buying a german shepherd

[myermay]

We are currently doing our research as buying a german shepherd.

Now we are not looking to show/breed our dog but i'm amazed at the difference in prices. We're going to look at some which cost £350 and some that are costing £650! the more expensive ones, the lady asked all the questions, and seems very interested in the kind of home it's coming too (which i know is good), told me all about hip scores etc, will be kc reg and comes with papers. However, the cheaper one won't be kc reg,but the father is - but is being brought up around other pets and kids.

My question is, does it really matter as we are not intending to breed or show the dog? obviously we'll look at the parents and see what the temperaments are like but we really did not want to spend £650. Do you think it'll be a very unhealthy dog?

[myermay]

i thought you had one?

[bella39]

No - I have a GSD x lab, a lab, and a dobe on the way. Kingcanute has a GSD

[KingCanuteIAm]

Yeah I do

But I am in the market for another, well trained older brother/sister so if anything crops up....

Bella - sorry to hijack - tomorrow is vist day for GSD, do I leave it to fate or ring tuesday to see how it went? I am torn between being polite/not really interested and being pushy/really wants the woofa.

[bella39]

No harm in calling later to ask how it went. I worked for a rescue at one point and wouldn't have turned anyone down for being pushy

[KingCanuteIAm]

I think I will call in the morning Bella. It can't do any harm as you say plus it will stop me having to wonder if I still have a shot if I don't IYSWIM

[bella39]

No - I meant later today KC

Tomorrow looks like you don't give a monkey's, tbh

[KingCanuteIAm]

Oh I am just so polite

Ok, later today it is then!

[bella39]

[KingCanuteIAm]

Are you awaiting news of woofa Bella or are you desperate to share your photos?

[fruitshootsandheaves]

What do the police do with their 'rejects' ?

you can't get police dog rejects...they can't be rehomed once they've done the training

[bella39]

KC - wondered how you got on?

I meant the ones bred for the job who aren't deemed suitable for training, fruitshoots.

[KingCanuteIAm]

See now I am confused... you mean how did I get on with my operatives, the dark glasses or the woofa? Or all of them? Or none? my brain is exploding tonight, does it show?

[bella39]

Oh, ffs - I mean the GSD, you stupid ...

[KingCanuteIAm]

Mare????

I rang about 4.45, turns out the people were not going round until 7 though (as it is a foster home) so I asked if they minded if I rang back in the morning to see how it went and they said that was fine, in fact they seemed quite pleased so I am taking that as a good thing

[bella39]

Not going round till 7? How lax. How inconsiderate. They're horrid people, evidently. When dh and I went to collect my old girl we were there half an hour before Battersea's gates opened. We went and had breakfast in a greasy spoon but couldn't eat for excitement.

You are clearly the better candidate, by far my sweet.

All joking aside, do not worry about being seen as pushy. People often see a dog, ring up and then forget about it, or the excitement wears off. show them you are a true nutcase dog lover and that you are serious about this dog. They may of course use some senseless first come, first serve basis, but really they should be looking for the best home, especially when there are several interested parties.

My pup's breeder has taken out an injunction to stop me calling and emailing her, but so what?

[KingCanuteIAm]

I get the impression that they have given these people first refusal, I am not sure if thy have already been homechecked etc so they know them or if they are just doing a first come system.

Either way, they only need to chat to me to know I am the very best person for any dog

I was thinking about contacting the lady I have had two rescues from and asking if she would mind me offering her as a "reference" if I get that far, not that I particularly think they would take up a reference but I thought it might strengthen my case to offer it... Am I over thinking again?

[bella39]

No, I think that's a good idea.

They may still have to do a homecheck, true.

It's also their policy to put thenm out on a week's trial, so it could even go wrong at that stage (here's hoping)...

Right, off to bed now, sweetie. The blonde one must have popped out for more batteries.

Keep me posted!

[bella39]

Oh, and sorry for hijacking, myermay

You must also keep us informed...

[KingCanuteIAm]

I do feel very bad for hoping it does not work out, the poor people involved are probably fantastic! I am torn between being reasonable and being selfish

Anyway, sleep well - I think Blondes must be having a RL - we should get that stopped ASAP

Myermay, sorry, we do have a habit of waffling rubbish, we must get in the habit of keeping it off other peoples threads
I would be very interested to know what you decide and how you get on

[bella39]

hurry up KC...

[KingCanuteIAm]

Hurry up what???

[myermay]

Bella, sorry but need advice again!!! we are going to see some pups soon - and all very excited, however...................would i be mad to consider a rescue GSD? hear me out as i keep talking myself in and out of it. My mum bumped into someone who helps out with gsd rescue and she told her about a lovely 18mth old bitch who is apparently wonderful tem. etc and needs a home. i'm torn between thinking would it' nuts with the kids, mine are only 6 &4 and i'd be worried the dog would snap if pushed, trod on etc? or to go for the puppy, at least we'll be able to train it our way and the kids grow up with it, rather than have a full grown dog put inthe house. The dog was neglected, but doing heaps better now - tell me i am mad and stop letting my heart rule my head!

[bella39]

No, I don't think you are mad

If I were you I'd want to make sure it was a reputable rescue organisation, ask lots of questions, and really put the dog through her paces to assess her temperament.

tbh I get a bit cross when people (not you!) say 'I'd never have a rescue because you don't know if one day something might set it off' - I don't believe it works like that. Not IME anyway. We took on a rescue GSD X lab at about 18 months and she is solid gold, whereas I have had pups who have snapped.

Look very closely for any signs of aggression and, just as importantly, fear.

KC and others will be able to advise too.

Best of luck!

[myermay]

bella, why fear? this dog has been taking for drug addicts and was in a bad way, but brought up around children. Apparently she just needs love but is warey? very good temp though. How would i put a dog through paces?

[morethanyoubargainfor]

Take bella with you when you go to see it!

sorry thats not very helpful is it! i wouldn't rule out a rescue, in fact am going down thaT route myself next year with children similar ages to yours.

Sometimes aggression can come out because the dog is fearful. I would want to see her several times beford i agreed to take her on, i would like to see her around her food, out on walks, playing, resting. everything really to gain a fair assesment of her.