German Shepherd rescue organizations are an important alternative to the kennel for owners of purebred German Shepherd dogs who, for whatever reason, must abandon their dogs. They may have obtained their German Shepherds with good intentions, but life brings change and many purebred German Shepherd dogs end up homeless due to deaths, marriages, removals, or children. Since the German Shepherd is a great guard dog, many dogs are acquired to protect property. When ownership changes hands, the guard dog is no longer necessary and instead of facilitating the dog’s retirement as a pet from the house, some owners give away their dogs.
A German Shepherd dog owner who cannot find a new home for a German Shepherd may turn the dog over to a German Shepherd rescue organization. However, owners must be sure that they are forced to abandon their dog before handing it over to a German Shepherd rescue organization. Fortunately for dogs, German Shepherd rescue organizations find homes for most of these unwanted dogs.
The German Shepherd is a confident breed whose friendship must be earned. Because an adult dog weighs between 55 and 65 pounds, a runaway German Shepherd can be harmful to himself and his human companions. German Shepherd puppy training should begin between eight and ten weeks of age. However, rescue dog owners often know little or nothing about the training their dogs have received in the past.
German Shepherd rescue dog owners should take obedience training classes with their dogs. These classes are an enjoyable experience for both the owner and the dog, and will provide an overhaul for a dog that received training earlier in life or much needed structure for a German Shepherd who has never had formal training. German Shepherds yearn for leadership, and your dog will be relieved when he takes on the responsibility of leadership in your relationship. In addition to discipline and training, proper exercise is essential for a German Shepherd to keep the dog’s energy in balance.
If you have a German Shepherd that you need to give up, contact a German Shepherd rescue group near you. Your dog must be up-to-date on his vaccinations and health care, and must undergo a health check and personality assessment. You will be asked to pay a modest fee to cover the expenses associated with bringing your dog.
If you think adopting a German Shepherd rescue dog might be right for you, contact your local German Shepherd group to find out what type of dog might be right for you. You must be an adult and have the consent of all adults in your household before you are considered the adoptive parent of a German Shepherd rescue dog. If you rent your home, the landlord must provide you with written approval to adopt a dog.
The German Shepherd Rescue Group will pair you up with a dog and temporarily place it in your foster home to see how you and the dog get along. You will have to pay a fee commensurate with the age and health of the dog you adopt. Charging adoption fees reinforces the commitment inherent in adopting a dog and eliminates potential adopters who are unwilling to make personal sacrifices to help the adoption succeed.
