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Topic |
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NORTH VANCOUVER, BC
Canada
21 Posts |
Posted - 01/27/2003 : 10:55 PM
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These are my German Shepherd Dogs. They are in the PEP CTS General Program for Tracking and Search Work. The furthest is training for search work only.
THE TRACK WIZARD |
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 adventure seeking, peak-bagging, high-enduring, strong and silent forest gnome
N49°09', W122°47'
Canada
3819 Posts |
Posted - 01/28/2003 : 07:54 AM
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Very cool! 
I'd rather be hiking!  |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
302 Posts |
Posted - 01/28/2003 : 10:21 AM
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Beautiful dogs!! I would like to own a dog but I live in an apartment and it would be torture for the poor animal. Oh well...one day :-)
[stormwolf] |
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Chilliwack
Canada
244 Posts |
Posted - 01/28/2003 : 6:07 PM
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Hey John....next time you are out this way training ...we need to get a group photo with all the mutts. Roy and Zack included...
Deb and Ryks
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NORTH VANCOUVER, BC
Canada
21 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2003 : 05:48 AM
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quote:
Sounds like a plan Deb! I have Feb. 08'th -> 16'th off. I'm hoping Ray will have something in place for then e.g. Columbia Valley.
I'll bring my camera.
Poor Roy is still sitting in Chilliwack waiting to go to Vancouver. This must be very upsetting for him. I'm planning to go and see him this Sunday, Feb. 02'nd. Maybe we could get together for a bit as well. My cell # 604 328 4435.
Talk to you soon.
John
Hey John....next time you are out this way training ...we need to get a group photo with all the mutts. Roy and Zack included...
Deb and Ryks
THE TRACK WIZARD |
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Coquitlam, BC
Canada
239 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2003 : 5:57 PM
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Beautiful German Shepherds, TrackWizard. I'm just looking around now - time to get a four foot again. Been too long and we have the yard now. Any ideas re a good kennel to look for a pup or young adult dog?
Share in the fun and savour the moment. |
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747 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2003 : 6:35 PM
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n4cer and trackwizard-beautiful dogs!
Bearbait-try Petfinder.org, you can do a search for pets there, with as little or as much search criteria as possible. Also try rescue groups, or breed-specific rescue groups, for a wonderful dog that needs to be rehomed. Breeders.net is pretty handy to find a breeder, as is googling online. Talk to other people who have the breed you're interested in and ask where they got their dog. PLEASE PLEASE do not get a dog from a pet store, NO RESPONSIBLE breeder would EVER sell puppies to a pet store. They are always way overpriced anyways.
In my short 21yrs of life, I've found that German Shepards, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Collies make wonderful trail dogs. GSDs and RRs are great with kids (not sure about other Collies being good with kids, but Border Collies generally aren't). RRs are wonderful dogs if you like a dog that doesn't have a lot of "presence" in the house-when inside they are relaxed and laid back. They are fairly expensive though (depending on the breeder run from $800-1000 for a pet dog). I know of a couple of breeders who have litters planned for this year and may still be taking deposits or names for their waiting lists.
Happy Trails!!! ;)
Edited by - reanne on 02/22/2003 6:38:07 PM |
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 Super botonist, hippie chick who cuddles thistles with glee
Langley, BC
Canada
1541 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2003 : 8:05 PM
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This is one of the places I looked to find my dog. It's local. http://brindleweb.com/bbs/index.cgi. Just read all the messages and ask lots of questions.
I spent over a month almost full-time looking for our dog. Rescue agencies are very tough. They see too many dogs who have already had one home, or more, and they are very strict in their requirements of you as a potential family.
Our dog was given up because they say she barked when left alone. Liars. She barks when someone comes to the door. That's it. That reason alone made us wait over a month before adopting her, and we are very lucky that no one else did. She is a wonderful dog.
They tested her for us at the Delta SPCA to make sure she was okay with kids. The first time we went to pick her up they wouldn't let us adopt her because of our kids. That was the saddest Mother's Day ever. We've had her for almost 2 years now.
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747 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2003 : 8:34 PM
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Rescue animals turn out to be the best pets! I adopted my cat from the Squamish SPCA, and she is the most loveable, affectionate cat I've ever had. My horse was a racetrack rescue, a neglected bag of bones, and she turned into a level-headed, sweet, courageous well behaved beautiful mare. It's incredible what an animal can go through and still maintain the ability to love you! They're just like, "finally, I have someone who loves me and a great home."
