We are looking for another doggo, and the shelter has this sweet boy who is 3 , 110 lbs, and a golden retriever/German shepherd mix. He’s pretty calm and gets along with our dog. When he does pull he’s very strong though. He was also malnourished for his first couple years as previous owners couldn’t afford vet bills etc…but he is good now.

I am wondering though, it seems like a bad combo. He’s real tall and gangly. Not that we can’t afford medical bills for him, I’m just concerned…he also has anxiety but I think a stable house would help him.

We figured if someone doesn’t adopt him in a week we would maybe get him.

  • phdepressed@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    3·
    15 days ago

    What’s the size of your current dog? Have you owned XL dogs before? They can be great with some caveats.

    Training especially recall and not pulling becomes a lot more important. Large dogs are more likely to get hip and knee issues-this can often result in surgery and the recovery of which will require you supporting much of their weight to go up or down stairs, if you are not strong enough to lift them or support them…

    Toys arent really built for them and often dont last as long. They are big and thus need to eat more and often want more exercise/play. Shepherds are working dogs and thus need things to do especially if any of the brain came through the mix. They rarely do well kept in a crate for long periods.

    • bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      1·
      15 days ago

      Current dog is 70 lbs golden. He has a ton of energy.

      We are rarely gone from home, i guess my biggest concern would be when we do take vacations (3 ish times a year, maybe for 4 days a time) and taking him to a dog daycare may traumatize the poor guy :( but I feel like that’s going to be a thing no matter who adopts him…

      We have a big yard so he can run and play a lot

      • phdepressed@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        3·
        15 days ago

        I think this sounds ok then as long as you are comfortable with being able to prevent his pulling from being successful while you train. I should note that a 70lb dog tail is at a different height and hits with different force and what each dog would consider a tight space is also different.

        My advice for doggy daycare would be to slowly ramp up time there. So do half days 1-2x a week for a couple weeks then full days same thing before any overnights. Similar with leaving alone at home. Of course thats the ideal but things happen. He’d at least have his friend of your other dog that should help his anxiety. Hopefully he doesn’t have separation anxiety.

        I presume you know the other things of giving them something that smells like their people when boarding them.