Doggie delema About This Page:

[minemoz1]

My DH came home after talking to the neighbors the other day and asked me if I want a 3 month old German Shephard puppy (possibly mixed). A relative rescued it and cannot have a dog in his apartment.

The delema: I want a dog but we live in a 2BR townhome. We do have a park across the street, so we could exercise him. We both work and the dog would be alone (in a crate) from 7:30am-5:45 or 6pm. THis is my main concern. Not having enough time for him. I also have a 6 yr old cat that probably won't be happy, but she'll get used to it.

We have yet to see the dog, so we don't know the temperment. But they said it's a good dog and already housebroken. We also plan on moving to a single family home next year.

If any of you have German Shephards, any advise would be aprreciated. Or any advise at all! My DH and I are discussing this tonight. He really wants it.

Thanks
Michele


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Take a frown, turn upside down, and you'll find yours I know!

CRB 1/93, DxL 2/94, DxL 4/96, DxL 9/97, ASSports 8/00

[Hayley]

What's that saying from Lady and the Tramp? There's nothing so wonderful as the love of a dog, or something to that effect.

Germans are good dogs (bit dumb , but good). You could always find a dog daycare or get a dogwalker. Crating is perfectly acceptable for training a dog, and they soon learn to treat the crate as their "house". My grandparents got a german shepard puppy when they were in their 70's , and did fine. Surprisingly, they don't need too much exercise. But, also, think of the dog walks you'll get to go on, the doggie kisses you'll get and the protection that the image of a german shepard offers. Pretty good deal. Be sure to go to obedience training and keep your dog on a leash.

By the way, I rescued a cat three years ago and everytime she snuggles up against me at night, I am soooo thankful I picked up that little bundle of fur and brought her home. It makes you feel good and the animal feel incredibly lucky.

I say go for it!! You could name it Tramp!!

[lab3]

We have a sweet German Shepherd that we "inherited" when a relative died. He is great! Strangers are terrified of him--so he offers great protection, however, he's really just a big overgrown baby! He is gentle with my kids, gets along with our other dog, and is pretty low maintenance. I also had a Shepherd growing up, and he was wonderful, too.
The person above is correct that they don't need a lot of exercise. My vet said that the exercise Berlin gets in our yard is enough, so you should do fine taking one to the park and on a quick walk or two a day. My only concern would be leaving a dog that size in a crate all day. If it's already housebroken, could you use a baby gate and keep it in the kitchen or a bathroom so it would have a little more room? This is what my friend did with her boxer and it worked great!
Good luck!
Leigh Ann