Hi all.  I just joined the forum yesterday.  We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of a DK (puppies to be whelped 4/9).  We lost our Shar-pei of 13 years last September, and this is actually the longest I have ever gone without a dog (I'm 41).  However, I'm really nervous about owning a DK/GSP.  Our Shar-pei was great, I've owned a Beagle, 2 mutts and a German Shep. (when I was a kid).  I just want to make sure that I do the right things regarding training and exercise for our new member of the family.  Not sure about hunting the dog, I hunt only rarely, but am thinking about becoming more active.  My wife and I are pretty active people -- we both run (about 3 miles -- 2 to 3 times/week).  I like to camp and hike (she would rather hike around the mall) and we have a 5 year old son.  Any advice, tips, comments, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul

Here's a link to the breeders website:

http://dkvonkingscrossing.com/

the breeding is between Hanna & Zunder -- there are pictures of both on the site along with many other dogs.  Both Dam and Sire seem to have good traits.

Actually, when we met with the breeder, he provided us with the clearances.  Not sure why they are not on his website, but I took a look at a few other breeder's websites and didn't see the clearances listed there either.  Is it common practice to do so?  The breeder sent me copies (electronically via .pdf).

The breeders I know in Texas list the clearances on their websites.  My dogs are GSPs and come from hunting/show lines, and the breeders sites I am referring to are all similar.  They are not, however, classed as DKs.  Maybe that is the difference.

In any case, if they showed you the clearances that is just as good.

As others said, you will do fine with your new pup since your family is active.  I would recommend obedience training though for you and your dog as soon as you can get him in a class.  This will help you and the dog immensely.

Wow!  Thanks for all of you help and support.  As far as clearances go, I know that the Stud has OFA heart, hips & thyroid.  The Dam has those, but PennHip (not OFA hip) clearance which, I think, is just as good.  vWd was mentioned and, I assume, that is vonWillensomething's disease -- if so, there is a clearance on that too.  

BTW -- obediance training has always been a must for me and my dogs.  This one will be no different -- lol.

Looks to me like you have done your homework and are off on the right foot to owning a DK/GSP.  PennHIP is good too.  In fact, some prefer PennHIP to OFA.  So no worries there. 

Don't forget that you must post pictures to become a full fledged member of this site.   Also, we need to know the name.

I know you are excited and with good reason. You will be getting one of the most spectacular breeds around.

Thanks all for your help...  I will definately post pictures when available and will let you know how all is going.  As far as a name, we believe that we will be getting a male (that is our preference), and we're thinking about "Wolfgang".

As a matter of fact, our breeder runs a bit too (he's also an air force pilot) and he suggested that we shouldn't run with the dog until he is at least 10 - 12 months old due to something about the growth plates -- a lot of that is over my head, but I understand.  He also suggested that we not run on pavement which may be hard to do for long distances.  I live near a school that has a track we could use but that's a little boring.

I'll need to ask, but wouldn't the growth plate issue be standard for all large breed dogs?