[TeresaP]

Hello everyone!

I've searched the older threads for similar topics, and while there is some really good information you've given to other members, my question goes a little further than others.

I have 4 children (ages 19, 15, 11, and almost 8) who have all been raised with dogs (both our own and other family dogs, big and small.) Everyone has very good "doggie manners" especially when it comes to new dogs in the house. I used to foster for a cocker spaniel resuce until I started back to college (yes, you read that right, I'm in college) but I'm torn between bringing home an young adult/adult dog or starting with a puppy that we can train and raise in our family.


My questions/comments are:

1) I have concerns bringing home an untested (temperment-wise) dog from a shelter (not a rescue - simply an animal shelter.) All the "what ifs" keep running through my head. Is there a link or advice on temperment testing a dog from a shelter? Are their "pros" I should contact for this instead of me doing it or does it matter?

2) Should I bypass the shelter dog and look for a puppy?

3) I could use some guidance. I do not want to make a mistake - either by passing up what could be a really great dog, or risking an established dog's past on our future.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Greydusk]

Why not go the rescue route, they usually know more about a dogs temperament than a shelter.

 

[Emoore]

Have you ruled out a rescue group? Is it shelter dog vs. puppy?

Also, if you decide to go with a puppy, are you prepared to research breeders and spend upwards of $1000 to get a good solid puppy from a responsible breeder?

 

[TeresaP]

Why not go the rescue route, they usually know more about a dogs temperament than a shelter.

I have contacted a couple of rescues in our area, but I seem to always end up #2 on the list. That's really good news for the dogs, but not great for us. I realize that it takes time, and I am VERY willing to wait for the right dog.

These questions kept popping into my head and I thought I would put them out here and get some points-of-view from others who have been there and walked this road.

I find/see some of the "urgent" posts here and they tug at me, but then caution takes over, which lead to this post.

 

[Emoore]

Also, if you decide to go with a puppy, are you prepared to research breeders and spend upwards of $1000 to get a good solid puppy from a responsible breeder?

I just realized this sounded like I'm trying to take a dig at you and I swear I'm not. It's just that if you're not currently in a position to spend what it costs to buy a puppy from a good breeder, your options are more limited. In my opinion, somebody with kids really can't take the chance of buying an inexpensive puppy from a less-than-stellar breeder. In that case, you're much much better off going with an adult dog whose temperament you can evaluate.

 

[TeresaP]

Have you ruled out a rescue group? Is it shelter dog vs. puppy?

Also, if you decide to go with a puppy, are you prepared to research breeders and spend upwards of $1000 to get a good solid puppy from a responsible breeder?

No, no... it's not either/or -- simply putting my concerns out here hoping that someone has another perspective on those dogs in shelters. A rescue is my first choice, but I see some of the "urgent" postings here and I can't help but wonder if "that's" the dog for us; and then I worry about all the unknowns.

Yes, I am prepared to research and spend the money on a quality pup should we go that route, but I'd still prefer a rescue. Nothing is set-in-stone, nor am I desperate for a dog/puppy. I am willing to wait for the right dog at the right time.

 

[Greydusk]

I have contacted a couple of rescues in our area, but I seem to always end up #2 on the list. That's really good news for the dogs, but not great for us. I realize that it takes time, and I am VERY willing to wait for the right dog.

These questions kept popping into my head and I thought I would put them out here and get some points-of-view from others who have been there and walked this road.

I find/see some of the "urgent" posts here and they tug at me, but then caution takes over, which lead to this post.

Gotcha.

Keep in mind you may have issues with a puppy too, even if they're from a reputable breeder.

Some shelters do temperament tests on their dogs.

 

[TeresaP]

I just realized this sounded like I'm trying to take a dig at you and I swear I'm not. It's just that if you're not currently in a position to spend what it costs to buy a puppy from a good breeder, your options are more limited. In my opinion, somebody with kids really can't take the chance of buying an inexpensive puppy from a less-than-stellar breeder. In that case, you're much much better off going with an adult dog whose temperament you can evaluate.

You're right on both accounts - kids are expensive! And we want the best for our family, whether that be raising a puppy or bringing in an adult whether that is from a rescue, shelter, or breeder. I want to cover ALL my bases and make sure I've thought of everything.

In the year we had Braska, his vet bills topped well over 3K ... and he was worth every penny. We lucked out on his temperment, but his health... not so much. But we were committed to doing everything necessary to keep him here, healthy, loved, and comfortable.

