Looking for an a sweet dog to adopt. - Page 1

My 24 year old daughter lives in Pennsylvania, on the outskirts of Pittsburgh.  She is looking to adopt a med/large pet dog.  She's grown up with GSDs and they are one of the ones she's looking at.  She is open though to any dog that'll fit what she needs.

She's very active, she jogs, hikes, bikes and the like.  She is not dog savvy when it comes to problems.  The dog would need to be non-confrontational, and neutral with other animals and children.  She does not have the skill to handle problems of this nature.  She lives alone, and works a normal 8 hour day.  She is mild tempered, very soft spoken.

She's looking at working type dogs, (Dobs, GSDs, Labs, Rotts, etc..)  She is financially stable, but does live in an apartment.  She's looking for a dog between 2 and 5 years of age approx.  Sex is unimportant, she will spay or neuter if not already done.

I know at times there are dogs on this board needing good homes.  If anyone knows of such a dog in her area, she'd offer a good, lifelong home to the right dog.  She's willing to pay an adoption/rehome fee.  She's also willing to take a shelter/rescue dog if it fits her needs.

Thanks for any help.

Becky

Becky, I applaud your daughter for considering a Rescue dog,  and for her active lifestyle, and commitment to spay/neuter. That said, I believe there are some red flags here. Firstly, the temperament of the dog - this sounds like a description of a Golden Retriever not a German Shepherd. Yes they can be sweet - but even the nicest ones can be domineering and pushy with an owner who isn't in charge. Which brings us to your daughter's temperament - you say she is "mild tempered and soft spoken" - a GSD needs STRONG leadership, someone who will be assertive when necessary, and invest a lot of time in training and socialization. Your daughter sounds lovely - but she HAS to be in  charge at all times. The next problem I see is that the dog is, presumably, going to be alone for 8 hours a day while she is at work. This is not a good scenario, in my opinion, for any dog, let alone a GSD, which is high energy and requires a lot of mental stimulation. Bored dogs generally get into a lot of mischief, and 8 hours in a crate -yes, it happens - is abusive. Finally, you can't adopt or rescue a dog and expect it to have no issues - you can get lucky, like I did, and find a young fellow whose only "problem" was lack of obedience training. But until he was trained, he was a crazy, out of control six month old, who didn't even know how to walk on a leash. Others will basically be good dogs (and this is why a rescue is so much better than a shelter, it knows the breed and takes the time to carefully eveluate the best "match") , but might have abandonment/separation issues or hidden health problems. The other solution - to start with a puppy - is not viable in my opinion for someone who lives alone and is going to be gone all day - it would be like leaving a baby by itself.

So I think there are some serious considerations here, and I think the first one is to perhaps be honest and say that a GSD (or Doberman, or Rottweiler, or Labrador Retriever) may not be the best choice here. For all the reasons listed above. Maybe a Golden............(Note: I didn't cite the apartment as being a negative - dogs of any size can do well, if they are given enough exercise.)

On the other side of the coin, there are plenty of low-key, solid temperament GSDs around that do not need "strong leadership." One of my females is a very tough bitch, but you would not want to assert your "strong leadership" on her or you might end up in a fight:)
I would think your daughter would have no trouble finding what she wants, seeing that she is looking at mature adult dogs.
--Mary

Thanks Anja Blue for your opinion.  She is aware a pup is out of the question at this time in her life.  Many dogs are left safely home uncrated, which is why she's looking for an older dog.  With an older dog she'll be aware of the temperment, and activity level.  I've a showline that'd fit her perfectly (and she's asked for), but I'm not willing to send him to her!  

She has taken a Lab from puppyhood through advanced AKC style obedience when she was younger, under my guidance.  At the time she did well, but it was easy to see she needs a calmer, handler soft dog to really do well.    The Lab was neither, yet she still persevered and got him to a fairly advanced level.

She doesn't mind training, but she also realizes without constant help, a puppy or hardwired dog is beyond her abiities at this time.   Since she's lived with GSDs all her life, she's very fond of them.  To give her credit she's looking at other breeds (mixes also), but GSDs are what she knows best and she knows I'm involved with them. 

She's not set on a GSD, but with so many retired showlines, and workinglines that just aren't warriors, yet still good dogs, I thought I'd ask if anyone knew of such a dog needing a loving home.   This is just one place I know such dogs can be found.

gagsd4, thanks for your thoughts, they are mine also.

Did you notice the thread I bumped up? Don't know a thing about him, but there is an available dog! jh

Kalibeck, I'll check it out.  Thanks.

Thanks for the many PMs and emails.  I've sent them all on to my daughter.

One thing I'd like to stress is the dog needs to be near her.  She is adamant on meeting any dog she gives a home.  Not
only once, but several times.  She is very determined on finding the right fit.  She'll not take a dog sight unseen.  Many of the
offers members have sent me, are from states far from Pennsylvania.  I know she'd drive a couple of hours, but not much more.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

Becky

Here is the Dog for your daughter, just look at the post on this forum POOR DOG, then take a look into this Dogs eyes, He is crying out for a good home
Name Chewy why not contact Montana German Shepherd  Rescue
If i lived over there i would take him in a heartbeat and he would live a happy life but i am not so i hope some kind person gives him a happy home
Steve

Steve1, I'd love her to take Chewy, but I do believe Montana is more than a few hours from Pennsylvania. 

Krazy bout k9s, I am steering her clear of workinglines.  Several members have PMed and emailed me about some calm older showlines.   These are the dogs I'm suggesting she look at.  She loves my dogs, but admits most of them are more than she wants to handle.   She likes low to medium drive.  No high drive for her!

Thanks again everyone. 

Hopefully she'll give one GSD needing a home, a new lease on life.