[michindi]

I have had GSDs all my life and I have always raised them from puppy to adult. But now since i lost my last GSD im ready for a new friend so I am looking at a 7 y/o male GSD. My question is...is it a good idea to adopt one at this age?

 

[vat]

There are several people on here that have done so. I will be bringing home a 7 yr old female tomorrow to hang with my 10 month old male. Will let ya know how it goes!

 

[Elaine]

It's a great age to adopt: you know what his personality is like, he's housebroken, and you know what his general health is. Older dogs usually take less effort and they appreciate you all the more.

 

[VomBlack]

I just took in a 8.5 year old female as a companion to my 1.5 year old male and it's been an excellent match, she's a bit spunky but not nearly as much as my male and for the most part is calm and well behaved. It's always nice to give the older guys a second chance.

 

[michindi]

Do you think that the older one will bond just as good you or your kids? I plan on picking up Saturday and before I do I would like your thoughts

 

[Stosh]

My mom's gsd is 6 yrs old and we've been talking about taking her- I know she would be a wonderful addition to our family no matter what her age.

 

[Elaine]

Sometimes I think they bond more as they are so grateful for a new home. I have been a foster home for a long time and some of the older dogs are bonded within minutes. My current six year old foster is unbelievably bonded and she worships the ground I walk on - it's kind of embarrassing.

 

[michindi]

You guys are really making me feel better about this. He is a big boy and a big baby. Cant wait to get him home.

 

[kiwilrdg]

I never had a big dog at home when I was a kid but the farm dogs I was around during the summer bonded with me really quick. Puppies will not let a kid use them as a pillow.

I just got an old GSD who bonded with me really fast, of course Abby is a special dog (as I am sure yours will be).

 

[doggiedad]

how do you know what his personality
is if you're adopting?

It's a great age to adopt: you know what his personality is like, he's housebroken, and you know what his general health is. Older dogs usually take less effort and they appreciate you all the more.

 

[doggiedad]

i think any age is a good age to adopt.

I have had GSDs all my life and I have always raised them from puppy to adult. But now since i lost my last GSD im ready for a new friend so I am looking at a 7 y/o male GSD. My question is...is it a good idea to adopt one at this age?

 

[Emoore]

how do you know what his personality
is if you're adopting?

Foster family?

 

[Elaine]

The foster home can tell you and you can get a pretty good idea of what they are like for yourself when you meet him before you adopt.

 

[Chicagocanine]

I have had mostly rescue dogs I got as adults (mostly stray rescues) and I've never had a dog have a problem bonding with me. I got Bianca when she was 4 1/2 years old and she bonded with me very quickly and strongly. Unfortunately it took me a lot longer to bond with her because I was still getting over losing my two senior dogs, (lost them both to cancer within 3 months of each other) but even despite me not reciprocating very well she bonded to me right away.

 

[KZoppa]

i say go for it. they bond nicely and seem more grateful for the home. I'm sure all with be great!

 

[michindi]

Well Got him home today and he just cant stop playing with his new toys I bought him. One prob though. I cant tell if he has ear mites orr if the prev owner did not take care of his ears. I tried to clean them out as good as I could when he let me, I was able to get some wax out and it was a little crusty around the ear. Any thoughts?

 

[Stevenzachsmom]

I'd have the vet check him out. You want to do that with any new dog anyway. Congrats on your new addition. Having adopted an adult GSD myself, I have to say I don't think I would ever adopt another puppy. Please keep us posted.
Jan

 

[michindi]

Just thought I would post a pic of him. Yeah I think I will have to get in to visit.

 

[Stevenzachsmom]

Oh - He is beautiful. What is his name? I wish you many, many happy years together.
Jan

 

[vat]

He is handsome, good luck!