[DJEtzel]

Thank you everyone, I felt very put down earlier in this thread by a certain truck driver / writer and that gives me a negative view of this mesageboard however that won't prevent me from doing the right thing for Moxie. I refuse to give her to anyone who won't take proper care of her and that's why I'm here. I appreciate the input I am getting here on her behalf. I think that a big part of being a responsible adult is admitting when you are overwhelmed and seeking help to correct it so that is what I am doing.

I have to add that my male shepherd is EXTREMELY ralaxed and seems to need nothing yet the polar opposite is Moxie who is very active and needs tons of attention that I am unable to give for her. I was really lucky that no one was hurt when they both got lose and I'm not going to risk it again. We'll see what happens but while I find a home for Moxie I will work on her behavior and dominance issues and maybe we can keep her !

Why can't you be proactive and watch the dogs like you should be doing and work to keep Moxie? I agree with the post below; it seems like you just want a dog that you don't need to do anything with- what's the point of having one at all?

Train her not to run out of the gate, fix the fence, supervise your dogs while they're outside. Train them both seperately, and actually exercise them. It's not that hard to wake up an hour earlier, stay up an hour later, and run the dog or play hardcore fetch in the backyard. There are also hundreds of ways to exercise them physically and mentally while inside. Your kid's sitting in the high chair eating breakfast? Grab some of her cheerios and work with Moxie on some training inside. I'm a college student with a part-time job and I can make it work with multiple pets. Having kids and another dog is not a valid excuse. Dogs take work, and I don't think this is something that can't be worked through rather than just giving up and taking the easy way out. You won't gain any respect in the dog world by doing that.

I was amazed when I started reading the thread and so many people applauded this person’s decision and respected them for making such a “tough” decision. When I read Doggiedad’s post I wanted to stand up and cheer.
It would be one thing if the OP had said that they had tried everything, including training & even more exercise, but it was just not working. Then re-homing would be more understandable & probably wouldn’t have received the snarly responses that it did (and deserved). It doesn’t sound like the decision was too “tough”, but the easiest way out with the least amount of work.

I agree completely. Rehoming a pet for no reason is not an applaudable move, imo. Had the OP come here saying, "help, I feel like rehoming my dog because she's causing this issue, that issue, and another, please tell me how to fix it", she would have met a lot more support than she did. We aren't being particularly negative, we're being realistic and honest.

Honestly though, I don't think you're in the position to own her and should rehome her to a rescue or shelter as soon as you can. You're doing her an unjustice keeping her if you aren't willing to work with her and give her what she needs.

 

[HeidiW]

I am sorry your having problems good luck the best to your Moxie. I have two and my female has way more energy than my male, could you be mistaken her snarling for rough play?

 

[Lilie]

You can also consider other forms of exercise. I've been known to sit at one end of my hallway (lap top on my lap) working, while rolling the ball down the hall...over and over and over and over....until my GSD is finally tired. You might have to get creative, but not all excersise has to be outside. If the walk / training doesn't tucker them out, try something new. Hide and seek is one of our favorite things to play in the house, and it's entertaining for the entire family!

 

[CaliBoy]

While I think it is admirable that Scotty can admit he's overwhelmed and needs to find a new home for Moxie, this thread should be archived and cited for future use. People often come around and ask whether they should get a German Shepherd, and it would be very kind to let them know, "Please read this thread."

What I learn more and more is that some people who go looking for a pet should be thanked, no, even more, they should get a trophy, for the decision NOT to get a GSD. These dogs require so much care and attention that it is just cruel to go out and get one when you are not prepared to make a total, all out commitment.

Almost 20 years ago, I almost gave my first GSD away because I was freaking out about his energy, destructiveness, being willful, you name it. An older neighbor who I regarded like a father sat me down for what I thought was tender advice. He smacked me up my silly head and kicked my arse so sore--verbally, not physically, and basically said, "find your balls and man up. You made a commitment, and that animal now depends on you. It's not like giving away some old sneakers--and now that he is a problem, you have no right to pass on to someone else your problem child. Go back home, educate yourself on training him, break a sweat if you have to in order to fix your fence and keep him secure. If you won't make the extra effort it takes, you are absolutely unfit to ever have a dog and I for one will think less of you, no matter if that hurts your feelings."

