Matthew Schaefer

Hello,

I have really enjoyed searching through this forum and have really learned a lot. I have a number of questions and would appreciate any advice, criticism, or direct orders from people with more knowledge and experience than I have. I am here to learn and am eager for input. I don't care if I am ignorant, I just want to get things right, though realize I will make mistakes on the way with my first Dutchie.
I purchased a female Dutch Shepherd puppy this week. She was born on February 1st, 2009. I debated for about a week and a half between selecting this puppy or one of her littermates. The other littermate had been worked with by the breeder and had many fine qualities, but I eventually decided to purchase a green dog. I felt that I would have a greater potential bonding with this dog and starting from scratch. Her sister displayed more drive, but I attributed this to her familiarity with the "equipment." The one I selected did have some drive and just appeared less experienced. Before I purchased the puppy, I had visited the breeder twice and spent a few hours watching the parents, talking with the breeder, and evaluating the puppies based on what I had learned from talking with other breeders and from reading this website. I'm now concerned that I purchased this puppy too late in the game as she is already four months old. Am I incorrect?
I am hoping to do some personal protection work with this dog in the future, but want to make sure she is up for it. I am not new to basic dog training, but am new to this breed and considerable myself quite ignorant when it comes to serious training. I previously had an American Pit Bull Terrier(died in April of this year), who knew a myriad of verbal and visual commands, so my experience with training comes from my life with him. My limited experience may not contribute much to the training and development of my new girl.
I'm presently trying to evaluate if I have reasonable expectations for my new dog. I have a few concerns as to whether she is cut out for what I want to do in the future. I admit that I probably know nothing. Anyway, I brought her home on Wednesday night and I believe she is adjust fairly well. She does seem skittish and fearful of some things and I'm hoping that she is just acclimating to a new situation. When spooked by something new, my neighbor, for instance, she will occasionally dart back to the basement door, which leads to her crate. She will come out if I call her. At other times, she will run towards the noise, invesigate, and bark. What is typical behavior for a Dutch puppy at her age? I may be comparing her to my pit bull, who often recklessly plunged after something of interest when he was young (or thought he was still young).
I have only taken her on three walks and she is generally apprehensive. Am I pushing her too hard too quickly by taking her on walks? When we approach people she generally backs away and will sit or hang back. She has not been on a leash much prior to me owning her, perhaps this has something to do with it. Sometimes when she is on the leash, she will pull at the front, especially when we are nearing our house. During most of the walk, however, it seems that I am in front, coaxing her to come along with me. I do not want to drag her. When she is heeling or in front of me I reassure her with my words and excited voice. I am just used to a pit bull that I had to have heel at my side from day one.
I'm concerned that my dog doesn't have much confidence or drive. Perhaps it is the sudden stress of coming to my home after spending four months elsewhere. I'm spoken gently to her and tried to be her playmate, building confidence in our relationship. She will eagerly chase objects that are thrown, play with a rag or towel(though can lose interest it seems after a bit) , and will eagerly pick up a game of tug with me most of the time. Some times she loses interest or seems to want to play with me more than pulling and tugging on things. I hope that I simply have to build her drive and do not possess a fearful dog. Is some of this apprehension typical? I know this breed can be standoffish, but is this something to be concerned about?
Potty-training is going okay, she seems to pee immediately when she is out the door. She also seems to pee upon initially coming out of the crate and seems somewhat nervous. I'm hoping this will be an ongoing conversation as I probably have other questions. I'd appreciated any insight you all may have. I'm sorry for the long post, but I wanted to give as much information as possible.