Gillian Schuler

This isn't intended as a provocative thread, nor is it a kick in the shins for those companies who import and sell trained dogs. These are just my thoughts.

If the imported dog is (GSD) from show lines, trained to whatever standards are required, i.e. protection of family, individual, etc. What are the guarantees (morally) that this dog will really do what he is supposed to.
I have seen many show dogs that make good pets and, with a certain amount of training, I ccould imagine they would bark if anyone approached the property. They are, in my opinion, easy to handle dogs. However, dog is dog and even in the show lines there will be territorial species. Can a "trained" dog be handed over to a new owner and carry out the duties he was taught? Bob Scott mentioned this in Fred Carlssons thread about going back for training (or similar).

If, and I see this as rare (correct me if I'm wrong), the dog is from strong working lines, what guarantee can be given (morally) to ensure that the dog will not "outgrow" his family and take matters into his own hands? Here, I see the best possible dog to protect the home but the worst to knuckle under to its owner, especially if he or she is a first time dog owner.

Is the "training and handing over" really thorough? Is the new owner made aware of the fact that most dogs will attempt to protect their owners? (I know this will aggravate some, but nevertheless I'm saying it)

For me there are two types dogs, whatever breed, those that from nature will protect the family whatever and those that have to go through a certain training to learn how to do it. Both could be lethal...

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