Please help

[BleuButterfly]

You may want to find a dog show near you. That way you will be able to meet breeds that interest you.

Some links to website that I find helpful:

infodog.com (dog show info)

akc.org

ukcdogs.com

180 Purebred Dog Breeds - Dog Breed Reviews

Breed Reviews By Breed

INTELLIGENCE OF DOGS - The ranking by breed

You could even try the Animal Planet dog breed selector quiz:

Animal Planet :: Guides :: Dog Breed Selector



Have fun, and good luck on your search for the right dog.

 

[Doggie07]

You guys, I think I'm going to stick with a female German Shepherd. Most females are easier to train and they don't get as big as males.

The German Shepherd is not only what kind of dog I want, but they meet what I want in a dog.

I know you guys said that you wouldn't recommend a German Shepherd as a first dog, but I really want a German Shepherd as my first puppy and from what I've researched and heard from other dog owners, they are what I'm looking for.

I hope that doesn't make you guys mad. Please don't be mad at me.

Update:
I returned and got my money back for the Purina Puppy chow.
I returned and got my money back for the rawhides and the rawhide bone.
I returned and got my money back for the Pedigree canned puppy food.
Got a carrier from petsmart.

Early next week I'm going to go to walmart and look for something to chew on and that toy in which the puppy pushes it around and treats come out through the holes.

The walmart I'm going to doesn't seem to have any good dog food, so I'll just go to the feed mill and get diamond puppy food. I know I said that I found a closer place with blue buffalo, but why make a long trip when diamond is here in this town?

Also, I almost forgot to mention that I decided to get my female GSD spayed. I'll look around for stickies that have the appropriate age to get the puppy spayed.

As soon as I get the puppy, I promise to post pics.

Also, if I made a series of threads called, "The German Shepherd Diaries", would you guys read it?

 

[LilahRoot]

Yay! I usually go to petsmart for toys for the pets because the ones that walmart sell aren't worth the money. They get destroyed the first day that they are home.

Or you can always order off of the internet, I do a lot of that too.
I would definitely read it.

 

[ACooper]

I doubt anyone would be "mad" at you for getting a GSD if that is what you want. They are great dogs, very versatile, and seem to fit in with what you are looking for

Now it *might* tick us off if you don't post pictures of your dog when you get her, LOL Good luck!

 

[lizzybeth727]

You guys, I think I'm going to stick with a female German Shepherd. Most females are easier to train and they don't get as big as males.

I would NOT say that females are easier to train, LOL. Most females I work with learn a new behavior in a few days, but spend the next few weeks trying to figure out a "better" way to do it. If you're looking for a dog that "wants to please you," I'd go with a male.

Anyway, ALL GSDs are quick learners, it won't make a huge difference - training-wise - whether you get a male or female. But IMO males are easier to live with.

 

[Doggie07]

Hey you guys, what kind of toys are good for a puppy to chew on? I know the block or ball with holes in it that puts out treats when pushed around is good, but what about those plastic toys that squeak?

 

[Doggie07]

And another thing, what kind of tests will I need ran on my puppy to make sure everything is all right?

From what I read so far:
Titer Test
Hip Test

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[colliewog]

And another thing, what kind of tests will I need ran on my puppy to make sure everything is all right?

From what I read so far:
Titer Test
Hip Test

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

If you're going with the German Shepherd, you want a puppy who comes from health tested parents. At a minimum, the sire and dam should have their hips certified (OFA or PennHip). According to the Canine Health Information Center, the following are the recommended health clearances for the GSD:

German Shepherd Dog

Hip Dysplasia

* OFA evaluation

Elbow Dysplasia

* OFA evaluation

Congenital Cardiac Database

* OFA evaluation

Autoimmune thyroiditis

* OFA evaluation from an approved laboratory yearly

Temperament Test

* Results of GSDCA Temperament test submitted to OFA

Eye Clearance (Optional)

* CERF evaluation each year until 6, thereafter every 2 years

Degenerative Myelopathy (Optional)

* DM Flash - University of FL CVM results submitted to OFA

Canine Health Information Center: CHIC Information


You wouldn't test the pup's hips until it was 2 yrs old ...

