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by suzyc on 10 January 2014 - 14:01
Thank y'all so much for your insight. I think it's obvious that I'm not nearly as well versed in this area as others on here are. I really don't know what to do, and didn't even realize that there were so many decisions that I needed to make...so again, I appreciate your patience for someone who doesn't really know what they're doing! I'm sorry I ever mentioned breeding! I had no idea that was a faux pas! I just assumed that if a dog was good enough to breed, it would be good enough to do all the other things I might want to get into, such as shows or certifications. I'm realizing that it's not quite so cut and dry!
What I have been looking for is a dog (pup, young pup, young adult) that I can bring into my family without fear or major concern regarding temperament and health. Yes, I do understand there are no guarantees, but I also know that if I do this the right way, the likelihood of getting a bad animal is at least somewhat reduced. I have two children, 16 and 11, two cats, and two dogs living in the house with me (yes, I even let the kids live indoors ;) I would like a dog that will be a protector, but not a crazy, aggressive one like I fear I could easily end up with by searching Craigslist. I wanted to make sure I did my due diligence before bringing in a much larger and stronger animal in to join our family. I also wanted to start doing activities with the dog and had no clue there were so many different variables involved or options to choose from. So many of the dogs I've looked at were ranging in price from like $2000 to tens of thousands. Having no experience in dealing with this, I don't know if I'm being treated fairly or if I'm being taken advantage of. I'm a teacher, and clearly can't spend tens of thousands of dollars on a dog. But I was and am willing to spend several thousand if I know my investment is sound. I don't have the luxury of having money to burn, and just didn't want to get scammed. I'm afraid some people may take that to mean all I care about is my money; however I don't think that an expectation of being treated fairly should equal such an assumption.
I appreciate any insight anyone can give, and if anyone knows by word of mouth or whatever, of a breeder who can be trusted to deal with an uneducated person such as myself, please let me know. I refuse to be deterred by my own ignorance, and hope that I can be a quick study and do this the right way.
What I have been looking for is a dog (pup, young pup, young adult) that I can bring into my family without fear or major concern regarding temperament and health. Yes, I do understand there are no guarantees, but I also know that if I do this the right way, the likelihood of getting a bad animal is at least somewhat reduced. I have two children, 16 and 11, two cats, and two dogs living in the house with me (yes, I even let the kids live indoors ;) I would like a dog that will be a protector, but not a crazy, aggressive one like I fear I could easily end up with by searching Craigslist. I wanted to make sure I did my due diligence before bringing in a much larger and stronger animal in to join our family. I also wanted to start doing activities with the dog and had no clue there were so many different variables involved or options to choose from. So many of the dogs I've looked at were ranging in price from like $2000 to tens of thousands. Having no experience in dealing with this, I don't know if I'm being treated fairly or if I'm being taken advantage of. I'm a teacher, and clearly can't spend tens of thousands of dollars on a dog. But I was and am willing to spend several thousand if I know my investment is sound. I don't have the luxury of having money to burn, and just didn't want to get scammed. I'm afraid some people may take that to mean all I care about is my money; however I don't think that an expectation of being treated fairly should equal such an assumption.
I appreciate any insight anyone can give, and if anyone knows by word of mouth or whatever, of a breeder who can be trusted to deal with an uneducated person such as myself, please let me know. I refuse to be deterred by my own ignorance, and hope that I can be a quick study and do this the right way.
by Keith Grossman on 10 January 2014 - 16:01
Check your private messages, Suzy; I'll help however I can.
by Mystere on 10 January 2014 - 16:01
Suzyc,
What part of the country are you in? Go to the local CLUBS in your area and you will find lots of people who will be happy to "tutor" and "mentor" you. You say " show " and "show quality"...but. WHOSE show? Are you interested in AKC show quality and lines, or European show lines for SV-German style shows? There is a vast difference between the two, and two almost entirely different sets of breeders. If you mean European show lines, contact the local schutzhund clubs in your area (see the national websites to find local clubs: USCA germanshepherddog.com; DVG dvgamerica.com; GSDCA-WDA, gsdca-wda.org). Go to the AKC site (AKC.org) to find the local AKC -affiliated/related clubs for the breed.
You said you want to engage in some types of activities--go to those clubs, too. You will find breeders among the membership in those local obedience, agility, etc clubs. You will also find people in clubs, particularly the schutzhund clubs, with little to no compunction about telling you who the unethical breeders are, and which breeders to stay away from on GP.
But, as indicated to you already, you need to know what it is you WANT to do. Perhaps hearing about different "types" of gsds is new to you. It was new to each and every one of us in the beginning, so don't feel intimidated. No one came from the womb knowing this stuff.
What part of the country are you in? Go to the local CLUBS in your area and you will find lots of people who will be happy to "tutor" and "mentor" you. You say " show " and "show quality"...but. WHOSE show? Are you interested in AKC show quality and lines, or European show lines for SV-German style shows? There is a vast difference between the two, and two almost entirely different sets of breeders. If you mean European show lines, contact the local schutzhund clubs in your area (see the national websites to find local clubs: USCA germanshepherddog.com; DVG dvgamerica.com; GSDCA-WDA, gsdca-wda.org). Go to the AKC site (AKC.org) to find the local AKC -affiliated/related clubs for the breed.
