I went and looked at a 4 yr old neutered shepherd last night. I wasn't planning on getting another dog til my old dog passed away. I still have the pup that is 2 1/2, and the girl is 4 1/2. My plan was to get another agility dog later, but I got a phone call from my trainer & friend that her friend, a vet, was trying to find a home for this 4 yr old dog that was a really nice dog. The family that had it lost their home and their daughter is sick in the hospital, and they gave up the dog. Well...I called after 3 weeks to ask hoping it was gone or it was a showline dog and I could say I wasn't interested, but no.
He was a giant sweetheart. Like a mouthy, over energetic 6 month old lab puppy. He is a beautiful sable, 85# and a bit thin. If anything he is overly friendly, but in a dog his size I guess that isn't a bad thing. I walked in and the gal had him by the collar and let go and he was a hundred miles an hour into my arms to wrestle.
He is being boarded right now, they can't keep him much longer before turning him over to the humane society. They don't want to send him their because the last nice shepherd they sent there was put down the following day. The vet will do hip xrays to make sure he isn't dysplatic.
What things can I look for or test him for or ask about him? Do you think after spending a month or longer with me that he would develop a stronger bond and not think everyone was just as great as me? He is soooooo friendly. I would love to give this guy a home, but I don't want to make a bad judgment call either.
My trainer and friend said she would look at him next week for me. Its been a long time but I will try and figure out how to post a pic of him.

we'll try this: pic

Wow, he is a beauty Sue.

He really is. The picture doesn't do him justice, and he wouldn't sit still for 2 seconds either.
Now help me find reasons to say no, because I can't come up with any, other than I have enough dogs

I agree with Carol. He is a looker! These are the first few things that come to mind:

See how he responds to you approaching him while he's eating, see how he responds to other dogs, and if you have kids see how he responds to them.

Also, see how long he'll hold a down for you without a lot of encouragement. If he can't sit still, it might be a problem for your backyard in a few months.

But...let me be honest. It sounds like you made a decision not to get another dog for many years. Three dogs is very challenging, and I'm sure you can handle it, but I think it would be a mistake to second guess your decision in the face of a prospective adoptee. That is to say, he's a handsome dog, and if he checks out and you're his LAST HOPE, go for it. If there are other prospective owners vying for the priviledge, you should trust your initial judgement, wait, and give someone else the chance to love this guy.

I want a new dog so much I'd be happy with a Schipperke! Want. But will not get. Because I know that 2 dogs is plenty for me right now, and that desire does not make right.

It sounds like you found a diamond in the rough. An adult working line male GSD that has not been screwed up too much! As far as things to check out, maybe go visit him at meal time to get a read on if he has any food aggression or posessive issues. Take him out on a walk to see how he responds to the world. Is your 2.5 year old a male or female? If it's a male maybe take him with to see how this guy gets along with other males if you are dead set on having them together in your home. As far as bonding goes, I just found the same type of diamond in the rough myself almost four months ago. A working line adult male who just turned four that was for the most part kenneled and crated unless being exercised. He is not inhibited by or afraid of anything. Not handler, stranger, or dog aggressive at all - but has proven to be quite civil if challenged regardless of equipment. He is an immature 4 year old, and acts like a puppy too. He did not have many manners when I got him, but he's progressing nicely in that department. If you are going to do agility with him, he will have no problems bonding with you. Remember, it sounds as if he was not involved in any organized activities before. You give him a job, and train him positively he will THRIVE and completely bond to you. My Diesel has LOVED training in Schutzhund with me and has bonded to the point that in heeling if I am giving him verbal praise for positioning he will sometimes hold eye contact with me and not notice that I dropped his ball on his back! He is very focused on me at all times that we're together. Good luck!

Uh....Uh.....Uh......his tongue is too long

But really.....
Well, I agree with David with his recommendations, and, you did decide not to get another dog......but I also agree that if you are his last hope.....then go for it.

I would if he tested out well, but I already have 6 and hubby has built a gallows in the yard if another "permanent" dog shows up.

Does not seem to be a dog for a "new to dogs" person or a "soft-handler".
Friendly is one thing, but controlling all that exhuberance is going to be a lot of work.

Sue

If you are really not sure about him why don't you have it both ways. Offer to foster him for the vet clinic. This will eliminate boarding fees, the vet's office can still look for a home (with less urgency) and you can test him out in your home to see if you want to adopt him. If you decide not to, you can offer a really great perspective on the type of dog he is and the type of home he will be best suited for.

The other posters have great ideas too.

Edit: do you get his papers too?

i agree it is a good idea to take one or both of your dogs along so they can meet and you can watch interaction.

do you have other animals? can they test his reactions around other animals?

it sounds like the right things are happening, medical-screening wise.

i guess the other thing i would do, is step back and see if you really want another dog right now. is it right for you? is it right for the dog? (likely to be tied together)

also, depending on how dog-savvy you are, having someone more knowledgable evaluate is a good idea - does the trainer who is going know what you want/are looking for/has a good idea of your experience level?

what i did, when i got luc, was i had a list of things i was looking for. i made sure he met them all before i went to meet him, so that emotion wouldn't factor in to the 'oh, i can just overlook X'. when i got teagan, i found out all i could before i went to meet her, but since she was in a shelter, not a rescue, that wasn't much. i did take luc along so they could meet. i should have taken along someone more knowledgable about dogs, i took a friend, but i knew more than he did. it all worked out, but if i had to do it again, i'd do that, even just to be more prepared when the dog comes home.

edit: i was just about to suggest what angela said. if you are his last hope - well, you still have to do what is right for you and your existing dogs - but if he isn't right for you, could you foster him if that's the case? either for the vet clinic, or contact a GSD rescue and explain the situation.

The gals at the boarding place have no problem taking food or toys or anything away from him. I think he has had very little obedience work, if any. It sounds like the gals taught him to sit and down and crawl. I had treats in my pocket, and he has very strong food drive, he held a sit very well for a treat.
I don't have kids, and only take my young dog back home to visit the nieces and nephews. My other dogs aren't real thrilled with young ones.
He hasn't had exposure to cats. The lab in the kennel next to him is cage aggressive so I guess they have had a barking contest, but hasn't had issues with the other dogs.
I thought I would take my girl down to introduce and see how he reacts. She loves big dogs. My old dog is so used to new critters coming and going he isn't going to be a problem.
I would like to stick to my guns and say no. I know there will be other shepherds needing a home when I would want one. I already planned on adopting a dog instead of a pup for my next dog.
I'm the first one who has gone to look at the dog, a few have called, but I'm the only one who looked. I know it has been at least 3 weeks. I know he has only one week left for boarding.

I never gave a thought to fostering, but I doubt I would be able to part with him. That's how I ended up with my female

I wanted a working line dog. I wanted an enthusiastic, energetic, athletic dog without dog aggression issues.
The only thing I don't want is a dog afraid of thunderstorms and I don't know if they can tell me that. Maybe someone can fire a gun around him, that would probably let me know if he would have problems with storms.