That idiot slapping he gave me was hurtful, but you know what? It was what I need to make it through that hump of frustration, so I kept the dog and we later turned a corner. Then, I learned what it meant to truly love and be true to my word and commitments. Funny how dogs teach us how to be human.

So I hope Scotty can find a home for Moxie, but I agree that my first gut reaction is not to ooze with sympathy when someone comes around and says, "i'm rehoming the dog." This thread gives a lot of food for thought for future potential owners of German Shepherds.

 

[KZoppa]

While I think it is admirable that Scotty can admit he's overwhelmed and needs to find a new home for Moxie, this thread should be archived and cited for future use. People often come around and ask whether they should get a German Shepherd, and it would be very kind to let them know, "Please read this thread."

What I learn more and more is that some people who go looking for a pet should be thanked, no, even more, they should get a trophy, for the decision NOT to get a GSD. These dogs require so much care and attention that it is just cruel to go out and get one when you are not prepared to make a total, all out commitment.

Almost 20 years ago, I almost gave my first GSD away because I was freaking out about his energy, destructiveness, being willful, you name it. An older neighbor who I regarded like a father sat me down for what I thought was tender advice. He smacked me up my silly head and kicked my arse so sore--verbally, not physically, and basically said, "find your balls and man up. You made a commitment, and that animal now depends on you. It's not like giving away some old sneakers--and now that he is a problem, you have no right to pass on to someone else your problem child. Go back home, educate yourself on training him, break a sweat if you have to in order to fix your fence and keep him secure. If you won't make the extra effort it takes, you are absolutely unfit to ever have a dog and I for one will think less of you, no matter if that hurts your feelings."

That idiot slapping he gave me was hurtful, but you know what? It was what I need to make it through that hump of frustration, so I kept the dog and we later turned a corner. Then, I learned what it meant to truly love and be true to my word and commitments. Funny how dogs teach us how to be human.

So I hope Scotty can find a home for Moxie, but I agree that my first gut reaction is not to ooze with sympathy when someone comes around and says, "i'm rehoming the dog." This thread gives a lot of food for thought for future potential owners of German Shepherds.

well said.

 

[selzer]

Anyone who wants to talk about how some people -- not necessarily in this thread -- have such and such a tone, should start another thread about that and not confuse this one.

The reason I posted was because I thought people were being pretty harsh to the OP.

If the guy drove the dog 300 miles away and dumped her on the side of the road, and then came to tell us about it, flame away I will provide flame throwers.

If the guy was contemplating dropping the dog at the local pound or shelter, again beat him with whatever stick you can find, embarrass, humiliate, fine.

But there is NOTHING wrong with rehoming a dog that is not working out for your situation, not if you do it right, and try to ensure the dog has a good home.

We, who post regularly, are not ordinary dog owners, some of us are breeders, some of us are deep into dog sports, some of us let our lives revolve around our dogs, some of us let our lives revolve around dog rescuing.

Honestly, before I found this forum, I had NEVER heard of a dog rescue anything. I only new about the APL pound in the county and that most counties have some type of pound.

I knew about dog classes, but thought that taking a dog to obedience classes meant once a week for six or eight weeks, and then you have a perfect dog -- it actually was the case with Arwen. But most dogs, training is ongoing, and most people really do not realize that.

Lots of people have a higher energy dog, and look for answers, and get advice to get another dog to help the dog burn off energy. Two is better than one, two are easier, etc, etc. Just because this guy did not have the information people here are spewing does not mean that he did not seek help prior and got bad information.

I thank all the people that are pointing this guy to various rescue organizations. Some of them might be willing to give him some tools to help this dog in the mean time. Some might be able to suggest trainers and management techniques.

