Hi Everyone,

I want to thank everyone who has posted in response to my many requests for help with getting a GSD. I have gone from considering purchasing a "loaded" PPD to purchasing a young GSD that comes from good breeding and has basic training. I am a bit nervous as I get ready to "pull the trigger" and go to meet this dog. Some background:

This particular male dog is one and a half years old. His parents were both working dogs with good backgrounds, one was trained as a Schutzhund III. I am told he has good training and that his owner's son has been working with him on some Schutzhund but that he does not show a lot of drive to bite the sleeve. He's a thinking dog, "laid back", he's been around other dogs, kids and pets (all very important to me as I have 2 kids). His health is good, his hip x-rays are good. I won't be able to visit him for a month (he lives over 2500 miles away) and the owners are very interested in helping him to transition (they offered to have him go to a good Schutzhund trainer in their area for this month - I declined). He has been in their home, sleeps in his crate, barks like mad when someone approaches at night, etc. I found the breeder through the GSD web and have spoke to her many times, I feel like we are on the same page with what I want/what she has. This dog was held back as a "better puppy" to train/breed. They had another dog which they told me about as well, but he seemed to have a very strong prey drive...too much dog for me.

So...after all of my looking around I am thinking that this dog could be a great match for our family. I am still a bit leery because I don't want to bring home a potential monster. (I do have refusal, but need to put down a non-refundable $500. deposit so that they can get him ready to be shipped, crate, Vet, etc). I am at the point where I need to get my plane tickets to fly across the US to meet this dog. Am I crazy to do that? I don't mind it if he's the one, but how can I be really sure until he's home here with my family and just me?

I have gotten such good feedback I am hoping that if there's something I haven't considered that I might get a heads-up...Thanks,

-Vanessa

Vanessa -- check your PM's.

Katie

Katie,

My PM's...? ?

Katie, I don't know what PM's means. Sorry, it's been a long day.

-Vanessa

Look up top next to "My Stuff" in the blue stripe -- there should be a flashing envelope. Click on it.

Katie

If you look on the purple bar near the top of the screen there's a link labelled my stuff - there should be a flashing envelope next to it, click on it.

I would personally be hesitant about paying a lot of money and having a dog shipped cross-country after meeting him once. What if it doesn't work out, what if he doesn't like children? You're meeting him on his turf where he may act different to another location.

Having a breeder you get on with is very important and he does seem to tick your boxes.
However you could get a balanced dog that would bark at burglers at your local animal shelter or with a breeder closer to home. Having the breeder close by would mean you could trial him in your house and more.

Your list of requirements is not extensive and I don't think you would have to go so far afield to satisfy them.

That said, the most important thing...
Do not let your head rule your heart, if he doesn't seem perfect or anything looks a little iffy - do not get him.