The titer test you listed is to test for immunity after vaccinations are given, to show immunity and if further vaccination is required. Again, not something that would be done prior to getting the puppy.


As far as what they would do for the puppy:

The puppy should have been started on vaccinations and dewormed (according to the laws of your state), and have a health certificate from a veterinarian showing a healthy physical exam (no signs of heart murmur, etc.). You want to meet the breeder and his/her dogs - don't buy sight unseen. You want to see relatives and other offspring to see that the family is stable. If not available, at least be able to show you titles/clearances, etc. The GSD is a lovely breed, but sadly there are some bad ones out there due to their popularity and the number of people that don't know what they're doing breeding to make a quick buck.

 

[colliewog]

Hey you guys, what kind of toys are good for a puppy to chew on? I know the block or ball with holes in it that puts out treats when pushed around is good, but what about those plastic toys that squeak?

For toys, you should have interactive toys and 'alone' toys. I like rope tugs and big soft stuffed toys for interactive play, as well as soft canvas balls for chase/fetch games. For 'alone' toys, Kongs or Nylabones are good to keep them busy, as well as the treat ball you're describing. (Note - mine never liked the cube - they wanted the toy to keep moving, which the cube won't do. You may have to try out a few things to find what your puppy will like).

 

[sammgirl]

Hounds are definitely not known for being easy to train. And most hounds aren't great watchdogs, surprisingly.

A blood hound will always follow its nose no matter what you are telling him to do. His instincts will tell him that nothing is as important as the trail.

German Shepherds are great dogs, IMHO. They're pretty dogs and a very interesting breed to own. However, they're best in experienced homes. They're definitely not a dog for everyone.

They require extensive socialization, as well as mental and physical exercise to reach their full potential. I would say that most shepherds would do best with a job of some sort, even if his job is just guarding his house.

St. Bernards are not a breed I am too familliar with. They're extremely large double coated dogs which tells me that twice a year your whole house will really be covered in dog hair. I bet if it's anything like the spitzes I've been around, you'll find undercoat all over your house and your yard like a bag of cotton balls just exploded.

But, that's what you have to deal with if you get a really heavily coated dog.

I've heard that St. Bernards can have horrible temperaments and health problems, so you'll want to be really careful when you go to purchase one.

Most Saint litters are taken via C-section because their heads are so huge, so that really drives up the price of the breed.

Just food for thought.

To be honest, none of the breeds you've chosen are "easy." I think that a good labrador retriever would be a good fit for you, more so then the other breeds you've chosen.

 

[sammgirl]

And another thing, what kind of tests will I need ran on my puppy to make sure everything is all right?

From what I read so far:
Titer Test
Hip Test

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Well, that's an interesting question:

if you go through a purebred dog breeder, then you'll want THEM to have health tested the parents before the litter was even bred. The health tests depend on the breed.

If you go to the pound, you'll just have to take your chances with what you get. It might turn out well, it might not.

IMHO- Nino Ottoson makes the best dog toys, but they are owner interactive. Kong and Nylabone make some great products.

 

[Doggie07]

To be honest, none of the breeds you've chosen are "easy." I think that a good labrador retriever would be a good fit for you, more so then the other breeds you've chosen.

When I was saying easy, I meant not too difficult to train. Now I have better understanding and what I should have said.

 

[Xandra]

Just thought I'd add that Pennhip can be done at 16 weeks and is probably better than OFA anyhow (gives a more extensive look at the hip joint).

What do you expect this dog to do if someone drives down your driveway and gets out? Do you want him to just bark? Bark very aggressively, lunge, possibly bite? Or do you want a sure bite? A German shepherd should do more than just alert you, he should be either 2 or 3 of the 3 options.

