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Earning a rescued animals trust and love is one of the most rewarding things to have happen. I rescue cats and my last rescue was a siamese. They have a very unique disposition as it is and when I rescued Fancy from the neighbor girl (she was 2nd owner of said cat and Fancy wasn't even a year old) Fancy was already showing some very antisocial behaviors. Jen's 4 cats had abused Fancy and she had a major lack of trust for my 4 cats and tried to show that she was Alpha. I let her have her moments of idiocy with the other girls but stayed firm with her when she would get out of hand. ( firm voice will get this across, no use of water bottles like some use) It took Fancy almost a full year to become comfortable here at the apartment. Now I have one of the most unusual siamese cats anyone has ever seen. She loves attention, on her own terms. Late in September (just shy of the 1 year mark) she started to purr. The whole time I had her prior to that she had never purred. Now she purrs constantly because she is so happy here. At night she curls up on me when I go to sleep. In all the years of having cats, Fancy is my 2nd rescued siamese and her personality is one of the funniest I have ever seen. She still has her daemon spawn moments but on a whole, she is very well adjusted and happy. It does take time for them to feel comfortable with their new environment. I also had a chance to rescue a pure bred Collie. Wednesday was abused and had run away from her owners. When I found them, they couldn't care less that she was gone and did not want her back. (this was when I still lived at home) This dog was so badly abused by her owners that she had a scab on her snout from where they hit her with a rolled up newspaper. Wednesday was even afraid of a 4 pound toy poodle. I gained her trust but unfortunately we were unable to keep her because of the dogs and cat we already had. My mom and I found a home for her with a gentleman who had a farm and junkyard. The junkyard was guarded by rottie's so the guy took Wednesday to his farm. Before I left home for good (24 yrs ago) my mom was told by him that Wednesday had adjusted to the farm very well and was one of the best dogs he had ever had. (she turned out to be very loving and content in her new surroundings.) It just takes time, patience and love when you rescue an abused animal. In the long run it is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. All 5 of my girls were rescues of one sort or another, 3 of them were rescued when they were very young and the other 2 were rescued when they were 4 months (tiger lilly) and about 8 months (fancy pants). I usually end up with a lap full of cats when I curl up in my recliner and I always have at least 2 cats curled up with me when I sleep. They are very spoiled and loved. Can't even think of what it would be like without my little furry ladies being here for me. One other thing about Fancy, she did not know HOW to play. By watching the other kitties playing with us she has slowly learned how to play and now she can entertain herself for hours by chasing a piece of dried cat food around the kitchen. She also stole one of my Christmas bows for a play toy. She has almost figured what the little red dot is all about. (laser pointer on the floor) She watched Tiger chasing the little red dot and figured that it must be something to play with. At first she would sit off to the side and if I happened to zoom it past her and one of the other cats went by her she would slap at them. She plays well with all the girls except Angel, she tends to get rough with Angel. The oldest of our girls is our semi-Alpha and Fancy will test the limits with her and Foxy just gives her the look and Fancy will leave her alone.  Jf, that dog is absolutely gorgeous. Keep us posted on how things are going with Blitzen.
Last edited by atomic_dog; 02/17/07 06:55 PM.
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Raven
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Raven
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Hey thanks alot for those nice words of advice and guidance! I am really trying to find another dog for the one that I have now. My older kids don't really spend the time with Sammi and I am the only one, besides my 2 y/o who plays with him also. I would like to get a "companion" for him (had him since 2000) for his days maybe getting shorter for us. It's funny how we as people can get so attached to animals yet we cannot connect to our own species due to race, religion, color, etc.  Crazy world we live in...  ...Thanks again Atomic....... 
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Dawg Talker
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Quote:
I will be in the market pretty soon for a GSP. Does anyone know how I can get my money's worth and if there are any reputable owners that I can maybe check out on the web? I figure that if I get one within the year, my 2 year old girl will be used to it..... 
Gee, I can't really help you out there mike. I'm from out of country and I wouldn't have the resources. I'm sure there is someone here could help though. Sorry.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Hall of Famer
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Quote:
Hey thanks alot for those nice words of advice and guidance! I am really trying to find another dog for the one that I have now. My older kids don't really spend the time with Sammi and I am the only one, besides my 2 y/o who plays with him also. I would like to get a "companion" for him (had him since 2000) for his days maybe getting shorter for us. It's funny how we as people can get so attached to animals yet we cannot connect to our own species due to race, religion, color, etc. Crazy world we live in... ...Thanks again Atomic.......