I don't want to rush anything, but I am aching for "my dog" wherever he/she may be so I have to be careful my heart doesn't take over sensibility. Again, I want to help, rescue, adopt (etc) but the welfare of my family is paramount; money is secondary but of course, it is a consideration.

Thanks!

 

[TeresaP]

Gotcha.

Keep in mind you may have issues with a puppy too, even if they're from a reputable breeder.

Some shelters do temperament tests on their dogs.

Good point ~ Thanks!

 

[Lin]

Shelters generally do at least some temperament tests, because dogs that fail the basics will be euthed and never put up for adoption. But the shelter environment changes the behavior of the dog and you really don't know for sure. With your concerns, I would only look at local shelters and foster the dog before deciding on adoption. Otherwise, go with a rescue where the foster home knows temperament.

I fostered one dog who passed all temperament tests at the shelter with flying colors. Great with other dogs, great with cats, great with the people. And he was great... For about 3 days. Then he attacked the cats, and would chase my GSD Tessa UNDER the bed, and continue trying to get at her until I dragged him off. I tried keeping them separate, but Tessa was so terrified she wouldn't come out from her crate or under the desk even if he was crated or in another room. I had to bring him back to the shelter, where they gave me dirty looks and treated me like a liar. The environment can subdue the dogs so much they don't behave in their normal manner. Or the opposite happens as well, a dog could be completely ramped up and running on adrenaline but calm down significantly in a home.

 

[BGSD]

Hello everyone!

I've searched the older threads for similar topics, and while there is some really good information you've given to other members, my question goes a little further than others.

I have 4 children (ages 19, 15, 11, and almost 8) who have all been raised with dogs (both our own and other family dogs, big and small.) Everyone has very good "doggie manners" especially when it comes to new dogs in the house. I used to foster for a cocker spaniel resuce until I started back to college (yes, you read that right, I'm in college) but I'm torn between bringing home an young adult/adult dog or starting with a puppy that we can train and raise in our family.


My questions/comments are:

1) I have concerns bringing home an untested (temperment-wise) dog from a shelter (not a rescue - simply an animal shelter.) All the "what ifs" keep running through my head. Is there a link or advice on temperment testing a dog from a shelter? Are their "pros" I should contact for this instead of me doing it or does it matter?

2) Should I bypass the shelter dog and look for a puppy?

3) I could use some guidance. I do not want to make a mistake - either by passing up what could be a really great dog, or risking an established dog's past on our future.

Thanks in advance!

There are a lot of good dogs in shelters. Puppies always go fast, but adult dogs often remain longer and are in greater danger of ultimately being put down. I say adopt a GSD from a shelter if you can. The shelter staff usually have decent knowledge about the dogs they have and you can obviously evaluate the dog yourself and with your family right there. The other benefit to getting an adult dog in general is that you can observe his characteristics and behavior right there since he's finished with the whole adolescent stuff (usually).

I personally really wanted to adopt, but the shelters in my area never had any GSDs, so I ended up purchasing a puppy.

 

[TeresaP]

Shelters generally do at least some temperament tests, because dogs that fail the basics will be euthed and never put up for adoption. But the shelter environment changes the behavior of the dog and you really don't know for sure. With your concerns, I would only look at local shelters and foster the dog before deciding on adoption. Otherwise, go with a rescue where the foster home knows temperament.

I fostered one dog who passed all temperament tests at the shelter with flying colors. Great with other dogs, great with cats, great with the people. And he was great... For about 3 days. Then he attacked the cats, and would chase my GSD Tessa UNDER the bed, and continue trying to get at her until I dragged him off. I tried keeping them separate, but Tessa was so terrified she wouldn't come out from her crate or under the desk even if he was crated or in another room. I had to bring him back to the shelter, where they gave me dirty looks and treated me like a liar. The environment can subdue the dogs so much they don't behave in their normal manner. Or the opposite happens as well, a dog could be completely ramped up and running on adrenaline but calm down significantly in a home.

Your story is really what I fear - that any dog is one way in the shelter/rescue and something totally different at home. The shelters around here aren't so flexible, do no testing of any kind, frown on foster-to-adopt or trial periods, so I'll have to travel pretty far out of town for anything like that.

So, dealing with a rescue (that does temperment testing and possibly houses the dogs with foster homes) is probably our best option unless we choose to go the puppy route.

Still lots of thinking to do! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and your story - it really does help me!

 

[TeresaP]

There are a lot of good dogs in shelters. Puppies always go fast, but adult dogs often remain longer and are in greater danger of ultimately being put down. I say adopt a GSD from a shelter if you can. The shelter staff usually have decent knowledge about the dogs they have and you can obviously evaluate the dog yourself and with your family right there. The other benefit to getting an adult dog in general is that you can observe his characteristics and behavior right there since he's finished with the whole adolescent stuff (usually).

