Question for Austin folks

[TheWizard]

I'm looking to get a puppy in Austin.  Looking for a German Shepherd.  I've googled and found a few random spots and breeders, anyone ever gone about getting a dog in the area?  Or just advice on getting Shepherd pups in general?

[HudsonHawk]

I'm looking to get a puppy in Austin.  Looking for a German Shepherd.  I've googled and found a few random spots and breeders, anyone ever gone about getting a dog in the area?  Or just advice on getting Shepherd pups in general?

Not in Austin, nor a Shepherd owner, but I just got a new puppy myself.  Lot's of work.  Is this your first puppy?

[Andyzipp]

Consider adopting a rescued animal.

http://www.gsdrescuectx.com/

ETA another group.

http://www.austingermanshepherdrescue.org/

[Taras Bulba]

We've got a new puppy, too.  They are definitely a lot of work but generally more tolerable than teenagers.

As far as German Shepherds go, the things that I have heard are:
1. Avoid puppy mills (I think that is universally applicable).
2. Big dogs will tear up more stuff, destroy landscape, etc. on their way to adulthood and beyond.  
3. German shepherds can have hip dysplasia.  See #1.

Good luck.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

We've got a new puppy, too.  They are definitely a lot of work but generally more tolerable than teenagers.

As far as German Shepherds go, the things that I have heard are:
1. Avoid puppy mills (I think that is universally applicable).
2. Big dogs will tear up more stuff, destroy landscape, etc. on their way to adulthood and beyond. 
3. German shepherds can have hip dysplasia.  See #1.

Good luck.

add..
4. Avoid backyard breeders as well.

[mihoba]

After losing our 12 year old GS late last year, we looked into the shepherd rescue group from Houston. When they found out the dog would have 2 acres of fenced playground the agency was pleased, but then they were shocked to find out the dog would be sleeping in a doghouse outside.

We still haven't found our new dog.

[HudsonHawk]

After losing our 12 year old GS late last year, we looked into the shepherd rescue group from Houston. When they found out the dog would have 2 acres of fenced playground the agency was pleased, but then they were shocked to find out the dog would be sleeping in a doghouse outside.

We still haven't found our new dog.

Rescue people are generally appalled at the idea of a dog not sleeping in bed with you. 

[Limey]

Rescue people are generally appalled at the idea of a dog not sleeping in bed with you. 

...and apparently impervious to the stink that would emanate from a dog that's been running around a two acre yard all day.

[Andyzipp]

Rescue people are generally appalled at the idea of a dog not sleeping in bed with you. 

I've owned 4 rescue dogs, and you're correct.  It's often worth it to tell them what they want to hear in the "interview".

[JimR]

I've owned 4 rescue dogs, and you're correct.  It's often worth it to tell them what they want to hear in the "interview".

i tried to adopt a Bassett Hound from a rescue group. after they saw my swimming pool, i never heard from them again. it was easier to adopt children.

[Andyzipp]

i tried to adopt a Bassett Hound from a rescue group. after they saw my swimming pool, i never heard from them again. it was easier to adopt children.

For God's sake don't let those hippies in your home.  In fact, give them a fake address most of the time.

[mihoba]

...and apparently impervious to the stink that would emanate from a dog that's been running around a two acre yard all day.

I took my dog to the car wash every month.

[Astroholic]

I took my dog to the car wash every month.

My wife wanted a cat.  She was initially rejected; due to incomplete vet records (we used an old vet whom could care less about keeping records).  My wife called back and finally was able to get the cat.  I would have told them to stick it. 

We had no problem adopting a Beagle from the SPCA, however.

[otterjb]

My first dog was a part German Shepard, part Great Dane, named Bear. Massive dog and one of the greatest pets you could imagine. After years and years, it starting having serious pain problems just for it to walk around. One of a hardest things ever, but damn, it was a great, great animal.

[TheWizard]

Not in Austin, nor a Shepherd owner, but I just got a new puppy myself.  Lot's of work.  Is this your first puppy?

