Rex is a 9 yr old male, black and tan with sable highlights at the shoulders. He is now in his third month of recovering from surgery for repair if a herniated disk (T-4/5). He has had 3 post surgery follow up visits and the veterinary surgeon and physical therapist are very pleased with his progress. He is doing very well. Has good strength but still needs to develop fine motor coordination with his rear legs. He is mobile and loves to walk but as the day progresses (about his 3rd walk) he does begin to tire more quickly. He no longer needs to be supported with a ling but attention must be paid to his walk to help him keep his balance so a fall is prevented. At this point, his continued recovery requires simple physical therapy of 20-30 minutes 3-4 times per day. He must be limited in his movement when unsupervised which means a kennel area or large crate is needed. No jumping, running yet and supervised, limited stair climbing until at least the end of February or when he is cleared by the vet. Rex is, at heart, a good and friendly boy. He responds well to verbal commands of sit, down, leave it and stay. He is very handler bonded in that the person who provides for his attention and training is his focus. That person will need to assure his companionship and set his place within the family. He is a very special dog and is very affectionate and devoted to his family. He is crate and kennel trained and is very well housebroken. He enjoys 3 to 4 walks per day for both exercise and relief. He knows what a walk is all about and is quick about his business. Rex does have an aggressive side. Taking things easy and slow work best to get the best out of him. He is food reward motivated. He does present clear warning when he has had enough. This is characterized by a puffed up upper lip and a low growl. He does have white coat syndrome, the vets must remove their lab coat before approaching him. It is sometimes best to muzzle him at home before a vet visit as he is more comfortable and with that preemptive process that trying to muzzle him after he is agitated. His tolerance for joggers and bicycles is low and will bark and pull aggressively toward them. A knowledgeable handler will be able to pick up on his attitude and prevent incidents that may lead to people being scared or injured. His is fine at adoption days with people and other dogs in a group setting. He has a tendency to set a dominate stance with dogs that he has not met before but will respond to a firm down and can be expected to get to a calm, submissive state. Rex is a smart dog and needs a job. He will find his own mental stimulation in ways that may not be acceptable if constructive challenge is not presented to him. He needs to be provided with consistent application of training, setting of boundaries, attention and affection. The ideal setting for Rex would be a single family, single level or limited stairs floor plan (i.e. a Ramble with walk out basement), a fenced yard, no other dogs or dogs who are more submissive in temperament, no cats, kids 10 and over with dog experience. A home experienced with handling large, strong, and strong willed German Shepherd Dogs is required.

© 2024 VGSR