Friends looking for a rehomed GS

[fam07]

I'm posting for some friends of mine that are looking for a 18 month-4 yr old GS looking for a home. I don't know if it is o.k. to post this request. I did not see anywhere to post in the adoption forum but in all honesty I'm heading out to work and did not have a ton of time to look. They have 4 small children so they need a dog that has been "tested" in that kind of environment. From my reading here, I have been educating them that some Rescue dogs may have unknown backgrounds or be great in a short term foster situation but their true temperament is revealed. Because their kids are young they won't follow all the "dog rules" so they need a tolerant dog...although they plan on supervising and educating their kids, I know bad things can happen quickly! I believe they are willing to travel, pay for shipping and don't necessarily limit themselves to the typical adoption fee however b/c the husband grew up with rescued GS he has a hard time with the price of some of the older GS dogs for sale. We live in central Illinois. If anyone knows of a dog that might have known background, great kid friendly temperment etc please PM me! Thanks, Monica

[CassandGunnar]

I think that the best bet is to have them start contacting rescues and explain what they're looking for. The rescue should be able to match the family to a dog based on what the fosters know about each dog.

[gsdraven]

Originally Posted by fam07

From my reading here, I have been educating them that some Rescue dogs may have unknown backgrounds or be great in a short term foster situation but their true temperament is revealed.

This is not accurate.

While most dogs that end up with a rescue have an unknown backgroud, reputable rescues keep the dogs in foster care long enough to evaluate their true personality. My personal opinion is that takes about a month to get a good feel for a dog in the home environment. For a family with small children, working with a reputable rescue that temperament tests its dogs and uses foster care is absolutely the way to go. Most foster families have dogs and children of their own so you really get to know if the dog can handle it.

I would be more careful about suggesting a private rehoming from someone you don't know because you have no idea if they are being truthful about the dog's personality.

[LaRen616]

Originally Posted by gsdraven

I would be more careful about suggesting a private rehoming from someone you don't know because you have no idea if they are being truthful about the dog's personality.

This happened to me. I found a gorgeous male GSD/Husky mix on Craigslist. I spoke to the owner and she had nothing but great things to say about him. I decided I wanted him after she told me how great he was.

I brought him home, he was with me for 4 months, he was toy aggressive, food aggressive, not potty trained, he growled at people and I couldn't trust him. His owner completely lied to me.

Have them go through a reputable rescue, do not suggest they go on craigslist or the newspaper.

[wolfstraum]

I am pretty anti rescue right now. I would say that they should look at some breeders who have retired breeding dogs or dogs who are not good enough in the sport who are looking for homes.

Seems that rescues can have agendas - and be just as dishonest or more dishonest than puppy mills.

Lee

[gsdraven]

Originally Posted by wolfstraum

Seems that rescues can have agendas - and be just as dishonest or more dishonest than puppy mills.

Some might, yes, but not all. Just like not all breeders are dishonest, have agendas or are puppy mills. But some breeders do have agendas, don't they?

That's why it is important to do your research no matter where you are getting your companion from.

Let's not make this thread about personal issues.

[LaRen616]

Originally Posted by wolfstraum

I am pretty anti rescue right now. I would say that they should look at some breeders who have retired breeding dogs or dogs who are not good enough in the sport who are looking for homes.

Seems that rescues can have agendas - and be just as dishonest or more dishonest than puppy mills.

Lee

Just because one rescue messed up in your eyes does not mean that others are like that.

[cshepherd9]

There is a GSD rescue in Champaign/Urbana area. Google Central Illinois German Shepherd Rescue and they should come up. I almost got a dog from them before I got Willow but I was the second on the list and the other family got her first!

[LaRen616]

German Shepherd Rescue, Inc. - German Shepherd Dogs Available For Adoption in Chicagoland Area, Northern Illinois

Look at handsome Cody

We don't know how Cody, about 12 months old, ended up chained to a tractor and lying on top of a frozen pig carcass in 16 degree weather. He had no food, water or shelter. Lucky for him, he was rescued before being taken to the local pound or being shot. The kind person who was allowed to take him did search for his original owner with no success and then contacted GSR. She said he is a gorgeous dog with a wonderful disposition. He is friendly and exuberent; he seems good around all kinds of people , cats and other dogs. He is very playful and interactive, he seems eager to learn and willing to please.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Originally Posted by fam07

I'm posting for some friends of mine that are looking for a 18 month-4 yr old GS looking for a home. I don't know if it is o.k. to post this request. I did not see anywhere to post in the adoption forum but in all honesty I'm heading out to work and did not have a ton of time to look. They have 4 small children so they need a dog that has been "tested" in that kind of environment. From my reading here, I have been educating them that some Rescue dogs may have unknown backgrounds or be great in a short term foster situation but their true temperament is revealed. Because their kids are young they won't follow all the "dog rules" so they need a tolerant dog...although they plan on supervising and educating their kids, I know bad things can happen quickly! I believe they are willing to travel, pay for shipping and don't necessarily limit themselves to the typical adoption fee however b/c the husband grew up with rescued GS he has a hard time with the price of some of the older GS dogs for sale. We live in central Illinois. If anyone knows of a dog that might have known background, great kid friendly temperment etc please PM me! Thanks, Monica

Alert!



This would concern me for any dog. If we can expect dogs with limited intellect to behave, then we can expect kids to.

I would be looking at what they are going to do with the dog when doing all the things parents do with kids through the years, what they want the dog for, etc.

I guess people can do it, and I know there are families who do spend tons of time with their dogs when they have a bunch of kids, but I also see so many people with that many kids who go to work, then go to practices, games, events, and don't get home until 9pm.

So they need to be honest with themselves in what they are going to do with their dog, and if they are being reasonable in their expectations of an animal.

If that's all good, I would start working on the kids' obedience and training and then start looking for a dog who is fostered in a similarly busy home and who does well. Not one who tolerates it, but one who loves it.

Pets in a home with 4 kids and two adults like this need to have nerves of steel. Serving so many masters - is not easy! Be like us having 6 bosses to report to - all with different styles and expectations.