I really truly did.

Wasn't one of my finer moments......

I thought i would give my two cents on this. my family owned a rescue GSD from undetermined lines when i was a child. Looking back we didn't take as good care of him or provide him with proper outlets for his drives and restless spirit. When he died i knew i wanted another dog so 6 months later i found a Rottweiler from the local shelter, she was 2 and completely wild and untrained and prone to dog aggression. This got me into a Obedience school pretty quick, I loved obedience and i got exposed to protection sports and i thought it was about the coolest thing in the world (still do.) I decided i wanted a working line dog and my trainer advised me that these dogs were usually reserved for dog trainers... I waited a while, researched a lot (Leerburg rocks) and i was convinced i could handle the challenge. I got my Doberman who is a very high energy, high drive and intelligent dog from working lines... and I'll admit it was a real challenge, but I'm very determined.

It took me completely devoting my free time to becoming a better trainer one that was able to handle this challenge. It was a life changing experience. Now dog training is my life outside of work, i spend all my free time and money researching, watching training dvds, and working with the best dog trainer and helper i could find in my city. I don't think the vast majority of newbies are willing or want to make these sacrifices.

"Working dogs tend to become a lifestyle rather than a pet choice." definitely sums it up pretty well.

Rob

 Quote: Robert Kirkwood

I don't think the vast majority of newbies are willing or want to make these sacrifices.

Rob

Perhaps now that you know both the challenges and the rewards, you will be able to educate and encourage others who might be interested in the sport.

I try... a friend of mine is about to receive his GSD puppy with a SCH3 sire. I said you probably have a very intelligent dog with a need to bite everything that moves on his way. i really hope for the puppy and everyone involved that he is up to the challenge. he's a busy guy and I'm worried that he doesn't know what he is getting himself into. Lucky for him he's got me for hand me down crates, collars, leashes and other puppy paraphernalia. Not to mention a lot of training DVDs i'm going to lend and probably re-watch with him.

I also said i could help by puppy sitting from time to time when i can. I know one of the hardest things in the beginning for me was I had no time off because I didn't know anybody i felt was capable of taking proper care of him.

here's hoping

Rob

I'll keep my fingers crossed.
In all honesty though, I don't have much hope.

Let me know if I'm wrong.
I hope I am.

Randy

 Quote: Robert Kirkwood

i really hope for the puppy and everyone involved that he is up to the challenge. he's a busy guy and I'm worried that he doesn't know what he is getting himself into.

The breeder should never sell a working line dog (any dog, for that matter) to someone they do not believe is willing or able to make the adjustments in their lives to accomodate that particular pup. Period.

I know I have so much to learn on this subject and often probably come across unlike as I MEAN to sound. I am never in favor of a dog going to the wrong person or the wrong home. I am in support of the novice who has the desire, drive and life-skills to be mentored in this sport, and being matched by a responsible breeder, with the right dog.

Perhaps I am too nieve on this subject. I've certainly come to a different point of view over the past year in regard to show lines vs working lines, and maybe in time will do so on this as well.

Me too and i will do everything i can to help him. I love GSDs and i can't stand to see them frustrated because of a lack of a job to do.

I know he too is a very determined individual when it comes to something he wants. He is a successful business owner that i watch build from the ground up and he worked really hard to able to do that, if he can show that same devotion and patience to raising his pup i think it will be okay.

On the up side he is already sold on the raw diet.

Rob

 Quote: robert kirkwood

On the up side he is already sold on the raw diet. Rob

Well that is a good sign - even this takes a level of committment above the "average" dog owner. Also, someone who is determined in other areas of life can hopefully more easily transfer that trait to training a dog over someone who is a couch potatoe with no "drive" of their own.

Put him in touch with Leerburg...

I definitely agree. I didn't know until after he put the deposit down that it was a working line dog, he is getting it from a breeder in British Columbia and i don't know if any what kind of questions the breeder asked before allowing him to purchase a pup. The onus definitely lies with the breeder to educate the buyer about what they are buying. I don't think Caveat emptor applies here for obvious reasons.

Rob

I already showed him the site and told him to make himself familiar maybe he'll read this and figure out it's about him LOL.