Frank, congratulations on your new dog! I think he is going to make a great dog for you and your family, if you are willing (and I think you are from your past posts) to put in the time and energy it will require. All of the above info in regard to pack leadership, training, etc... is spot on even for this already somewhat trained dog.

My GSD doesen't know the meaning of the word mopey, and trust me, there have been days I wish the knuckle head did. Don't forget for a day you have just brought in an energetic pup who is going to be happiest with lots of working, exercise and attention from you.

Keep us posted and new pics as soon as possible.

 Quote: al curbow

I disagree Barbara, The GSD is the best for a family, and the kind of thinking you just wrote out is exactly what has made showlines pretty much a different breed of dog. 1rst or 5th dog still needs time and training, the OP can learn, it's not that hard, WL dogs are easier to train than a mopey showlines. Get an appropriate working lines dog!

It would have to be "our kind of thinking is exactly what has made showlines pretty much a different breed of dog" since we both have one, wouldn't it? And to be perfectly honest, this is a situation where I have very conlicting thoughts... Initially I was very "insulted" when first learning of the bias toward working lines since I had a showline dog (although one I believe to be very well bred) - I took it personally which was childish. I've had the opportunity to see some great working line dogs and can definitely see the difference and really, really appreciate the energy and intensity of the WL dog. Additionally, a few days ago, I caught part of a dog show on TV and when the "Best in Breed" GSD came out I literally gasped at what I saw - it was a very deformed dog and looked horrible, and made me sick. So I completely understand and agree with the feelings against dogs bred to this level of malformed legs and rear ends. However, that is not the type of dog I have, so...

It is a complicated subject and I admit to not knowing squat about genetics. I've come to really appreciate the working line dogs and also believe Falcon is a great, challenging "mid-line" dog for me. Perhaps there are working line dogs with a more mellow, less intense personality which would be a good fit for non-working/no training experience families... but I believe there are still lots of folks on this site who would say a loud NO to Frank adopting one as his first ever dog. I've seen it discouraged time and time again. (And Al, you know not all SL dogs are mopey!!! )

Here is an image of him. Not sure how old he is in this pic. But he is currently 9.5 months old.

Very handsome boy there Frank! When does he come home with you?

Good luck with your new pup Frank and i wish you years of enjoyment!

 Quote: Joyce Salazar

Very handsome boy there Frank! When does he come home with you?

The trainer I know will keep him for 3 weeks at his kennel to train him some more with my wife and I. Then he comes home with us We are going to see the puppy tomorrow.

he looks beautiful

Unfortunately, the pup is not coming home with us. The breeder that is helping us out drove 100 miles out of his way to pick up the young pup and said there were a few issues with him. I don't want to discuss these issues here as I don't want to ruin anyones reputation. That pup was just not right for us. So, the search continues.

Well, at least you have things set up for when you find THE ONE. Check your PMs

Frank, I'm sorry. I know you got your hopes up and all. However, and you already know this, it is far better to find out at this point. Don't give up the search - the right one is out there for you guys.