Complete German Shepherd Adoption Guide
Adoption Tips of The Week
German Shepherd Adoption Guide
Many first-time adopters often find themselves in the conundrum of whether they should adopt or buy.
And even if they decide to go with an adoption, the entire process might feel alien and complicated.
Today, we’re going to go over all the essential points necessary for bringing an energetic and loyal German Shepherd to your home.
There are countless reasons to consider adopting a GSD, like the fact that you’ll be saving a dog’s life.
You’ll also be getting an excellent bargain, since most shelters have already gone through the first vaccination, and neutering.
They'll have even done the microchipping, making adopting more reliable and cost-effective.
German Shepherds are also an all-weather pet with their notoriously thick coats.
This allows them to tolerate and adapt to most temperatures with ease.
And perhaps most importantly, GSDs genuinely have a powerful sense of loyalty that will deepen with time.
With that in mind, there are certain things to know about German Shepherds before adopting one.
They have high-energy levels, and need a lot of open space to move and play around.
So owners should aim to dedicate an average of 2 hours a day to their training.
Given their intelligence, they also need constant mental stimulation throughout the day.
And unfortunately, owning a GSD can be challenging if you’re on a budget, since larger dogs are more expensive on average.
The next thing to consider are health concerns.
German Shepherds are relatively robust; however, they are prone to a few health conditions that may require professional help like:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- EPI
- Hip Dysplasia
GSDs are also year-round heavy shedders, so owners need to be prepared for regular brushing if they hope to keep their home clean!
You’re also going to need to honestly assess your suitability for adopting a German Shepherd.
People often surrender their dogs because of:
- Behavior issues
- Time constraints
- Inadequate housing
- Lack of money
We understand that it can be tough to judge a dog’s behavior by looking at them.
But we’d still try doing a background check and asking for past information from the shelter to understand the dog’s nature.
In terms of where to adopt your GSD, you can try:
- Asking around in your local community
- Visiting animal welfare societies & rescue networks
- Adoption websites
Some websites will even allow you to filter for German Shepherds.
But definitely avoid Craigslist and puppy mills, and steer clear of any ads promoting ‘free dogs’.
Once you’re sure about the rescue shelter, your next step is to give them a call and get to know the basic details about the dog.
If the pet seems suitable, consider visiting the rescue shelter to see the number of dogs.
And feel free to research and approach multiple centers to find an ideal GSD for your family.
Once you’ve spotted your ideal pet, spend some time with them and let them be aware of your company.
If all seems normal and you’re ready to bring the dog home, you’ll then have to go through the registration process.
This will involve filling out the legal application form, going through the necessary screening process, and house examination.
You’ll now need to turn your attention to getting your dog used to its new home.
If you’re a first-time owner, pay extra attention here as the initial days are essential in forming your bond.
A few essential things to make sure you have in place are:
- Comfortable bed
- Toys of different textures, sizes, and shapes
- Collar
- Leash or harness
- Food
- Bowl
- Snacky treats
Be extra patient the first few days as the dogs are highly stressed by a big move like this.
It takes time for the dogs to familiarize the place and feel safe and secure.
We also recommend leading your German Shepherd through its schedule as soon as possible.
A perfect daily program will enable the dog to adjust to their surroundings even faster.
Make sure you don’t startle your GSD with too much excitement as it’ll make them uncomfortable.
If your family has kids, teach the kids to handle the dog properly.
After a few days of introduction, consider starting with basic training to help improve your GSD’s confidence.
Rescue dogs may actually need some extra special care, since they often come with a lot of baggage.
If you’re determined to proceed with the adoption process, we’d like to congratulate you for saving an innocent canine’s life!
For the full breakdown, click here!
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*COMING SOON*
ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
German Shepherd Great Dane Mix
Classified by the AKC as working dogs, Great Danes are now primarily seen as companion dogs.
But they've also seen use as physical assistance dogs more recently.
German Shepherds on the other hand, are known to be able to do almost anything from police work to therapy.
A German Shepherd Great Dane mix is a large designer dog that combines a sweet and friendly demeanor, with a large and protective spirit.
Also known as Great Shepherds and Dane Shepherds, many dog owners love their:
- Unique appearance
- Size
- Suitability as well-rounded family companions
Click below to learn more!
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FEATURED VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Can Dogs Die Of A Broken Heart?
The Ultimate Guide To Broken Heart Syndrome
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Who else woke up like this today? 😂
We would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness for www.newbeginningsrescue.com.
This is a rescue charity that does amazing work to raise awareness for the thousands of GSDs needing homes across the USA.
They're a national rescue of 17 years and have a sister rescue in LA that is a GSD rescue as well.
They do need help getting the word out that they're trying to find fosters in all states.
They also need drivers to get these amazing dogs from point A to point B in those areas.
They help countless medical cases and heartworm positive dogs and always need donations from other animal lovers as well.
Please visit their website for more information and to find out how you can help!
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