Hi all, my name is Robyne. I am getting specifically involved with training dogs for therapy work. I want to work with LCGSD (long coat german shepherd dogs) and rough collies. Just so you know I have been working with dogs and training (basic + the more advanced mannerism)for over 25 years. And even though.... I have learned most and achieved the quickest results from the information found in the Leerburg books, and all of you in this forum. I too will be getting the DVS's soon. There is so much to learn!!

I am hoping I can gain a little clarity/insight with whether or not I should take this next step. A little detail:

My short term goal was to get a companion dog (LCGSD) and train him for therapy work. Eventually (in a few years) my long term goal is to breed the right (LCGSD) temperment dogs (after passing health tests) train those pups from the litter for specific therapy tasks (from emotional to physical--depending on each individual temperment) and eventually set each pup up in the appropriate homes (I know I could just purchase one pup after another but I want more control in the type of dog produced).

The first steps in conquering my short term goal was accomplished a few months ago with the purchase of a long coated german shepherd. He is very very smart for a 5 month old. He already knows how to heel, drop toys and things on the street (should he decide to pick something up outside) and of course the basic stay, come, sit and lay down. He even knows how to "hold up" (wait for me) on an offleash walk. He does not run after other people or other dogs and will stop and come back on a dime when called. He is beginning to carry full water bottles into the house from the car.

He's nipping/bitting (which is somewhat of a dominant behavior. testing me--never growling or mean stuff though) a little here and there but he is much better than from day one (all the time)... I work with him on his nipping/biting everyday with small successes...he's only a pup. Overall he has a great foundation at a young age.

In my training I use minimum physical correction and focus on positive reinforcement. I have yet to need the choke collar.

And with all of this said he needs lots and lots of work (especially distractional work) as we have only 7 months before preparing him for his Therapy Dog Institute test.

My next step is to get a rough collie so I can train her for some sort of therapy work. I am up for the challenge!!! I currently have the opportunity to get a wonderful female rough collie. She hasnt had much training though so I know she will be lots and lots of work.. which is ok.. but....

my question is am I moving too quickly with getting another dog, especially an older one with zero training? Also is the age of the rough dog (5 months older than my 5 month male) going to interefere too much with attitude clashes between the two; gender, different temperment dog, bonding levels at different ages, jealousy. It's not just the training Im concerned about. Im also concerned about the living environment. She is going to need attention and Im afraid the male puppy i have now will get jealous and thus slow up our training regime among other things.

Do you think its possible to bring the 10 month old, female rough collie in with minimal clashes or would it be better to bring in an 8 week pup--i think the 10 month old collie would even need crate and housebreaking training.

I really like the rough collie, but thinking I am moving too quickly and should get a puppy in two months after I put my current pup through additional training so he can be a good older brother to the new one. IT just seems easier with bringing a younger pup for my dog to help train (as long as he first is successful with his own training) versus an older one where personalities may clash more, the older dog isn't trained so I would need to spend lots of time with her and minimize 60% of my training time with my current pup, it would feel weird having a younger dog influencing the older dog (after all she will be newer to the pack and have less confidence).

I am having trouble answering my own questions (Even though I think I know what to do) because I really like this rough collie and even though feel its way too soon and I could potentially make havoc of the pack I am trying to eventually create and should work more with my five month old a little longer first.

Any type of insight is certainly appreciated as it will help me be confident in my decision to either pursuit getting the rough collie now or to put the purchase on hold, train my five month old a little more and then get a pup.

I have asked a vet friend of mine and she says get the collie now but I just dont know.... ugh!!!!!

I just did a Leerburg.com search putting in the words "two dogs". I think you know the answer. Good luck.

 Quote: robynearrow

And with all of this said he needs lots and lots of work (especially distractional work) as we have only 7 months before preparing him for his Therapy Dog Institute test.

I'm sure you realize that just because he can take the test at that age, he doesn't have to do so. I'm sure you also know that you have to fit the training to the dog, and go at his own pace. I mention these things to remind you that while your goals are laudable, and he's so smart, perhaps it would be wiser to modify the goal just a tad to "take it when he's ready." If that turns out to be in 7 months, fine. If it's 8 or 9 or 10...fine.

He's still a puppy, and will be for some time. Why dilute your focus and attention to a second very young dog at this time? They'll each need the same amount of individual time and attention, etc.

Your whole post just feels like you are trying to rush thru this period with your puppy. There will be other collies down the line.

JMO.

leih

I agree with everything that Leih said here. I have two GSD's and it is really, really a lot of work.

I think you would be better off taking your time with your LCGSD and allow him some time for him to be a puppy and train him as you are without rushing him to do more than he can at this time.

I also agree that there will be other Collies down the road.
You won't regret taking some time with your LCGSD.
You won't be any good if you are stressed out having to train two dogs with very high needs at this time. It can be stressful and that will be a tough job for anyone.
Your LCGSD sounds like a wonderful dog, enjoy your time with him, and allow him some time to go at his own pace.
Best wishes to you in your future plans, it is very noble cause.

Hi and thanks for all your input!! I have come to the conclusion that I need to wait. I have a good thing going and don't want to mess it up. I know good dogs will come and go as I pursuit my goals however there is a right time and a wrong time.

As far as my 5 month old, 70% of my time with him is play time... and 30% is serious work. So he gets plenty of puppy, play time. Most of what he has learned sofar has come from the consistencies inquired through our play time. IF he doesn't get something we move on to something he does and much praise and treats are rewarded. Consistency, consistency, consistency. When he learns specific tasks through our play time then those tasks are incorporated into our training mode.

this approach has worked really well for him and he so looks to learning more and doing more... I think we will be ready for the testing in 7 to 10 months. Most of our additional training will be in different areas so he gets use to different distractions. He is also spending an hour or two a week outdoors socializing with others in wheelchairs... and this he loves as much as the individuals do.

I think you made an excellent decision Robyne. You will never regret taking the time with him.
It sounds like you have a good balance of training and play time, and some good plans for his future!
Best wishes for your upcoming plans.