Hello from Ohio!

[Brend83]

Hi! My name is Brenda and I found you guys through a GSD Reddit post. I’m down to one shepherd after losing my youngest Haley (at 9yo) to DKA the day after Christmas. My male (Rocky D. Dogg) is still mourning her so we are now saving up to get another puppy. It’s really weird only having one! I’ve never had less than 2 shepherds at a time. Anywho…I’ll post a picture of Rocky and Haley. Everyone always asks me if Rocky is a wolf lol. Haley is the pic with her beloved ball which now sits next to her urn.

 

[Andre]

Hey Brenda, welcome to the GSDHQ! I am sorry to hear about the passing of Haley. It's definitely a really hard adjustment to be down a family member.

Rocky D. Dogg is a great name by the way. I can definitely see the wolfiness in him, he's got a very light coat. Give Rocky a nice scratch for me.

It's great to have you both around. I’ll be looking forward to hearing how your puppy search goes. Have you already joined any waitlists, or are you still checking out breeders?

 

[Malakai The Great]

I’m so sorry for your loss, Brenda. Haley sounds like she was something special, that kind of bond never really fades, it just changes shape. You can see the love in both of their eyes.

Rocky’s a handsome boy too, he definitely has that wolfy look! I’m glad you found your way here. This is a good place to share memories like that, and I’m sure your next pup will have some big pawprints to fill.

 

[20thcentboy]

Hi! My name is Brenda and I found you guys through a GSD Reddit post. I’m down to one shepherd after losing my youngest Haley (at 9yo) to DKA the day after Christmas. My male (Rocky D. Dogg) is still mourning her so we are now saving up to get another puppy. It’s really weird only having one! I’ve never had less than 2 shepherds at a time. Anywho…I’ll post a picture of Rocky and Haley. Everyone always asks me if Rocky is a wolf lol. Haley is the pic with her beloved ball which now sits next to her urn.

Hiya, welcome to the site. Rocky looks like a good boy. Sorry to hear of your loss your companion Haley.

 

[Kaia Murphy]

Oh Brenda, I’m so sorry for your loss. Haley sounds like she was such a special soul. That photo with her ball says it all. I’m glad you found your way here, it sounds like Rocky’s lucky to have you helping him heal. Can’t wait to see which puppy joins your family next when the time’s right.

 

[Brend83]

Hey Brenda, welcome to the GSDHQ! I am sorry to hear about the passing of Haley. It's definitely a really hard adjustment to be down a family member.

Rocky D. Dogg is a great name by the way. I can definitely see the wolfiness in him, he's got a very light coat. Give Rocky a nice scratch for me.

It's great to have you both around. I’ll be looking forward to hearing how your puppy search goes. Have you already joined any waitlists, or are you still checking out breeders?

Thank you!
I haven’t joined any waitlists yet because I’m saving up the money needed. I’ll tell you I got my first shepherd on my own for $250 from a breeder and Haley was $750 from a breeder and now you need at least $3000 for a puppy! It’s nuts! I’ve been looking at breeders online but I honestly hate this part of the process because even though I do a lot of research it still seems to be a crap shoot…I definitely don’t want to go through what we did with Haley ever again…it was devastating not being able to do anything to stop the DKA and we were never told by the vet that it was even a thing until I’m sitting with a paralyzed dog wondering what happened. We had been checking blood sugar and giving her insulin twice a day for a year and a half…strict diet the whole 9 yards and bam! Here we are having to put her down the day after Christmas. All my shepherds have lived no less than 12 years and I’ve had 2 make it to 16…so to lose her at 9 when she was still acting like a puppy was just devastating. So I’m open to any and all suggestions on breeders in Ohio, PA.

 

[Andre]

Thank you!
I haven’t joined any waitlists yet because I’m saving up the money needed. I’ll tell you I got my first shepherd on my own for $250 from a breeder and Haley was $750 from a breeder and now you need at least $3000 for a puppy! It’s nuts! I’ve been looking at breeders online but I honestly hate this part of the process because even though I do a lot of research it still seems to be a crap shoot…I definitely don’t want to go through what we did with Haley ever again…it was devastating not being able to do anything to stop the DKA and we were never told by the vet that it was even a thing until I’m sitting with a paralyzed dog wondering what happened. We had been checking blood sugar and giving her insulin twice a day for a year and a half…strict diet the whole 9 yards and bam! Here we are having to put her down the day after Christmas. All my shepherds have lived no less than 12 years and I’ve had 2 make it to 16…so to lose her at 9 when she was still acting like a puppy was just devastating. So I’m open to any and all suggestions on breeders in Ohio, PA.

The prices are wild right now, I know exactly what you mean. I’ve been in the same boat looking for the right breeder, one even quoted me $5,500 for a pup from a champion line. Around $2,500-3,000 really does seem to be the new normal for dogs with proper health testing.

I totally understand the fear of going through another health issue after what happened with Haley. That had to be devastating. You can tell how much you cared for her, she was lucky to have you fighting for her that way.