Happy Trails!!! ;) |
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NORTH VANCOUVER, BC
Canada
21 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2003 : 01:16 AM
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quote:
In the photograph of my three GSD's, the centre dog is a rescue. He's a Czech. with lots of drive, very friendly to people and other dogs. He was abandoned as a puppy in a construction zone. He was found by some people (??) who found him too much to handle and from there (for the next two and a half years he went from post to pillar being fostered out to home after home...in short, nobody wanted him...he was just too much dog for the average person looking for a pet dog. He was slated for the "long, long down". I rescued him in July 2002. Because of the work/training I do he has adapted very well in his training and has been accepted by our entire family (pack). There is always a risk of taking in a dog you know very little or nothing about but, some help from knowledgeable people can work wonders. There are a lot of wonderful dogs out there just hoping someone will come and rescue them. Our new addition is a handful and we love him just like that!! The bonding is forever growing and there is now a mutual respect and trust for one another. One major key is the consistency in the dog's training and routine...it is never ending as the dog is always learning every second he/she is with you.
The other postings regarding your inquiry are excellent. I'd like to add a few things which may also be helpful; if you buy from a breeder, ask if you can meet both the parents of the litter you are interested in (sometimes this isn't always possible as breeders sometimes send their females/males out for breeding). Regardless, ask to see their pedigrees (very important - you can learn a great deal on the family history - temperament, health etc.), ask if you can visit the kennel, ask if you can have the puppy tested before buying, will the breeder take the puppy back, replace e.g. sickness (hips, elbows, sudden death etc.), make sure you get this in writing in the sales agreement (before you sign). The list goes on. If the breeder isn't receptive to any of these requests then, I would go to one who is. Does the puppy come with papers? Is there a Non-Breeding Agreement?
Hope this is of some help. Good luck in your endeavors to find your "forever" friend and companion.
Trackwizard
Beautiful German Shepherds, TrackWizard. I'm just looking around now - time to get a four foot again. Been too long and we have the yard now. Any ideas re a good kennel to look for a pup or young adult dog?
Share in the fun and savour the moment.
THE TRACK WIZARD |
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Surrey, BC
Canada
135 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2003 : 01:17 AM
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After seeing TrackWizard's Shepherd's and reading what you guys wrote about doggies I had to see what my little brother was doing. I sat, massaged his back and talked to him while his ears moved back positioning themselves in relaxed mode. Is it odd to consider my dog my brother? My pooch, Zulu, is a German Shepherd cross Alaskan Malamute, and alas his German Shepherd genetics caught up to him and a few years ago he suffered from hip displacement  When I took Zulu to the vet I found out that most German Shepherd's suffer from this displacement when they reach the age of 10. Zulu is now 13 and still barking, bouncing, but sitting and walking slower than usual. I worry about problems which may arise in the years ahead, is there any advice you guys can give me?
There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes. |
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NORTH VANCOUVER, BC
Canada
21 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2003 : 01:36 AM
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quote:
HOW TO CHOOE A
REPUTABLE BREEDER
What in fact, is a "reputable breeder"? Because just about anyone can throw two dogs together and produce puppies, I have outlined a few guidelines for choosing a reputable breeder.
A reputable breeder:
Takes responsible care of all of his or her dogs (breeding stock & puppies), and provides:
A) Sufficient companionship, affection, interaction & attention
B) Nutritious quality dog food & fresh clean water
C) Adequate shelter
D) Immunization
E) Proper vet care
F) Parasite prevention/treatment
F) Grooming
G) Exercise
H) Socialization
Belongs to a national (and/or local) breed club.
Abides by their breed club's Code of Ethics.
Tests their breeding stock for any congenital diseases, conditions (ie: hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand's Disease, retinal dyslasia, etc.), and strives to eliminate genetic problems by breeding only sound dogs (shown to be free of any serious physical conditions and/or temperament problems).
Only breeds dogs that have excellent temperaments.
Is very knowledgable about their breed.
Strives to better their breed.
Immunizes their puppies' Sires and Dams (& their Puppies) against: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Corona & Rabies.
Screens potential owners thoroughly, and does not sell to those who are unsuitable.*
Educates potential owners, and discloses any pertainent information about their breed.
