Comment by Super_sally on July 19, 2012 at 8:37pm

Hi,

I would think a shelter puppy would be equivalent to a purepred puppy. Both are pretty much unknowns. For the shelter puppy you won't know the exact parent breeds, but would guess you would have some idea to get one with an appropriate background - it just won't have breed papers. You are going to be doing a lot of training either way.

I personally would prefer to be rescuing a shelter dog. But that's just me.

Why not go down to the shelter and see what's available and if any steal your heart.

Comment by karebear1966 on July 19, 2012 at 10:03pm

LOL I have no doubt there would be a pup or three that would steal my heart..The training is not really the issue, I agree lots of work either way, the concern is more temperment. They have to be calm and willing to learn, motivated by certain positive training techniques...be well mannered around people and other dogs, some of it is obedience and some of it is just the dogs personality. I am leaning towards a shelter puppy as well.

Comment by Super_sally on July 20, 2012 at 12:17am

Sounds like you are very experienced with dogs. Spending some time watching puppies at play and interacting with you and their companions would help give an idea of the potential puppy's temperament. Even an adolescent dog may be suitable.

Will be interested in following how you go and your training of the new dog. Maybe you can blog about it in more detail. :)

Comment by Jethro on July 20, 2012 at 12:41am

Hey there Karebear. My wife and I were just talking about a Service dog for my brother who is T1 and currently in ICU. I am a big fan of German Shepherds. I currently have three; Maddy and her two offspring (Tuxedo and Maya). Maddy is purebread but not papered; we spent $250 for her; We spent $450 on Taro (purebread and papered)he fathered the litter. However Maddy is a far better dog than Taro. We ended up giving Taro away to a good county home. Though I love the idea of saving shelter animals I doubt that you will find a purebred German Shep Puppy at a shelter. My experience is that German Sheps are the smartest, most trainable dogs; they are loyal, loving, and will only potty in the house if their sick or unable to get outside. You know; you had one for 15 yrs; and in order to make that commitment you definitely need a dog that will treat your home with respect. Some other breeds have good features but none will treat your home as good as a Shepherd will. My advise is to follow your head not your heart on this one.

Comment by Jethro on July 20, 2012 at 12:47am

Sally; Its tough to see from that little pic, is that a baby or young child with short hair. either way the kid is lucky having a mom with with such a big heart.

Comment by Super_sally on July 20, 2012 at 12:59am

That's Michaela. She is 3 1/2. The chubby one at the bottom is Lauren. She's nearly 4 months old. Both them are my pride and joy and motivation.... it's wonderful how these little people motivate us to be the best we can be, to do our best to raise them well, to try to set a good example..

Thanks Jethro!

Comment by Trudy on July 20, 2012 at 5:14am

Hi Karebare.The advantage of a pure-bred dog is that you have a better idea of how the adult dog will turn out. If you go to a good breeder, they should know how to evaluate their pups for temperament and conformation both. I've never had a German Shepherd, but know that both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers do well in service work. Well, you probably knew all that, but anyway, good luck -- sounds like a great idea to me.

Comment by karebear1966 on July 20, 2012 at 8:47am

As you all have probably guessed I am partial to the german shepherd. But after doing a bit of research the consensus from most of the "professional" trainers is that the golden retrievers and the Labs are better suited for this kind of work and heres why...German shepherds are very smart but also extreamely protective. If I was to pass out and someone human tried to help me, the shepherd might be inclined to bite and therefore hinder any assistance I may be able to get.
My last shepherd was not the most aggressive dog but even when my boys were playing rough with eachother as boys do, he would get in between them until they stopped. And he would not tolerate anyone especially men to even THINK aggressive thoughts around me.
I love shepherds and yes they are one of the easiest dogs to train in my book, but I have to think of public safety if I am to get him certified as a service dog.

Comment by Don on July 20, 2012 at 9:51am

What a neat project. A minor point but a lab may want more exercise than a golden. I wonder if they have equal sense of smell?

Comment by nel on July 20, 2012 at 9:56am

Maybe the Lions Service Club ( s) in you area of BC can assist you in deciding ?? http://www.dogguides.com/about.html ...there are 2 black labs around my community , one with a visual impaired person and the other guide dog does his service work with a person , who has epilepsy . Another website http://www.pads.ca/

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