the idea of a "pet" dog v. a "working" dog is relatively new to me, as they are defined on this site. there seem to be a lot of comments to the effect that pets are handled and trained differently than working dogs. that behavior that could not be tolerated in a pet is acceptable in a working dog. and certainly that the traits that are desireable in each are quite different.

that being the case, how much of the advice on groundwork, training, and training preparation should be used with a pet?

for example, i think it would probably be inappropriate to keep other family members away from a pet dog, as is recommended in groundwork, would it not?

and what about socializing the dog with petting from strangers? makes sense you wouldn't do this with a working dog, but what about a pet?

i've seen lots of useful advice given here, but i do want to be clear on whether what is suitable for working dogs is suitable for pets.

and, is ed's basic obedience video appropriate for pets, or is it primarily for those raising working dogs?

To answer you post would require typing until the wee hours. If you only want a pet, then just love your pet, socialize your pet with people and enviroments, so your dog is relaxed and confident in different enviroments, and obedience is good for all dogs living in households. All of what I mentioned will make your life with your dog better, and improve his quality of life and yours, and will lessen the chances of your dog ending up in a pound later in life or worse, having your dog put down because it bit someone it shouldn't have. You need to do research on being a pack leader also. That is a huge problem with many pet people, they let their dogs run over them, and with a lack of knowledge of the subject that pet owner will likely not realize the things he is letting his dog get away with that he feels are no big deal, is really setting a standard, and allowing the pet to encroach on the owners Alpha status. Which can cause all types of problems from little nagging behaviors, to either the pet, the owner, or another person, being injured as a result of the dog.

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...is ed's basic obedience video appropriate for pets, or is it primarily for those raising working dogs?

I've found Ed's videos to be helpful for both my pets and my Schutzhund dog

Just wanted to comment on your post...I have a 3 year old GSD out of Czech & W.German Working lines. She is not a working dog by any means, but I have to say she is not as 'easy' as a regular pet. She requires a lot of attention and stimulation...We train in obedience once a week, walk daily, etc. She has been super socialized and nothing phases her. Ultimately, she is my nearly constant companion. She travels with me approximately two weekends a month and goes with me everywhere I can take her. With that said, I have trained her to be aloof to strangers & other dogs. I am her focus at nearly all times. Essentially, I wanted a dog that was well trained, that could go anywhere, do anything, and be happy, in addition to being a family pet. She is just that, but I still cannot believe the work it took me to get her here. She is the first dog I have raised from a pup, being pretty young myself...If I wouldn't have gotten a pup from working lines, it might have been easier in the long run, but then again, I wouldn't have this awesome dog who is loving and sweet, while at the same time, intense and edgy. So I certainly recommend a working line dog to you - just be prepared to work a little bit to get what you want and be ready to reap the rewards. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

thanks for your comments.

my previous dogs were not from working lines, but from kennels that produced dogs for the show ring. they were all very "soft" dogs. raising them was pretty effortless in comparison with my current working lines dog.

the intensity and edginess is something i see in my own boy, too. that was not present in my previous pets. they didn't require activities to be happy, though they were happy to have them when they were provided.

btw, the previous dogs were also focused on me and great companions i could take anywhere. one of them lived with me in a major city and he could be in any crowded situation off leash and was completely, 100 percent trustworthy. i didn't have to work with him at all to get him to be this way. it was just the way he was.

interesting to see other other people's experiences compare...