My pups' pedigree, and her lack of nerve? - Page 6

I think this is a good article on the the different stages of development all puppies are subject to.

http://www.doberman.org/articles/puppy.htm 

And I agree with you too, Smiley, even to the point that I've carried pepper spray and sometimes a wiffle ball bat with me for years. I'm not afraid to use them it either

I agree with Two Moons posts.....Anthony I would just move on and not worry about it. Continue to do what you are doing by arranging playdates with appropriate individuals. She's a pretty girl and I would think if she had a true "weak nerve" issue it would turn up in a lot of other areas. You would definitely know it.

Cheers and enjoy her!!

Sara

I would never put my dog in a dog park environment again. I've gone there and watched other dogs get pinned repeatedly. Especially knowing that my dog is insecure about other dogs.

This particular park has a few fenced dog runs. probably big enough for about 6 dogs to get some play time. My work schedule allows me to go there off hours, and meet a friend or two almost every day. It's 2, 3 dogs at most, and all pups of similar temperament.


This past weekend was the first time I've gone in there on a weekend. I had met my friends there, and Kira was omping with her Golden friend. They really leave that play area exhausted.
Towards the end of our stay, someone enters the area with a 14 month GSD. The dog didn't even look my at Kira. As soon as Kira saw that dog, she stopped playing, came over to me, and sat next to me. She was done.

The owner saw what took place, and introduced himself as a breeder, and said that her behavior was genetic.

I left with her.

It was his comments, that made me start this thread.

Anthony, trust me on this - no GSD breeder worth anything takes his or her dogs to a dog park.

Anthony,

To be honest, I would say that that breeder should not have tried to judge your dog's genetic temperament based on that one thing you described. You would DEFINITELY know if you owned a weak nerved dog. It would show up in all sorts of situations and you would DEFINITELY know by this point in your dog's life!  It would show up when you went to a new environment; when you met new people; when you introduced something new; when strange noises are made near your dog; when their routine is changed and they freak out; all kinds of ways........

If your dog is steady in daily life except for being afraid of other GSDs based on one traumatic experience than I really wouldn't sweat it!!  

But, I am no expert...that's for sure!!!

Sara

Anthony, To be honest, I would say that that breeder should not have tried to judge your dog's genetic temperament based on that one thing you described. You would DEFINITELY know if you owned a weak nerved dog. It would show up in all sorts of situations and you would DEFINITELY know by this point in your dog's life!  It would show up when you went to a new environment; when you met new people; when you introduced something new; when strange noises are made near your dog; when their routine is changed and they freak out; all kinds of ways........ If your dog is steady in daily life except for being afraid of other GSDs based on one traumatic experience than I really wouldn't sweat it!!   But, I am no expert...that's for sure!!! Sara

LOL.... As my wife walked away, she called him a A-hole under her breath. She felt the same as you did .. LOL That's why I said someone who "introduced himself" as a breeder In my opinion, my Kira lots of nerve. she may not be a bully, and she knows how to avoid bullies. IMO, I think she's blessed to walk away, and avoid a confrontation, rather than get involved in one.  She never hesitates to seek out new adventures with me, she goes anywhere, meets anyone,  and never ceases to perform in her school in front of crowd. She took first place in her obedience competition, in every category, and she's commonly used as an obedience example in her school to demonstrate certain obedience techniques. She's a good girl :) Just recently, we went to Petco for her weekly "meet and greet". As children were walking over to pet her, she would automatically go into a "down" to allow the smaller children to pet her. She's so incredibly gentle with the lilttle ones too.

I didn't want to mention this, but something else happened with the same dog that pinned her as a pup, about a week ago. This is why this is so fresh in my mind.

Last week, my wife and I took a stroll on one of the local nature trails. We had Kira ON LEASH, and were just enjoying some quality time together.

At one point, I strayed away to see what was over some hill, and my wife continued walking with Kira in a different direction.

A few minutes later, I hear my wife screaming, and Kira barking fiercely. I can hear the fear in my wife's voice. I come running over the hill, and I see Kira in front of my wife lunging and barking at the WHITE GERMAN SHEPHERD! The SAME GSD that nailed her as a puppy had come running over, and started barking and was literally circling my wife and Kira. Hackles were up on both dogs. Kira was livid. My wife was frozen, and scared out of her wits. She did not know what to do, and was visibly shaken. I get to them, and get between everybody, when the owner finally comes running over.
The guy had a smile on his face!!!!

This was the SAME GUY, SAME DOG!!! LOOSE OFF LEASH AGAIN!!!

He grabbed his dog.

I won't get into what was said, but I need to do something about the fact that he's endangering the safety of my family, and my dog. We keep crossing paths in the same areas. If his dog is leashed, no problem..
This was NOT and off leash park. He was clearly breaking the law.
I spoke to the local park police, and they told me, the police would have to catch him. All they could do, was summons him.... If they caught him.

Just sharing  

i find myself looking for a LIKE or thumbs-up button.  :)  am i spending too much time on facebook?
seriously, i would LIKE or thumbs-up all the replies against dog parks.  i can't understand how anyone
thinks they are a good thing.  :/
pjp

i find myself looking for a LIKE or thumbs-up button.  :)  am i spending too much time on facebook?
seriously, i would LIKE or thumbs-up all the replies against dog parks.  i can't understand how anyone
thinks they are a good thing.  :/
pjp



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I have to agree. I would admit that most dog owners that live in urban areas seek out dog parks as a way to allow their dogs some play time. I've had dogs before, and have never gone to a dog park.
Since getting Kira, it seems dog parks seem to be the modern trend here in NYC. It's very inviting to see other dogs seemingly having a great time, and not allow your dog to participate. 
Going to OB school, spending much time in forums, I've learned quite a bit, and enough to understand why dog parks aren't always inthe dog's best interest.
I utilize the facility to allow some fenced in playtime with select dogs, but will not put my dog in there anymore with adult or strange dogs.

I personally witnessed a dog getting his back ripped open from a Rottie guarding a rubber ball.