All about German Shepherd rescue dogs

German Shepherd rescue organizations say there are two reasons people give up their German Shepherd dogs: people problems and dog problems. Owners should try to work around people problems. Some owners got their German Shepherds as companions during a lonely time in their lives. These owners may grow bored with their German Shepherds when the owners find romance or start a family. Getting a dog is a lifelong commitment, and owners who want to give their German Shepherds up for selfish reasons should reconsider.

Dog problems occur when a German Shepherd dog's behavior changes unexpectedly, for no apparent reason. Owners are often perplexed by the changes in their dog's personality, and they try obedience training and other solutions before they finally surrender their dogs to a German Shepherd rescue organization. Fortunately, German Shepherd rescue organizations can usually match any dog to a new home with an owner who wants to offer a dog a second chance at a happy, fulfilling human relationship.

Anyone who wants to adopt a German Shepherd rescue dog should consider the decision seriously and at length. A commitment to a dog should last the dog's entire lifetime. German Shepherds are large, powerful dogs, weighing 55 to 65 lbs. It is essential that such a strong dog be properly trained, for the safety of the dog and the people around it.

Obedience training for German Shepherd puppies should begin at an early age, ideally at eight to ten weeks. With a rescue dog, however, one can never be sure what kind of training the dog has had, and owners of rescue German Shepherds should be prepared to go through obedience training with their dogs, to review and reinforce what the German Shepherd learned from its prior owner or to introduce the dog to the authority it craves.

Confidence is the hallmark of the German Shepherd's personality, but the German Shepherd longs for a leader. The owner of a rescue dog should provide the dog with enough exercise to fulfill the dog's need for vigorous movement and with enough discipline to establish the owner as the leader of the pack.

German Shepherd rescue organizations screen dogs and prospective owners. Dogs must be current in their vaccinations and health care, and they are required to undergo tests that evaluate their physical condition and their temperament. Owners who surrender their dogs pay a nominal fee to cover the screening process.

If you don't own your house, you will be required to provide written permission from the owner for you to adopt a German Shepherd. If you are discouraged by these requirements, please remember that they are designed to eliminate irresponsible owners and make sure you understand the commitment required to adopt a German Shepherd.

If your application for adoption is approved, you will be matched with a rescue dog for a temporary trial period, called a foster period. If this foster period goes well, you and your adopted dog will be permanently matched.