Hello everyone this is my first post on these forums!  My fiancé and I are going to get a GSP pup in the next 6 months but we are unsure of the method we should use to get one.  My fiancé really wants to get an adopted GSP or one from a shelter where I lean more towards wanting to get one from a breeder...

I will not be hunting the GSP at all but he/she will lead a very active life.  Can you guys give me the pros and cons of each so we can better weigh our decision? Do females tend to have better temperaments then males or is it dog to dog?  Since I live in a residential setting would I need a fence?

I have tons of questions but I guess those will get me started for now!!!

Thanks!!!!

I'd say go with your heart and use your brain....Which it appears you are doing, by doing your homework, asking questions.....and trying to be prepared.

I vote for a fence, but it is not always possible, for everyone. When Bean is not in her fenced area 1/2 acre....I keep her on a leash.....

We rescued Bean, knowing nothing about the breed, it was an ACT NOW decision....we have learned a lot from this forum, and the one thing I KNOW for sure GSP's are very adaptable, given love, exercise, and training. Good luck.

Renee'

Whoohooo, I get the forum first, so here is my point of view from rescue:

I love rescued dogs, myself.  What you see is generally what you get.  Your rescue group has cleaned the dog up, had all it's vet work updated, they will know all of their dogs well, ours live in homes with our foster families, so they are tested with kids, cats, household living, as best we can.  Your new rescue dog will most likely be potty trained, crated trained, leash trained, and possibly tested on bird, and recall trained.  If not the ground rules have been laid for you to take over training where we left off.  Rescue dogs bond tightly with their new families, they are so grateful for the new chance in life, they will give you their all.  

In my experience, most men are not fond of a rehabbed rescue dogs. They simply have a very short patience for something like this.  It is my opinion that most dogs that land in shelters land there for a reason, and majority of those reasons will be behavioral.  Who created that?  Yeah, just my thoughts....  Remember these dogs rarely come with pedigree papers, even tho when most were welped, they did have them.  If you have an energenic family and want a low maintenance dog, a GSP is the one for you. They are wonderful family pets, who will guard your house and protect your family.  And they will want to be with you, touching you, beside you, next to you in bed at night, next to one of the kids.  GSPs have alot of character.  I believe what you give is what you shall receive.

Far as females versus male...I truely think you need to consider the individual dog for your family first.  I find male dogs bond with female humans, whereas the girls like their men figures in most cases.  But that is not always the rule.  Females tend to live up to the name Bitch, in alot of ways.  A female will generally be smaller then a male, if you are seeking a smaller dog for the house.  But right now I have some smaller males in rescue, so you never know.  

Your fencing question:  It will be to your advantage to have  fencing.  It's for your new dogs safety and your sanity.  But if you do your training, you should not need a fence, because these dogs were bred to be hunters, if they do hunt, you will need to trust them off lead.  If you put your time into recall training, and let the bonding process happen, you could trust your dog off lead.  But I personally, like the ease of knowing my dogs stay in their safe, fenced yard.  

If you have more specific concerns or questions, feel free to contact me.  I'm sure there is a rescue group in your area.  

I would determine whether you're willing and able to raise a puppy.  It's a big commitment to get a dog, and an even bigger one to raise a young puppy. 

For us, my wife and I both work fairly long hours, so we decided we could not handle a young puppy.  We got ourselves a 1 1/2 year old dog (who still acts like a puppy), a lab and we think GSP mix (our best guess).  I run her every morning for a few miles, she gets a dog walk/play group in the afternoon, and my wife takes her on a walk or run in the evening. 

Puppies need more attention; they can't go more than a few hours without a bathroom break until they're a bit older.

Good luck!

I think this would be a good time for the " COUCH " pic.....

I know I could use a great big AHAAAAAA......and a laugh

BTW....I have a bucket of spa towels by my backdoor ( grab on the way to the hot tub )......There are twelve...and not ONE isn't puppy frayed...from my last LAB pup...

Renee'

I still say that Daniel didn't DO THAT......hahahahahahaha

he's too sweet and innocent

Renee'

rescue! especially if you live in or near a state that has a lot of hunters.

my current and former shorthair  were both rescue dogs, you get a little something more when you rescue, there's a real sense of gratitude from the dog and not so much in the way of potty training.

Plus so many dogs need good homes, it feels amazing to recuse a dog.

Uno,

OHHHHH MYYYY GOSH!  I had a lab that chewed but not like that!  I can see why BEANS wanted to see the pic again  How old was Daniel when he did this and was it all in one day?  I would assume that that is his sofa now?

Thanks for sharing with us newbies!

Deb