You can teach a dog something without him being obedient lol. Say Dog A and Dog B both know come, but Dog A really, really, REALLY likes to chase squirrels, and Dog B kinda sort does. Well, you're going to have to put a whole lot more effort into getting Dog A to come reliably than Dog B, even if Dog A learns quicker. German shepherds learn really quickly but they tend to be intense and "driven" which can mean more work to make them reliable.

Lastly, you want to be very careful where you get you dog from. As previously mentioned, make sure the parents and grandparents have good hip ratings. Ask the breeder for proof. Also, make sure the breeder guarantees their puppies' hips. If they believe they're giving you a good dog, why wouldn't they?

The breeder should also have something to prove the parents have at least stable temperaments (not shy, safe to be around). In my opinion and I think the opinion of most breed-enthusiasts, they should have not just stable temperaments, but GERMAN SHEPHERD temperaments. By this I mean, good nerves/very confident/courage under threat, aggressive when called upon/protective, in addition to being stable. I mean what good is having a German shepherd if he hides under the table when someone breaks in?

GSD's are really popular and there are a lot of bad breeders out there, so you have to be careful. If you like, when you start looking at breeders you can post their website here (if they have one) or tell us about them and we'll give our opinions.

 

[bubbatd]

Thanks for mentioning Golden or Lab !! At this point I think the OP is a prime candidate for rescue ~~~ knowing what's wanted in the long run , I'd advise against a puppy .

 

[Doggie07]

GSD's are really popular and there are a lot of bad breeders out there, so you have to be careful. If you like, when you start looking at breeders you can post their website here (if they have one) or tell us about them and we'll give our opinions.

Okay, I'll try to do that.

Update:
Went walmart early this morning.
Bought a nyla bone.
Bought an egg that releases treats when rolled around.
Bought a tough rubber bone with a tunnel in it for treats.

One day closer . . .

 

[Doggie07]

Keep in mind I don't have to have a champion bloodline puppy or one suitable for breeding. I just want one as a pet that won't have too many hereditary problems and I'm going to spay her anyway.

Potential Breeder 1:
Puppies left: 2, female
Price: $350 each
Shots and Wormed: Yes, up to date
Parents health certified: Unknown
More info:
So okay, I spoke to a breeder about 75 miles away. They have two puppies left. According to them, the parents are very healthy and they haven't had any medical probelms from the mother or the father. They say the father is very big. I asked about medical records and they said they didn't get any because they cost money.

Thoughts?

 

[bubbatd]

To me it's an iffy situation . I'd make a trip before I'd make a decision .

 

[Doggie07]

One more thing, that hard rubber bone I bought from walmart with the tunnel in it for food, is that the type of toy I leave my pup alone with or should I have bought two nylabones? By the way, the bone is a Dogzilla product.

 

[Dekka]

Keep in mind I don't have to have a champion bloodline puppy or one suitable for breeding. I just want one as a pet that won't have too many hereditary problems and I'm going to spay her anyway.

Potential Breeder 1:
Puppies left: 2, female
Price: $350 each
Shots and Wormed: Yes, up to date
Parents health certified: Unknown
More info:
So okay, I spoke to a breeder about 75 miles away. They have two puppies left. According to them, the parents are very healthy and they haven't had any medical probelms from the mother or the father. They say the father is very big. I asked about medical records and they said they didn't get any because they cost money.

Thoughts?

ask why so cheap.. what are they skimping on. I know my costs are normally over 350 a pup. So make sure the mom was on good food, the pups vetted, socialized, and weaned onto good food. If they can't be bothered to take them to the vet then they likely aren't the sort you want to support.

Anything less than 500 from a breeder and I would be VERY suspicious.

If all you want is a nice pet puppy I would suggest a shelter or rescue. At least then you can get a 'cheap' puppy and not encourage bybs and contribute to the over population problem.

 

[Doggie07]

And another thing I've been thinking about: Should I have feeding time after or before excercise or play time?