These days, I’m really trying to focus on due diligence too, checking hips, elbows, DM, LUW, and asking as much as possible about health in the lines. It feels like that’s the best peace of mind we can give ourselves.

When you start searching again, definitely make a post here. I’d love to help share what I’ve learned so far, and I’m sure others would too.

 

[Brend83]

The prices are wild right now, I know exactly what you mean. I’ve been in the same boat looking for the right breeder, one even quoted me $5,500 for a pup from a champion line. Around $2,500-3,000 really does seem to be the new normal for dogs with proper health testing.

I totally understand the fear of going through another health issue after what happened with Haley. That had to be devastating. You can tell how much you cared for her, she was lucky to have you fighting for her that way.

These days, I’m really trying to focus on due diligence too, checking hips, elbows, DM, LUW, and asking as much as possible about health in the lines. It feels like that’s the best peace of mind we can give ourselves.

When you start searching again, definitely make a post here. I’d love to help share what I’ve learned so far, and I’m sure others would too.

I definitely would appreciate any advice and help! We should be ready around December so we’re not too far off but if we need to get on a waiting list I’d rather start earlier rather than later. I’ve always had working line shepherds in the past…but I’ve had issues with dogs with bad nerves and that’s what I want to avoid because they are so difficult to deal with in general because regardless of the extensive socialization, they tend to always be reactive. I’m not one to let everyone pet my dogs and I don’t do dog parks. So along with health they have to have strong nerves. I’ve NEVER given up a dog due to behavioral issues, but I’d rather not go through it again. I want a dog I can take with me everywhere again.

 

[Andre]

I definitely would appreciate any advice and help! We should be ready around December so we’re not too far off but if we need to get on a waiting list I’d rather start earlier rather than later. I’ve always had working line shepherds in the past…but I’ve had issues with dogs with bad nerves and that’s what I want to avoid because they are so difficult to deal with in general because regardless of the extensive socialization, they tend to always be reactive. I’m not one to let everyone pet my dogs and I don’t do dog parks. So along with health they have to have strong nerves. I’ve NEVER given up a dog due to behavioral issues, but I’d rather not go through it again. I want a dog I can take with me everywhere again.

I totally understand and feel the same way about temperament. I am sure most of us want a dog that can go anywhere and do anything with us. I found the breeder I am going with through an IGP club I will be joining. Do you plan on doing any sports or joining any clubs with yours? It could be a good way to find suggested breeders by people who know the dogs/people.

Would you consider travelling to a neighbouring state? I can take a look around and see if I can find any WL GSD breeders who you could consider reaching out to.

 

[Mr. Schmucks]

Welcome Brenda. Rocky and Haley are gorgeous. I swear every shepherd has a little wolf in them somewhere. Excited for you to add another partner-in-crime soon.

 

[EnraaGygas]

Hi Brenda! What gorgeous dogs! You know by the loving look on their faces that they are absolutely ADORED. I'm sorry for the loss.

Can't wait for when you add your new addition!

 

[Brend83]

I totally understand and feel the same way about temperament. I am sure most of us want a dog that can go anywhere and do anything with us. I found the breeder I am going with through an IGP club I will be joining. Do you plan on doing any sports or joining any clubs with yours? It could be a good way to find suggested breeders by people who know the dogs/people.

Would you consider travelling to a neighbouring state? I can take a look around and see if I can find any WL GSD breeders who you could consider reaching out to.

I would consider going out of state. I went to Virginia years ago to rescue a shepherd so I would definitely do it again for the right dog. I was spoiled with my first shepherd. He was so laid back and “ go with the flow” I took him everywhere and he was great with adults, kids other animals etc. but I haven’t been able to find anything like him since. And this was back before I knew to do research or any of the things that are so necessary. I picked him out in an Amish barn by lantern light (which was an experience in itself) but I did get to meet his dam and grand-dam on site.

 

[Andre]

I would consider going out of state. I went to Virginia years ago to rescue a shepherd so I would definitely do it again for the right dog. I was spoiled with my first shepherd. He was so laid back and “ go with the flow” I took him everywhere and he was great with adults, kids other animals etc. but I haven’t been able to find anything like him since. And this was back before I knew to do research or any of the things that are so necessary. I picked him out in an Amish barn by lantern light (which was an experience in itself) but I did get to meet his dam and grand-dam on site.

Sounds like things just really worked out for the best with your first pup.

I found Wildhaus in Michigan. That's their Facebook page which has their website. Website has info about health checks and sport/behavior/training accomplishments, and guarantees regarding hips/elbows.

Maybe @MyDogBitz knows about pedigrees or good breeders. Any thoughts?

 

[MyDogBitz]

Sounds like things just really worked out for the best with your first pup.

I found Wildhaus in Michigan. That's their Facebook page which has their website. Website has info about health checks and sport/behavior/training accomplishments, and guarantees regarding hips/elbows.

