online with dvds to do protection work?
Or do you need to go to professional trainers.
I am so glad this list is here.
thanks for all your help!

How much did all of you prepare before you got the puppy and did that make a big difference.

- Not sure what you mean by prepare. I scheduled time off of work, and got all supplies needed.

what is one thing that you wish that you would have done different?

- Won the lotto so I could take more time off work with my pup, hence allowing me time to shower and eat.

I just so want to do this right.
when you take your dog to work do you take the crate with you?
or do you just have him on a leash?

- ALWAYS in the crate, in the most secluded, non-stimulating place available. ALWAYS on a leash or in my arms on my way in and out.

is it ok to let the puppy just lay on your lap and sleep?

- My pup would never just lay in my lap and sleep, even if I had a job of that sort. any distraction, causes a reaction!

Can a person really train a dog just by training themselves online with dvds to do protection work?

- That's quite a question. Short answer: No. I'm sure someone will provide the long answer.

Or do you need to go to professional trainers.

- See above.

Hello from another from the northern climes of Maine Laura.
I don't think it matters what season you get your pup. Potty training isn't a big deal, it lasts a very short time. Keeping a wl GSD though is a year round job, joy, onus, pleasure or however you want to look at it, no matter the weather outside......for a long time.
Keep handy and plan on using at least three to four hours daily; snow shoes/and or cross country skis, parkas (with a hood), good gloves, insulated boots, ski cap and I like the insulated Carhart coverall's for those nice 2 degree days that have a gentle 5 mph breeze. So I guess what I mean to say is, plan on spending time outside with the dog. Particularly as the pup gets older never mind what the weather is.
So I don't think the time of year you get a dog is that important, gotta face the weather sooner or later.

If you want to train to personal protection, yes I think you should start looking for and have lined up a professional on tap to work with as the dog grows and matures. And if possible even pick the dog from a litter for you.
What is your concept of what a ppd looks like?

When I had a 4 yr old boy, we had a bassett hound. Lazy,loving,sweet.
When my boy was 12, we got our first ACD. It did not work well. The dog was aggressive, I was working full time. The dog ended up in the barn after growling at the children. I could have handled it better, I suppose.

Thanks again for all your help. I am going to buy a very warm pair of carhart overalls! HAHA! no really I love cross crounty skiing and think that my puppy will too!
How many of you feed your GS a raw diet? I really think that is going to be the way that we go. Seems like the dogs preform best with good good "People are the same way" Hense the reason that I am a raw foodiest myself...
You ask what do I think a protection dog would be to me...
Well... I like in the crounty and love to go out into the woods and like the idea of not have to be afraid.
also I just plain love dogs! Have to say more then people!
did that answer the question?

Nothing to be afraid of in the woods. Lest not in these parts.

Getting lost and the cold will get ya, but very, very little else.

As to human threats.
With two of these silly animals I get the 'oh, I guess you don't have to worry about much. Do you?' Implying that I have them for protection.
And in all seriousness I tell them no one need to worry about the dogs, they need to worry about who owes the dogs. 'This one here is named Cassie, and this one is named Strider......The big dog is named Berretta.'

No joke.

And neither are ppds.
They are a royal pain in the ass.

I pretty much agree with the others...crate train your pup. I took one to work with me everyday & he slept under my desk in a crate. I took him out every couple of hours for a potty break & a chance to strech his legs & play.

Pups are a crap shoot as to whether you pup will grow up to be able to do protection work. All most people need anyway is a dog that will bark (alert) on command & that wiil make most would-be questionable intentioned people think twice about approaching.

As far as doing any real PP work...you will need someone experience to evaluate the pup when he is much older to see if he has what it takes to do any kind of work like that.

As far as preparing for a pup...you need a leash, long line, some toys to play with you pup with, a crate, food bowls, treats for marker training, maybe the marker traiing dvd if you son't know how to start, a dog bed for later, the list could go on & on..but these are most of the basics.

Most dogs love it outside & are pretty game for just going along with their owners...no matter where or what you are doing. Dogs like the colder temps more then the hot ones. And they LOVE playing in the snow. So just bundle up & prepare spend alot of time having fun.

Oh, and lots of patience & love & lots of socialization. I would not worry about people petting your pup...you have a young child in the house & all family members should be part of the pups 'pack' & rank higher then the pup.

A raw diet is the best for your dog. My dogs were all weaned onto it. I, personally would not feed any other way. I have been feeding raw for 7 years. I feeding a home-made raw diet, you need to do it correctly especially for a pup. I often use a premade raw (like bravo) for very young pups as there is very little margin for error as far as nutritional balance for pups.

 Quote: Al Curbow

Right this second i'm willing to give my youngest away for free!

Lol Al! That doesn't sound very reassuring considering I'm going to pick up his sister in less than 2 weeks!

How much did all of you prepare before you got the puppy and did that make a big difference.

With my most recent addition, it was completely spur of the moment and I really didn't prepare, but I knew exactly what I was in for.

what is one thing that you wish that you would have done different?

I would have got him when he was 8 weeks instead of 12 weeks

when you take your dog to work do you take the crate with you?
or do you just have him on a leash?

When I don't have students, he hangs out with me in my office. Otherwise he is crated in my car, which is in my sight.

is it ok to let the puppy just lay on your lap and sleep?

I think so....just a little rough when they weigh 60 lbs and want to cuddle

Can a person really train a dog just by training themselves online with dvds to do protection work?
Or do you need to go to professional trainers.

To do it right, I believe you need professional help, especially if this is your first dog.

And just for kicks, here is a day in the life of my pup. He is now six months old. His schedule is get up at 6/6:30, eat/play/train/go visit my moms and the family dogs there/whatever until I go to work at 9:00 (basically constant activity). My hubby gets home just as I am leaving. Vigo goes back in his crate at 11. Stays in it until 5. Hubby gets home, lets him out, feeds him, etc. I get home at 6:30 and quickly eat dinner. Then I train with Vigo from about 7 to 8:30 until he goes to bed (crate) at about 9:30...Several nights a week, I also have the family's GSDs here (they split their time between my house and my moms) Weekends are about the dogs 100%. By Sunday nights, he's relatively tired out and we can just hang out a bit...too bad Monday's right around the corner!

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 Quote: Katie Finlay

 Quote: Al Curbow

Right this second i'm willing to give my youngest away for free!

Lol Al! That doesn't sound very reassuring considering I'm going to pick up his sister in less than 2 weeks!

BWHAHAHA......there is *no* reassurance when getting a Fetz grandspawn...