Why I Returned My New GSD

April 24, 2008

I have been chronicling the newest addition to my family, my new female GSD. Well, sadly enough, I returned her to her original owners this week. The issues we faced together were training issues as well as nerve issues.

photo credit: Mika Hiironniemi
Now, the training issues I can handle. And out of every issue that my new female exhibited, there was none that couldn’t be dealt with, to work her into my pack. So it actually came down to just one issue that was not a training issue. Yes - this issue could have been dealt with using motivational training, or incorporating corrections as well (which I recommend) - but I specifically want a Schutzhund dog. And a perspective Schutzhund dog needs great nerves. The poor girl I got had very weak nerves…

photo credit: alyak

Her original owner did not seem to have the issues I experienced with her, but they were there nonetheless. Hiding under my desk after a full week of having her. Running away at every loud noise. The list goes on and on. And as I stated before, these issues I could have trained out of her - but…the nerve issue and Schutzhund / Protection training - they simply don’t mesh.

That’s one of the main differences between a “pet dog” and a “protection trained dog”. Yes, I could have trained many of these issues out of her, but you need great genetics for Schutzhund, or you might end up with a fear biter.

I want specific characteristics from the new female I get, for which Sissy did not have, and so the hunt continues for my Schutzhund female…