adopting a mix breed, any info?

**BdaBoss** · 05-23-2011, 03:43 PM

He is a light tan coloring, with dark shepherd features in the face.
the humane society we are adopting has recommended some local one on one trainers, they also urged positive reinforcement. sounds like a plan to me!

I've been looking for prevenitive measures but so far no such luck, any suggestions?

**Freedom** · 05-23-2011, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by BdaBoss

He is a light tan coloring, with dark shepherd features in the face.
the humane society we are adopting has recommended some local one on one trainers, they also urged positive reinforcement. sounds like a plan to me!

I've been looking for prevenitive measures but so far no such luck, any suggestions?

Thanks for the photo! Aw, big Dane look with GDS ears, ha ha haaa. Handsome!

Why are they sending you to a one on one trainer? Does he already have behavior issues?

One on one training costs much more than group classes. In a group setting, your dog is learning to work with you when other dogs and other people are around. You do the same 1 on 1 home work, with no distractions, between sessions. Unless the dog has issues, I encourage group sessions.

**BdaBoss** · 05-23-2011, 08:41 PM

they arn't "sending" us to a trainer, just suggested it. he is still a pup and we are new owners, so they felt it would help with the training for him as well as us. the one on one trainer is what we talked about because theirs a guy that trains animals from this shelter for $70ish for a month.

and his name is Duke!
thank you for all the comments! you guys are very friendly

**luvofallhorses** · 05-23-2011, 09:40 PM

Honestly I don't see any GSD in that dog. Mainly Great Dane and he could possibly be a Malinois mix which are A LOT A LOT of dog and not for the faint of heart.

Will he be your first dog? Behavior issues can come up in any dog, regardless of breed. Just get him into obdience classes right away, he probably has a lot of energy and you just have to be prepared to meet his needs.

Information on Malinois.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian..._Dog_(Malinois)

**BdaBoss** · 05-24-2011, 02:51 AM

Originally Posted by luvofallhorses

Honestly I don't see any GSD in that dog. Mainly Great Dane and he could possibly be a Malinois mix which are A LOT A LOT of dog and not for the faint of heart.

Will he be your first dog? Behavior issues can come up in any dog, regardless of breed. Just get him into obdience classes right away, he probably has a lot of energy and you just have to be prepared to meet his needs.

Information on Malinois.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian..._Dog_(Malinois)

This is my first dog on my own, but have had 2 growing up. I know there is a big difference though, when it comes to taking care of them.

his behavior is defintely german shepherd, I've had 2 of them. but as far as physical looks, his GSD is all in the face, very distinguished gsd marks. I'll try to post better pics soon

**BdaBoss** · 05-24-2011, 02:56 AM

Originally Posted by Freedom

Thanks for the photo! Aw, big Dane look with GDS ears, ha ha haaa. Handsome!

Why are they sending you to a one on one trainer? Does he already have behavior issues?

One on one training costs much more than group classes. In a group setting, your dog is learning to work with you when other dogs and other people are around. You do the same 1 on 1 home work, with no distractions, between sessions. Unless the dog has issues, I encourage group sessions.

all around he is a pretty good dog. behavior isn't too much of a problem at this point. but he is a pup and I'm a new owner. thats why we discussed trainers with the shelter. I thought one on one would be better. but what you said makes alot of sense....definitely considering class training instead of one on one.

**Freedom** · 05-24-2011, 10:29 AM

As a first time "all by myself" owner,

I suggest you read Patricia McConnell's book, The Other End of the Leash. I found it at my library, liked it so much I bought a copy on amazon.com

Any word from your landlord yet? Do you have a "Coming Home" date yet? Oh you must be so excited!!!

**luvofallhorses** · 05-24-2011, 07:41 PM

Sorry but I am not seeing the GSD personally. Enjoy your pup, he will be a lot of work but worth it.

**BdaBoss** · 05-25-2011, 01:32 PM

we brought him home on monday, told my landlord yesterday. she wasn't too fond of his size but okay'd us having him.

took him too the dog park yesterday. there were all sorts of dogs there and he got along with them all. he wanted too run a nd play with them but he isnt ready to be off his leash yet

**BdaBoss** · 05-25-2011, 01:33 PM

Thank you Freedom

**IRescue452** · 05-25-2011, 02:26 PM

I'd have to agree with malinois. The way the coat lays around different parts of the body just seems more malinois-like. It actually reminds me of my friend's greyhound with the twist in the coat on the front legs. Very cat-like feet too like a malinois. You never know with a mix though unless the shelter knew the parents. There actually aren't too many features that stand out as great dane to me either.

I'm not meaning to be mean to the dog or you by this. He's got the potential of every other dog out there to be a perfectly fine companion and your best friend. Its great that you found a rescue dog that you connected with. I just want you to know that he may not exactly be a mix of the two breeds you expect unless the shelter knows for sure, so don't make all of your judgements throughout his life based on the breeds you think he is.