I find it a lot better that someone realizes they are over their head and tries to do SOMETHING to rectify the problem -- find a GSD owner who knows the breed to take the dog. The alternative is to wait until the dog actually does bite someone and then has to be euthanized.

Maybe this guy has not done all the right things in your opinions, before seeking to rehome the dog. Not everyone gets an owner's manual with their puppy.
Not everyone knows all of the various steps they should take prior to the ultimate rehome or euthanasia.

Lastly, the guy has a baby and possibly another on the way. One of my previous supervisors euthanized all of his cats when his wife was pregnant. I think that if he can find a good home for the one that is the most trouble, that too might be a step in the right direction. He probably is thinking that with two babies, he is not going to have the time that this pup needs. It is NOT a good excuse to drop the dog at a pound/shelter, but to work with a rescue to find a suitable home, I think it is.

I also agree with contacting the breeder.

 

[vat]

I also agree, everyone has a breaking point and the OP has reached his. Better to realize his mistake and try to make it right by the dog than dumping her. We are all human and we all make mistakes, it takes a big person to admit it.

Contact the breeder if you can, contact local rescues. See if someone with more knowledge can come test her, she may not be as dominate as you think. In the mean time work with her as much as possible and be careful of possible future homes. Good luck.

 

[Rerun]

I think this is probably one of the most rude threads I've ever read on this forum.

Some people like to pretend their full time job is exercising and caring for their dog. German shepherds are fantastic family pets and depending on the dog it may be a couch potatoe or it may require 3 hrs of hard exercise and training a day to stay sane. The OP got in over her head from the sound of things and did right by the dog trying to find a home for it.

Either the home wasn't screened enough or the people lied about their experience (it happens - even rescues have dogs returned!). Regardless of the reasons, the OP took back the dog and is asking for advice/help on what to do to help things be better while she continues to search for a better home for the dog.

Is it sad when the dog has to find a new home? Sure it is. Is it for the best, in the end? Yes.

 

[selzer]

A lot of police dogs are handed off from trainer to handler several times before they are finally sold to a department.

Breeding dogs are often kept for a number of years and then retired and rehomed or sold whatever you want to call it.

Many dogs are held back by breeders until they are older and go to their first home when they are older puppies or young adults.

Many breeders or serious sport people or working dog people purchase a green dog or a dog fully trained. Often an adult so they know what they are getting.

A dog that lives in another household for 24 hours is not worse than a dog that spends 5-7 days in a kennel while the family is on vacation.

I agree that this thread has been rude. One would think that a dog that goes from one home to another no longer has a chance at a good life. I would think rescue people would be all over that idea like flies on poopie.

The fact of the matter is, if a dog IS a poor match to a family, the worst possible thing to happen in many cases is for that dog NOT to be rehomed. High strung, high energy dogs, might be relegated to a chain in the back yard, because the people couldn't possibly get rid of her. How would this be better?

 

[Ruthie]

Thank you everyone, I felt very put down earlier in this thread by a certain truck driver / writer and that gives me a negative view of this mesageboard however that won't prevent me from doing the right thing for Moxie. I refuse to give her to anyone who won't take proper care of her and that's why I'm here. I appreciate the input I am getting here on her behalf. I think that a big part of being a responsible adult is admitting when you are overwhelmed and seeking help to correct it so that is what I am doing.

I have to add that my male shepherd is EXTREMELY ralaxed and seems to need nothing yet the polar opposite is Moxie who is very active and needs tons of attention that I am unable to give for her. I was really lucky that no one was hurt when they both got lose and I'm not going to risk it again. We'll see what happens but while I find a home for Moxie I will work on her behavior and dominance issues and maybe we can keep her !

It sounds like you just want to do the right thing. Many people here including myself are passionate about the welfare of dogs. Many who are involved in rescues have seen some horrible things and I am afraid that may prevent them from being patient with a new dog owner. Just keep that in mind when reading some of these posts. They want what is best for Moxie.

I have been were you are, a new dog owner. I remember being completely overwhelmed with my first dog. I made a lot of mistakes. So, I want to give you the benefit of the doubt that you are just trying to figure this all out.

