Looking for a GSD - NH/MA

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Hi all - I'm happy to have found this forum.

We are located in NH and are looking to add a GSD to our family. We do have a cat and another dog (mixed breed female, playful/submissive, gets along with anyone). I have always loved the breed but buying a puppy isn't my first choice, and GSD rescues won't even talk to us because we have an invisible fence. (Before anyone jumps on me I know the invisible fence is not ideal especially for certain dogs of this breed. I bring it up because it is a consideration for us in choosing the right dog.)

My husband and I are both active people and competent with basic positive reinforcement dog training. I have worked with horses off the race track for 10+ years and many family dogs. We can deal with some training issues, but are not prepared to take on anything with a bite history or any aggressive tendencies toward humans or other animals. Aloof is fine, and prey drive is fine (as long as the dog is trainable) but we are often out in public and we'd like a dog that is a nice ambassador for the breed.

The only other key for us in finding a match is that the dog has an "off switch". Our current dog is very low key in the house and so are we! An older dog would be fine, too.

I realize I'm basically describing the perfect GSD, but we're not in a rush. We keep our pets for life and can provide vet and personal references if needed.

Thanks

[GSDElsa]

Pia blackwell and claudia romard are great breeders in your area. On my phone so can't post a link but both have websites

[Wolfiesmom]

I don't know if he has found a home for her yet, but there's a member here in Springfield, MA named Josh who is looking for a home for his dog Suki. She's a year and a half old. My dog is Suki's half brother. His email is J0SHB00@yahoo.com

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Thanks Wolfiesmom, I did send an email about Suki.

I'm a bit hesitant to contact breeders and ask about adult dogs or older puppies. Someone in the breeding world once told me to be wary of the "just one left from the last litter that I was going to keep but..." Because the dog will either be very expensive (which would be out since we don't need a show quality dog) or slightly discounted due to age, but you get stuck with the worst temperament and/or conformation of the litter.

We would absolutely consider a well-loved retired breeding female, as long as she's used to living in the house. Do breeders normally place dogs like this though? I don't want to waste anyone's time, so I'm trying to tread lightly.

[Jax08]

Have you looked in the shelters?

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Originally Posted by Jax08

Have you looked in the shelters?

Yes, I actually have a contact at the MSPCA that keeps me up to date when anything shepherd-ish comes in. Most of the GSDs I've found in other local shelters have either had major behavioral issues or were unsafe/unknown with cats and kids. I'd prefer a well-socialized dog with some history (at least from a foster home), and what I've learned in working with the MSPCA is that most dogs end up there for a reason.

Ideally I would go through GSD rescue but the two I found in MA clearly state not to apply for adoption if you have an invisible fence, no exceptions.

[GSDElsa]

BrightStar GSD Rescue will adopt out of state if they have someone trusted in the area to do a homecheck. You can try them. That's where we got our Elsa from and I volunteer for them, although not as much as I used to now that Elsa's training is all I have time for!

[JakodaCD OA]

I'm not sure what she's asking for them, but Pam Lake has a couple of older girls on her site www.vonhena-c.com She's in NH
Also there is Goble Kennels | East German Shepherd Breeders Dogs and Puppies | Loudon, NH in NH as well

[RunShepherdRun]

Did you see this one?

German shepard free to good home

Date: 2011-03-26, 2:35PM EDT

Hi. I have a German Shepard that I can no longer keep from my health issues he is 6 years old I've had him ever since he was 6 weeks
He must go to a great loving family. Some one who can take care of him and take him on walks everyday
He must go to a home with a big yard and some one who doesn't live in a apartment

He is fully grown
When he was a puppy we trained him.
He is fully trained and knows everything that a dog should no

We have all his paperwork
He has all his shots

Great with kids and other animals. Dogs/cats/small animals

You dont have to worry about him biteing your kids or anything
I have 3 kids all under the age of 5 and he is very nice with them

We are only asking a re-homeing fee to make sure he's going to the right family

WE ARE NOT BREEDERS do not flag us Were not breeders or selling him

$150.00.0.

• Location: Saugus
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

PostingID: 2287988475

[Emoore]

"Free to good home" but they're asking $150 re-homing fee?

Austin GSD Rescue and Good Shepherd Rescue North TX will both adopt out of state, and will place appropriate dogs in a home with an invisible fence. Obviously not one with a high prey drive and a strong will, but if the dog will do well in that kind of environment, they'll place them.