Need to rehome - Long

[TaegansMom]

It is with a very, very heavy heart that I sit and write this. I've struggled with this decision for quite some time and thought that this forum would be my best avenue for rehoming my GSD. I am sobbing as I type, but know this is the best decision to make for my boy. Before you pass judgement, please read my full note and have faith that this decision is not something I make lightly. Also, this boy is not my first GSD, so I do have experience with the good and bad traits of the breed, but I don't feel that I'm left with any other choice at this point. This decision is what is best for my boy.

Taegan just turned 1 and I purchased him from a local breeder at the age of 8 weeks. From day 1, Taegan has had several issues which I (and the breeder) convinced myself would improve over time, but they just havent. In addition, I was laid off from my job in December and haven't secured a new permanent position. To make matters worse, I have a major health issue that prevents me from taking the best care of him - I simply physically cannot support what he needs..

So, I need to find a home that will be the best fit for him, and I will NOT give him up until I know he is in the best place. I do not trust the breeder to find that place and am entrusting this forum for that help.

I am certainly willing to be upfront and honest about all of Taegan's issues with anyone, so please feel free to ask. For now, here are some important notes:

1. Taegan is very, very shy and skiddish. He has anxiety issues in meeting strangers - especially men and especially in my home. The vet, 2 trainers and an independent breeder have deemed him "genetically shy." But this is turning into fear aggression. He now urinates with fear of anyone that comes to my home. He shakes with fear when in public.
2. Taegan is very noise sensitive, is <u>extremely</u> high-strung, and is riddled with anxiety. The dog never rests.
3. Taegan has an extremely abnormal gait - particularly in his back end. The breeder advised that he would likely outgrow this, but it does not improve. He has been X-rayed twice and had a slew of tests to the tune of over $1000... but nothing conclusive. In addition to this, the vet believes he has panosteitis.
4. Taegan is very, very picky about his fur-friends and does not get along with alpha/dominant dogs. Although honestly.. I think he'll be fine once he is in a pack and knows his place.
5. Taegan hates his crate. He simply does not like to be alone!!
6. Taegan is the pickiest eater and is on the thin side. He is currently on Blue Buffalo's Wilderness blend mixed with cooked chicken and rice. He does not do well with most dog foods and has a very, very sensitive stomach.
7. Taegan has a very high prey drive and cannot be around cats, small dogs, or small children.

I have socialized this dog from day 1, but to no avail. He has been through 2 obedience classes and 2 private trainers. He was enrolled in an inhome daycare, but can no longer attend. I have taken him everywhere with me but his social issues continue. I have tried every single thing I can think of and that I have been instructed to do (having had GSD's before), and these issues have not improved. All of this along with my financial and health difficulties lead me to this decision.

Ideally, Taegan needs a home with:
*Someone is home much of the time during the day and with other fur-friends. He has separation anxiety and doesn't do well being without his human, but definitely needs activity.
*Children over the age of 10
*No cats
*GSD Experience

Taegan is also neutered and UTD on all of his shots. I will continue to document his likes/dislikes and other quirks. I also have his AKC papers and all vet records.

Please contact me directly via cell or yahoo email if you have more questions/concerns. And please don't pass judgment... I have tried it all and would not be posting this if I haven't exhausted all instructions/options. I'm still sobbing. I am simply at a point where I need to to do what is best for him. Sniff.

Thank you.
Kimberly Schickler
schickler95@yahoo.com
(585)414-3106

[allieg]

I hope you can find him the appropriate home.Good luck on all the things going wrong in your life right now.

[marylou]

I am sorry you have to make this decision; I hope you find the very best home possible for your boy.

[Kayos and Havoc]

Very hard decision to make, but it sounds as if you have his best interests at heart.

I wish the best to you.

[TaegansMom]

Thank you all for your positive comments. I'm so sad... I love my boy so much... but do have to do what is best for him.

[Castlemaid]

Won't the breeder take Taegan back?

[triordan]

Won't the breeder take Taegan back?

Originally Posted By: TaegansMom I do not trust the breeder to find that place and am entrusting this forum for that help.

[TaegansMom]

The breeder will not return my messages. Besides, I do NOT trust this breeder anymore anyway. I want to find the most suitable home for my boy and I'm not at all confident this breeder will be able to provide that, which is why I'm on this forum. And just to be clear on a few more points:
Taegan has A LOT of positive qualities! He knows his commands and can be very sweet at times. I simply cannot provide for his needs anymore.
I am not looking to sell him, earn a rehoming fee, or recover the thousands of dollars I've spent. I just want him to be happy!

[selzer]

Can you work honestly with a German Shepherd Rescue. Rescue people please chime in here. I mean by honestly, telling them exactly what your problems are with him.

I am thinking that they may be able to find a foster that can work with him, and would have a better group of people interested in the dog.

The breeder would probably put the dog down. No breeder wants to hear about genetically bad nerves. Many will blame the owner of the dog. I understand that this exists and am glad that you were very descriptive about each of his problems.

If it is genetically bad nerves, I do not know that any amount of working with him will make him better and managing the condition is all you can hope for.

I am sorry you are going through this. Good luck at finding someone good to take him.

[BowWowMeow]

I'm sorry you are in this position.

Most rescues are unable to take owner surrenders into foster homes as foster homes are almost always reserved for dogs who are in danger of being pts.

You may be able to courtesy list him through BDBH. Their website is http://www.bigdogsbighearts.com/ It is very, very difficult to place dogs like this but I think most people who would be willing to take on a dog like this would go through rescue.

Kai had a lot of the traits you describe in your dog, as did Basu. Both became fear aggressive. Since I had already been through that stage with Basu I knew how to handle it with Kai. Basu was abused but Kai was genetically shy and was less predictable than Basu. Kai's sister was returned to Brighstar more than a year ago and she is still in foster care. She was even more timid than Kai and still is plagued by this problem, from the sounds of her write-up.

I wish you the best of luck and I would encourage you to continue to try new things as you may still have him for a long time before you find the right home.