Look at the dog, not just the label.
Working-line dogs can differ in temperament and in the handling they require. Hans’s Q&A describes both more demanding working dogs and dogs suited to family life. The individual match comes first.
Training and temperament are different parts of the picture.
Training describes what a dog has learned. Temperament helps explain the way the dog responds to people, situations and the work it is asked to do. Ask about both in the dog’s actual record and in conversation with Hans.
Titles have a purpose.
Hans explains that a title records performance in the disciplines tested. It gives useful information, but it does not replace assessing the everyday task. Well-trained untitled dogs can also do their jobs well.
The handler keeps the training alive.
Hans’s puppy and family-dog answers emphasize continued training and socialization. The owner needs to understand the commands, practice them and maintain the training in daily life.
Questions worth asking
- What has this dog been trained to do?
- What situations has it experienced?
- What handling experience would suit it?
- What instruction will help me work with this dog?