Discloses info about (and abides by) "The Puppy Lemon Law".
Encourages the neutering of all "pet quality" dogs (and all dogs that will not be shown in conformation). Spay/neuter contracts should be issued with the sale of all pet quality dogs.
Offers new puppy owners guidance and support (for the puppy's entire lifetime).
NEVER sells puppies to puppy brokers, pet shops or puppy outlets of any kind (including so-called "Kennel Clubs"). Period.**
Shows, trials and/or titles their dogs.
Supports or participates in breed rescue work whenever possible.
Never breeds out of greed (and never over-breeds).
Will take back a puppy or dog that doesn't work out.
*A reputable breeder wants to know as much about you, your household, your schedule and your ability to properly care for a puppy (throughout its entire lifetime), as you want to know about the breeder's puppies.
**Important Note: Many pet stores and puppy outlets tell prospective puppy buyers that their puppies come from reputable breeders, even though the large majority of these places actually get their puppies from puppy mills and second-rate commercial breeding facilities. The bottom line is: NO reputable breeder will ever sell their puppies to a pet store or puppy outlet, and NO pet store or puppy outlet will ever admit to getting their puppies from a puppy mill.
After seeing TrackWizard's Shepherd's and reading what you guys wrote about doggies I had to see what my little brother was doing. I sat, massaged his back and talked to him while his ears moved back positioning themselves in relaxed mode. Is it odd to consider my dog my brother? My pooch, Zulu, is a German Shepherd cross Alaskan Malamute, and alas his German Shepherd genetics caught up to him and a few years ago he suffered from hip displacement When I took Zulu to the vet I found out that most German Shepherd's suffer from this displacement when they reach the age of 10. Zulu is now 13 and still barking, bouncing, but sitting and walking slower than usual. I worry about problems which may arise in the years ahead, is there any advice you guys can give me?
There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes.
THE TRACK WIZARD |
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NORTH VANCOUVER, BC
Canada
21 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2003 : 02:15 AM
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[quote]
[quote]
Hip dysplasia can develop in most large dogs. The German Shepherd is just one breed that can develop it.
YOU WROTE:
Is it odd to consider my dog my brother? My pooch, Zulu, is a German Shepherd cross Alaskan Malamute, and alas his German Shepherd genetics caught up to him and a few years ago he suffered from hip displacement When I took Zulu to the vet I found out that most German Shepherd's suffer from this displacement when they reach the age of 10. Zulu is now 13 and still barking, bouncing, but sitting and walking slower than usual. I worry about problems which may arise in the years ahead, is there any advice you guys can give me?
To try and answer your questions regarding hip dyslasia: My three GSD's are my children (two sons and one daughter). So, I don't think it's odd to consider Zulu as your brother...you are Alpha, and all things to Zulu.
Zulu is thirteen years old?! Many "purebred German Shepherds" don't live to see that age. When you took Zulu in to visit your vet., did he/she suggest any supplements to give to him e.g. Glucosamine?
I give my guys Glucosamine with MSM and Vitamin C daily for maintenance. Every other day, I add a product to their meals called Omegapet with Lignans. You can look this product up at www.omeganutrition.com or contact <info@omeganutrition.com>
There are other products that you can obtain as well which may help Zulu in his senior years...I would suggest talking to your vet.
All the very best to you both.
Trackwizard
HOW TO CHOOE A REPUTABLE BREEDER
What in fact, is a "reputable breeder"? Because just about anyone can throw two dogs together and produce puppies, I have outlined a few guidelines for choosing a reputable breeder.
A reputable breeder:
Takes responsible care of all of his or her dogs (breeding stock & puppies), and provides:
A) Sufficient companionship, affection, interaction & attention
B) Nutritious quality dog food & fresh clean water
C) Adequate shelter
D) Immunization
E) Proper vet care
F) Parasite prevention/treatment
F) Grooming
G) Exercise
H) Socialization
Belongs to a national (and/or local) breed club.
Abides by their breed club's Code of Ethics.
Tests their breeding stock for any congenital diseases, conditions (ie: hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand's Disease, retinal dyslasia, etc.), and strives to eliminate genetic problems by breeding only sound dogs (shown to be free of any serious physical conditions and/or temperament problems).
Only breeds dogs that have excellent temperaments.
