Turk German Shepherd Dog Watertown, SD

Application online at http://www.sarahstreasuresrescue.net or email sarahstreasures@hotmail.com for additional information

Turk is approximately 5 years old and a purebred German Shepherd. He was surrendered to our rescue because his owners were not prepared for the time, exercise, and leadership a German Shepherd Dog requires. Turk weighs approximately 85-90 pounds.

Turk has been vet checked, fully vaccinated, neutered, heartworm tested negative, microchipped and is started on his flea/tick/heartworm preventatives. Turk also has a Tatoo in his right ear.

Turk has been introduced to dogs of all sizes and temperaments. Turk does fairly well, however, he is the dominant one and wants to be the center of attention. Turk enjoys running and playing but he is clutzy and sometimes proves too much for the smaller dogs. He will also push other dogs away to ensure that he gets the attention -- his foster home is currently working on this, but it will be an ongoing process. Turk has also been introduced to cats and is tolerant. Again, he will push the cats away so he gets all of the attention. We feel Turk would be best as an only dog, or with a female companion his size. We feel he would be tolerant of cats.

Turk is pretty well mannered when meeting people, however, due to his up bringing he needs ongoing socialization and training. He can be very intimidating when meeting people and is not afraid to push those buttons. Turk needs firm leadership and guidance. He is very focused upon the person he attaches too and he becomes fiercley loyal and protective. Turk requires someone with experience and leadership. Without this, Turk becomes a very nervous and anxious dog. Turk needs to also understand that all people are above him and he must respect them. Turk has been around children, but due to his personality and ongoing training needs, we requrie he go to a home with children 16+years.

Turk is extremely smart and loves to please, but he can also be stubborn and independent. Turk knows his basic commands - come, sit, down, stay. He also walks pretty well on the leash, but he is still working on his loose leash walking skills. Turk has a HIGH Energy level - he could run all day if you were to join him! Turk loves to play fetch and we have started him on agility training and he's been doing very well. Turk needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Turk is not the dog that is content to run around outside by himself and wear himself out -- he wants you to join him and do what you're doing. Turk could excell at a number of dog sports and it would give him a job to do.

Turk is kennel trained and belived to be house trained. He is not destructive in the home when left alone. Turk is currently not left alone for long periods of time and he seems to greatly enjoy this. The longest he is alone is 4-5 hours a day. Turk would also prefer a lady owner - he greatly prefers ladies to men - he is not disobedient or mean about it, but given the choice, he will always pick a lady to listen to.

Turk requires an experienced owner. The minimum age to adopt Turk is 21 years. Turk is also required to be an inside dog - no inside/outside kennels, no left outside unsupervised, no outside homes. Turk requires a contract requiring you to complete a formal obedience class with him. Also, be prepared to provide proof that your homeowner's insurance allows this breed of dog.