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Again, this is relative to the temperament of the dog you choose. Beside the fact that we aren't talking about an adult dog here, we are talking about a pup. Pups can not be left for long periods of time at all. You might want to consider a dog about a year old if this is something you anticipate having to do on a regular basis. While all dogs need exercise, attention and training, an older dog with proper set up can be left alone while you are at work, although if you are going to leave him outside I would make sure to lock the kennel. Many nice gsd's have been taken from back yards.

For a few months I will be able to be home most of the time, save for quick trips out for groceries, etc... But in a few months I will be starting a new job and will need to leave the dog alone. I thought a 5 or 6 month old would be ok if left in a run during the day. Thoughts?

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You made a comment in your next thread that you live in a pretty safe neighborhood so again I ask why you feel that a protection dog is what you are looking for. Do you feel that your personal safety is at risk? Alot of people think they want a protection dog but in fact just want a dog that can scare the bejeezus out of someone if they need to. Most GSD's are naturally good watch dogs. You can also train them to bark on command to put forth alot of bravado. This usually takes care of things rather quickly. Most won't risk messing with a dog of this type.

Yes, my neighborhood is very safe. I do not feel at risk here. But I want to not feel at risk no matter where I go. I really like the idea of being able go places without having to worry about my safety. But your most likely correct that looking scary and barking on the street, and biting the sleeve for schutzhund, would be sufficient.

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So, please don't let me throw the doom and gloom forecast at you. Just let me encourage you to be wise and patient. When you believe you really understand the dynamics of just exactly what it is you want out of a dog, then go for it! Ask lots of questions and don't be afraid to argue with a breeder if something doesn't feel quite right to you. Everyone has a different opinion on what makes up a well bred gsd. Trust me, I was never so confused and frustrated until I started finding out all the different lines and opinions that different breeders had. There is a joke in the breeding world that states, "The only thing two breeders agree on is that the third breeder is doing it wrong"

Hehe. I really appreciate the advice. I will post on the GSD forum here asking if anyone has recommendations for a good breeder.Thanks so much.


Oh, a few more questions. Should I get a small crate for a puppy, and then a bigger one later, or just start with a big one and a divider? Someone mentioned I should get a correction collar, isn't a pup too young for that? What size food/water bowls should I get?

Thanks again

As far as leaving your dog in a fenced yard. I'm not going to talk about the dangers of teasing or stealing, since you mentioned that you don't feel these are threats in your neighborhood (lucky you! I'm moving to your neck of the woods LOL).

BUT... Unless you have a Berlin wall, many dogs can and will get out. A simple chain link fence, for example, will NOT contain my dogs.

A bored dog will dig or climb or even chew through wood.

Once he's out - he can get hit by a car, or kill someone's cat. He can dig up your neighbors shrubs and poop on their lawns (my neighbor's GSD - trust me this does NOT foster good neighborly relationships).

Even if he doesn't get out - will he run the fence barking and snarling every time the neihbour lets his cockapoo out? Bark at squirrels all day long?

I think a dog kennel/run with a dog house would be safest if you are going to leave him outside. Personally, all my dogs are in the house unless I am home.

As for the crate you can get a small one and then keep buying bigger ones, but I would save my money and just get a big one with a divider.

No correction collar needed for a young puppy, flat collar is OK but I would remove the collar when he is in the crate, so he doesn't get caught.

My baby dog ate out of cereal bowls until he was big enough for his big boy dish. (I hate buying things twice!) Your dog really doesn't care - as long as you feed him 5 minutes ago!!!! I recommend metal or ceramic bowls - plastic doesn't last long in my house. I actually only have two water bowls - one in the yard and one in the kitchen. All the dogs have metal water pails in their crates. (Strangely, none of them drink out of their own).

And get a good variety of leashes - a long line for outside, one you can tether to you for in the house, Ed recommends flexi-leads for puppies and I couldn't agree more - I love my flexis.