Hi to all,
We have just taken a young two year old bitch needing adoption from the Trust. She's a lovley dog but has already made a break for freedom twice and we've had her three days. SO we just have to work a bit harder on gaining her trust and building her confidence. The thing which has intreagued me is she seem's oblivious to the idea of 'Play'. Won't look at/ chase a ball, not interested in a game of tug. Doesn't appear to know her name, little if any training on a leash.
I've been around and owned German Shepherds for 30 years and this is a first for me. But some of you out there may have had similar experiences with adoption.
I'm using the treat / reward process and making a great deal of fuss with her - when she sits, or comes to her name.

I am hoping she will bond with one of the family soon, it's hard work being on guard for open doors to freedom 24/7. So open to sugestions/ listening to experience.

Rgds

Keith

Just remember Keith she has left the only family she has known since age 6 weeks, she doesn't know you yet and she is wondering why her life has been turned upside down. Only out on a leash until she realises she is now home. Have her on a long line whenever you have open doors so that she can be stopped by the line and not a collar grab. I have sent you a private email after speaking to her previous owners. She apparently was playful and energetic so it could well be a settling in stress from travel, i.e. long car ride, airflight, another car ride and then going AWOL. Love, kindness and patience will be greatly rewarded.

Hi Keith,
We adopted a lovely girl aged about 6 a year ago and despite the best efforts of our other little dog, Molly still doesn't really 'get it' when it comes to playing. Show her a ball and it's all on but that's about it. It took her a good 2wks before she seemed like she was going to settle (had been kenneled for 5mths) - she was here 3 wks tho' before we knew she cld bark. Kala our departed GSD was 10mths old when we brought her home - she'd had a rough start. We weren't sure she cld bark for about the first 10 days but she settled in about 2 wks (solitary dog at that stage).

3 days is very early - you're an experienced dog owner so I'm sure all will be well - adoptions can be slow to settle in sometimes I guess depending on their past.

Good luck

Hi Keith

Don't be hard on yourself. Generally when fostering it takes 3-4 days to learn the basics (don't wake me in the middle of the night, outside is for peeing, you eat when I give you the bowl, leave the cat alone, etc basics). If they have no basic training it is good to start straight away but they are still learning you are the new pack so give her afew days, she will get it I use praise, treats and ignore bad behaviour. Like if they sit I don't treat them (they are training me to feed on their que), but if I ask them to sit then I treat them (I gave the command).
The other thing I find is if they do play it takes awhile for them to relax to the point they will play. Think my last foster it took her 12 days before I saw her playing like a dog.

All the doggies Ive fostered I can say Ive walked in the house with one dog, and two weeks later they are definitely a different dog.

One other thing is I generally do take them for a walk for afew days - all walking and training is done at home. This is to get them used to their new Den area and with all the stress of having a new pack, I don't want to introduce more stress.
good luck and can't wait to hear how she goes over the next couple of weeks. It will happen, give it abit of time

Opps - should read
One other thing is I generally do NOT take them for a walk for afew days outside the house area

Thanks for all your words of support guys.
Happy to report things are going well. I'm especially pleased to tell you both bea and Dylan my 10yr old Shepherd male, are getting along great (the cat? - well that's another matter ). She seem's to be bonding with my Son liam, and has taken to sleeping in his room at night at the foot of his bed. Early days, but we are discovering what a wonderful loving animal she is. It's a big test today as this is the first time both dogs will be on their own for any amount of time. I guess I was so used to seeing my own dogs romping around and having a great time - i forgot what a traumatic experience she has been through.
First visit to the vet for check up and Micro Chip went well and sh'e eating well and is none the worse for a recent dip in the fish pond.. if not a little more careful about steping on water.
I'll keep you up to date with progress over the weeks.
I guess when I eventually take off the GSRT tag from her collar - I'll feel she's home to stay.

Rgds

Keith