Hello friends.

I have a 6 yr old GSD that I need to place, as I'll be moving & cannot take him with me, unfortunately. He's a hell of a dog, has tremendous drive in both prey & defense. And I feel he has a lot of yrs left. He doesn't have any titles, but several of his littermates have gone on to pursue Schutzhund, as well as military work.

As far as training, I've only worked on simple commands (Sitz, Platz, & Aus) He'll chase a ball until your arm gets tired, and will Out immediately when asked to. He's only bitten a sleeve a few times but every time was gold. The closest Sch club is almost 2 hrs away, which is the primary reason I haven't pursued it.

My goal is not to profit from him, but to make sure he gets into the right hands. I would even consider placing him for FREE, if I was confident the new handler was the perfect match. And I feel this dicussion board was the best place to go, especially since most of you own and/or handle similar dogs. I'll check back periodically so feel free to add a message or a PM. Cato is the best dog I've ever owned, and I owe it to him to make sure he lives out the rest of his yrs in harmony. Thanks!

http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt356/msanchez40065/Cato.jpg

Edited by Connie Sutherland (03/02/2009 12:02 PM)
Edit reason: pic too large; change to link

Location Mike?

Randy

Since he is the best dog you ever owned, are there any suggestions you might be looking for to help you keep him?

Have you tried GS rescue?

Hi, Mike,

I changed your too-large pic to a link. Did you ask Ed about posting a dog available?

Are you moving to an apartment with no dogs allowed?

How is he w/other dogs, cats, kids, etc.? In the house? Tell us as much about his temperament as you can, please.

I can't imagine giving up a dog after so long...I think I could more easily dig my heart out with a spoon than give up Caleb.

Thanks for the replys guys.

Randy, I currently live in Shelbyville Ky, just outside of Louisville. I'll be graduating college soon & my plan is to move to Denver, CO in order to pursue my career and to be close to the family. And I don't think the city lifestyle would be the most suitable for Cato. Trust me, it breaks my heart to even think about giving him up, but I feel it's the best move for him, and that's what's most important to me at this point.

Connie, no I didn't ask Ed before posting. I appologize, but I felt this board was probably the best place to go to. I know there's a lot of passionate dog people on this board, who would understand better what type of person a working GSD needs to be with. And that's where I need some advice, rather than just throwing him out there to anybody. We can delete my post, so long as someone is willing to help me

Jenni, he's been raised outside. Actually, he CAN be aggressive with other dogs, but it's only because he hasn't had the social benefit of being around other dogs since he was about 6 months old. As a puppy I took him to a Schutzhund club regularly and he was doing great with dogs & people, but the drive to the club was too far for me to committ to at that point. And he hasn't really had the social benefit since then, other than my other dog, a golden retreiver. I feel its an issue that could be worked out easily, given the opportunity to challenge it head on.

 Quote: Mike Sanchez

And I don't think the city lifestyle would be the most suitable for Cato.

Many people on this board (myself included) have large, working-breed dogs in the city. It can be done if you want to keep him and we can all give you some tips on city living. It can be very hard on a dog to lose his family. Plus you would probably be MUCH closer to a Schutzhund club.

Unless he has been an outdoor only dog and you are not interested in having a dog in the house/apartment - then yes it probably not suitable. Have you contacted his breeder? Many times a breeder will take the dog back; otherwise, I recommend contacting a GS rescue - they are definitely knowledgeable about the GSD breed and would help him find an appropriate home.

Mike,

Are you very sure about your decision to place your dog somewhere just because he won't work out in Colorado? Did you know that there is a schtuzhund club in Denver Colorado? If you plan to move there, the club is going to be closer maybe only 20 to 40 minutes of driving. This will give your dog a opportunity to work with some experienced trainers and you can enjoy more. I don't think a six years old gsd is too late to learn anything new.

http://www.dogboyz.com/csc/schedule.html

Angela has a good tip.. If you don't want to keep the dog, then try and contact his original breeder.

How is he w/kids? I was going to give one of mine to my best friend (who lives on 9 acres w/4 kids, one horse, a goat named Randy, 2 very, very old dogs and a couple cats. He could easily live outside at her place if that's what he's used to, but she'd let him in the house, too.

He would have to be ok w/kids, though. Nice kids-not brats, but kids nonetheless.

How is he bred? Is he neutered or intact?

I don't see why he can't go to Denver....but if you don't want to keep him, then he needs to go to the best possible home for the rest of his life.

mike, first let me say that i'm glad you at least have the presence of mind to post here about placing your boy.

with that said however, i have never in 30 yrs of owning dogs, NOT been able to find a place to live with them. and i rented until 10 yrs ago. this is just MY philosophy: when i own a dog, i own them til the end of their natural lives. i have made a committment to them, and i hold up my end of the contract. this includes going to college at a large university, ie, a city. it can be done, believe me.

best of luck to you and especially to your dog.