You are facing one of those turning point moments. You need to decide if you are going to dig in and make it work or are you going to find a wonderful forever home for her.

You said that you love GSDs, but the ARE a high energy and dominant breed. Those are things that you are going to need to get experience with. Should you decide to keep Moxie, you are going to need to commit to loving her for who she is and giving her the time and attention that she needs. You will need to find a good trainer that has experience with high drive dogs that can help you provide a good home for her.

Another thing to consider is the issue may not be just exercise. GSD's are very smart and they need a job to do. Providing mental stimulation can go a long way. 10 minutes of obedience training settles my dog more than a mile walk.

 

[shannonrae]

Dogs are a lifetime commitment. I do not think the re homing of a dog should be taken lightly and I do believe it can result in damage to the dog, I also understand that sometimes it just cannot work. Even though I have never been in a situation where I had to re home a pet, I get it.

In a situation like this the owner/family is unhappy and the dog is unhappy. It is better for everyone involved to find Moxie a home where she will get what she needs.
Please be careful about re homing your dog. You could use a rescue as others suggested. If you decide to find a home for her yourself ask for veterinary references and follow up on them. Actually call the clinics/offices yourself, most businesses wont have a problem with this. Make sure she is spayed and up to date on vaccinations and heartworm test. Be completely and utterly honest with potential owners or rescues.

Please keep in mind that EVERY pet owner has made a mistake. No matter what they want you to think. I have a long list myself!

 

[shannonrae]

Anyone who wants to talk about how some people -- not necessarily in this thread -- have such and such a tone, should start another thread about that and not confuse this one.

The reason I posted was because I thought people were being pretty harsh to the OP.

I apologize, I was just thinking that if the OP could get some encouragement then maybe he/she would feel better about the decision he/she is making. Which is difficult for everyone involved (none more so than the dog). It is just infuriating to me when people jump all over others for decisions they make when I know darn well that every person that is putting the original poster down has made a mistake too at some point.

I am not entirely clear why the hackles are coming up. I meant it as a generalization people do not absorb useful info if it is presented in a negative way.

 

[selzer]

I think that we are agreeing for the most part. I just get way too confused when people start discussing things in general, even if they are not in this thread.

We all have made mistakes with dogs.

My first dog was a dominant, drop-eared, super high energy, aggressive, working line/byb line, bi-color that I purchased at ten weeks old for $150 from a guy who had the dogs living up under a car in his driveway. He was the only one that came to me. I proceded to turn him into an untrained, unpredictable, neurotic beast of a dog.

I learned more about dogs from that dog than any other though.

After seven years with Frodo, a kennel of dogs are a piece of cake.

Had I rehomed him, I probably would never have gotten another GSD, as I would have based my perception of the breed on my experience with him.

 

[KZoppa]

i admit i've screwed up with my dogs. everyone makes mistakes. Riley was not socialized properly but my mistake was allowing my boyfriend/now husband to get away with that while i was at college. Riley could be such a totally fabulous dog if he'd been properly socialized and not allowed to get away with certain things but he also spent time living with my inlaws because of an apartment conflict after they lost our pet deposit and even presenting the proof it had been paid. My inlaws are great people but are perfectly fine having ill trained and just generally bad dogs in the house. everyone makes mistakes but i didnt rehome Riley simply because his training had been lacking when i was finally able to work with him. He was a massively unruly dog too.

 

[DJEtzel]

I can honestly say I haven't made a mistake with my dog yet.

 

[selzer]

That's because you do not have it yet.

 

[shannonrae]

I can honestly say I haven't made a mistake with my dog yet.

Then you are a commendable young man, whose example we should all follow.

 

[DJEtzel]

That's because you do not have it yet.

Elaborate?

Then you are a commendable young man, whose example we should all follow.

Woman.

 

[shannonrae]

Elaborate?



Woman.

OOPs very sorry. . . .

 

[selzer]

Sorry, I thought you were the individual who was on here gaining knowledge prior to purchasing their GSD puppy. I guess you are someone else.