Frequently Asked Questions
1. I’m interested in getting a German Shepherd Dog. What can I expect?
Answer: Historically the German Shepherd Dog has been prized for its utility and intelligence. Throughout the years the breed has consistently demonstrated its trainability, loyalty and courage. The GSDCA describes the best in this breed as approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. One will most often find a good GSD “poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand.” Simply put, we humans celebrate, own and love our German Shepherds as a companion, a protector, friend, and family member.
2. How do I become a member?
Answer: Click here to fill out our online Membership Inquiry Form. You can also contact us via the website with any questions.
3. How long does it take to become a member?
Answer: As soon as you fill out the form, the process begins, depends a little on us and a little on you how soon your membership becomes active, for sure it will involve you coming to a meeting so we can get to know one another!
4. What is the parent club?
Answer: Our “parent” club is the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA), or the national organization to which our club and many regional clubs belong and with which we are affiliated. Many of our members also belong to the GSDCA.
5. What is a regional club?
Answer: The GSDCA supports and encourages its members to form specialty breed clubs – for the purpose of showing and training their German Shepherd Dogs to be good ambassadors of the breed. While affiliated with the GSDCA, our club also follows the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club (AKC) when putting on shows and trials.
6. Do I have to be a GSDCA member to join GSDCSGV?
Answer: No, it is not necessarily a requirement, but we strongly suggest it because as a member of GSDCA you’ll have access to a nationwide network of fellow GSD enthusiasts not to mention a wealth of GSD information, and a subscription to the “Review” magazine.
7. How can I participate in club shows and trials?
Answer: Enter your German Shepherd in one of our shows and/or trials, volunteer to help at one of our events, join the club, and we’ll introduce you to a myriad of endless “dog related” show and trial possibilities!
8. How can I find a reputable GSD breeder?
Answer: Contact us via our website for more information and a member of our staff will get back to promptly.
9. How can I obtain DNA testing on my GSD?
Answer: Visit http://www.offa.org/dnatesting/kits.html – There is a list of the left of the page regarding all the types of DNA tests that one can order.
10. How can I test for DM?
Answer: Visit http://www.offa.org/dnatesting/dm.html
11. How can I get OFA/Hips and Elbows on my dog – where do I go?
Answer: Visit http://www.offa.org/digitalsubmission.html
12. We adopted our GSD from a shelter or GSD Rescue and would like to start competing in AKC dog sports. I know he’s a purebred GSD, how can I prove this? How do I go about entering him/her without any papers attesting to his background?
Answer: This is known as getting an ILP number for your dog. It will attest to his/her purebred status through your answering questions and submitting his/her photo(s). AKC will review the information and contact you. Visit https://www.apps.akc.org/apps/contact/answer_center/faq_reg_requirements.cfm and https://images.akc.org/pdf/ADPAL1.pdf
13. What is Schutzhund? IPO?
Answer: What is Schutzhund? IPO? – Traditionally called Schutzhund (also know as IPO) it refers to a training style and trials/competitions. Schutzhund initially developed in Germany as a way to prove one’s German Shepherd Dog worthy and therefore allowing the owner to breed that dog. Today it has evolved into another avenue in which working dogs and their owners can train and compete. Schutzhund enthusiasts train their dogs in obedience, tracking and protection and seek titling opportunities in a variety of tests based on those basics. Owners must obtain a “scorebook” into which all titles and awards earned through this system are recorded and acknowledged by a judge. Though as a club we do not offer shows or trials in the Schutzhund Tradition, several clubs in Los Angeles and the surrounding counties do exist and can easily be found on the Internet.
14. I still have more questions and/or require more information. What can I do?
Answer: Contact us. A member of our staff will be happy to assist you.