Buying an Adult Trained GSD
#96229 - 01/28/2006 02:14 AM |
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I am looking to buy an adult trained GSD. I have looked at various kennels and the GSD I am looking to buy is 5 years old, but has titles and is exactly what I am looking for. Is 5 years old too old to spend a lot of money on?
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Re: Buying an Adult Trained GSD
[Re: Matthew Criner ]
#96230 - 01/28/2006 03:47 AM |
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What is the average age of a GSD substract his age and decide is it is worth the money.
Personal i only buy puppies, but that's me
Greetings
Johan
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Re: Buying an Adult Trained GSD
[Re: Matthew Criner ]
#96231 - 01/28/2006 05:35 AM |
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It depends what you want to do with him. Consider not only the average age of a GSD but also that he might will slow down a few years before he dies. I would say you will look for about 4 years more or so to have an active dog. With age there are also risks of several sicknesses. Think about it.
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Re: Buying an Adult Trained GSD
[Re: Matthew Criner ]
#96232 - 01/28/2006 08:17 AM |
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Matthew - What are you wanting to do with the dog? Also what is your experience with dogs (and with GSDs in particular)?
If your experience is limited will you have an experienced trainer in your area who can help you learn to handle the dog in a safe manner?
There are factors other than just age that I would want to consider when considering the purcahse of an adult dog. Ask lots of questions, verify health information, ensure you have health/temperment guarantees, etc...
Are his hips/elbows certified? Is he guaranteed to pass? If its a stud dog you are looking at, is the semen quality good? Again, have this in your guarantee. How much socializing has he had? If you have kids, is he good with children? Any vices? Any existing health issues or injuries? etc, etc, etc...
I don't know the details of your dog or what you will be paying for him however don't let age alone discourage you. A dog is worth as much as someone is willing to pay. You must consider all the information, look at yourself and what you need/want and then make an educated decision. Be sure to research his bloodlines. You don't want any suprises (ie: if one of the parents comes from a line known to have cancer, hip problems, eye problems, spinal problems, etc, etc, etc... You could have a great dog on your hands (regardless of age), but you could also be walking into someone else's problem. It goes both ways. Make sure you do your homework... and if you still think the dog is perfect, then I'd say "why not"? Go for it. If you find something to change your opinion of him... better to know now than later.
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Re: Buying an Adult Trained GSD
[Re: Mel Woolley ]
#96233 - 01/28/2006 01:01 PM |
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I am looking for a family dog that will protect if neccessary and has excellent manners. My experience is limited but I am always willing to learn. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Buying an Adult Trained GSD
[Re: Matthew Criner ]
#96234 - 01/28/2006 01:11 PM |
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Matthew, if you're looking for a dog that will protect you if needed, you might be wise to look past titles ( although they're nice to have ) and make sure you test the dog strongly in real-world conditions to prove that it will actually do what is needed.
And by testing, I don't mean let the kennel pull out a sleeve and watch the dog doing SchH, as that doesn't prove that it will actually protect you.
You've got a lot of homework to do if getting the correct dog is important to you.
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Re: Buying an Adult Trained GSD
[Re: Matthew Criner ]
#96235 - 01/28/2006 01:13 PM |
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My experience is limited as well, but when I was looking for a dog I considered several dogs in this age bracket. I was very careful about genetics, however, and researched not only hips/elbows, but general longevity as well. I love puppies as much as the next person, but manners is not their specialty. I think an adult, mature animal can be an excellent addition to the family. Just be sure it's a well-adjusted animal with solid nerves, so he/she settles in as soon as possible. I may be wrong, but as far as possible protection goes, I'd think you'd have a better shot if there's a bond there...
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Re: Buying an Adult Trained GSD
[Re: Matthew Criner ]
#96236 - 01/28/2006 06:17 PM |
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Matthew - if its a family dog that is capable of protection that you are seeking I agree with Will. You may want to look past the titles. If you are not planning to become involved in sport then these are irrelevent anyway.
What a dog can do for show vs. will do for real are sometimes two very different things.
Is this dog local to you or are you importing it from elsewhere? Do you have a good trainer in your area that is familiar with protection dogs (PPDs) and who can help you evaluate this dog?
If you are not familiar with the different types of training as they apply to sport vs. personal protection you may consider purchasing one or two of Ed's videos on the topics. If you're dazzled by titles and really think that this dog has all of the qualities you want... I'd consider it.
If your really just looking for a mature dog that comes 'pre-programmed' with good manners and euipped with all the social graces needed to fit into your family right off the bat... with the added benefit of providing a visual deterent for would be criminals but don't really care too much if the dog will really 'protect' you... then again, its a personal choice. Either way I would still encourage you to hook up with a reputable trainer so that you can learn to handle the dog yourself, learn how he needs to be managed within the family, and also to have him evaluated.
Research the genetic background as best you can. He's not too old for what your wanting to do with him, and he may well have a long active life still ahead of him yet. Puppies are more work and if you need that deterrent or protection factor 'now' then the mature dog is probably a better choice. As with anything, there are pros and cons to starting with each (adults vs. puppies) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. Just be sure to do your homework, cover all your bases, and make sure that he's the 'one' for both you and your family.
Good luck!!
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Re: Buying an Adult Trained GSD
[Re: Matthew Criner ]
#96237 - 01/28/2006 08:39 PM |
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i think the basic question, for me, is "WHY". why is the dog for sale? if he/she is 5, titled, why is the dog for sale? are you going to breed it?
just like a car: why are you selling it?
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