My son has always had a big thing for German Shepherds. He likes big dogs (so do I), but I think the disciplined protector type is where he is coming from, mainly.
The Wife and I have decided he is probably old enough now to begin to learn the responsibility of caring for as well as adequately training a dog, and we like the idea of himhaving a constant companion who is well-suited for defense and intimidation should the need arise. My son is also still young enough he has the energy to keep up (12 1/2), unlike us. lol
So, of course, I envision Timmy and Lassie, constantly by each others' sides and my son being protected from any and all threats while we aren't with him. Yeah, a bit optimistic, perhaps, but the bond a boy can develop with his "first dog" can be pretty special, so we're entertaining the idea.
I'm not paying the $2k-5k I see from special top breeders in the Tulsa area, etc. Of course Craiglist has some for sale without papers in the $250 or so range. This is more reasonable, we feel. We're not worried about papers and showing a dog, but we don't want something from a puppy mill that's been poorly-bred or could have temperament troubles, etc. I know some people will say, "You get what you pay for," but I think there are likely decent deals from decent folks out there with good dogs. I'm just not paying used-car prices for a puppy.
So, I'm open to ideas, if you guys know of people in your local area who have some good pups for sale, we're looking to adopt, perhaps. Also would like feedback on training programs and such, as we will definitely be doing that. Likely some in-person local training as well as perhaps some purchasable training programs, like on DVD or something.
It's all new to us. We have 2 cats, they're idiots, one is somewhat loveable, the other is a psychotic freak I'd just as soon the GSD ate as soon as he outgrew her. Of course, the wife is concerned about them getting along - I think starting at a puppy age, he'll have time to get used to them, while they generally get over their rage in being displaced as the sole underfoot assassins in the home.
So what do ya'll think?
The Wife and I have decided he is probably old enough now to begin to learn the responsibility of caring for as well as adequately training a dog, and we like the idea of himhaving a constant companion who is well-suited for defense and intimidation should the need arise. My son is also still young enough he has the energy to keep up (12 1/2), unlike us. lol
So, of course, I envision Timmy and Lassie, constantly by each others' sides and my son being protected from any and all threats while we aren't with him. Yeah, a bit optimistic, perhaps, but the bond a boy can develop with his "first dog" can be pretty special, so we're entertaining the idea.
I'm not paying the $2k-5k I see from special top breeders in the Tulsa area, etc. Of course Craiglist has some for sale without papers in the $250 or so range. This is more reasonable, we feel. We're not worried about papers and showing a dog, but we don't want something from a puppy mill that's been poorly-bred or could have temperament troubles, etc. I know some people will say, "You get what you pay for," but I think there are likely decent deals from decent folks out there with good dogs. I'm just not paying used-car prices for a puppy.
So, I'm open to ideas, if you guys know of people in your local area who have some good pups for sale, we're looking to adopt, perhaps. Also would like feedback on training programs and such, as we will definitely be doing that. Likely some in-person local training as well as perhaps some purchasable training programs, like on DVD or something.
It's all new to us. We have 2 cats, they're idiots, one is somewhat loveable, the other is a psychotic freak I'd just as soon the GSD ate as soon as he outgrew her. Of course, the wife is concerned about them getting along - I think starting at a puppy age, he'll have time to get used to them, while they generally get over their rage in being displaced as the sole underfoot assassins in the home.
So what do ya'll think?