Eurosport K9 Discussion Forum

First I want to say that I am extremely excited about my purchase. The Dog seems eager to learn, work and be loved...

Since this is my first trained dog, I'd like to post a few question on different things:

Acclimatizing the animal to new environment and family?

Amount of time that should be spent working the dog?

Should all individuals in the family be involved in the training?

I have 2 very little girls, how should they approach the animal, they are both very loving to ALL Animals especially dogs, but are very young 2yrs old... (The Dog will be 11mo old when he arrives)

Diet?

Loving the dog, should he only get amorous attention at home and strict behavior in public? How should stranger approach the animal? Should I not allow that (only family members)?

And well, that is my list for now! If you can answer these I will be very happy to begin my training as a new Slovak GSD owner.....

Just wanted to say congrats on your new purchase. We have purchased 3 dogs from eurosport. Our first dog we bought was trained (also our first time to purchase a trained dog) and i had a lot of the same questions you had. As for the small children we have a 5 and 3 yr old at the time they were 3 and 1 when we got her and the second she came out of her crate at the airport they walked right up to her handing her toys and playing with her. Now my children were also use to being around "work" dogs and had some ground rules already established. Depending on who you talk to and what you plan on doing with the dog who should be involved in the training of the dog. If the dog is going to associate with the family then they have to be obident to everyone in the family and know where there order in the pack lies. If the dog is going to be handled strickly by one person and used for police work or heavy sport then i would say stick to one person at least until there is a strong bong between you and the dog. Mishka (the dog i spoke of earlier) was first handled by my husband as he was more in to it then I was. As we grew and got more dogs I quickly took over her and she is my right arm now. She will listen to everyone in the house but if I am near she always looks to me first. (as i feel a good dog should) As far as how long should you train with your dog make sure you bond first and always make training part of playing. As far as strangers approching your dog once again falls on what you plan on doing with the dog. IF it is for sport you need the socialization of the dog always give the dog a sit command and a friend command prior to anyone touching your dog. This teaches your dog that is ok for a stranger to come near as long as thosse two commands have been given. If not then they stand on guard. We always introduce our new dogs to other dogs we own on neutral ground and always both dogs leashed until we feel comfortable that there are no issues.

What is the age of the dog and how much training does he have already? That should dictate your training schedule with him - but it will probably need to be more at first. Also what are your goals with this dog (pet competition, work, SAR)?

In my opinion (and they ALL vary) the dog should be socialized to your entire family and learn his place in the pack

They generally gravitate to one handler.

It sounds loike your girls are too young/small to be involved in any training. They should always be able to approach the dog though - preferably from the front and with a hand extended - the dog will get to know them well and come to love them.

Hope that helps a little

Dan

As far as diet - feed him what works. If possible feed him what he got at the kennel. If not there are some good foods out there and you may want to try the Royal Canin Germand Shepherd food.

The Dog is a 12mo old, born 18-02-2007

He is fully trained according to EuroSportK9, with strong Obedience, and Protection, good tracking...

I plan on doing some part-time work with the police in Fl, but the most important is protection for my family.

Thanks for all the replys, they make plenty of sence, when you sit back and think about it...

It's different being owned by a GSD!

Congratulations on being owned by a Czech/Slovak GSD.
What is your dog's name?

I recently purchased a 15 month old dog from Eurosport - Grind Slzy z Mrakov - we call him "Uri". I was lucky in getting him - someone else bought him and then couldn't keep him. Taunya relisted him and I was able to take advantage of a deal.
They say that it takes about 4 weeks for bonding - he is bonding faster than that. He has been with us for 2.5 weeks and follows me and obeys like he has been here since puppyhood (he is laying next to me as I type this). He is very obedient and learns fast. I have a 4.5 month old female (a Galant PS granddaughter) and he is wonderful with her. When they run and play, it sounds like I have a herd of dogs!

I have friends that are breeders with 2 Eurosport dogs - there suggestion is no serious training during the first 30 days - mostly just bonding. I have only done simple obedience (sit, down, wait at doors, retrieve a ball, etc).

Feed your dog the best you can afford - I prefer Wellness and A Taste of the Wild dry food. I also feed a meat and vegetable mixture along with the dry. What you feed your dog can affect their coats, allergies, and general health.

Working line GSD's have a lot of energy and drive - Uri will chase a ball until I drop! I have owned two other GSD's from American lines and will never buy any other dog but Czech/Slovak or DDR working line dogs. Nothing else compares.
Best wishes!

Sounds like you got a nice dog (and Musketeer - congrats on Grind - I was looking at him briefly for my dept.)

Doc - is yours titled or not yet? That would dictate the training regimen for me. However, Musketeer is right - you should bond with him first - and that period of time depends on the dog. I picked up my current patrol dog the day after he arrived in the states and we were fine - but we were in school together for a month before hitting the streets.

What kind of "part time" work are you going to doiwith the PD? He is going to need to know wat his role is going to be and you are going to have to teach him that role.

My dog eats like a horse - and still barely can keep weight on because he has such high drive. He would rather work than do ANYTHING else - but I like the occasional day off!