You said you want to engage in some types of activities--go to those clubs, too. You will find breeders among the membership in those local obedience, agility, etc clubs. You will also find people in clubs, particularly the schutzhund clubs, with little to no compunction about telling you who the unethical breeders are, and which breeders to stay away from on GP.
But, as indicated to you already, you need to know what it is you WANT to do. Perhaps hearing about different "types" of gsds is new to you. It was new to each and every one of us in the beginning, so don't feel intimidated. No one came from the womb knowing this stuff.
by JohnsGSDs on 10 January 2014 - 17:01
Dear nice lady, take your time. I would suggest you check out my friend at Edreyes K9 . in central Fl. Hee is a master trainer, importer and breeder of high quality working line shepards.. I currently own a mother / daughter from Ed. Great dogs. I also have a 1year old import from Belgium that he was insturamental in helping me locate a top quality breeder in europe. Doris at vom dambergerschloss kennel..Ed would never steer you wrong. with him its not about the money, its about the quality of the dogs.
by dragonfry on 10 January 2014 - 17:01
Suzyc, as someone that doesn't own a shepherd but interacts with a bunch of people who do own shepherds. I can say it is rather confusing.
Show lines are the best according to show dog people, and absolute garbage according to the working or police type of dog people.
And vice versa.
Let me ask this?
With 2 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats and a partridge in a pear tree.
How much time are you planning to dedicate to working your new dog?
I ask because i'm one of those people that love to train, i get great enjoy out of hanging out with other dog people and my dog. I spend an average of 4 to 5 hours a week doing different training classes.
Now that is a lot! But i'm currently doing 1 hour of agility, 2 hours of obedience and 1 hour of IPO related work.
On the weekends i either bike my dog, track or hopefully attend some shows.
So if your planning to start working or showing a dog think about how much time you want to dedicate to training. And who know maybe you can get your kids interested in doing some dog sports with you. I see some awesome kids doing agility.
I have a Junior Handler at my classes who in the top 10 in the country.
Don't worry so much about the crumedges on here. They really do mean well they just don't type it out that way. I'm guilty of that myself.
But do let us know what state your in, or country. What your hopes are. (Show dog, obedience champ, agility master)
Don't yet worry about price. Instead learn what test you should be asking for, what the different titles mean. What is acceptable and what is not in the breed.
Hopefully someone on here can be of some help.
Best wishes on finding your new dog.
Fry
Show lines are the best according to show dog people, and absolute garbage according to the working or police type of dog people.
And vice versa.
Let me ask this?
With 2 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats and a partridge in a pear tree.
How much time are you planning to dedicate to working your new dog?
I ask because i'm one of those people that love to train, i get great enjoy out of hanging out with other dog people and my dog. I spend an average of 4 to 5 hours a week doing different training classes.
Now that is a lot! But i'm currently doing 1 hour of agility, 2 hours of obedience and 1 hour of IPO related work.
On the weekends i either bike my dog, track or hopefully attend some shows.
So if your planning to start working or showing a dog think about how much time you want to dedicate to training. And who know maybe you can get your kids interested in doing some dog sports with you. I see some awesome kids doing agility.
I have a Junior Handler at my classes who in the top 10 in the country.
Don't worry so much about the crumedges on here. They really do mean well they just don't type it out that way. I'm guilty of that myself.
But do let us know what state your in, or country. What your hopes are. (Show dog, obedience champ, agility master)
Don't yet worry about price. Instead learn what test you should be asking for, what the different titles mean. What is acceptable and what is not in the breed.
Hopefully someone on here can be of some help.
Best wishes on finding your new dog.
Fry
by Two Moons on 10 January 2014 - 17:01
Suzyc,
From reading your last post I think you'll do fine.
My best advice is to look for a local breeder in your area, within driving distance for many reasons, but mainly if you do have problems you don't want to have to deal with them long distance.
You decide yourself what kind of person they are by visiting and talking to them, avoid anything that looks like a puppy mill or breeder who's only money motivated.
Surely you will be able to see how they operate just with a visit, how clean they are, how they care for their animals, how they communicate with you, questions and answers.
They should have references from past buyers, Vet's etc.
They should provide you with pedigree information which you should be able to search out and see bloodlines, health, and any titles.
They should be curious about you and what kind of person you are if they care about their animals.
Your also there to visit the sire and dam in person first hand.
It should be someone who's been at it for some time, not just a fly by night back yard breeder, possibly someone who actually works shows and trains their dogs.
Guarantee's mean very little unless in writing, and anything that sounds too good to be true usually is.
Avoid extremes in types because what your looking for is in the middle.
My best dog was from a local breeder and was only $350.00, she surpasses my expensive import, so money is no measure of quality.
Her pups have done quite well and I do keep track.
Referrals are helpful, but trust your own judgment in the end.
Learn what to look for and most important a GSD has needs that other breeds do not, learn this before you get a new puppy and know how to start before you begin.
