I'm not sure where to post this, and I've done a search and have not come up with too much. I'm adopting a 9 year old German Shepherd bitch, Schutzhund 3, in about a month. I've purchased a prong, 6' & 30' lead, 48" drop-pin crate, and 6x6x12 outside kennel. To top this off, I'm moving, and I have a cat. I've been reading this board for about a year and have a pretty good idea of what I'm getting into. I'm very eager to get her too!

The dog is very dominant and has a high-prey drive. I've worked with her once. (I've had and trained several dobies before this, but not Schutzhund) She's was trialed for years and I'm getting her solely because she can't have pups. Thank God.

I would welcome any suggestions or cautions I should be aware of. She will NOT run loose, and will be on a lead constantly, until we know each other. Even then, I've never had my dogs run loose, so she will be on a leash or lead. I'm crating her and keeping the cat in a separate room. I'll very gradually introduce her to the cat, while she is in the crate. When I do finally bring her out on a lead, she'll be muzzled.

I want to get both of us in shape. She's been in a kennel and not had much exercise in the last two years. Recommendations for us both are welcomed. This is my primary concern. I don't want to injure her, or me!, and would like to get more information on how to get her back in shape. After we both get into shape I'm going to see if she wants to particpate in Schutzhund again. We have several local clubs. I know she's an older dog (and sound) but she was in it so long and did so well, I want her to be able to play if she wants.


Your help is appreciated. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hi Theresa,

Swimming is a great way to get an older dog back in shape. Is she overweight or just out of condition? If she's just out of condition, some nice, long walks in the woods would be good. Have fun!

She's just out of shape. Not much muscle tone, along with myself!! Walks are a must for both of us. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I'm curious how a SchH dog ended up in adoption? And, why she's been available for the past 2 years?

I could understand if someone was attempting to train the dog for SchH and things didn't work out with that dog...but you are saying this dog was competeing, and now it's up for adoption, I'm sure this happens..but I would think it would be rare.

Very curious.

If they titled and trialed the dog all the way to sch III and she's seen and worked the dog and knows that its a stable dog, i'd believe the title. As to why they got rid of it, I'd imagine because she's 9, they aren't going to breed her anymore and have said she can't have puppies so that could be a reason. I'm going to assume you got it from a breeder, I can't remember if you said it or not. If I was a breeder and had to make room in my kennel, that would be one way to do it. The dog did well for them, and now she's sitting in a kennel, so they decided to find her a better home. That's just my guess.

She's the real McCoy. She's in the breeders directory with a Sch3 title, and I spoke with the original owners who imported her from Germany. Current Breeder has no room for her, and as she can't have pups, she's of no use to the breeder.

I'm looking for info on getting her back into shape without injuring her. I don't want to push her too fast. Anything to be made aware of, or to think about with a Sch3 dog. Thanks.