I personally really wanted to adopt, but the shelters in my area never had any GSDs, so I ended up purchasing a puppy.

Thank you! It's nice to know that others have gone through this same process. May I ask... if you had to do it over, would you still opt for the puppy vs. the rescue or shelter dog?

 

[Greydusk]

For what's it's worth, I adopted my GSD...I don't think I'll ever buy from a breeder unless I'm doing something specific with my dog (SAR down the road). I didn't know much about Blitz when I adopted him. His foster mom couldn't keep him as it was discovered he wasn't good with cats and she had cats in her home. He has his issues, and has to be managed daily, but I wouldn't trade him for the world.

I suggest defiantly going the rescue route and go for a dog that has been fostered for awhile so you know what you're getting into.

 

[BGSD]

Thank you! It's nice to know that others have gone through this same process. May I ask... if you had to do it over, would you still opt for the puppy vs. the rescue or shelter dog?

We've only had our puppy for around a month, but I only purchased the puppy because I couldn't find a GSD in any of the shelters (they mostly have small breeds for some reason). If I had found one, I would have adopted him/her, assuming there weren't any major issues. I just feel really bad for the dogs in shelters; many people get puppies then they dump them as adults because they can't manage them or something.

 

[TeresaP]

For what's it's worth, I adopted my GSD...I don't think I'll ever buy from a breeder unless I'm doing something specific with my dog (SAR down the road). I didn't know much about Blitz when I adopted him. His foster mom couldn't keep him as it was discovered he wasn't good with cats and she had cats in her home. He has his issues, and has to be managed daily, but I wouldn't trade him for the world.

I suggest defiantly going the rescue route and go for a dog that has been fostered for awhile so you know what you're getting into.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I would like to work toward GCS (I think that's what it's called) with my dog, and perhaps train towards a therapy dog for nursing homes, but I believe I can do that with any suitable dog. This, however, is only an extremely small part of what we are looking toward for our dog. So, still, a rescue is coming out on top.

 

[TeresaP]

We've only had our puppy for around a month, but I only purchased the puppy because I couldn't find a GSD in any of the shelters (they mostly have small breeds for some reason). If I had found one, I would have adopted him/her, assuming there weren't any major issues. I just feel really bad for the dogs in shelters; many people get puppies then they dump them as adults because they can't manage them or something.

I understand - we are the same way here. I did find two GSD mixes at our local shelter, but they were very agressive and would lunge at anyone got near their run. One of the officers was bit trying to untie them after someone dumped them at the animal shelter. Sad to say, but I doubt they were there very long...

 

[London's Mom]

I have had 6 German Shepherds now and 5 have been from rescue agencies or a shelter. They have all been fantastic dogs. I would highly recommend adopting. I know it gets frustrating when you spot one online that is PERFECT and poof it is scooped up by another adopter. But be patient. The dog that you are supposed to get will end up in your home!

Also, remember that a new dog will take about 8 weeks to get fully adjusted to a new environment. So those initial little things that may worry you about your new pup will more than likely get resolved with attention, direction and love.

Keep us posted. Good luck!

 

[gsdraven]

I have contacted a couple of rescues in our area, but I seem to always end up #2 on the list.

Have you filled out applications with these rescues so that you are #1 on the list next time because you have already been approved?

I also want to make sure you've checked out this thread: http://www.germanshepherds.com/foru...doption-information-general/85919-how-distinguish-reputable-rescues-others.html

Researching rescues is just as important as researching breeders especially when kids are involved. You want to make sure that the rescue is fostering the dog in a home (for a few weeks) to get a good evaluation of their temperament and personality.

I will always recommend an adult dog from a reputable rescue to a family with kids. If the dog is being fostered then a good foster family should be able to tell you tons about the dog's personality, likes and dislikes. With an adult dog, what you see is what you get.

 

[Samba]

I have had three rescues that I adopted. Two came from a kill shelter and one was off the road. My friend also got a GSD from the same kill shelter. All of these dogs have been exemplary family animals and also excellent competition obedience dogs!!

My current competition dog is a sweetheart. I was her third home! No one can imagine how that happened. There are good dogs out there. You can assess their temperaments pretty easily. The shelter here also gives you a few of weeks to try it all out.

I have purchased pups also. That can go well also. But, you have to wait for them to grow up to see who they are completely.

My first GSD was 18 months when I was given him. Not to worry. They bond and come to be devoted even if older. He was such a good boy, also.