Know what to expect and be prepared if you want the best results.
The learning begins now and never ends for you or your pup.
From reading your last post I think you'll do fine.
My best advice is to look for a local breeder in your area, within driving distance for many reasons, but mainly if you do have problems you don't want to have to deal with them long distance.
You decide yourself what kind of person they are by visiting and talking to them, avoid anything that looks like a puppy mill or breeder who's only money motivated.
Surely you will be able to see how they operate just with a visit, how clean they are, how they care for their animals, how they communicate with you, questions and answers.
They should have references from past buyers, Vet's etc.
They should provide you with pedigree information which you should be able to search out and see bloodlines, health, and any titles.
They should be curious about you and what kind of person you are if they care about their animals.
Your also there to visit the sire and dam in person first hand.
It should be someone who's been at it for some time, not just a fly by night back yard breeder, possibly someone who actually works shows and trains their dogs.
Guarantee's mean very little unless in writing, and anything that sounds too good to be true usually is.
Avoid extremes in types because what your looking for is in the middle.
My best dog was from a local breeder and was only $350.00, she surpasses my expensive import, so money is no measure of quality.
Her pups have done quite well and I do keep track.
Referrals are helpful, but trust your own judgment in the end.
Learn what to look for and most important a GSD has needs that other breeds do not, learn this before you get a new puppy and know how to start before you begin.
Know what to expect and be prepared if you want the best results.
The learning begins now and never ends for you or your pup.
by suzyc on 10 January 2014 - 19:01
I'm so very excited to read all the different posts! I live in the great state of Texas around the Dallas area. After further research, I really think I would be more interested in agility and things of that nature more than showing. It is a little unnerving to know so little and feel so stupid while y'all seem to know so much! The good news is that I'm not expecting to go out today and buy a pup. I can wait until I'm sure that I'm getting the right one for my family. It's a lot of money (for me at least) to spend on a "hobby" but I don't care! I've spent the last 17 years not doing what I want to... the next 17 are gonna be all about me! Well, me and my boys :).
My oldest son wouldn't be interested in getting involved with me but I was really hoping my youngest son would. I haven't found anything that he's really interested in yet but I'm still trying. As for the amount of time I can spend doing things, I have all kinds of time to devote. I pretty much have had no life outside of being married so now that's no longer an issue, I've got nothing but time! Plus i have my summers off! That's why I'm so excited about the opportunities ahead with a new pup! Clearly I will be a novice at anything I pick but that's ok hopefully! I do realize that some comments that I perceived as a tad harsh were only meant out of concern so I don't take them personally. Everyone here has since been very supportive and helpful, and I appreciate it so much!
so I am going to look into the suggestions y'all have made and try to educate myself a bit more and hopefully figure out exactly what area or areas I'd like to get involved in. I look forward to the journey and hope no one minds if I ask more stupid questions in the future! I'm just so freaking excited that I can't quit saying that!!!
My oldest son wouldn't be interested in getting involved with me but I was really hoping my youngest son would. I haven't found anything that he's really interested in yet but I'm still trying. As for the amount of time I can spend doing things, I have all kinds of time to devote. I pretty much have had no life outside of being married so now that's no longer an issue, I've got nothing but time! Plus i have my summers off! That's why I'm so excited about the opportunities ahead with a new pup! Clearly I will be a novice at anything I pick but that's ok hopefully! I do realize that some comments that I perceived as a tad harsh were only meant out of concern so I don't take them personally. Everyone here has since been very supportive and helpful, and I appreciate it so much!
so I am going to look into the suggestions y'all have made and try to educate myself a bit more and hopefully figure out exactly what area or areas I'd like to get involved in. I look forward to the journey and hope no one minds if I ask more stupid questions in the future! I'm just so freaking excited that I can't quit saying that!!!
by joanro on 10 January 2014 - 19:01
Let the interest in learning flow, but allow the excitement to ebb so that when the time comes, you make a rational decision rather than an emotional one. Good luck and enjoy learning :-)
by Two Moons on 10 January 2014 - 19:01
Jan is in Texas and probably knows many breeders, someone might send her a PM.
I dunno where she's at at the moment, probably climbing a mountain somewhere....LOL
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/userinfo.html?userid=21384
I dunno where she's at at the moment, probably climbing a mountain somewhere....LOL
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/userinfo.html?userid=21384
by greyhoundgirl on 10 January 2014 - 20:01
Those super expensive dogs you were looking at could have been trained adult dogs and they should cost more. As you are figuring out that you have a lot to learn about this breed and not sure what you want, have you thought about getting a rescue? Most rescues can give you a good idea if one of their dogs would be a good match for you and you could skip the house breaking stage. If you are set on a puppy, then for sure get one from a good breeder, whichever type you are interested in.
As you are liking agility - how could you not?! - go to some trials and talk to people about the time, money, and effort that goes into it, to see if it's something you can realistically do.
As you are liking agility - how could you not?! - go to some trials and talk to people about the time, money, and effort that goes into it, to see if it's something you can realistically do.
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