Considering an adopting a female adult

[Justaguy]

Well I've been approached by my friend who's friends sister is looking for a home for her female GSD. Well I spoke to her today on the phone and she hasn't made it public yet. This an all black female GSD a year and half old. She lives with other dogs and has been around her owners little nieces and nephews plenty of times. In other words she is well behaved. The dog is also housebroken and is not destructive around the house at all. The dog has no resource guarding issues either. The dog is wary of strangers and definitely barks at them but that is just the protective instinct of a GSD. Reason she wants to give her up is because she is overwhelmed with too many dogs in her house. Remember this is what I was told by the owner over the phone.

My wife and I are considering it but I have a few concerns. One I have young children from 10 and up. They know what to do and how to respect a dog's privacy and space. Im also concerned about my 7 month old GSD. He is fine with other dogs. He plays with the neighbors Rottweilers all the time. What if this female after a couple of days decides that Jack is an annoying puppy and decides to attack him? My wife and I have been around dogs all our lives growing up but still a strange large dog worries me not my wife.

The lady was intrigued with the idea of her coming to us because my friend told her good things about us and she knows that she can visit whenever she wants. What do you guys think? My wife and I like the idea but a little wary about an adult that we don't know ourselves. Its different meeting a dog for an hour and its different when the dog comes home to stay with us. Taking care of the dog is not a problem. My wife is always home and Im ok financially so thats not a problem.

Thanks

[mandiah89]

Just the same with bringing in a puppy with an older dog already in the home, and vice versa, they need to be supervised constantly! until you know how they do together, if they are both good with dogs I would assume you are NOT going to have any problems, but both you and your wife have to be 100% on the same page or things may not work... also the dogs should be on a leash when meeting each other and for the first little while in the home so they can be managed easier just incase there is an incident, but as I said, if they are both good with dogs, and your puppy is 7 months and the one you are looking to adopt is only a year and a half, that is pretty much still a puppy and she will be able to keep up with your males energy!

Hope this helps!

[Justaguy]

Originally Posted by mandiah89

Just the same with bringing in a puppy with an older dog already in the home, and vice versa, they need to be supervised constantly! until you know how they do together, if they are both good with dogs I would assume you are NOT going to have any problems, but both you and your wife have to be 100% on the same page or things may not work... also the dogs should be on a leash when meeting each other and for the first little while in the home so they can be managed easier just incase there is an incident, but as I said, if they are both good with dogs, and your puppy is 7 months and the one you are looking to adopt is only a year and a half, that is pretty much still a puppy and she will be able to keep up with your males energy!

Hope this helps!

I always wanted a third dog but a puppy who I know would socialize with my children from young. It's less of a worry. An adult Ill always have that what if he/she decides to snap at my child for some reason? A dog leaving its only home must be traumatizing and stress the dog out with new people I would assume. First 2-3 weeks would definitely be stressful for her. I guess we will have to have constant supervision till she feels comfortable if we decide to bring her home.

Thanks

[onyx'girl]

The dog is wary of strangers and definitely barks at them but that is just the protective instinct of a GSD.

This isn't the protective nature, but a fear based reaction. Not to say the dog has issues, but don't think barking at strangers is a good thing. A stable nerved GSD should be aloof to strangers unless they are threatening.
I would go and meet the dog, maybe see if you can try it temporarily and if all works out after a few weeks finalize things. Though I'd not overwhelm the female with expeditions and visitors when she's trying to settle into her new life. Keep it low key and get to know her while she does the same. I wish you luck!
And hope for her a happily ever after, wherever she ends up.

[Justaguy]

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

This isn't the protective nature, but a fear based reaction. Not to say the dog has issues, but don't think barking at strangers is a good thing. A stable nerved GSD should be aloof to strangers unless they are threatening.
I would go and meet the dog, maybe see if you can try it temporarily and if all works out after a few weeks finalize things. Though I'd not overwhelm the female with expeditions and visitors when she's trying to settle into her new life. Keep it low key and get to know her while she does the same. I wish you luck!
And hope for her a happily ever after, wherever she ends up.

Really? My Jack goes on a massive barking at people until we let them in the house. Then it's all about being pet.

[onyx'girl]

Your Jack is still young and not sure of himself? He should be observant, but not reactive. I wouldn't encourage that behavior.
I have two females that do the same, and my male is more discerning...guess who has the better nerves/threshold? I'd much rather have a dog that is confident enough to just watch and discern than one that barks from the get-go.

[JakodaCD OA]

I would wonder how she (dog) follows thru with the barking at strangers?

I agree with Jane on the behaviors.

What I would do if your interested in her,,first you and your wife go meet her see what you think,,then I'd set up a time to take your kids to meet her, lastly I'd set up something for Jack to meet her..Neutral territory if step 1,2 & 3 go ok.

I'd ask the owner if you could do a 2 week trial, if it doesn't work you have the option of returning her to her owner. if it works, great you got a new pooch