Not my first pup, but will be my first Shepherd.  I've known others who have Shepherds and they seem like great dogs, but I never saw any of them as puppies.  I've heard of the hip dysplasia.  Rescue agencies seem like a good idea, I will probably look into that first.  Is there any downside to not being able to see the parents of a pup?

Also, are rescue agencies any less likely to give a dog to a young person who is busy?  I'm in medical school, so I have free time, but not boatloads.  Will this be a stumbling block?  Questions are for anyone who knows the answers.

[Andyzipp]

Not my first pup, but will be my first Shepherd.  I've known others who have Shepherds and they seem like great dogs, but I never saw any of them as puppies.  I've heard of the hip dysplasia.  Rescue agencies seem like a good idea, I will probably look into that first.  Is there any downside to not being able to see the parents of a pup?

Also, are rescue agencies any less likely to give a dog to a young person who is busy?  I'm in medical school, so I have free time, but not boatloads.  Will this be a stumbling block?  Questions are for anyone who knows the answers.

They're going to want to make sure you have the temperment to own a dog in the manner they see fit (fenced yard, allow the dog to be indoors most of the time, you're not going to wig out the first time he/she eats part of your bed).

The time issue is going to be a problem for them in my experience, and while I wouldn't encourage you to lie, if you have a "roommate" who has gobs of free time to spend with the dog, it makes the rescue folks feel better.

[tophfar]

They're going to want to make sure you have the temperment to own a dog in the manner they see fit (fenced yard, allow the dog to be indoors most of the time, you're not going to wig out the first time he/she eats part of your bed).

The time issue is going to be a problem for them in my experience, and while I wouldn't encourage you to lie, if you have a "roommate" who has gobs of free time to spend with the dog, it makes the rescue folks feel better.

I think some of this mis characterizes alot of what the rescue organizations are doing.  Many of those dogs are coming from bad situations and irresponsible owners.  And they have spent quite a bit in the way of time, money, and effort to rehabilitate those animals.

To check to make sure they aren't sending that same animal back into the exact same neglectful situation that the animal was just rescued from, just makes sense.

[mihoba]

Also, are rescue agencies any less likely to give a dog to a young person who is busy?  I'm in medical school, so I have free time, but not boatloads.  Will this be a stumbling block?  Questions are for anyone who knows the answers.

This might not be fair to the dog, and I would recommend waiting to own one. A German Shepherd will the most loyal dog you will ever own, but you have to bond and leaving the dog alone for long stretches would not be a good thing. If you have a large fenced yard that might work, but you still need to spend time with the dog.

My .2

[EasTexAstro]

I really respect the work the animal rescuers do, and have helped before in very minor ways, but from the outside, I do agree it can seem a little odd at times.

They don't want a tortured/neglected animal to end up in the same/worse situation.

You spent the time to seek out a shelter rather than a puppy mill...it would seem you have a desire to help the pet rather than abuse it.

My wife wanted a cat. We went to a rescue agency. We were on a rather large lot (8 acres), had a nice size house (3600 sqft), had a barn, and wanted a tough, older cat to work with...maybe a mouser.

My wife handled several cats and found one missing most of its fur and a glare to make you want to cry that had been pulled off the operating table where it was being put to sleep. My wife picked it up out of the cage, and it immediately clawed her face...blood was dripping down onto her shirt and on the floor. My wife held on with no panic and put it back in the cage. They were in a panic, but that is the cat my wife wanted.

There were two visits to the house before they were sure we could handle a cat....

....years go by....


The cat sucks as a mouser and rarely goes outside, but all the hair is grown back. She is a beautiful black cat, healthier than ever before, and a happy, gentle part of the family. I wouldn't trade that cat for anything.

[Andyzipp]

I think some of this mis characterizes alot of what the rescue organizations are doing.  Many of those dogs are coming from bad situations and irresponsible owners.  And they have spent quite a bit in the way of time, money, and effort to rehabilitate those animals.

To check to make sure they aren't sending that same animal back into the exact same neglectful situation that the animal was just rescued from, just makes sense.

Some of it was tongue in cheek, but in my experience with 3 different rescue organizations, they're can be a little over the top.

OTOH, I'm the person who recommended a rescued dog...

