Considering re-homing my beloved dogs....

Are there any organisations you can speak to about this? You might benefit from hearing the options open to you because I'm guessing that this is not an uncommon situation.

Hope it works out for you :)
 
I am in Newcastle, Staffs.

Both don't get a great deal of exercise through the week, but I make a point of giving them a good run (and swim) at the weekend, they seem perfectly happy and next door inform me they wouldn't know the dogs are there when I'm not, no barking, howling etc.

White GSD's are bred to be placid and mild mannered, these two are most definitely. I have owned a Black & Tan type previously and she would have eaten the house in frustration by now had she been left for similar periods.

My two as I say seem perfectly happy and chilled, they are very affectionate toward me and any visitors, I can't help wondering if I'm actually making a mistake in even thinking about this.

I will be enquiring about dog walkers although I imagine that could be fun, neither of mine are particularly good on the lead, they pull and pull and are both very strong, I'm 6'3" and 17stone, yet I sometimes struggle to hold them especially if they spot a Cat!

One thing Was I to part with them, I would not simply give them away, I would want a good price as they are valuable in themselves and I would hope a strong price would put off some chav type who's more interested in having what can look like a wolf at the end of his leash rather than wanting to provide a good loving home for two lovely animals who deserve no less.

:/
 
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Scania said:
One thing Was I to part with them, I would not simply give them away, I would want a good price as they are valuable in themselves and I would hope a strong price would put off some chav type who's more interested in having what can look like a wolf at the end of his leash rather than wanting to provide a good loving home for two lovely animals who deserve no less.

:/
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surely just meeting the person and seeing their home and attitude would let you see they are not a 'chav'

there will be plenty of great people out there who would love such nice dogs but dont have the upfront cash. these sorts of people rehome rescue dogs all the time

tough situation . is the dog walker not an option ?
 
"andy" said:
surely just meeting the person and seeing their home and attitude would let you see they are not a 'chav'

there will be plenty of great people out there who would love such nice dogs but dont have the upfront cash. these sorts of people rehome rescue dogs all the time

tough situation . is the dog walker not an option ?
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The price would be to put off the chave, I would be negotiable with any prospective owner and would gladly give them to the right person for nothing tbh.

I've only spoken to one dog walker this far and she said unless they were well behaved on a lead she wouldn't take them on.

They are well behaved generally, not agressive toward other dogs or people whatsoever, they do both seem Cat obsessed which can be problematic and they both pull like hell when out together, neither are quite so bad individually.
 
I know how hard this can be mate!, I was in the same situation, but two House Cats, rather than Dogs.

Separated, then Divorced and the Cats came with me (brother and sister we didn't want to separate them, and the girl hated my Ex :D )

I was working all hours I could, Spending time with my new girlfriend (living in a Flat with a NO PET policy on the building) and, even though I spoiled them rotten when I was home, I didn't think it was fair on them!!.

So I had them re-homed with a friend of my Mum. It was the most heart wrenching thing I've ever had to do! I was inconsolable when I dropped them off at my Mum and Dad's. Couldn't drive for a couple of hours once they had been picked up!

They now live down on the south coast, they have a 'Garden Run' but also spend time out doors every now and then, I get regular updates on how they are doing and they are living the life of Riley! :D

This was 3 years ago!... I still miss them dearly!! :(
 
Scania said:
I can't help wondering if I'm actually making a mistake in even thinking about this.
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The very fact that you are considering it shows how much you care for them, so don't feel bad that you feel the need to consider it.

As it sounds like they are happy with the situation as is, if I were you, I'd be looking at options to break up their day - such as a dog walker or doggy day care - and only consider rehoming as an absolute last resort.
 
Sorry to hear about your situation.

To be honest I would keep them, they will be great company for you through the seperation. Even considering this shows how much you care for them, but they will love you no matter how much excercise they get in the daytime!

I wouldnt worry too much about them being in the house, if they seem happy enough and they get let out every now and then what is the problem?

Just give them plenty of excercise when you get chance and they will be fine.
 
What a horrible situation :(

My brother and sister in law both sometimes have to work through the day on the same day, on those days they use a service called Petpals, (not sure if it's a local thing or nationwide, but i'm sure there'll be similar) their dog loves it and even if your dogs can pull a bit it might be worth giving a local service a call and explaining the situation?

Having to get rid would be heartbreaking, so if you can find somewhere that will walk/play/feed them on the days you can't it has o be worth a try.
 
Keep dogs
Train dogs to walk to heel better (or go to training classes with them)
Then get dog walkers
??!?
Profit

Even if you decide after to remove it's good to teach them to walk to heel
 
I'd have to echo the people suggesting getting a Dog Walker or sitter, I know a girl I went to school with who does it full time. I mean obviously it depends on your financial situation but personally I wouldnt be able to give up my pets and I'd sooner find a different job than send them off packing
 
We have a fantastic dog walker/dog sitter/doggy hotel near us. They charge about £9 per hour (walking but dont think theyve ever done as little as an hour)for one dog with a discount for a 2nd.

They also do doggy day care where they have them all day.

Not in your area though but Im sure there must be someone similar near you.

Just to add our dog loves it there. They take a number of dogs out at a time and he comes back absolutely knackered.
 
Well, I've consulted a German Shepherd Specialist who's conclusion is I should keep them as in his view they are both healthy and - above all -happy.

Given they are White and very different in terms of personality compared to "regular" Black & Tan or Black variants of the breed, he says they are very well suited to spending time alone (bearing in mind they are two dogs together at all times and thus not alone in their eyes as he sees it) he's suggested a good supply of knuckle bones to keep them occupied and to carry on as I am.

He was at pains to point out given my wife and I split a few months back, any issues with regard to boredom / frustration would have manifested by now and they both seem very happy with their lot.

He was willing to give me £500 on the spot for them both, but couldn't guarantee he'd be able to move them on as a pair which he agreed would be the best option, he - as I - feels separating them would not do either any good.

So, I'm keeping them!

And I hope nothing changes with their situation.

I'm also incidentally taking them soon to a former Police dog handler who says he should be able to sort out the competitiveness they both show when in a lead together, one (the bitch) is trying to be top dog as such, he says this is normal and reversible.... Time will tell!
 
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Scania said:
... one (the bitch) is trying to be top dog as such, he says this is normal and reversible.... Time will tell!
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Always the women!! :D I grew up with GSD's we had anywhere from 2-4 GSD's at a time + puppies and it was always the bitch that was "in charge" :D

And yes, the white ones are much more chilled out than the B&T ones.... At least in my experience.
 
Unfortunately I can't offer any advice but I just wanted to say your dogs are beautiful. I hope you can come to a good solution for them.
 
Trifid said:
Considered something like this? www.borrowmydoggy.com
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Do consider using a site like this if you think they could do with a bit more company and better walks. My sister uses this site and it is full of people who are not allowed a dog due to renting and retired/elderly people who don't want to risk getting another dog when it is highly likely to outlive them.
 
My personal opinion would be not to re home them. If they seem happy the way they are then I don't think you should worry too much. I would perhaps look in to hiring a dog walker? Considering you spend a lot of time with them at the weekend and they have each other for company in the day I think you are over reacting a bit.

Amazing dogs by the way.

edit: just read your update, good choice.
 
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Would your neighbours consider taking them more permanently and/or keeping them at their house whilst you're away? Almost a dog-share situation :D.
 
Pho said:
Would your neighbours consider taking them more permanently and/or keeping them at their house whilst you're away? Almost a dog-share situation :D.
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Not an option, they have small kids who are terrified of them (unjustifiably but there you go!)


I have signed up to Borrow my Doggy! :)
 
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