Is very knowledgable about their breed.
Strives to better their breed.
Immunizes their puppies' Sires and Dams (& their Puppies) against: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Corona & Rabies.
Screens potential owners thoroughly, and does not sell to those who are unsuitable.*
Educates potential owners, and discloses any pertainent information about their breed.
Discloses info about (and abides by) "The Puppy Lemon Law".
Encourages the neutering of all "pet quality" dogs (and all dogs that will not be shown in conformation). Spay/neuter contracts should be issued with the sale of all pet quality dogs.
Offers new puppy owners guidance and support (for the puppy's entire lifetime).
NEVER sells puppies to puppy brokers, pet shops or puppy outlets of any kind (including so-called "Kennel Clubs"). Period.**
Shows, trials and/or titles their dogs.
Supports or participates in breed rescue work whenever possible.
Never breeds out of greed (and never over-breeds).
Will take back a puppy or dog that doesn't work out.
*A reputable breeder wants to know as much about you, your household, your schedule and your ability to properly care for a puppy (throughout its entire lifetime), as you want to know about the breeder's puppies.
**Important Note: Many pet stores and puppy outlets tell prospective puppy buyers that their puppies come from reputable breeders, even though the large majority of these places actually get their puppies from puppy mills and second-rate commercial breeding facilities. The bottom line is: NO reputable breeder will ever sell their puppies to a pet store or puppy outlet, and NO pet store or puppy outlet will ever admit to getting their puppies from a puppy mill.
After seeing TrackWizard's Shepherd's and reading what you guys wrote about doggies I had to see what my little brother was doing. I sat, massaged his back and talked to him while his ears moved back positioning themselves in relaxed mode. Is it odd to consider my dog my brother? My pooch, Zulu, is a German Shepherd cross Alaskan Malamute, and alas his German Shepherd genetics caught up to him and a few years ago he suffered from hip displacement When I took Zulu to the vet I found out that most German Shepherd's suffer from this displacement when they reach the age of 10. Zulu is now 13 and still barking, bouncing, but sitting and walking slower than usual. I worry about problems which may arise in the years ahead, is there any advice you guys can give me?
There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes.
THE TRACK WIZARD |
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NORTH VANCOUVER, BC
Canada
21 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2003 : 02:22 AM
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quote:
quote:
May I suggest you contact Ms. Gina Seitz with the West Coast Total German Shepherd Dog Club <gseitz@shaw.ca>. Ms. Seitz actually helped me find my rescue GSD. She is very active in the Club's rescue program.
Trackwizard
In the photograph of my three GSD's, the centre dog is a rescue. He's a Czech. with lots of drive, very friendly to people and other dogs. He was abandoned as a puppy in a construction zone. He was found by some people (??) who found him too much to handle and from there (for the next two and a half years he went from post to pillar being fostered out to home after home...in short, nobody wanted him...he was just too much dog for the average person looking for a pet dog. He was slated for the "long, long down". I rescued him in July 2002. Because of the work/training I do he has adapted very well in his training and has been accepted by our entire family (pack). There is always a risk of taking in a dog you know very little or nothing about but, some help from knowledgeable people can work wonders. There are a lot of wonderful dogs out there just hoping someone will come and rescue them. Our new addition is a handful and we love him just like that!! The bonding is forever growing and there is now a mutual respect and trust for one another. One major key is the consistency in the dog's training and routine...it is never ending as the dog is always learning every second he/she is with you.
The other postings regarding your inquiry are excellent. I'd like to add a few things which may also be helpful; if you buy from a breeder, ask if you can meet both the parents of the litter you are interested in (sometimes this isn't always possible as breeders sometimes send their females/males out for breeding). Regardless, ask to see their pedigrees (very important - you can learn a great deal on the family history - temperament, health etc.), ask if you can visit the kennel, ask if you can have the puppy tested before buying, will the breeder take the puppy back, replace e.g. sickness (hips, elbows, sudden death etc.), make sure you get this in writing in the sales agreement (before you sign). The list goes on. If the breeder isn't receptive to any of these requests then, I would go to one who is. Does the puppy come with papers? Is there a Non-Breeding Agreement?
Hope this is of some help. Good luck in your endeavors to find your "forever" friend and companion.
