Bonanza:
I have some experience with GSP's and I have not yet met one that could put me on my ass but I know what you mean by explosive especially when on a hard running Jack Rabbit when we were supposed to be hunting pheasant.... there was no calling that dog back! she was gone! the owner was livid and all my brother and I could do was laugh as I explained to him (the owner) that hunting with his dog once or twice a year did not make her a hunting dog.... aside from her rabbit forray, she did surprizingly well considering her lack of experience.

he had just taken her off of the training collar moments before she bolted.... who says dogs dont know whats up?

My experience with the two GSP's that I am familiar with is that they love to be around people and somtimes I think that they confuse themselves for people and will hang around the kitchen table with you wether there is food on top or you are just sitting around with the guys shooting the breeze over the days events in the field.

We are sending the deposit cheque/check today and will go see the litter in person next weekend most likely.
Seems rather ironic or maybe fitting that my Sister in law just put down her Husky of 11 years yesterday and is devastated by her loss of a good dog while we are celebrating the decision to get a new pup in the house.

DT