I'm thinking about adopting a 7 year old female GSD. Any advice and/or help? What should I have ready for her?

Question

I'm thinking about adopting a 7 year old GSD from an animal rescue in my area. I've never adopted a dog before so if anybody has, what was the experience like?
As I have 3 kittens (under 10 months old), what precautions should I take when introducing my kittens to the dog (if I go ahead and adopt her)?
What should I have ready for her? I know the basics like food bowl, water bowl, leash, collar, food, toys but haven't thought further than that. I'm sure she is already housebroken so I don't need to worry about that or obedience classes.
After adopting her, would it be best to take her for a check up or would they have given her a check up while at the shelter?
What health problems should I be concerned about with a 7 year old?

Any advice, help, tips etc. would be very much appreciated.
Thanks :-)

* She is a purebred GSD.

Would it be SAFER to get a GSD puppy from a breeder; knowing that the sire and dam are screened of hip and elbow dysplasia?

Answer 1

I have adopted dogs from rescues before (GSD). Is it an actual rescue or an animal shelter? Some SHELTERS do nothing to the animals when they get them (heartworm test, vaccinations, etc). Rescues are usually REALLY good about doing all of that. If it is a rescue, adopting is a little more expensive (but all of the main things are already taken care of - spay/neuter, shots, deworming, heartworm test, etc) - Adopting from a shelter costs less, but you more than likely will have to take the animal to your vet for a check up depending on what they did, or didn't do, at the shelter. Rescues are more thorough with placement, often requiring a home visit. Make it a point to ask before adopting if the dog has been tested with cats (and how it did) and if the dog is indeed housetrained. Not all rescues train the animals. If the say the dog is good with cats, then it will be a little easier but you still want to make sure you have the dog on the leash during the first meeting. Make the dog lay down (it could take several tries if the dog is super excited) so that the kittens won't feel as threatened (laying down on their side is a sign on submission which the cats should pick up on as long as the dogs is calm). A crate would ABSOLUTELY be recommended, especially since you have cats. Dogs like crates - if trained correctly, they love them - it becomes their den and since dogs are pack animals, it is a natural "home" for them. ALSO, IF YOU CAN ADOPT A HEALTHY, HOMELESS ANIMAL PLEASE DO SO INSTEAD OF BUYING ONE FROM A PET STORE OR BREEDER! Hip displasia can be a problem for GSDs but with one x-ray ($30-$50) the vet can tell you if the dog has it or not. If you're not sure about adoption, you could always foster a dog for a rescue - they are always DESPERATELY needing foster homes for neglected, abused, and homeless puppies!! This would give you a chance to "test the water" before spending alot of money and ending up with an animal that, for some reason, you couldn't keep. Email me for links and more information....

Answer 2

Well, you sound like you have the basics down, but you should not have the attitude that you'll not need to do some training. The dog Will be going through some changes and will need to helped along the way. I've adopted a dog from a local shelter and the experience was quit nice. Your house is not somewhere the dog knows you you;ll have to show him/her the rope. Specially with the kittens. You'll need to give the dog walks, at least twice a day, half hrs each. With health issues, every dog is not the same. Ask the shelter about the dogs needs if they know of them. try to learn from the shelter as much about the dog as you can. They might have some in site from the previous owners.

Answer 3

I found this web page while i was looking into adopting a dog for myself :) It is very helpful, and it also explains how to introduce your new dog to exsisting pets. I found it to be very helpful, i hope it helps you also.

It is your choice on whether you adopt from a rescue, or if you buy your puppy from a GOOD breeder, who does screen for those kind of health problems. While both are great options, i think adopting is a really good idea because you are getting a wonderful companion, and you are saving a life. It is going to be harder for her to get adopted because she is older. If you DO decide to adopt an older dog, just think that you are giving her a loving home for her Many existing years. There are not a lot of people out there who would choose to adopt a 7 year old dog. I think you should do some research on your own and decide which option is better for you. For me adopting is the better option.

http://www.almosthomeanimalrescue.org/ahdogadvice.html

Answer 4

It is great that you are adopting an older dog from the pound. Make sure that is gets along with cats, or at LEAST does not have a problem with cats. I think you should get a vet to check the dog over just to make sure everything is okay. Also, try and get as much background info on the dog as possible, why he was given up to the pound, etc. Sounds like you have all the right equipment, but I would suggest a dog bed as well, so he had his own place to sleep and be comfortable. Make sure you have him on a leash when first introducing him to the cats to make she he does not bolt after them.

Answer 5

Hi,
I think adopting a dog from an animal shelter is great!
Firstly i would find out if she has been brought up with cats, some dogs get along well with cats, and some just HATE them.

Also i know within the German Shepard breed there are a lot of genetic health problems, particularly with hip and elbow displaysia.

She is an older dog also, older dogs are prone to arthritis, cancer's and blindness.

Good Luck.