Maybe @MyDogBitz knows about pedigrees or good breeders. Any thoughts?

I would say really think about what kind of temperament you want from your dog. This is the biggest factor on what your lifestyle will look like with your dog. A lot of people think they want a high drive dog until they actually live with a high drive dog. It can be a lot. I love my WLGSD but his energy level can be challenging at times - I'm not a kid anymore. LOL.

After you know what type of temperament you want, start searching out breeders. At a minimum you want the parents to have hips and elbows OFA certified and to be free of DM or one parent is an unaffected carrier, at most. All of the health claims will be associated with paperwork and pedigrees proving the breeders claims. Ask for copies. Also, there should be a health guarantee and a written contract for the puppy.

Good places to look are GoodDog.com and WorkingDog.com. Also, you could find local IGP training clubs, GSD clubs, get involved and ask about reputable breeders etc.

Rescues can make fantastic dogs. I've had several of different breeds. But you don't know what you're getting as far as health is concerned or temperament for that matter.

I'm not sure what type of dog you're looking for but if you're OK with going out to West Virginia or even have your pup shipped, I would recommend Vomhaushighlands. That's where my pup came from and he's the nicest dog I've ever had. Kyle is a small breeder concentrating on high drive, healthy, stable working line dogs. These might not be right for you but if they are, I couldn't recommend him more.

He answered all of my questions 100 times. Spent several hours on the phone with me, shipped my pup and didn't even want payment until the dog was delivered. Just an incredible person to do business with. I wouldn't hesitate to get another dog from him.

Mom, dad and my pup.

 

[MyDogBitz]

Thank you!
I haven’t joined any waitlists yet because I’m saving up the money needed. I’ll tell you I got my first shepherd on my own for $250 from a breeder and Haley was $750 from a breeder and now you need at least $3000 for a puppy! It’s nuts! I’ve been looking at breeders online but I honestly hate this part of the process because even though I do a lot of research it still seems to be a crap shoot…I definitely don’t want to go through what we did with Haley ever again…it was devastating not being able to do anything to stop the DKA and we were never told by the vet that it was even a thing until I’m sitting with a paralyzed dog wondering what happened. We had been checking blood sugar and giving her insulin twice a day for a year and a half…strict diet the whole 9 yards and bam! Here we are having to put her down the day after Christmas. All my shepherds have lived no less than 12 years and I’ve had 2 make it to 16…so to lose her at 9 when she was still acting like a puppy was just devastating. So I’m open to any and all suggestions on breeders in Ohio, PA.

I paid $3500 for my pup and $250 to have him shipped. $3000 - $4000 seems to be the going rate for a well bred WLGSD these days. Indeed, it's a lot of money compared to years past.

 

[Andre]

I would say really think about what kind of temperament you want from your dog. This is the biggest factor on what your lifestyle will look like with your dog. A lot of people think they want a high drive dog until they actually live with a high drive dog. It can be a lot. I love my WLGSD but his energy level can be challenging at times - I'm not a kid anymore. LOL.

After you know what type of temperament you want, start searching out breeders. At a minimum you want the parents to have hips and elbows OFA certified and to be free of DM or one parent is an unaffected carrier, at most. All of the health claims will be associated with paperwork and pedigrees proving the breeders claims. Ask for copies. Also, there should be a health guarantee and a written contract for the puppy.

Good places to look are GoodDog.com and WorkingDog.com. Also, you could find local IGP training clubs, GSD clubs, get involved and ask about reputable breeders etc.

Rescues can make fantastic dogs. I've had several of different breeds. But you don't know what you're getting as far as health is concerned or temperament for that matter.

I'm not sure what type of dog you're looking for but if you're OK with going out to West Virginia or even have your pup shipped, I would recommend Vomhaushighlands. That's where my pup came from and he's the nicest dog I've ever had. Kyle is a small breeder concentrating on high drive, healthy, stable working line dogs. These might not be right for you but if they are, I couldn't recommend him more.

He answered all of my questions 100 times. Spent several hours on the phone with me, shipped my pup and didn't even want payment until the dog was delivered. Just an incredible person to do business with. I wouldn't hesitate to get another dog from him.

Mom, dad and my pup.

Great points, thank you Bitz. I definitely second smaller breeders who do it out of passion for the breed rather than going with larger operations.

It's crazy how prices have increased. Looks like it's even more expensive in your area than mine. If WLs are going for $4000, I wonder what showlines are going for there. SL seem to be priced significantly higher over here in Ontario.

 

[MyDogBitz]

Great points, thank you Bitz. I definitely second smaller breeders who do it out of passion for the breed rather than going with larger operations.

It's crazy how prices have increased. Looks like it's even more expensive in your area than mine. If WLs are going for $4000, I wonder what showlines are going for there. SL seem to be priced significantly higher over here in Ontario.

Show lines tend to be half the price UNLESS you want full breeding rights and full AKC registration. Then the pricing is similar. That's been my experience anyway.