[JimR]

Some of it was tongue in cheek, but in my experience with 3 different rescue organizations, they're can be a little over the top.

OTOH, I'm the person who recommended a rescued dog...

they are ALL over the top. WAY, WAY over. i worked with three different groups, or tried to.

i adopted my dog from Central Texas Dachsund Rescue, and they are nice folks.

[tophfar]

Some of it was tongue in cheek, but in my experience with 3 different rescue organizations, they're can be a little over the top.

OTOH, I'm the person who recommended a rescued dog...

I know, and I didnt think you were seriously maligning them, and some of them can be a little over zealous. 

[JimR]

I know, and I didnt think you were seriously maligning them, and some all of them can be a little over zealous. 

fify

[TheWizard]

This might not be fair to the dog, and I would recommend waiting to own one. A German Shepherd will the most loyal dog you will ever own, but you have to bond and leaving the dog alone for long stretches would not be a good thing. If you have a large fenced yard that might work, but you still need to spend time with the dog.

My .2

I understand that, its not my intention to be unfair to a dog that I can't care for.  Next year is my 4th and final year of med school, and 4th year is a time when you actually do have free time.  So I'm planning on getting he/she then.  Can't get around the fact that yes, I am going to work, and won't be home 24 hours a day, but I do have days off like everyone else and I can provide a good home.  I also have roomates that can help out.  I wouldn't be thinking about getting one if I felt the poor guy or gal would be lonely or uncared for.

[mihoba]

I understand that, its not my intention to be unfair to a dog that I can't care for.  Next year is my 4th and final year of med school, and 4th year is a time when you actually do have free time.  So I'm planning on getting he/she then.  Can't get around the fact that yes, I am going to work, and won't be home 24 hours a day, but I do have days off like everyone else and I can provide a good home.  I also have roomates that can help out.  I wouldn't be thinking about getting one if I felt the poor guy or gal would be lonely or uncared for.

Cool. My wife was home full-time when ours was a puppy, so she spent most of the time with him, and it showed. Seriously, I couldn't playfully tap her on the arm without his ears perking up and making a move to protect her. Of course, when it came to fetch time, I was King. Best damn dog ever, we sure miss him.

[HudsonHawk]

i tried to adopt a Bassett Hound from a rescue group. after they saw my swimming pool, i never heard from them again. it was easier to adopt children.

Did you tell them that you were going to make Mark sleep outside in a doghouse?

[JimR]

Did you tell them that you were going to make Mark sleep outside in a doghouse?

my dogs do not sleep outside.

[MRaup]

my dogs do not sleep outside.

And his son only does when he drinks all the good beer.

[Andyzipp]

And his son only does when he drinks all the good beer.

So I can assume that there's still plently of Tequiza lying around?

Score!

[Limey]

So I can assume that there's still plently of Tequiza lying around?

Score!

And Miller Chill.  Which is like Lemon Chill, but with less alcohol.

[MRaup]

And Miller Chill.  Which is like Lemon Chill, but with less alcohol.

The next logical step is just one small letter change... Miller Chili.

Cincinatti-tastic!

[JimR]

So I can assume that there's still plently of Tequiza lying around?

Score!

even his frat friends have better taste than that.

[pravata]

they are ALL over the top. WAY, WAY over. i worked with three different groups, or tried to.

i adopted my dog from Central Texas Dachsund Rescue, and they are nice folks.

Beagle rescue.  But, even though they checked us out thoroughly, they did not warn us that the one eyed nutjob (she ran into chickenwire) we adopted was a complete lunatic.

[strosrays]

Beagle rescue.  But, even though they checked us out thoroughly, they did not warn us that the one eyed nutjob (she ran into chickenwire) we adopted was a complete lunatic.

My beagle (which was given to me - actually my sons - by a friend as a puppy), I really love that dog.  I can play with him all day, roll around in the back yard, man's best friend and all that, and then at night when he hears a siren, he is out back, on top of his house, howling in the night like the wolves he is descended from. 

An eerie, goose-bump raising sound.  Absolutely fucking wild.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I got my dog from SPCA Humane Shelter on W. Anderson Ln.