Yes I have a local Schutzhund club and have planned on taking the dog to it. My wife actually loves dogs!! She just wasn't allowed one as a kid. She got along fine with my pointers. I'm sorry I gave you the impression that my wife wasn't a dog lover. I plan to train the dog my self and go to the club. I totally understand the dedication it takes to raise a sporting dog. Try having a headstrong English pointer sometime. A BIG handful.


I'm a little concerned about the breeder. I want to go see for my self though.

Nix the DD collar.

First of all, it has to be the exact size to work, and you have no idea what size that is. More importantly, by even expecting that you might need you starting off on the wrong foot.

Also, if in the far, far future you do need it it can be at your house in two days. Why even think about it now?

Are you sure this is the dog you want for your family? It can be worked out, but if I were you I would defer to any advice Konnie gives you.

Dogs like mals and WL German sheperds are wonderful and trainable beyond your imagination, but they are also a complete lifestyle. Not always the easiest to work into a busy household schedule. And they are a handful if they don't get what they need, which is A LOT of time in training and exercise time from you.


Its not a dog who will be happy with a morning walk and a chew toy. Not at all. In the wrong home the dog will be obnoxious and destructive at best. At worst they can end up OCD, completely neurotic or even dangerous.

Roger on the DD

I work out of my home (gunsmith) so being home isn't a issue. I have the time. I can't stress enough I know the dog needs more than a walk. I've researched DDR dogs for a few years before looking at these. I'm not deadset on getting one unless I can find the right dog. I feel ego aside I can tell the right dog for us. I've been around dogs my whole life.

The fact that you work from home is a big help -- huge, really. I also work out of a home office and I love the fact that I don't have to leave my dogs in an empty house for long periods of time.

You sound like a thoughtful, concerned and kind person, and I'm really glad you have stuck around and listened to our comments and answered our questions. Sometimes, new members ask for advice, don't like what they hear, we never hear from them again and are left to wonder what kind of a train wreck it was.

If you do get this puppy or whatever breed of puppy you decide is the right one for you and your family, I hope you will continue to be an active member of the forum.

John, I think the reason everyone is reacting with concern, is that many people think that they want and can handle a high drive puppy, until they get them home and realize the intense level of energy these dogs have.

You have come to the right place to get advice, no question some of the most knowledgeable people are here who have WL dogs.
That said, I would strongly advise doing as much research as possible, reading and getting familiar with everything you can get your hands on before actually getting the puppy.
This way, you will set yourself as well as the dog for success.

Not at all shooting you down. If this is what you want, learn all you can first before acquiring such a powerful energetic breed.
Sure everyone has to start somewhere, but just know, this forum has seen it's share of people coming here, with the dog already home and completely lost for exactly what it really takes to raise a working puppy.

Caveat - I am a new dog owner and my post is based on my limited experience:

One other thought that I will bring up - when we adopted Jethro and Skipper, I had no idea how much they were going to become the centre of my (and my husband's) attention. Skipper, not so much, but Jethro is a reactive dog and needs a LOT of handling. Our home is now delineated by movable x-pen fences to ensure Jethro can't get himself into trouble. My husband and I spend time each day discussing Jethro's latest developments and successes and plotting our next strategy for his handling. Its all working out and we are very happy, BUT: 1) we have no kids at home; 2) it is only the two of us in the house and we are both committed to working with these dogs; 3) neither one of us has a full time job so there is usually someone home (or not away for more than 3 hours at a stretch); 4) we enjoy reading dog psychology books and watching training videos; 5) our house is covered in dog hair 5 minutes after vacuuming; 6) when someone comes to the door we have to crate Jethro; 7) we rarely have people over at this stage of Jethro's development; 8) I have 3 different sets of leashes and collars plus a drag line and a 30' training line; 9) Jethro is very rarely off leash outside (or inside); 10) one of Jethro's greatest joys is a long game of tug, which he can only do with me; 12) his other greatest joy is a hike to the local lake to thunder through the mud, which he does with my husband; 13) our dogs get walked 4 times a day for variable times (30 minutes minimum, average 1 hour).

I understand that YOU want a dog to work with that is going to challenge you and give you a chance to build your handling skills. I think the point I am trying to make is timing. How much time are you realistically going to have, given the fact that you have 2 small children? Are you going to be willing to choose your dogs needs over the children's needs when there is a conflict?

The posters have referred to the lifestyle changes that a high-drive dog entails. I wouldn't say Jethro has extra-ordinary drive, he is just a reactive teenager. And our lives have changed to accommodate that because that is how we want to use our time and energy at this point in our lives.

Thanks everyone for the kind words! I'm not going anywhere

My kids are in daycare m-f so having the time isn't a big deal. To be honest I spend a lot more time on the internet than I do in my shop. I have the time I need to take the dog to the park or out in the backyard for training. I also understand each dog has a different amount of time you can spend training them. If you can make the training fun that helps too.

John, if you haven't already seen it, check out this video. It's an eye-opener!

http://leerburg.com/flix/videodesc.php?id=238

 Quote: John Caven

To be honest I spend a lot more time on the internet than I do in my shop.

Darn, this reminds me, I need to get off the Internet and get back to work.

John--have you selected a specific puppy from the litter? And was it a considered decision between you, the breeder, and your wife?

I've got a Mal that just turned 10 months old, and I am glad I took the breeder's advice and got the quiet, intellectual pup rather than the brawny aggressive one I originally wanted.

 Quote: Cheri Grissom

John, if you haven't already seen it, check out this video. It's an eye-opener!

http://leerburg.com/flix/videodesc.php?id=238

Great video. Note the toys in the puppy pen. Nothing fancy or expensive there - cardboard boxes, etc.

It's not entirely uncommon for people new to the breed to be shocked by the energy level of their new pup, even after heavily researching the breed or having experience with other working breeds.