One thing that I did see recently on a TV show was the Dog Whisperer from Cali and he said that everyone that has a single 4 legged companion should think of getting a companion for them if you are unable to spend alot of time with them. That's kind of one of the reasons why I have more than one kitty. There are times when no one is home and the kids have the entire apartment to themselves. Gladly though they haven't completely destroyed things when no is home.
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Dawg Talker
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Years ago I stopped on I- 480 near the Grayton road ramp and picked up a young Shepherd/ Husky mixed breed. My initial intent was to just get her off the freeway so she wouldn't get hit but once she got into my car and I saw how cold and hungry she was I had to take her home. That dog cost me a ton of money in vet bills. Ever heard of torsion stomach? I never did until then. Take my word for it. It's expensive. The first thing she did when we got home was tear the stuffing out of my favorite chair. Next, I built a cage out of hardware cloth and 2x4s. That night I locked her in the cage in the basement and went upstairs . By the time I got to the top of the stairs she was right behind me.She had ripped her way out of the cage chewing right through the hardware cloth. She seemed to like the back porch so I left her overnight curled up on the rugs out there. When I got up the next morning she had chewed the bottoms of the curtains off. I frantically tried to sew the hems back to some reasonable state before my wife got up! That mutt was a challenge those first days but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Although a gentle soul ( she always wanted to be a lap dog. Just what I needed an 85 pound moose sitting in my lap) once she settled in, she protected my family like a lioness protects her cubs and I enjoyed her company for 13 great years. She turned out to be one great dog.
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Raven
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Raven
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Quote:
Quote:
I will be in the market pretty soon for a GSP. Does anyone know how I can get my money's worth and if there are any reputable owners that I can maybe check out on the web? I figure that if I get one within the year, my 2 year old girl will be used to it.....
Gee, I can't really help you out there mike. I'm from out of country and I wouldn't have the resources. I'm sure there is someone here could help though. Sorry.
Thanks for your help though.....Even though I was thinking about my birthday on Tuesday (20th) I was thinking of surprising my kids with this pup....Well maybe another time, but thanks again anyway........
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Raven
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Raven
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Quote:
Quote:
Hey thanks alot for those nice words of advice and guidance! I am really trying to find another dog for the one that I have now. My older kids don't really spend the time with Sammi and I am the only one, besides my 2 y/o who plays with him also. I would like to get a "companion" for him (had him since 2000) for his days maybe getting shorter for us. It's funny how we as people can get so attached to animals yet we cannot connect to our own species due to race, religion, color, etc. Crazy world we live in... ...Thanks again Atomic.......
One thing that I did see recently on a TV show was the Dog Whisperer from Cali and he said that everyone that has a single 4 legged companion should think of getting a companion for them if you are unable to spend alot of time with them. That's kind of one of the reasons why I have more than one kitty. There are times when no one is home and the kids have the entire apartment to themselves. Gladly though they haven't completely destroyed things when no is home.
And that would have been my reason for getting a "bud" for Sammi, not the beer though.........
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Legend
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Mike, if you're interested in a German Shepherd Dog, you should really visit some breeders in person, check out their facilities and insist on seeing the parents and carefully observe their temperament. Pick a pup that is about in the middle of the litter and has neither dominant or submissive characteristics. You'll be way ahead of the game right from the start if you do this. Check the pedigree closely.
I didn't have this option with Blitzen, as we really weren't looking for a new dog....we just couldn't let him suffer the fate the dog warden had in store for him. He is so different from the Shepherd I had for 13 years who was extremely confident, outgoing and easily trained.....he required and thrived with strong leadership.
Be certain to include everyone in the family with the puppie's training, and socialize him with other people and dogs as much as possible while he's young.
A fantastic book to read is "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete. They are a group of Monks in upstate NY that specialize in German Shepherd Dogs. This book is extremely thorough and will tell you everything you need to know about selecting, training and raising your puppy. I have both of their books but unfortunately, there isn't a lot of info on dealing with the behaviors I'm seeing with Blitzen.
GSD's IMO are the best dogs in the world. I never realized how intelligent they were until we got our beagles who we sometimes call Dumb and Dumber. We love them dearly, but they sure don't grasp things like Cujo (our other shepherd) did.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
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Raven
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Raven
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Quote:
Mike, if you're interested in a German Shepherd Dog, you should really visit some breeders in person, check out their facilities and insist on seeing the parents and carefully observe their temperament. Pick a pup that is about in the middle of the litter and has neither dominant or submissive characteristics. You'll be way ahead of the game right from the start if you do this. Check the pedigree closely.
