Rehoming Information
We have a strict Rehoming Policy which may seem extensive compared to other animal rescues, but we do not apologise for this.
A lot of the dogs in our care, have complex needs and require not just breed experience but long-term behaviour investment. We must ensure potential adopters understand the commitment they are making, and that they are capable of managing the dog they have been assigned.
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​We have encountered so many people, who have previously owned a German Shepherd and assume that their experience and knowledge will allow them to skip the rehoming process and move straight to adoption. This is not the case, and often those who think they know the most, end up being the ones with the most to learn. In the past we have had people show interest in rehoming our dogs, but have been unwilling to adhere to our strict rehoming policies. Although this is upsetting for the dog, it shows us that they are unsuitable candidates and do not deserve the chance of rehoming one of our dogs.
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What potential adopters must understand, is that rescued dogs and dogs who have been surrendered, are damaged dogs. They are dogs who have trust issues and have special needs and requirements. A rescued German Shepherd, is a very different dog, to a German Shepherd who has been brought up in a loving, caring home, with training and having all their needs met.
All our dogs have all been through trauma. Even dogs who are surrendered, have been through the trauma of abandonment, which is horrendous. They have been ripped from everything they have ever known, placed into a foreign environment, feeling scared and alone. We work with them to gain their trust and respect, and any adopter must do the same.
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REHOMING POLICY
At German Shepherd RRR, we will only rehome a dog, when we believe it to be in the dog’s best interests. When dogs are first surrendered to us, we spend time working and building up a relationship with them. We never rush to rehome a dog, and dogs will only be made available for rehoming when we feel they are ready and when we have tested them in various situations and environments.
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Prospective adoptees, must be aware, that while you may have owned a German Shepherd before, a rescued German Shepherd is completely different. The dogs in our care, have all suffered various forms of displacement and have been placed in a totally foreign environment. Some of our dogs have been in multiple homes before they reach us, due to lack of both research and understanding of their needs. Our rehoming programme is aimed at ensuring our dogs will never experience the trauma of being removed from their home environment again, and that their next home, will be their forever home.
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The structure of our rehoming programme, enables prospective adoptees, to see the challenges that come with rehoming a rescued German Shepherd, and to learn how to manage various issues. The programme will require you to put in time and effort and you will have to work, to gain the trust and respect of the dog you are assigned to, which may not be easy or straight forward, but it will be so worth it.
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Do not engage in this programme if you are not serious or committed, and are not prepared to be consistent. All prospective adoptees, must be prepared to be fully engaged in our rehoming programme. It is a process and it will take time. The process can take at least 4-6 weeks, however every dog is different and has different needs and struggles, and therefore you must be aware that the process will simply take as long as the rescue deems necessary. Be advised that there is no shortcuts and no way to rush the programme, so please do not attempt to. It is also worth noting, that no one is guaranteed to get a dog from German Shepherd RRR. We will never rehome a dog on a whim. Our programme is thorough, to ensure our dogs go to the best and most suitable homes.
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Throughout the programme, your interactions with the dog and the dog’s responses to you, will continually be assessed, and the team will meet to discuss, if or how the programme should move forward. It is important to remain consistent throughout the programme, keeping in contact with us, and coming to appointments, as any inconsistency will result in the termination of the programme.
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Appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance. To enable appointments to run efficiently, it is best to stick to the same days and times each week, which the rescue will specifically allocate to you. You must arrive in good time for your appointment. We allocate one hour for appointments and any time lost due to lateness, will not be added on to your time. If for some reason you cannot make your appointment time, please contact us in advance as this will allow someone else to avail of this appointment time. If we find that you are regularly cancelling appointments or not showing up to appointments, we will be forced to make the decision to cancel your place on the rehoming programme.
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We never rehome entire dogs. If the dog you are working with is still entire due to their age or behavioural issues, we will not rush to desex the dog, however, while the dogs are out on foster, when we deem that the time is right for neutering or spaying to take place, arrangements will be made for you to bring the dog to Glenn Veterinary Clinic, to have the procedure done. This is non-negotiable.
