Getting rescue GSD - Clubhouse

Siance

13/11/2009 at 15:59

Getting a beautiful german shepherd rescue dog soon and would appreciate any tips from those who have adopted the breed before. We have an advice sheet from the rescue place but any extra info would be great.

He's under a year, castrated, and bascially a gangly legged pup. Unknown history as he was in the pound before the rescue kennels, due to be destroyed He's been in kennels 2 weeks. Good with other dogs, walks to heel, and surprisingly calm for a youngster. Bit nervous of strangers but he soon settles.

Clean in his kennel but no idea if he's toilet trained... guess we'll find out

Don Minquez

13/11/2009 at 16:00

Don't throw it at your fella.

Siance

13/11/2009 at 16:03

hehe

Coops10

13/11/2009 at 16:05

Can't beat a nice German dog.

Speaking of which, how's your missus DM? (no offence mate!)

Corinthian

13/11/2009 at 16:06

Have his back legs checked out - Canine Hip and elbow dysplasia is a congential defect in the breed. I had one which needed a major opp on both back legs before she was 18 months old

Don Minquez

13/11/2009 at 16:07

hahaha!

Coops10

13/11/2009 at 16:09

Phew! I had a worried couple of minutes then!

Don Minquez

13/11/2009 at 16:11

Nah... I thought you a c**t long before that remark!

LIVERBIRD

pirate

13/11/2009 at 16:19

We had a rescue GSD when I was 10. She was beautiful, intelligent and we had 13 wonderful years with her. I hope you get one like that Siance. Back legs did eventually go, but as Corrie says - that's something that you have to deal with in GSD.

Siance

13/11/2009 at 16:21

Corinthian wrote (see)

Have his back legs checked out - Canine Hip and elbow dysplasia is a congential defect in the breed. I had one which needed a major opp on both back legs before she was 18 months old

Cheers Corinth. Having him vet checked when insurance 14 day period is up. He's not a sloping back GSD, don't know if that's related to hip score - think they're trying to breed that 'look' out now thank goodness.

UltraCas

13/11/2009 at 16:22

Siance - IronWolf is your best bet for advice on GSDs....best to PM her as she's not always on during the day

kittenkat

pirate

13/11/2009 at 16:24

Enjoy him Siance.

LIVERBIRD

pirate

13/11/2009 at 16:25

Poor Maggie.

(((KK)))

kittenkat

pirate

13/11/2009 at 16:26

What do you want to know? I have a quite a few good GSD books, if you want them and will pay P&P I'll send them.

Ok, now I am crying.... Arghhh!

Anway, seriously there is some good stuff in the books.

kittenkat

pirate

13/11/2009 at 16:27

Thanks LB

runnerman

13/11/2009 at 16:28

I love german sherpard dogs. I had one for 14 years after getting my one as a pup.
Sometimes its best to get them when they a puppy. I think without knowing the dogs
history, you need to make sure the dog gets use to the home and whats around them.
For a dog that was a rescue dog, then go to a dog pound, the poor dog is probably
abit lost and weary so give the dog abit of TLC and give him time to adjust too.
Yes, their back legs do go which is common with GSD.

Siance

13/11/2009 at 16:30

kittenkat wrote (see)

Enjoy him Siance.

I know, kk... I thought of you when we decided to get him.

Will ask Mr S about the books, that's kind of you

thanku

kittenkat

pirate

13/11/2009 at 16:59

Catchee Monkey

13/11/2009 at 17:02

We got a rescue dog and did totally the wrong thing by smothering him with love and attention. He was scared of men when they came into our house (so much so he would hide between Mr CM and I's legs or go balistic barking) and we thought by nurturing him, or removing him from that situation it would get better.

The problem we have now in the house is that he runs up to men and gets all scared, goes submissive (ie gives a paw, or lies down) and the min the man bends down he freaks out and starts barking and goes for the hand. (He is fine outside. Very placid and payful unless a tall man runs up to him).

We have had a trainer in and we have been forced to become far more dominant of him in order to reassure him. He can't sleep with us, no cuddles and scraps on the sofa, no treats, no games until it is on our terms, absolutely no whining, and no running ahead on lead - which he hates as he is much quicker than me over the first 4 miles. It is a nightmare - But we can see already he is so much better and happier - but it has been a hard transition.

In summary (phew) love him, support him, but you must, must lead him!

And congrats - it is an amazing thing you are doing.

moomoo

13/11/2009 at 17:07

My sister got a lovely German Shepherd with a lovely personality which she got from a dog pound as a puppy. Sadly, Jenny had to be put down at the age of 12 because of the severity of her hip problems.