Ok - this board has been a great help in my trying to locate a working dog. I've talked to some people with impressive dogs and puppies.

However - as those that I've been talking to know - I'm moving to Ireland and the pet importation there is very strict. In fact, they have just changed the regulations and the specifics are still in limbo. Though the program is getting slightly more liberal they haven't determined how to handle young animals that have not had a rabies shot (apart from quarentine). I just can't take the plunge on owning a dog/puppy as I don't know if they'll be able to come with me!

However, I'm having a serious GSD training withdrawal. I'm posting this to see if there is anyone that knows of a way I can foster a young dog from a breeder for the next 3-4 months?

I see the advantages for the breeder willing to due this are -

I'm currently working from home so could socialize a young dog pretty much 24/7.

If they weren't local I would pay for the dog to be shipped etc..

I would be willing to feed the dog on the diet prescribed by the breeder - likewise with veternary care.

I would do basic ob training and tug training with the dog. Again, this would also include anything prescribed by the breeder.

If anyone can point me in right direction here it would be a great help!

A local rescue would love to have you help.

Like Lauren said, a rescue would love the help. I do all-breed rescue and would be thrilled if someone in this area approached me with that offer!

Ok - but what happens in these cases when I do leave and the dog needs a home!?

I thought about this but felt more comfortable giving the dog back to a breeder that would obviously care for the dog. I suppose I'm a little clueless on the process.

Rescues would move the dog to another foster home or hopefully, would have found an adoptive home in that time frame.

While your offer is well meaning, I doubt too many breeders would be interested. After all, you get the cute/bonding period and then you would have to send the dog back. Not a good scenerio for the dog.

I would be a breeder that would be very interested in this. As long as the training/socialization/care is good, it can only benefit the pup in the long run. I have an older pup right now, in fact, who would fit Chris' "fostering" very nicely. Just-turned 9 months old, large female GSD, growing rapidly and showing outstanding temperament and excellent toy-drive, natural tracking and food drive - but is going through one of the weird adolescent periods some young dogs go through - she needs more socialization in strange places and around strangers, children, other dogs - she is perfect where she is comfortable, and no problem with new surfaces, noises etc. I would like to see more confidence with strangers in new places, though. She has had some drivework, tugwork at SchH training, some foundation (hotdog) tracking, no obedience. To have someone take her, spend individual time with her, socialize her and put some puppy-training on her - would be excellent! She is for sale, if she worked out for that great, if not I'd take her back and everyone including the dog would benefit from the experience. I think that would be wonderful! Chris, contact me if you are interested.

Molly

Here's my thoughts on it...
the only way I'd do it is if I knew the person who was to receive the pup VERY well and trusted them, because basically you're trusting this person to put a good foundation on a pup that you will probably keep or forward its training upon return.

If you're leaving in a couple months, maybe you could volunteer to help at a kennel or as a dog walker at a local shelter.