Dutch Shepherd Forum

I recently visited a dutch shepherd in a shelter. Upon seeing him he seemed like a nice dog seemed a little on the skinny side but seemed to be a generally nice looking dog. I found out through the shelter that he is not yet housetrained and he is one year old, also the commands he knows are in German which I currently do not speak. He seemed to be afraid of some of the other dogs in the shelter as they were barking at him but had no problem with smaller dogs climbing all over him. I didn't see any signs of aggressive behavior but he was marking his territory in the lobby. I'd really appreciate any of your opinions on whether or not I will have a long difficult road ahead of me or if people think these can be eventually worked out. I come here because I have not yet owned a dutch shepherd. Thanks for any advice.

as far as the language, Thalie's commands are in French, so when I first got her I wrote down everything on an index card. I wouldnt worry too much about that, youll learn the words fast. "HEY" becomes very popular too

Welcome to the forum! I am sure the German commands will not be a problem. My dogs are "bi-lingual" (German/English) too.

you can easily teach the dog new english commands, no problem. I would worry a bit about the housetraining, this might take a bit longer. But if you are willing to put some time/effort in it, this can be solved and this dog could just be you're best friend

Thanks everyone for the advice so far. I'm starting to look at the german commands and everything else. Still a little nervous about the house training but i guess that comes with the territory haha. I don't actually have him yet but I am in the process of possibly adopting him. He is one year old and named Cartouche in case anyone wanted to know.

Is he fixed? Is that something you would think about?

He will actually fixed tomorrow (Tuesday).

Congratulations on your possible new addition.

Could you take a moment and visit your User Control Panal and create a signature that includes your name? Its helps everyone to know who we're talking to.

Regardless of the age of a dog when I pull it from a shelter, I always treat it like a puppy. Meaning there are only 3 states of existance - crate, outside or immediately supervised. Its also very important to go outside with the dog and reward correct behavior. Many people correct the mistakes but don't take the time to teach what they really want.

Lastly, please keep in mind that it take week in a home before many rescues show their true personalities. He may be a much sweeter and even tollerant. Or he may get get more comfortable and cocky. I wouldn't trust him for quite some time.

All of that being said, I have placed many, many Dutch Shepherd fosters in the last few years. Saving a life is truly rewarding, and often less hassel than a puppy.

First of all, welcome to the forum, lots of very experienced DS folks on board.

I agree with Christie, with all new dogs brought into a home, esp shelter/rescue dogs, there is what I refer to as the 'honeymoon period', usually 2-3 weeks. At that point, you will be seeing the true personality of the dog. But remember this, when they come home with you they do NOT automatically know the rules and guidelines, that comes from you and only you. If you do not establish those rules, the dog will establish them for you. That is with any dog that has something between its ears other than hair. Neutering will help with the house training. Crating in my household is a must that all learn from the get-go. Not that they stay in them for lengthy periods but they do learn there are time-outs, ie rest periods and they must concur.

Fire away with questions and esp pictures! Good luck.

Oh and the bilingual thing. Not a problemo really. I have two that are bilingual. You may find it interesting to learn the German commands as well.

i have come to the point that I treat any new dog/puppy as if they know absolutely nothing.. no unpleasant surprises that way.... Where did you say this dog was or rather where are you located?

Really appreciating all the info... My name is Andy and I'm located in the Pittsburgh area. As of now he is still available for adoption. I'm supposed to possibly take him for the weekend next week on a trial run. I feel a little better about the bilingual thing and the housetraining thanks to everyones advice, but now I'm still a little concerned with this dogs shyness. I know he's young and wasn't particularly nervous around myself and smaller dogs but he seemed shy while other dogs were barking at him and he also seemed afraid of the mop the shelter manager was using to clean his cage. My biggest fear would be having a dangerous situation with a powerful dog that is scared when it comes to my friends and relatives or their dogs (mainly my mom and girlfriend and her female pointer)

A shelter can be a scary place, i.e. constant coming and going, all the other stressed out animals, may be it's a kill-shelter and they know what's going on when the incinerator is fired up again.

A dog that responds with shyness (avoidance) rather than agression is in my opinion easier to handle. If you give him a secure home with "his" quiet place to sleep and eat, lots of structure and reassurance, I believe you will have a wonderful dog. And when they are young, they are sometimes "scared" of the funniest things, like a "suspicious" beer carton, a land crab or a scary looking flower. They go through phases like that.

Although a "test" weekend will not be able to tell you all but at least you will be able to see how he does outside the shelter environment.

I adopted my DS last Summer out of a kill shelter. We had to work on some issues but it is worth while!

Schlussdibusti wrote: like a "suspicious" beer carton,

I HATE, HATE, HATE those suspicious beer cartons. You know the REALLY suspicious ones that I rarely see.....the ones that are still full.....

Christie M wrote:You know the REALLY suspicious ones that I rarely see.....the ones that are still full.....

Yea I think you guys might be right it seemed like he was shy but then once he got I'm a comfortable setting he was fine. I might go visit tomorrow. I'll let you know what happens..also it's a no kill shelter so don't worry plus my cousins boyfriend runs it so no worries.

akak411 wrote: My biggest fear would be having a dangerous situation with a powerful dog that is scared when it comes to my friends and relatives or their dogs (mainly my mom and girlfriend and her female pointer)

Keep in mind that most dogs, even ones who are shy (and like any trait, it exists on a continuum, rather than being an all or none thing), can get used to a few very specific people.

So, for example, I have been working thru some confidence issues with my now 13 month old DS, and we've made excellent progress. We live on our landlords' 87 acre property, and she has come to love them ( a husband and wife). She may alert me to their presence, but as soon as she knows it's them, it's all happy butt wagging tail stuff and wanting to go and greet them.

One thing to keep in mind, tho, is that you'd have to provide very close supervision for a longish while, if not forever. I think a lot of people just think they'll bring a young dog home and throw it into the mix and it will fend for itself...or not. You would not want to go that route with a dog like this. But, if you're expecting to provide ongoing supervision and support, it would seem very doable to me.

I would plan on constant supervision, but there would be times when someone would have to come let him out in the day on days when I'm at work. This would probably be my mom or girlfriend. I wonder if this Would be any problem since I wouldn't be there.

akak411 wrote:I would plan on constant supervision, but there would be times when someone would have to come let him out in the day on days when I'm at work. This would probably be my mom or girlfriend. I wonder if this Would be any problem since I wouldn't be there.

As long as you take the time to introduce him to them, and have them know what exact routine you use so they can do it your way, it should be fine. You just can't throw that kind of personnel change on him, cold turkey is all .