Are you specifically looking for a Purebred dog?

Ever thought of owning a mixed mutt??

Sometimes you get the best of both worlds with a mutt.

see sig pic below....

Of course, if it's specifically Schutzund (spelt wrong im sure) type training you're interested in a mutt won't do.
But to get your feet wet there's nothing wrong with taking a mixed breed dog and getting them titled in other areas.

I do like purebred dogs, though I'm not against a mix, all depends on what I find in the local shelters. Your dog is very pretty, Wendy, what is he a cross of?

I just came across a guy I may inquire about. German Shepherd, male, 1 year old, was a stray, playful. This rescue adopted him out, but the current family isn't working out - they say he needs to be taught manners and this family doesn't have time for that. They cite a little mouthiness and jumping up on people. He's close enough that I could foster him rather easily if they would agree to that and find out if he is just being playful or is high-energy. I can post pic if y'all want.

Lol, you are right Randy, I wasn't thinking about that when I posted, I was more thinking of working with the people and how much I do not fit in that crowd. I could try it though. I've just never been hunting before, ever, I'm a real newb. I do see lots of people around the university training their own Labs though, really impressive communication.

Also, I was just told by someone I know that our local shelter is in real need of volunteer trainers to train sit, down, stay, and how to walk on a leash. I thought it would be perfect but the shelter opens each day after I go into work, and closes before I get off.

And thanks Steve for posting that link to the video, that dog was really enthusiastic and that 180 degree spin to the heeling position was awesome.

Thank you all for your patience and responses. I'm just trying to find a dog to fit me. My boyfriend wants me to get a Pittie, and while I agree they're great dogs, I am trying to avoid some of the problems with insurance and BSL, though I know some BSLs cover GSDs too. In Mississippi its not a problem, but it may be in the future when I move away.

Hey Laurel...he's a Border Collie/Husky cross. He's from a rescue.

Sounds like the GS you mentioned might work. If the family doesn't have time to teach the dog manners, doubtful they have the time to exercise the young guy properly, which would account for the acting out with mouthiness & jumping.
See if you can meet the dog and possibly take him on a bit of a walk and see how he acts after some exercise. Or at least try to find out how much exercise they are giving him.

I think that's why alot of shelter dogs are looked over. People see these large dogs jumping around their runs acting like maniacs, barking, circling etc...and they think they're hyper and too exciteable, all the time not realizing that these high energy dogs are definately not exercised enough when they're in a shelter. So what they are seeing is a dog getting out it's stress and energy the only way it can.
I m not saying it's the shelter's fault, they are usually under-staffed and have more dogs than they can handle.

Try to find out more about the 1 year old and try to arrange a visit.

I will go ahead and send them an e-mail to get some details, especially on why the current family isn't going to keep him (they are still holding onto him right now though while the rescue finds another owner).

Wow, Border Collie/Husky? Couldn't see the BC myself, but he's very pretty!

Edited by Laurel Hamby (11/10/2010 03:05 PM)
Edit reason: just forgot something

Maybe a BC mix from a good rescue? Or a lab? Both should be trainable.

IMO, if you're a person who likes active, trainable dogs, If you like getting out and exercising/spending time with your dog and if you're ready for a fairly dog centered lifestyle you'll be a good match for a BC.

They're work, but they're not nearly as bad as the horror stories for the most part. My 3 are a bit more high strung than the average lab, but they are adaptable and can chill quite nicely after they've had their training and exercise in the evenings.

 Quote: Wendy Lefebvre

I think that's why alot of shelter dogs are looked over. People see these large dogs jumping around their runs acting like maniacs, barking, circling etc...and they think they're hyper and too exciteable, all the time not realizing that these high energy dogs are definately not exercised enough when they're in a shelter. So what they are seeing is a dog getting out it's stress and energy the only way it can.
I m not saying it's the shelter's fault, they are usually under-staffed and have more dogs than they can handle.

As a foster for a rescue I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. There is such a change in these dogs getting them out of the shelter. For some it's not even the exercise so much as just getting out of the cage. I have a GSD mix right now whose whole attitude changed when he came out of the shelter and that was before he any my boys played a good game of fetch.

As for the border collies I don't have a ton of experience with them but our director has one that is great and we have one in foster right now that is just a doll as well.

Good luck on your search!