Trackwizard
Beautiful German Shepherds, TrackWizard. I'm just looking around now - time to get a four foot again. Been too long and we have the yard now. Any ideas re a good kennel to look for a pup or young adult dog?
Share in the fun and savour the moment.
THE TRACK WIZARD
THE TRACK WIZARD |
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747 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2003 : 3:07 PM
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Not sure if this was in the post about "How to choose a reputable breeder" as I've read similar stuff before and was too lazy to do so right now lol, but always ask the breeder about breed specific problems; ie. hip displaysia, eye problems, or, in the case of Ridgebacks, dermoid sinus. If a breeder says "My dogs do not have any of these problems that GSDs/RRs/etc can be prone to, DO NOT buy from them. A responsible breeder readily explains to you the problems their breed has, and tells you what they do to prevent it. Their dogs will have CERF and OFA certificates and the breeder will show you. Also-beware if the breeder doesn't know offhand the names of the parents and even great grandparents of their puppies, and has to consult the pedigree to remember. Most breeders know this information without a visual reminder, because it's something important when planning a litter. Also, ask the breeder, "why did you decided to have this litter of puppies?" Responsible breeders ONLY plan litters to improve their breed. They DO NOT breed to meet the demand of people wanting puppies, or for fun, or because they have kids and think every kid should have a puppy. They breed to improve their dogs.
Kuljinder-it's totally normal for you to consider your dog your brother. Everyone I know that has pets, their pets are their family. I know mine sure are! LOL My every time I go visit my Mom, she says to her little dog, oh look, your sister's here! LOL And my stepDad's mom is her Grandma (you should see how excited she gets if we say, wanna go to grandma's? lol), and my Mom and step dad are her Mommy and Daddy. And that's exactly how it should be-when you get a pet, you're taking him/her into your home and your family.
Happy Trails!!! ;) |
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747 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2003 : 3:11 PM
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Oh and another thing I thought of-whether you're looking into a rescue dog or a puppy from a breeder, if they don't want to know everything about you, don't get a dog from them. The dogs are also like family to them, and they want the dog/puppy to be placed in a wonderful family. They will want to know where you live, do you rent, do you have kids, do kids frequently visit, what kind of lifestyle do you have, how many hours will the dog be left alone, what will you do with the dog when he's alone, do you believe in crate training, etc etc etc. It seems like a lot, but really they're just trying to help you find your perfect doggie. :) Good luck :)
Happy Trails!!! ;) |
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Surrey, BC
Canada
135 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2003 : 5:50 PM
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Nice, thanks for the input guys and gals. I got Zulu on some Glucosamine; he hates it. I can hear him saying "Man whats this stuff?" "Im not going to take this crap!!!!" 
There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes. |
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Super botonist, hippie chick who cuddles thistles with glee
Langley, BC
Canada
1541 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2003 : 6:14 PM
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SA, how are you giving it to him? We just open the capsule and sprinkle the powder on top of our dog's food, I always put a little water on the bottom, and stir it all around. I figure the glucosamine makes gravy.
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Surrey, BC
Canada
135 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2003 : 12:58 AM
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Hey Nancy, we have tried it and Zulu eats his food, but he doesnt like it. I sit down beside him and scratch behind his ear and tell him it's to get him better; you should see the way he looks at me  his ears go down and he licks my face and starts to eat again....I feel soooo bad, but he understands.
There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes. |
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NORTH VANCOUVER, BC
Canada
21 Posts |
Posted - 03/25/2003 : 6:46 PM
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quote:
Hi BearBate,
If you're still looking for a German Shepherd Dog, try contacting Ms. Gina Seitz <gseitz@shaw.ca>
Gina runs our rescue program. Our new Website is <http://www.geocities.com/wctgsdclub/Index10.html>
wctgsd = West Coast Total German Shepherd Dog Club. Don't expect too much on the site just yet as we just got our Club started.
If you're looking to find a good GSD this may be a good place to get started. We look for people who will give our rescues a happy and loving "forever home".
Please feel free to contact me or Gina should you have any further questions.
The best of luck to you in your search.
The Track Wizard
Beautiful German Shepherds, TrackWizard. I'm just looking around now - time to get a four foot again. Been too long and we have the yard now. Any ideas re a good kennel to look for a pup or young adult dog?
Share in the fun and savour the moment.
THE TRACK WIZARD |
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Topic |
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WORKING DOGS