REHOMING SCHEDULE
Stage 1: Bonding
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The first stage of the rehoming programme will involve you getting to know the dog you have been assigned, and the dog getting to know you. These sessions will take place under direct supervision, in our field. Your interactions with the dog and their interactions with you, will continually be assessed. It is strongly advised that you bring high reward treats with you, such as chicken, to help the dog associate you with nice things. You will also be encouraged to play and get hands on with the dog. After a number of successful bonding sessions, you will move on to the next stage of the programme.
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Stage 2: Field Work
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Field work will initially take place under direct supervision, and again your interactions with the dog, and their interactions with you, will constantly be assessed. During this time, you must listen to the guidance and direction of our trainers, as failure to do so will result in the termination of your rehoming programme.
You will be asked to walk the dog around the field and to work on basic commands, such as sit, stay, heel etc. Some dogs are required to wear a big dog styles head collar, and initially they will not enjoy wearing this collar and will try anything to remove it, however you will be shown how you use the head collar, and what you should do if the dog attempts to remove it.
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Upon successful field work sessions under supervision, GSRRR will gradually reduce the amount of supervision to enable you to work alone with the dog, putting into practise all you have been shown, helping to strengthen the bond between you and the dog. GSRRR trainers will always be nearby, and will observe from a distance, but this step is primarily to allow us to see how you cope with the dog without our guidance and instruction. We will also bring other dogs and people into the field, in preparation for how you would handle the dog in a working environment. Should this stage be successful, you will then move on to our next stage, which will see you leave the confines and security of the rescue centre.
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Stage 3: Working Environment
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The working environment stage is one of the most important parts of our programme, as it allows us and you to see how well you can manage the dog you have been assigned, in an everyday situation.
Many of the dogs that are with us, have been surrendered because of their reactivity, towards people, traffic, dogs and other animals. We introduce our dogs to the working environment prior to the dog becoming involved in the rehoming programme, so we know how they will react and will be able to instruct you how to redirect their behaviour, if needs be.
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This stage may be overwhelming for some people, especially if the dog they are working with is very reactive, but please note, we are not setting you up to fail. We are not there to judge the dog's behaviour, but rather to see how well you can manage that behaviour. We will guide you through this stage and will be a constant support to you. However, you must listen to our instructions and be prepared to work.
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This stage again, will constantly be assessed and will consist of numerous sessions outside the rescue centre. Initially we will be alongside you, instructing and showing you how to manage any reactivity, and if we feel you are managing well, and you feel comfortable, we will gradually increase the distance between us and you, allowing you to see how you will cope with the dog on your own. We will always be watching to ensure you have full control of the dog, and will be ready to step in, if we need to.
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Stage 4: Fostering
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Fostering placements will be discussed when we have seen that you can control the dog.
Prior to arranging a foster placement, one of our volunteers will visit your home and raise any concerns they have about your property, for you to sort before the dog will be allowed out on foster to you.
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Initially the dog will go out on foster for one night, you will return to the rescue centre with the dog, and we will review with you, how well the placement went and discuss any concerns you may have. If we feel the fostering placement went well, and you are happy to continue, arrangements will be made for the dog to go out on foster again for a number of days. The placement will constantly be under review, and we will keep in contact with you to ensure all is going well. We also encourage you to contact us if you have any concerns or need any advice.
Gradually the foster placements will be extended, and on-site reviews will become less frequent.
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Throughout the fostering process, German Shepherd RRR requires the sending of video updates, photos and keeping us up to date as to how things are going at home. We will contact you, but we expect you to contact us any time you have an issue, and you must make us aware of any serious issues immediately.
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Stage 5: Adoption
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Upon successful completion of the fostering stage, you will be invited to the rescue centre to sign adoption documents. Please note that the dog will remain the property and responsibility of German Shepherd RRR, under the guardianship of Raymond Quinn. This means that should you wish to return the dog, or if something should happen to you, that you can no longer care for the dog, you must make contact with German Shepherd RRR.
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If you wish to use a different veterinary practise, than Glenn Veterinary Clinic, you must make German Shepherd RRR aware of this and provide the details of the clinic you wish to use.
Please note that we may obtain information from the vets with regards the wellbeing and welfare of the German Shepherd in your care. Should it be brought to our attention, that the dog you have adopted from us, is being neglected or mistreated, and we find this information to be true, we will always act in the best interests of our dogs, and will remove our dog from your care.