Hello everyone! New user..looking for GS :)

maxxym · 02-05-2011, 04:36 PM

WOW, what a forum! So much information here! This is great.

For the longest time I wanted a dog. I never had one.

After doing some research, I decided that GS is the one I want. I like bigger dogs that can keep me company and are loyal.

I have so many questions to ask, I don't know where to start.

I am single guy, 35 years old living alone in a condo. Although I do not have back yard, we do have lots and lots of grounds here including big pond and fields on the property. I do see couple people in my neighborhood that have GS which leads me to believe, if I got one he/she would be fine.

I know puppies are a lot of work, but I am willing to do it. I would not have it any other way. If I get one, it would be a puppy that I can raise.

One thing that worries me is my schedule while the dog is a puppy. I leave home at about 8am and come back at 5-6pm. I would take the dog out in the morning of course, maybe for a run, and then, obviously, first thing when I get home. With that said, dog would have his own room while I am away. I have entire room I could dedicate to him while I am not home. This way, i wouldn't have to put him in a cage. There is also possibility down the road, that I could come home for lunch and take him out. But that is down the road. Right now, I am just doing research and learning as much as I can before I pull the trigger. I am talking mid year 2012.

I live in Ohio and I been looking possibly to maybe adopt a dog. I really don't mind adopting as long as the dog is GS (which is really hard to find for me in shelters). I would also be open to purchasing one. My budget is at maximum $500-800.

Any suggestions? Where should I look? I keep reading up stuff on here which will take me a while lol...lots of info on here!

Elaine · 02-05-2011, 04:43 PM

It is really hard to raise a puppy without a yard. They have to go out really often day and night for a couple of months and then just often for several more months. Without a yard it's also very hard to give them safe regular off-leash exercise. Also, you would have to find someone willing to come over and let him out several times a day, every day, while you are at work for several months.

A better bet, especially as you've never had a dog before, is to go through a rescue and get a well behaved adult dog. They can handle your work schedule and a lower drive dog can do well without a yard. This way you can also learn about living with a dog before you make the huge leap to puppyhood.

KZoppa · 02-05-2011, 04:44 PM

you can look at breed specific rescues. The likelihood of you finding a GSD in a shelter is slim if you're looking for one without issues or old age being a factor but dont let it discourage you. Also, if you adopt from a rescue (they foster the dogs so can give personality profiles on specific dogs) that opens up another space for the rescue to pull a GSD from a shelter who might be on their way to death row because of space constrictions.

As far as the dog having their own room, personally thats not a good idea. Especially a puppy. Dogs are den animals so the 'cage' i assume you refer to is a crate/kennel and would actually be a good idea to go that route. Crate trained dogs do MUCH better in vet situations if they have to stay over night because they're already used to a small area for sleeping and such. Also crate training is an excellent tool for potty training because puppies and adult dogs generally wont go potty where they sleep. Den animals such as dogs like the den like feeling and closeness a crate provides. Its kind of like a security blanket.

Its good you're asking questions and gathering as much information as you can now. The more you know the better. I'm sure someone or several people can direct you to a reputable GSD rescue in your area and get you started on your way.

One suggestion i have for you is maybe seeing about fostering for a GSD rescue so you can get a feel for what you're getting into. And you would also be helping the rescue in turn to save another GSD with another foster home available. Just an idea.

GSDElsa · 02-05-2011, 04:46 PM

If your budget is only 500-800 that pretty much leaves a rescue as your only option. Unfortunately, you will not find a reputable breeder with those prices. An "average" GSD puppy price from a reputable breeder is about 1200-1800.

I think an adult dog is a great idea for your lifestyle. 8 week old puppies have small bladders and need to go out every few hours. A potty trained adult with a nice, strong bladder will be more more condusive for your schedule.

Emoore · 02-05-2011, 04:46 PM

I agree with Elaine.
So far today I've taken Kopper (8 weeks old) outside at:

12:30am
5:30am
8:00am
noon
3:30pm

It's now 3:45 and I'll probably take him out another 5 or 6 times. The little guy has a bladder the size of a walnut and an upset tummy besides. I can't imagine doing this without a yard.

**MaggieRoseLee** · 02-05-2011, 04:50 PM

Things to look for in a 'Responsible' Breeder

Welcome to the forum! You need to read the above site and all the links included. Once you know what a 'responsible' breeder is and what to look for you can also use them to get an older puppy. Or a rescue too!

Just take some time to go thru the Urgent and Rescue site to get a look at some pups needing homes.

maxxym · 02-05-2011, 04:58 PM

well that's a bummer

I knew all along that my schedule would be a problem. I really really really want to stay away from adopting grown dog. I know it might be lame to say, but I really would love to live through the puppy phase, if that makes any sense.

The thinking I got about not having a yard is that my friend had, well still has her, a Rottweiler while he was living in an apartment. It really wansn't a big problem at all. Also, as I mentioned, there are couple people here in my condo development that have GSDs. Nobody here has a yard, but like I mentioned, we have parks and lots of green area around here in the development.

