BLACK MONDAY

[Timtation]

I had to put my GSP down today:-( He would have been 14 in March. I'm going to MISS him, he was a good FRIEND!! and HUNTER. Anybody have any leads on Another GSP with Master Hunter credentials. THANKS. Tim.

[icehousebob]

Tim, You have my sympathy. I know how hard it is to lose the good ones. Dogs are the only things in the world that give unconditional love.

[BDR]

TimTation, Sorry to hear this. I hope I can get 14 years from my partner. Brian

[BLACKJACK]

Tim, sorry to hear of your loss. After so many years its tough. And as someone else said, that unconditional love is what makes them special. But thats why you did the right thing, you owe it to them.

[greenman]

My sympathy for your loss. I had to put down my lab a few years ago. It was hard on me. My son who was 11 at the time volunteered to go with me and hold her paw during the procedure. We both stood there and cried afterwards, me for losing the dog and because of how brave my son was for going with me. It was a hard life lesson to learn.

[gspman]

Timtation,
Sorry to hear of your loss. I dread the day my old girl is going to pass on. Not fun. On the bright side, if there is one in losing a faithful friend, you have an opportunity to start with a new hunting partner.

You might want to contact Windwalker Kennels.

http://windwalkerkennel.com

They have a couple litters planned this winter. One due in January, the other in Feb. They don't hunt test their dogs but they do field trial them so their dogs can take the training needed to be fully broke and finished. You might start there with your search. Lots of other folks on the board have good GSP contacts too. Maybe they'll chime in with some suggestions. Good luck and once again, sorry for your loss.
gspman

[Timtation]

Thanks everyone for the sympathy!! Its much appreciated. Greenman, I thought I was tough, but the tears were flowing before we even got in the vets door, I cried like a baby, its one of the hardest things i've ever had to do. GSPMAN, thanks for the info on Windwalker Kennels. I will send them a e-mail. Since I'm looking for a new dog. Does anyone have any words of wisdom on which sex to get? My last GSP(SONNY) was a male. Pro or cons on females anyone!!! Thanks again everyone, I guess TIME will heal my broken heart, I sure MISS Him!!! ALL GOOD DOGS GO TO HEAVEN!!!! TIM.

[gspman]

Timtation,
You may want to call Windwalker Kennels rather than email them. Sometimes they get to the email and sometimes they don't.

As far as a male or female. You had a male and did alright so it's up to you. Either sex will be a fine bird dog. I think it's all personal preference.

I asked a GSP pro (Phil at Windwalker) this very question and he recommended females for the average person too for what that's worth. I also think most average hunters are better off with a female. They're not quite as stubborn, they're a little easier to train, they handle a little easier, they don't pee on every bush they pass, don't want to service every female in season that they come across, not quite as aggressive with other dogs, they fight less. Some claim females are more cunning than males but I think that's a load of B.S. On the downside unless you spay them, they will come into season at precisely the wrong time (right before the big bird hunting trip you've planned for months). Obviously, these are my broad generalizations and your mileage will vary from dog to dog.

Some people seem to want a large dog and want a male. I've never understood the supposed advantage of a large dog. It seems to be more of a testosterone thing than anything. The thought seems to be that the bigger dog will go through cattails and bust cover better and will last longer and hunt harder. In my practical experience, I just haven't found that to be the case. In my opinion a 45-60 pound GSP of either sex is more than enough dog for any cover you'd hunt in. My current dog is 45-50 lbs and goes through cattails and willow thickets like the Tasmanian Devil so I kinda think the big dog thing is overrated. Not that big dogs are bad mind you, I just don't see a clear advantage. From another angle, a smaller dog wil eat less (saves $$$) and [PoorWordUsage] less (saves scooping) too.

Bottom line. Get what you like and don't look back.

Anyway that's my opinion. I prefer females and mid-sized dogs. You really can't go wrong either way though. Another of my patented rambling diatribes. Good luck.
gspman

[BDR]

Timtation, I have gotten a female from Windwalker and she had a great nose, very trainable, and had great desire to hunt. She had one of the most intense points I've seen, she also nataurly was steady thru shot until I said fetch.
All that bieng said this dog got carsickness very bad. I tried everything that the vet suggested. It did not get better and I couldn't take her puking every 20 minutes so she is now a house dog with my Mother in-laws. She was dog #2 in my house and I still have my male (not from Windwalker)

I would definately go back to Windwalker when I'm looking again.

[gspman]

BDR,
Interesting what you say about the car sickness. My first 2 GSP's from Windwalker were not carsick dogs but the pup I have now is. The vet says she'll probably grow out of it. Boy do I hope that's true. Like you say. It's no fun having a puker in the truck. No dog food for her at least 3-4 hrs before travelling and a dose of dramamine about an hour before the trip is what the vet said. Did your vet give the same advice. I'm curious if your carsick dog's pedigree carries some of the same dogs as mine.

gspman

[BDR]

GSPman I tried dramamine and it helped, she puked less, but it would make her very drowsy and it was really cut her down when we got to where we were hunting(usually 2 hour ride). I wish she grew out of it, I think she had a better nose than my male.

[Shorthair Guy]

Sorry to here about your loss. I don't know if I could handle having to put my Gunner down.

If you want a good line on a GSP let me know. The guy I bought mine from is breeding is sister and should be ready for spring or early summer. The blood lines are great. I don't know if you have heard of Dual CH. Hillhaven's Hustler but he is a great field trial dog and was featured in FS mag. when he passed on as one of the best. He is close in the lines. If interested e-mail me at [email protected] and I can give you the guys number. You won't be dissapointed!