This is a question I have to ask my self as well. Maybe it just has to do with human nature. We all want the quick fix…instant gradification. Its not easy to work hard for those long term goals. But arent those the things that mean the most? Arent those the things that make us into who we are?
I think that if we could all be a little more dedicated to dog obedience training, we would look back and think that it was sooo worth it. The rewards so outweigh the sacrifice.
I think the main obstacle for people is just that they dont have the tools to know what they should be doing. Hopefully I have helped there. So now there are no excuses. This is a member of your family and could be for the next 10 to 15 yrs or longer. All you need is a few 5-15min sessions at first. Who cant come up with that amount of time? If you cant than you should not have gotten a dog. If the time crunch is a recent thing than you just need to do the best you can and may need to consider finding the puppy a new home.
My point is that it really isnt that big of a time requirement, it just might take some planning on your part to make sure the time is scheduled in the day. The great thing about training is you can incorporate it in other things you are doing that day. If you have to take something to the neighbors be sure to take your puppy and do some leash training and socializing with the neighbor. If you are watching a show you can practice some sit stay and down stay while you watch your show. The main point of training is helping your dog know how to live in your environment so what better way than to do the training while you go throughout your normal day.
Of course it will not be as easy or convenient as it was to do it yourself but again IT WILL BE WORTH IT. Lets all commit to put in the time and do better for our dogs and ourselves.

Just when I think I have decided on a breed I see a dog or read something and all of the sudden Im not so sure anymore. The good news is that I dont think there is one perfect dog or breed for everyone. There are many breeds out there that would fit my family perfectly. Some will be better than others but with the right training there is a very large selection of breeds that would be great.
Many of the qualities that I have on my list for our next puppy can be found in multiple breeds. So many dog breeds are closely related and share many of the same qualities with slight differences (like the lab and golden retrievers). Other breeds are of course extremely different with very little in common (i.e. the english mastiff and chinese crested).
I guess my point is that I shouldnt stress out too much about it. Take my time and narrow the search down to the breeds that meet my criteria and visit as many puppies as I can. Thats the funnest and the hardest part. Almost every puppy seems perfect. They are soooo cute and you just want to take them all home with you. Dont fall into that trap. If at all possible make sure you see the parents. Thats a very good indicator of how the puppy will look and act. If you love the parents as much as you do the puppy than maybe this is the one. Did you ask about health testing? Do you know what tests should be done for that breed? Have the parents passed the health tests with atleast “good” results? This is the information you should be educated on when visiting breeds. The more you know the better chance of getting a great, healthy puppy.
My search continues.

As I mentioned in a previous post my family and I are in search for a new puppy. This is going to be much tougher than I thought. So many breeds, so many things to consider. Do I want a dog with high drive that will respond great to work and training but will also require a lot more activity and stimulation? How about a more relaxed breed that is intelligent and trainable but doesnt require your interaction all day? I honestly think somewhere in between may be the best fit for my family but I have had a strong desire to try the Schutzhund training and know I need a high drive dog to succeed. I have been looking at German Shepherds and its amazing how many options within a breed there can be. There are west german lines and czeck lines and american lines…all breed for different traits. And of course even within each line there are breeders that have breed for temperments and characteristics that they like. So now the big questions is…what do I want? I cant have a dog that is mellow most of the time and intense when I say so. I do have kids that are getting older and can provide the attention a high drive dog would require..plus I know I would really enjoy the training. I love discovering new technics of dog training and I know I would love working with a breed as intelligent as the german shepherd. So maybe Im talking myself into a GSD (german shepherd dog) but like a mentioned before I am still a long way away with so many choices within the breed. I am doing my homework, talking to and visiting breeders and reading all I can find. I know once I am ready, I will find the perfect puppy to join our family.