Re: Adopting an adult GSD?
[Re: Codmaster]
#342470
11/12/16 03:19 PM
11/12/16 03:19 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,847
SeanRescueMom
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,847
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Does it take long to bond - wife as well as me? First, let me congratulate you on your new adoption. I'm thrilled for your wife and you.  I cannot speak to all your questions but having adopted an adult gsd/mix it took less than a day for my family and I to bond with Sean. We were smitten from the start and I think that helped him immensely. As I'm sure you know, dogs are so intuitive. Granted Sean was not a pure gsd, he was mixed with some collie, but he adapted to our home and lifestyle extremely well. The only major issue in the beginning was separation anxiety. We did take him to obedience training early on which also helped both of us. I'm sure others will weigh in on their experience but I think rescuing an adult gsd will be wonderful for your wife and you. Can't wait to hear updates - have you thought about a name or does he already have one?
Sean - 1998/2014 If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart I'll stay there forever. Carleton DOB unknown Neely - 2003/2015 Gizmo -2008/2011 Neeko -1991/2005
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Re: Adopting an adult GSD?
[Re: Codmaster]
#342471
11/12/16 03:32 PM
11/12/16 03:32 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,407 Albany NY
BasiaBear
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,407
Albany NY
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Basia was picked up off the streets and brought to the pound where she stayed for a few months in quarantine, wasting away because she had EPI but no one knew it. They eventually reached out to a rescue b/c they couldn't figure out what was wrong and she was just not thriving. In foster care, she was properly diagnosed, got better and stayed for many more months until I eventually adopted her. She was 2 or 3. Trainable, albeit very independent, self centered, dominant, stubborn, not the most biddable, but definitely trainable. Aggressive with dogs and human men who entered her space. We had a honeymoon period for about a month before her quirks started coming through. We bonded that summer but I would describe it as superficial. She was happy to see me come home from work, feed her, walk her, play with her, take her swimming and hiking. But that's it. I was just the lady that took care of her. The bond slowly grew deeper over the course of years. It's hard for me to say because I don't have past dogs for comparison... while at around 2-3 years I *thought* we were as bonded as we would get I realize with every passing year that I was wrong. We are now, at 5.5 years, more bonded than ever, and I would say we are very tuned in to each other. So, while it did take quite some time to truly bond, it was definitely worth the time and effort.  As far as training goes, I did a lot of NILIF and positive in the beginning to establish house manners and a happy relationship and willing training partner. I didn't start using the word "no" coupled with harsh corrections for a looooong time, but she's definitely the type of dog who needs a firm hand, and oddly enough establishing that is what helped to bloom our relationship to where it is now. Never heard of the book. Maybe I'll read into it if my internet wants to cooperate. ETA: I should add that I was Basia's primary person (even though we've had room mates). For us, that is just what she needed- one human with no other pets- all her attention could go to me. With a dog like her, if I had a husband I think it would work fine as long as the communication and rules were clear and consistent between everyone. Mixed messages were our worst enemy.
Last edited by BasiaBear; 11/12/16 03:38 PM.
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Re: Adopting an adult GSD?
[Re: anniej]
#342478
11/14/16 03:06 AM
11/14/16 03:06 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,648 CA
Codmaster
OP
Pooh-Bah
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OP
Pooh-Bah
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,648
CA
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I adopted Cara a month after Chamsa died ( who I had had since a puppy) and looking back it did take a year or so to properly bond with her. A completely different personality from Chamsa it took me a good few months too understand what made Cara tick. That said three and a half years on we are bonded and she is a happy ( if rather too vocal for my liking) , obedient dog.
I think whatever dog you adopt has pretty big boots to fill as Baron and you where so bonded however I suspect you like a challenge and will be able to bring out the best in the dog. Good luck
Thanks! I am a bit afraid that whatever our new guy does "It won't be as good as Baron!". We will of course recognize this possibility and hopefully won't fall into it. We certainly did have a great bond with Baron - at least many, many folks have said so. And I would certainly think so. Barkley is a very nice dog who according to the rescue folks has had a very tough life so far with many challenges.
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Re: Adopting an adult GSD?
[Re: Mary Jane]
#342534
11/22/16 08:01 PM
11/22/16 08:01 PM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,648 CA
Codmaster
OP
Pooh-Bah
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OP
Pooh-Bah
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,648
CA
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Hey Codmaster,
Is there any update about Barkley joining your family?
thanks, MJ Still planning to and have been to visit him a couple times, but waiting for drivers lic renewal before we take him home. long story about renewal process. Can't wait to get him home. Has anyone seen Joel Silverman's (famous Hollywood TV and Movie dog trainer) book on adopting/training a rescue dog "Take 2"? Great and highly recommended!
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Re: Adopting an adult GSD?
[Re: Codmaster]
#342575
11/28/16 12:48 PM
11/28/16 12:48 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,815 Los Lunas, NM
Kayos

Can't Figure Tech Stuff Out
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Can't Figure Tech Stuff Out
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,815
Los Lunas, NM
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Hope you get to take tis guy home!
Kathy PAM, URO3, UCD, UACH Tidmores Rising Star Lydia "Mayhem" CD,BN,RE,AX,AJP,OFP,P1J,CA,DJ,HT,TKN,TC,CGCU, RATN 4/4/12 Jeli, (Pembroke Welsh corgi) CGC, RATI 5/13/19 Lucky, Wolf, Max, Kayos, Havoc - gone not forgotten.
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