German Shepherd rescue organizations are an important alternative to the dog pound for owners of purebred German Shepherd dogs who, for whatever reason, must give up their dogs. They may have gotten their German Shepherds with good intentions, but life brings changes, and many purebred German Shepherd dogs end up homeless because of deaths, marriages, moves, or children. Since the German Shepherd is such a great watchdog, many dogs are acquired to guard property. When the property changes hands, the watchdog is no longer needed, and instead of easing the dog in to retirement as a house pet, some owners give their dogs away.

Dog problems occur when a German Shepherd dog’s behavior changes unexpectedly, for no apparent reason. Owners are often perplexed by the changes in their dog’s personality, and they try obedience training and other solutions before they finally surrender their dogs to a German Shepherd rescue organization. Fortunately, German Shepherd rescue organizations can usually match any dog to a new home with an owner who wants to offer a dog a second chance at a happy, fulfilling human relationship.

Anyone who wants to adopt a German Shepherd rescue dog should consider the decision seriously and at length. A commitment to a dog should last the dog’s entire lifetime. German Shepherds are large, powerful dogs, weighing 55 to 65 lbs. It is essential that such a strong dog be properly trained, for the safety of the dog and the people around it.

Adult German Shepherds can weigh up to 65 lbs. It is essential that owners be able to control these powerful dogs, and they should receive obedience training at an early age, preferably starting at eight to ten weeks old. If an adult dog has never been trained, or if the dog is disobedient, the rescue dog owners should take obedience courses with the dog.

Confidence is the hallmark of the German Shepherd’s personality, but the German Shepherd longs for a leader. The owner of a rescue dog should provide the dog with enough exercise to fulfill the dog’s need for vigorous movement and with enough discipline to establish the owner as the leader of the pack.

German Shepherd rescue organizations screen dogs and prospective owners. Dogs must be current in their vaccinations and health care, and they are required to undergo tests that evaluate their physical condition and their temperament. Owners who surrender their dogs pay a nominal fee to cover the screening process.

If you think that adopting a German Shepherd rescue dog might be right for you, contact your local German Shepherd group to find out what kind of dog might be right for you. You must be an adult and have the consent of all adults in your household before you will be considered as an adoptive parent of a German Shepherd rescue dog. If you rent your home, your landlord must provide written approval for you to adopt a dog.

The German Shepherd rescue group will match you with a dog and place the dog temporarily in your foster care to see how you and the dog get along. You will be required to pay a fee commensurate with the age and health of the dog you adopt. Charging adoption fees reinforces the commitment inherent in adopting a dog and eliminates would-be adopters who are not willing to make personal sacrifices to help the adoption succeed.