Is adopting an adult GSD from a rescue group unwise?

[Emoore]

Originally Posted by Two

I think that with a puppy you could build that stronger bond faster and easier than if you were to get an adult. Now don't get me wrong, I know there are plenty of adult dogs out there willing to give their love to new owners but I hope you know what I am trying to say

I definitely see what you are trying to say, but having owned both adult rescues and puppies, and having worked in rescue for nearly 10 years, what you're trying to say isn't exactly the case either. There's a thing called "rescue dog bond" and it's a real phenomenon. A puppy loves and bonds with you because you're all it's ever known. A rescue dog has seen the other side, has lived in a shelter. It may not have had the best home to begin with, or it had a family that at loved very much that was taken from it. Either way, the dog looks on its new family as its savior. The dog's greatest fear is that its new family will spontaneously combust.

Two, I like you and respect you and I want to word this as gently and diplomatically as possible. Please don't take this as being mean or rude. You stated in your previous post that you haven't done much research into rescues or shelters. Why are you answering this person's questions with speculations? A lot of what you're saying are the exact stereotypes and misconceptions that rescues try so hard to overcome.

[GSDElsa]

OMG adults all the way!

Elsa my rescue we got when she was probably 1 1/2 is soooooooooooo much easier than the puppies I've fostered or owned!

Medo -- currently 6 months is a holy terror lol. Love him, but adult dogs just fall into routines so much nicer. Are not as wild. And are much easier to evaluate.

[Good_Karma]

One thing that would be great if you could do, and this is what I was able to do when I adopted my rescue (admittedly she was still a puppy but I think the idea is sound), is when you have narrowed down your picks from the rescue, make several "play dates" so you can get to know the dog you are interested in, and vice versa. I think this helps for when you finally bring him or her home, plus it will help you make your final decision as to whether or not the dog will make a good match for you.

I got Rosa when she was roughly four months old, and believe me, that two month difference was huge between her and 8 week old Niko. She was a great deal easier to live with! I can definitely see the appeal of rescuing an adult.

[GSDElsa]

Originally Posted by Two

I think that with a puppy you could build that stronger bond faster and easier than if you were to get an adult. say

Are you kidding me? Puppies have the attention span of a gnat. Including the love of their owners. Sure, they look at you with those sweet little eyes like you are the center of the universe. But they do it to the same person that comes along!

Adults, IMO, definitely form a LASTING bond (not just bond of the moment) with their owners faster.

[RebelGSD]

Originally Posted by GSDElsa

Are you kidding me? Puppies have the attention span of a gnat. Including the love of their owners. Sure, they look at you with those sweet little eyes like you are the center of the universe. But they do it to the same person that comes along!

Adults, IMO, definitely form a LASTING bond (not just bond of the moment) with their owners faster.

Absolutely true! Puppies have zero attention span and bond with anyone.
After over 15 years in rescue and too many dogs, I would say that rescue dogs bond strongly and quickly. Some of them turn into velcro dogs and follow the new person around from day one. As far as health is concerned, I had serious genetic health issues dogs from top kennels (one WL and one show) and they ended up being euthanized because of health issues. there is always a risk with living creatures.

I agree that the statements of TWO indicate that he/she does not have much experience concerning the subject.

[Remo]

Perhaps you might consider volunteering with a GSD specific rescue, like Virginia German Shepherd Rescue (not that I am prejudiced toward them - ha ha ha ha!) and get a good idea about the breed and the dogs that enter the rescue program.

We have volunteers in most areas of the state except for the extreme south-west area.

We are always looking for volunteers to foster (our biggest need), transport, help out at adoption days, help with fund-raising and special events etc.

Please check us out a www.shepherdrescue.org

Thanks so much for considering a rescue dog!