First dog

[meloncap78]

I have always loved shepards but have not been able to have a dog until my wife and I just moved into our house. I want to rescue a dog as opposed to buying one from a breeder. My daughter works at the SPCA and she has been keeping an eye out for me and today I got the call. So I took a stroll to the SPCA and took this beautiful girl for a walk and fell in love. Any and all input from veteran dog owners or people with Shepard experience would be greatly appreciated. Here is a link to her bio and video.


http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/dis...petid=14925105

~ Joshua

[JBat]

Only advice I can give is give her a lot of love and attention. Congrats on the new family member and the decision to adopt an adult dog.

[deserted]

Congrats onn the new family member......My sons and daughter have a huspuppy name flash, he's cute and just eats and watch tv with the kids, nothing like having a family member you might trip over

Sorry for the laughs , having an afterhours cocktail right now....

[Skullring]

Good job on adopting a dog that needs a home. I have a rescue Boxer and she is the best dog I have ever had. I have never had a German Shepard but I understand they are great dogs.

[Lion]

Joshua, I think that's great to adopt a pet and giving her a good home!!!

[keschete]

My advice! Train, Train, Train and work with that dog. Make sure you are the pack leader and she will be a great pet.

I rescue dogs and rescues need a firm, loving hand. Many of them have bad habits due to lack of attention by previous owners. You will have to work on making her your dog.

Shepherds are smart dogs and they need to be challenged and they need to "work". They can be excellent pets and beloved family members. They are also large and need proper training and discipline to ensure that they do become a great pet.

Congrats! Thank You for Saving a Life!

[Letsgodiving]

From the pics Missy is all tongue and who could resist that. Congrats and good for you for rescuing her.

[sleddog]

Joshua,I first want to congratulate you on the rescue of an animal!!
I just wish more people would do this.....So many discarded pets that have been left or abused and not enough people to help them!!
Dogs are a big soft spot in my heart,have loved them since early childhood..Just as long as you show whos boss,give them plenty of love and attention,you will have a companion forever!!! Shepards are loyal and smart...You'll love her!!! Well done.
Rob

[calvinlgoh]

Positive reinforcement works. Training is all about your attitude and consistency.

Have fun and you will be rewarded with years and years of unconditional attention... even when you dont want it..!!

[Gaijin]

Nice job!

[doghouse]

Joshua, I have had a female German Shepherd for the last two years as a police service dog. She is certified in narcotics and patrol work. Shepherds are very smart and very teachable. My dog is great with my family and is sociable with strangers as well. Don't over feed, and give them plenty of exercise. Don't use tennis balls as toys. They will wear down their teeth. Rubber Kong balls are great. You can't help spending a lot of time with a Shepherd. They are great dogs!

[Taffi Abernathy]

What a majestic animal and how terrific you stepped up and will turn this animal's life around. As you know, these are very bright, loyal and dominant dogs. They can jump 4X their height and have one of the most powerful bites (next to pitbulls). Along with providing affection, I would establish a climate of leadership as quickly as possible. You should enjoy many years with your wonderful companion, and perhaps after she settles in, you'll consider posting more pictures. Best wishes.

[Bullyterrier]

.

[AWATCH]

Great looking dog. Great for adopting her. May you have a long and happy life together

[Bullyterrier]

Well done for giving her a home. She looks lovely. GSD's are usually very faithful and good with families. I hope you have many happy years with her.

[Yume-sama]

That website is so sad. I typed in *one* zip code and there were *dozens* of results for dogs needing homes.

Good for you for adopting one. Dogs are my one weak spot. I can NOT watch sad dog movies!

[meloncap78]

Thank you for all of your input. It is important to me as I do not have alot of experience. My parents had 2 shepards as I was going up and I loved both of them. They were great family dogs and very protective of us kids. I will be sure to post pics. I am taking the wife this weekend to meet her and we are going from there.

~Joshua

[dantheman20192]

Beautiful dog.... Great work saving one of mans best friend.

[Troy]

Good job adopting a rescued dog

[Ed Rooney]

Good job getting a rescued dog. They are the best.

[swatty]

Wishing you and your family all the best wih your new dog Joshua

[Ashley]

Good for you, adopting a dog who needed a home I wish there were more people like you. Good luck, and give your sweet girl lots of love!

[SeamasterGMT]

After reading all the books, going to training classes and watching all the TV programs, the best advice I can give is "Body, Mind, Soul" - in that order. Cesar Millan ( aka The Dog Wisperer) by this he means give the dog exercise, discipline, love in that order of importance.
The other thing I've learned - and this might sound a bit odd.....feed the dog out of your hand to bond with the animal. This can change your relationship with the dog quite dramatically. Don't just put the food in a bowl. He/She needs to know the food is coming from YOU. Have the dog eating out of your hand and you'll have the dog...well...eating out of your hand.

[meloncap78]

Thanks everyone. It is official. Amy went and met Missy today and loved her! It is a go. She is officially adopted and pending the vet visit. I should be able to take her home Wednesday or Thursday of next week. I am sooo happy.


~Joshua

[Taffi Abernathy]

Joshua,

I thought about your situation today and was wondering about it. So happy to hear about the newest addition to your family. I'll be looking for pictures. Congratulations! Faith

[meloncap78]

There will be plenty of pictures. That 15k estimated shutter cycles on my Rebel will be put to the test for sure.