Like I said, my schedule gives me problems with any type of puppy dog really. That's why I want to do some research.

I screwed up so bad....I was working from home for 2 years about 3 years ago. I should of got one then

As far as budget goes, I COULD go 1000 and above if I find one that I really like. I was just throwing numbers out there to get the feel of things. I could probably spend TOPS 1500 bucks. But that would be my absolute top price.

I am in Concord Ohio btw. About 30 miles from Cleveland.

GSDElsa · 02-05-2011, 05:02 PM

If you are set on buying a puppyfrom a breeder (but there are great PB GSD puppies in rescue too), then do it the right way and save up each month until you have enough to purchase from a good breeder (as well as make sure you have saved up a nice emergency fund for the dog).

**MaggieRoseLee** · 02-05-2011, 05:08 PM

msxxym, don't rule out a puppy IF you can find a good breeder.... (READ THE SITES I POSTED ABOVE), if they keep the puppy and extra week or so AND you crate train... you can still get a puppy.

In a perfect world we would all be home for our entire puppies life so we could take it out all the time. But I also live alone and have a full time job, but have gotten a puppy and things worked out just fine.

Difference is I have to KNOW, really know, that when I do get that puppy my life is really changed for the first 6 months/year. Cause I HAVE to get off work on time and have to come straight home. I must then spend alot of quality time with that puppy when I am home (crate training at night and when I'm at work is a must). Puppy classes and dedicated my weekends to fun times to train and socialize are also vital.

Not like getting a tank of fish or a new plant (though I'm sure you knew that

). The younger the pup them more of a huge time commitment and life change for the human in the house to get the housebreaking, socialization, exercise and puppy classes in.

Heck, this is what I have to plan on my days off!

YouTube - German Shepherd puppy 15 Weeks - Socialization at Dog Fair

YouTube - Glory B (11 wks) and Bretta Lee (5 yrs) Hiking in the Woods

YouTube - Hiking the Poconos w/Friends and their dogs

zyppi · 02-05-2011, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxxym

I live in Ohio and I been looking possibly to maybe adopt a dog. I really don't mind adopting as long as the dog is GS (which is really hard to find for me in shelters). I would also be open to purchasing one. My budget is at maximum $500-800.

You'd be surprised how many GSDs turn up in shelters because folks didn't do their homework.

There are several German Shepherd Rescues in Ohio. Did you google for them?

Glad you're here to ask and learn.

Your budget is a bit limited for a dog from most quality breeders. Not because they inflate the price but because of costs incurred - legitimate costs, mostly insuring proper breeding practices and medical expenses.

Believe me, you don't want a breeder that has no knowledge or experience and who skips medical care for his/her dogs. What you save up front will likely come back to bite you later.

In your spot I would monitor shelters and rescues while learning more about the breed.

Best of luck

02-05-2011, 04:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
maxxym New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 6	Hello everyone! New user..looking for GS :) WOW, what a forum! So much information here! This is great. For the longest time I wanted a dog. I never had one. After doing some research, I decided that GS is the one I want. I like bigger dogs that can keep me company and are loyal. I have so many questions to ask, I don't know where to start. I am single guy, 35 years old living alone in a condo. Although I do not have back yard, we do have lots and lots of grounds here including big pond and fields on the property. I do see couple people in my neighborhood that have GS which leads me to believe, if I got one he/she would be fine. I know puppies are a lot of work, but I am willing to do it. I would not have it any other way. If I get one, it would be a puppy that I can raise. One thing that worries me is my schedule while the dog is a puppy. I leave home at about 8am and come back at 5-6pm. I would take the dog out in the morning of course, maybe for a run, and then, obviously, first thing when I get home. With that said, dog would have his own room while I am away. I have entire room I could dedicate to him while I am not home. This way, i wouldn't have to put him in a cage. There is also possibility down the road, that I could come home for lunch and take him out. But that is down the road. Right now, I am just doing research and learning as much as I can before I pull the trigger. I am talking mid year 2012. I live in Ohio and I been looking possibly to maybe adopt a dog. I really don't mind adopting as long as the dog is GS (which is really hard to find for me in shelters). I would also be open to purchasing one. My budget is at maximum $500-800. Any suggestions? Where should I look? I keep reading up stuff on here which will take me a while lol...lots of info on here!

