marco G asked:
I want to adopt a German Shepherd from the shelter. I’m just wandering if they make sure hes behaved or has mental problems at the shelters. And when do you adopt is it hard for the dogs to get used to a new owner?
Dove Cresswells Dog Training
I want to adopt a German Shepherd from the shelter. I’m just wandering if they make sure hes behaved or has mental problems at the shelters. And when do you adopt is it hard for the dogs to get used to a new owner?
Dove Cresswells Dog Training
Tags: Dogs, German Shepherd, Hes
March 7th, 2007 at 10:03 am
You can never be completely sure when you adopt a full-grown dog of any breed, however, you should ask the people who work at the shelter. I volunteer at a shelter, and we keep records of their personalities, vet records, and any other information we know, such as their past. They should be able to tell you of the dog’s personality. It is not usually difficult for the dogs to get used to new owners at all, as long as you love and care for them
March 8th, 2007 at 10:09 am
Well, as you said, it depends on the dog’s health. If the dog is aggressive or has issues around humans, I would personally not adopt it. But yes, it’s fine to adopt an adult dog. Some people prefer it because they don’t have to house train them, but it’s different with each canine.
I do think they make sure if the dog has any problems. I’m not sure though, because where I live we don’t have shelters that function correctly.
Getting used to the new owner is just a matter of time for most dogs. If he’s not aggressive, etc., dogs will almost always warm up to a new person.
Show him lots of love if you get him, and I’m sure he’ll appreciate it and pay you back one day for it.
Hope I helped, and best of luck. ^-^
March 9th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
feel the dog out go in it cage at the kennel. Move your hands quickly and watch for head shying and aggressive defensive behavior..you can tell if he was abused. Now head shying isnt a bad sign ..unless he gets defensive after and threatens you.
Dogs from shelters are so happy you took them home they bond immediatly
March 10th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
I have just adopted a 12 month old border collie. I know she is still pretty young but i had the same doubts as you and she is an absolute sweetie!!
Talk to the shelter about your concerns and ask if they do behavioural tests on their adoptees. For example, Taking food away whilst eating to see if they will aggresivly defend their food, kiddy tests, like gentle tail pulls and fur grabbing. Etc
Trust your instinct, make sure they let you spend some proper time with the dog at the shelter, does he seem to have a nice gentle nature? Does he listen to any commands?
Most of all, if you do go ahead with it I can not stress enough the benifits of taking your new doggy to obediance, it will help you bond and a professional will teach you to controll him properly.
Best of Luck!!
March 12th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
I appreciate your willingness to adopt the dog, but if you have to ask this question, it is better that you dont adopt one. If you are experienced with handling dogs, then there is no problem. You always feel if the dog likes you. Do trust your instinct.
March 14th, 2007 at 8:13 am
A good shelter will have researched you. If they haven’t I would walk away. I have a 2 year old G.S.D she’s strong, protective, full of energy, she needs a lot if time, If you don’t have the land for her to roam on then 2x45min or 1 hr. walks a day will be needed.you probably know all this. They are a high input dog. You don’t mention your family set up, again important when choosing your dog. G.S.D’s like 1 owner and are very loyal. Mine has a instinct that makes her always be in front of me when others are around. She doesn’t like people coming in this house and is very vocal about it. They are the best protectors. That can be a problem when you are playing with other people or dogs. They can be snappy rounds kids. Think hard, but as I said when I started your rescue should have done all the research. For the dog’s sake and yours don’t use a substandard rescue, you don’t want to have to take the dog back, it would be so heartbreaking for you and very confusing for the dog. Good luck. If you get one you will have the most loyal dog.
March 16th, 2007 at 11:12 pm
It all depends on his past and how he acts at the shelter but they’ll be able to tell you if you ask them at the shelter. If the dog doesn’t behave well than no, I wouldn’t adopt it if it bites etc.. but yes it will get used to a new owner after a while especially if you love it & treat it right!
March 19th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
you can never be 100percent sure on any breed that you adopt at full age because you never know what it went through in life or what his/her reactions may be to certain things. my aunts dog was an adoptie and she found out that it was afraid of the bathroom, like scared sh**less of it (maybe the previous owners locked the pup up for long hours in there, we will never know). but shelters run tests to make sure the dog is ok on basic stuff such as not attacking a hand that is placed in a dish when eating, being able to deal with tuging on ears, mouth, paws, and tail. they do these tests before giving the ok to put the dog up for adoption. so you may not be too sure about weird things such as being afraid of certain household places/items, but you shouldnt have any serious problems.
i hope you decide to adopt and give a loving home to a dog that deserves a good like and family
March 21st, 2007 at 8:50 am
A dog’s temperment is primarily formed by its treatment and raising by previous owners. Any breed dog can be aggressive. I agree that any GSD needs an experianced owner, someone with plenty of time to spend with the dog, and someone who is a natural pack leader. GSD’s can be very willful and destructive when bored. A GSD will normally be owner centric—-meaning they don’t run up to strangers and slobber happily all over them. They are guardians. This can make some difficult to adopt….they really mourn from missing their previous owners.
Unfortunately GSD’s have in some cases come from inexperianced breeders. These animals can have many back/hip/eye problems that many new owners can’t afford to fix. Also poorly bred GSD’s can have serious problems with anxiety, fear and aggression. Most good city shelters test animals they are adopting out.
At the shelter, look for a dog that seems calm and confident. Don’t ohhh and ahhh all over him . Just sit and look him over calmly. Offer a toy or bit of a dog biscuit. He should be interested in this. If he is whining or growling or totally ignoring you, pass on it. Do not adopt a dog simply because it seems pitiful and needs somebody. Play with and walk this dog before making a decision. Ask its history…if they know it…and ask how it behaves for them…does it like other dogs…cats….kids. Touch its feet and snout. Lift its tail and touch the ears. Is it easy to handle on a leash? These dogs can be powerful and can lounge hard enough to take leash out of your hand. Give a toy and take it away if it seems safe to do so.
At home, let dog explore. Give it food, water and RULES. Don’t lavish with lots of kisses and hugs just yet. Be firm and calm. For a GSD, playing IS a great way to show you love it! GSD’s need a job to do—so teach it things to do—tracking is a great way to keep your pet …and you…busy.
Give any new pet time to adjust to you and your home before bringing in friends to meet it.
If you have more questions regarding GSD’s find a quality shepherd breeder or vet. A quality breeder isn’t doing it for the money. They want to help improve the breed’s mental stability and ability to work.
Good luck with whatever pet you choose and thank you for considering rehoming a pet.