I didn't have this option with Blitzen, as we really weren't looking for a new dog....we just couldn't let him suffer the fate the dog warden had in store for him. He is so different from the Shepherd I had for 13 years who was extremely confident, outgoing and easily trained.....he required and thrived with strong leadership.
Be certain to include everyone in the family with the puppie's training, and socialize him with other people and dogs as much as possible while he's young.
A fantastic book to read is "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete. They are a group of Monks in upstate NY that specialize in German Shepherd Dogs. This book is extremely thorough and will tell you everything you need to know about selecting, training and raising your puppy. I have both of their books but unfortunately, there isn't a lot of info on dealing with the behaviors I'm seeing with Blitzen.
GSD's IMO are the best dogs in the world. I never realized how intelligent they were until we got our beagles who we sometimes call Dumb and Dumber. We love them dearly, but they sure don't grasp things like Cujo (our other shepherd) did.
Thanks alot J, You all have been very helpful with your advice and guidance...I REALLY appreciate all of the help that ALL have offered to me,Once again, THANK YOU.......
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Quote:
I will be in the market pretty soon for a GSP.
RESCUE RESCUE RESCUE!!!!!
DID I mention RESCUE!! 
KING
You may be in the drivers seat but God is holding the map. #GMSTRONG
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I agree, RESCUE! I was looking at dogs on the Human Society website a few nights ago in my area....there were probably two dozen young GSDs in need of a home.
#gmstrong #gmlapdance
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Raven
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Raven
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I will do that also.. .....Thanks again.......
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All Pro
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All Pro
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Hey man, kudos to you and your family taking in the GSD. I have a GSD that we rescued from the local German Shepherd Dog Rescue here in Raleigh. They are the greatest dogs as I'm sure you already know. Take your time with him and he will come around. He just has to realize that you are his friend. Keep us updated!
Raleigh
Family, Friends, and the Browns ![[Linked Image from i92.photobucket.com]](http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l4/ewplatz/FamilyFriendsTHEBROWNS.jpg)
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j/c
The idea of rescuing a critter from a fate of death or worse(life in a cage) is a very noble thing. Too many folks that think they can take a dog in (no matter what kind or size) and not do anything to make that animal a part of the family and they end up on the street, in a shelter or worse-put down because the family just dumped them at the pound.
I will NEVER purchase an animal, I will rescue an animal because I know from personal experience that they are so much better than an animal bought from a "breeding farm/factory" .
My mom bred AKC registered poodles and they were definitely some of the best dogs anyone could buy because of the love and care she had for them. Not all breeders are like that, they are just in it for the money. STAY AWAY from the "mall pet stores" they buy their animals from puppy farms and alot of times thier claims of purebred are inaccurate. As everyone on here have already stated, RESCUE!!!!
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Legend
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Posts: 13,842 |
Quote:
Someone dumped a beautiful German Shepherd Dog in our area.
jfan...From the picture and description, your new addition is a very nice dog. I noticed that both of his ears stand up well and from his features, he sure appears to be a German Shepherd.
Many times, neglected German Shepherds or German Shepherds that are not full blooded will have one ear or both that bend over and flop down, destroying the German Shepherd look. Or the skull may be narrow with little width between the ears. Your dog does have very nice looking ears with nice width between his ears, and he definitely has the look of a German Shepherd.
I'm guessing that the lady who had the dog, assumed that someone dumped the dog as he seems to have just shown up in the neighborhood. It crossed my mind that such a nice looking dog might not have been dumped, but "may" have been stolen and due to being uprooted may have become shy, wary or even mean with the people who had him and they decided to just dump the dog.
I'm going to be the first to say, no way to know if my hunch may be correct of not, with one possible exception. You said the lady did all she could to find an owner and was unsuccessful. There may be one thing that has been over looked when it comes to looking for the owner or breeder of the dog.
Has anyone checked the dog to see if the dog has been micro chipped or tattooed? Breeders and owners are urged by AKC to use a method of permanent identification for every pure bred dog with an AKC registration. Micro chipping is one widely used method as is tattooing the dog/puppy.
Vets usually offer micro chipping service and most who do also have a scanner. Microchips are usually placed under the skin, between the shoulder blades in the middle of the back and can only be read with a microchip scanner. In some cases, dog wardens have a scanner too, but in your case, given your dog wardens willingness to sentence this dog, I would steer clear of anything to do with them. Tattoos can be placed inside the flank skin between the dogs hind leg and belly, or sometimes insides the dogs lip (usually upper lip) and sometimes inside the ear.
FOOTBALL IS NOT BASEBALL
Home of the Free, Because of the Brave...
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