02-05-2011, 04:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
Elaine Crowned Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,784	It is really hard to raise a puppy without a yard. They have to go out really often day and night for a couple of months and then just often for several more months. Without a yard it's also very hard to give them safe regular off-leash exercise. Also, you would have to find someone willing to come over and let him out several times a day, every day, while you are at work for several months. A better bet, especially as you've never had a dog before, is to go through a rescue and get a well behaved adult dog. They can handle your work schedule and a lower drive dog can do well without a yard. This way you can also learn about living with a dog before you make the huge leap to puppyhood. __________________ Elaine and the herd

02-05-2011, 04:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
KZoppa Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Maryland kinda missing CO Posts: 13,820	you can look at breed specific rescues. The likelihood of you finding a GSD in a shelter is slim if you're looking for one without issues or old age being a factor but dont let it discourage you. Also, if you adopt from a rescue (they foster the dogs so can give personality profiles on specific dogs) that opens up another space for the rescue to pull a GSD from a shelter who might be on their way to death row because of space constrictions. As far as the dog having their own room, personally thats not a good idea. Especially a puppy. Dogs are den animals so the 'cage' i assume you refer to is a crate/kennel and would actually be a good idea to go that route. Crate trained dogs do MUCH better in vet situations if they have to stay over night because they're already used to a small area for sleeping and such. Also crate training is an excellent tool for potty training because puppies and adult dogs generally wont go potty where they sleep. Den animals such as dogs like the den like feeling and closeness a crate provides. Its kind of like a security blanket. Its good you're asking questions and gathering as much information as you can now. The more you know the better. I'm sure someone or several people can direct you to a reputable GSD rescue in your area and get you started on your way. One suggestion i have for you is maybe seeing about fostering for a GSD rescue so you can get a feel for what you're getting into. And you would also be helping the rescue in turn to save another GSD with another foster home available. Just an idea. __________________ The more people I meet and talk to,the more I love my dogs and their intelligence. www.krystalscollarcreations.weebly.com Riley GSD/BC 1/10/05 Zena GSD 6/1/03 Shasta GSD 5/5/10

02-05-2011, 04:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
GSDElsa Crowned Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central, NY Posts: 3,706	If your budget is only 500-800 that pretty much leaves a rescue as your only option. Unfortunately, you will not find a reputable breeder with those prices. An "average" GSD puppy price from a reputable breeder is about 1200-1800. I think an adult dog is a great idea for your lifestyle. 8 week old puppies have small bladders and need to go out every few hours. A potty trained adult with a nice, strong bladder will be more more condusive for your schedule. __________________ Justine, mom to: - Elsa - BrightStar Rescue - "Da Pookins" - Medo Aritar Bastet - "The Beast From The East"

02-05-2011, 04:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
Emoore Crowned Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North DFW, TX Posts: 9,215	I agree with Elaine. So far today I've taken Kopper (8 weeks old) outside at: 12:30am 5:30am 8:00am noon 3:30pm It's now 3:45 and I'll probably take him out another 5 or 6 times. The little guy has a bladder the size of a walnut and an upset tummy besides. I can't imagine doing this without a yard. __________________ Rocky vom Backyard- 10 years young Kopper vom Felssclucht Bach - 17 months At the Bridge: Cash van der Animal Shelter 2006-2010

02-05-2011, 04:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
MaggieRoseLee The Agility Rocks! Moderator Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Bushkill, PA (The Poconos!) Posts: 22,215	Things to look for in a 'Responsible' Breeder Welcome to the forum! You need to read the above site and all the links included. Once you know what a 'responsible' breeder is and what to look for you can also use them to get an older puppy. Or a rescue too! Just take some time to go thru the Urgent and Rescue site to get a look at some pups needing homes. __________________ MACH2 Bretta Lee Wildhaus CGC TC TQX Glory B Wildhaus NA, NJ, NF + LOL (still) "*Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much." - Oscar Wilde*

02-05-2011, 04:58 PM	#7 (permalink)
maxxym New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 6	well that's a bummer I knew all along that my schedule would be a problem. I really really really want to stay away from adopting grown dog. I know it might be lame to say, but I really would love to live through the puppy phase, if that makes any sense. The thinking I got about not having a yard is that my friend had, well still has her, a Rottweiler while he was living in an apartment. It really wansn't a big problem at all. Also, as I mentioned, there are couple people here in my condo development that have GSDs. Nobody here has a yard, but like I mentioned, we have parks and lots of green area around here in the development. Like I said, my schedule gives me problems with any type of puppy dog really. That's why I want to do some research. I screwed up so bad....I was working from home for 2 years about 3 years ago. I should of got one then As far as budget goes, I COULD go 1000 and above if I find one that I really like. I was just throwing numbers out there to get the feel of things. I could probably spend TOPS 1500 bucks. But that would be my absolute top price. I am in Concord Ohio btw. About 30 miles from Cleveland.

02-05-2011, 05:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
GSDElsa Crowned Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central, NY Posts: 3,706	If you are set on buying a puppyfrom a breeder (but there are great PB GSD puppies in rescue too), then do it the right way and save up each month until you have enough to purchase from a good breeder (as well as make sure you have saved up a nice emergency fund for the dog). __________________ Justine, mom to: - Elsa - BrightStar Rescue - "Da Pookins" - Medo Aritar Bastet - "The Beast From The East"

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