Feed him well - dont skimp!

he is Uday z EuroSportu, his parents are of incredible character, he isn't titled yet due to his age, They could over the next 2 Mo. but it was Taunya's recomendation since I wasn't planning on doing competing or breeding to not spend the additional monies. She claimed he IS totally trained agae is why they didn't title him as of yet.

Before my French Mastiff (Douge De Bordeaux) passed last year I feed him food that I Made. This was high in quality protein and assured his coat would be smooth and free of parasites. I will look into the food you suggested Musketeer!

My Brother works for the MBPD(South Beach), and I fill in with DT and Ju-Jitsu for the guys. My background is vast in that area. But some of the guys that have the K9's are great friends and When I had Shakespeare I assisted in SAR at times. Specially during Hurricane Andrew. So the PT work will be of that same type, and maybe allow Uday to do some protection work to keep up his bite work.

I will keep in mind and trust the 30day bonding option, it sounds appropriate...

Thanks to all again...

-Doc

Docsoc,
There were 3 or 4 dogs I was looking at before I purchased mine - Uday was one. His father, Erri, is an outstanding dog from what I've heard / read and I think his mother, Deri, is a beautiful dog. The breeder friends of mine had a litter with Erri as the sire and the pups were fantastic.
Uday is a beautiful dog and I think he will be all you hoped for.
Best wishes,
Mark

Congrats Musketeer on your purchase of Grind. I thought he was adorable and seemed like a nice dog. I was interested in him but unfortunately my house is full with the 3 I already own. I too purchased a eurosport dog his name is Guido z Eurosport (Rex). He is my constant faithful companion. I am training him in competition obedience and agility. He is now three years old.

Docsoc
Regarding Feeding: I feed an all natural raw diet. My dogs thrive on it. If you are going to feed a high quality Kibble I do suggest supplementing with various meats. Uday is a beauty. Good Luck with him!

Lyn

Musketeer2 wrote:Docsoc,
There were 3 or 4 dogs I was looking at before I purchased mine - Uday was one. His father, Erri, is an outstanding dog from what I've heard / read and I think his mother, Deri, is a beautiful dog. The breeder friends of mine had a litter with Erri as the sire and the pups were fantastic.
Uday is a beautiful dog and I think he will be all you hoped for.
Best wishes,
Mark

Wow, what a small world! He seem wonderful. His face is so warm, and full of life!!!

Thanks for the reassuring words!

Lyn wrote:Congrats Musketeer on your purchase of Grind. I thought he was adorable and seemed like a nice dog. I was interested in him but unfortunately my house is full with the 3 I already own. I too purchased a eurosport dog his name is Guido z Eurosport (Rex). He is my constant faithful companion. I am training him in competition obedience and agility. He is now three years old.

Docsoc
Regarding Feeding: I feed an all natural raw diet. My dogs thrive on it. If you are going to feed a high quality Kibble I do suggest supplementing with various meats. Uday is a beauty. Good Luck with him!

Lyn

Ditto on Grind! Wow... beautiful! I see why you choose him!!!

Guido! Another WOW! He looks the part Lyn...

Awesome reps for the Eurosport lines...

I feel better now about my Uday. I was and am a bit scared about making sure he and we will be happy.

Yeah Guido looks the part, but we call him Rex. I just couldn't have a dog named Guido .

He took a while to adjust to a whole new life in a house that has alot going on. He was not one of those dogs that you read about in some posts who just walked out of their crate at the airport and felt right at home. He needed alot of socialization and patience. He is now a wonderful dog and very devoted and protective of his family. He has had no protection training, but I do not doubt that he would protect his home and family if he ever had to.

He has a strong willingness to please and learns quickly. He is very smart. At least I think so

Doc,
I think Uday will fit in with your family if you give give it a month while slowly giving him more and more love. If he doesn't work out - give me a call and he can move out to California and join my herd!

Lyn,
Rex is a beautiful dog! I was looking at his pics - he has a beautiful face and his coloration is very cool.
He doesn't look like he's Italian, but if the Mafia ever shows up in your neighborhood, I would temporarily go back to calling him Guido

Here is a picture of my 5 month old female, Keara (Keara vom Dart Haus) and Uri (Grind). Uri is 16 months old and 75 lbs - Keara is 5 months old and 52 lbs. Although they have only been together for 3 weeks, the way they act, you would think they grew up together.



I cut down a tree in the back yard and they decided to take over the pile as their playground - they brought about 4 balls and 6 chew toys and put them in various spot around the pile. The best part is that I don't need to rent a chipper, they are slowly chewing everything into small pieces!



These two dogs are the most fun I've had in years. They are very intelligent, assertive, and full of life. The only problem I have is my wife won't let me get another one - yet!

Your dogs look great. I love Uri(Grind) What a handsome boy. I will post pictures of my herd as soon as I can. I have three and it is a housefull. My first girl is out of cezch lines also she is now 11 and is a big girl 95lbs!! My second girl is Ceira VanDenHeuvel she is a little bit of a thing at 65lbs but very agile and fast(great for the obedience and agility I do) and of course my Rexy boy!! They are addicting!

Lyn

What amazing babies! You are all lucky...

So did they have issues adjusting to their new names? How would you pronounce UDay? You - Day, or oo - Day?

I am excited, it freaks me out a bit that he is still on the Dogs for Sale part of their site...