I'm really struggling to understand what it is you want in a dog, John, because going from a BSD to a DDR GSD is like going from night and day, in terms of the type of dog you're getting.
Tracy Collins Webboard User Reg: 10-09-2008
Posts: 1917
Loc: St. Louis, Missouri
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Since it sounds like you're still open to what breed, why don't you list some of the qualities you'd look for in your *perfect* dog, John. And what kind of activities, training plans you have for it--how much time you have for dog sports, etc. And maybe a bit about your past experience with dogs.
Then the folks here could offer opinions on what breeds you might want to look hardest at. There's a wealth of knowledge on all these breeds here (not from me!)---but you might as well take advantage of their experience. They really want to help you succeed at this, no matter what dog you decide on.
You never know what might be suggested. Depending on what you want to do with the dog, you may be thinking DDR vs Mal, and a West German GSD might be a perfect fit.
I don't want to do this because I don't know what I'd be getting and I can't risk it being I have kids in the house. I also have a feeling my kids grand parents would throw a fit over knowing I'd brought an adult dog that we had no previous life history on. I know I would If I was them. I hate that it's that way but to me pup's are the way to go because your the one helping them turn into a mature wonderful dog if you do your part. Heck for me the 4 month old mal i'm going to look at tomorrow is ALMOST too old. He's had some training but ah not much. Just walking and tug and kennel training. I feel between 2 and 3 weeks old to 4 to 6 months is a VERY important time in a dogs life.
This statement is full of misconceptions.
There is no more "risk" to bringing home a solid adult dog than there is a puppy. In fact there is less risk IMO. You know the dog's temperament, you know the dog's activity level, you aren't going to mess up a young dog.
I certainly don't begrudge people getting a pup, but they are really a pig in a poke - you stack the cards in your favor, but you can't be sure of the outcome. I've gotten all three of my dogs as adults. They've yet to
I think Tracy asked a very good question - what do you want in a dog? What are your top three or four "must haves"?
I fully understand that, Aaron. But the OP doesn't. I also get the feeling he might not understand just how wrong things can go with either type of dog.
Personaly, If I had two young kids, no real plan for sport or competition, I would go and get a super tolerant adult dog with just enough drive to train for fun. GSD maybe, it would depend on the individual dog.
I also have a feeling my kids grand parents would throw a fit over knowing I'd brought an adult dog that we had no previous life history on. I know I would If I was them.
I don't understand. Do they live with you?
I agree there are no guarantees with any dog at any age but the chances of a 2 and 3 year old being hurt by a puppy who can weigh 60lbs at a year is probably more likely than by a stable adult dog. JMO but based on work with rescues.
I'm glad you are still researching because there is so much to consider and I would hate for you in your excitement (which I completely understand ) to add a dog to your family make a poor choice.
BTW have you exposed your kids to large dogs recently to see if they are comfortable or not? I am not suggesting bringing them into contact with a dog just to check out their reaction if someone walked by them with a large leashed dog. I have done this when interviewing a family with very young children about a potential adoption. One little girl clutched her mom and cried pick me up. They decided a GSD was not the right choice at that time.
They did however adopt a Bichon which worked out really well.
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Re: So as I want to keep an open mind. IL DDR breeders
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) to add a dog to your family make a poor choice.
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