At Sauver Des Chiens German Shepherd Rescue, we’re not your average animal rescue—we’re uniquely dedicated to the remarkable and noble breed, the German Shepherd! 🐕🦺💙
Why German Shepherds, you might ask? These magnificent creatures possess an unparalleled combination of intelligence, loyalty and versatility. Their unique qualities make for beloved family members, loyal companions, invaluable working partners for law enforcement and essential service animals for veterans. Even with their amazing qualities, we, and so many other rescues and shelters, are finding this breed often dumped along the highway, left at shelters by tying pups to the shelter door or night drop off, so when the morning shelter workers come to work they find a poor dog thrown away like garbage. Another issue is owner surrenders to rescues by abandoning, neglect, or simply because their families is unable to care for them when they find out this breed needs more than just a back yard.
Texas and California both have long histories with massive German Shepherd dumping issues and in recent months, Louisiana, and neighboring southern states, have seen a sharp increase with breed dumping in secluded areas. In all of my years advocating for German Shepherds, I have come across dumping, confiscation due to abuse and neglect, and owner surrenders all too often. Often, a family wants a cute police puppy, but they fail to understand the true nature and unique needs required for this breed to ensure for a harmonious companionship.
As passionate advocates for German Shepherds, we’ve made it our mission to provide this extraordinary breed with the second chance they deserve. Our dedicated volunteers and community of German Shepherd lovers work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome German Shepherds in need, ensuring that each dog receives the love, care, and attention they require to thrive.
What sets us apart from general animal rescues is our specialized knowledge and understanding of the German Shepherd breed. We recognize their unique characteristics, temperament, and specific needs, allowing us to tailor our approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for each dog we help rescue.
Whether it’s providing medical care, behavioral training, or simply a safe haven, we are committed to going above and beyond to give every German Shepherd and Shepherd mixes in our care the opportunity for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
But our work doesn’t stop there. We’re also passionate about education and advocacy, striving to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership, breed-specific traits and characteristics, and the importance of adoption through rescues. By sharing our knowledge and love for German Shepherds, we hope to inspire others to open their hearts and homes to these incredible dogs.
Not only do we rescue and rehabilitate, we also prepare our pups for a bright future through an amazing network of fosters, volunteers and training partners.
We love talking anything German Shepherd, so let us share some information to spread education and advocacy.
Embrace Education
Whether fostering or adopting, human education is essential for this breed to thrive. German Shepherds are not your typical breed. They’re head strong, intelligent, versatile, and make excellent companions among so many other fantastic qualities. However, with all of the great qualities also comes unique challenges that not everyone can handle. We see so many caring humans that have the best of intentions, but ensuring you really know the true uniqueness of the German Shepherd breed is key to providing an environment for them to thrive.
Here are some research topics to further or begin your knowledge about the breed:
1. Understanding their traits and characteristics: German Shepherds have specific characteristics, traits and needs, including exercise requirements, socialization needs, and potential health issues.
So where does one start with this breed? Well establishing that you, human leader, are the alpha or pack leader is so important from Day One. German Shepherds are amazingly intelligent, but they need to be put in their place. If they know you’re a pushover (and they can smell it AND see it!), more times than not you will be literally railroaded by your new foster or furever companion. Think about how a child maneuvers and tests his/her parents or grandparents. They find out which parent or grandparent is the leader (or the disciplinarian) and who will allow the child to get away with just about anything. Well, this is also true for the German Shepherd. You need to be a leader to your German Shepherd.
Now, don’t be discouraged by the need to lead. You’ll be happy to know that establishing your dominance isn’t hard, and their intelligence isn’t inherently menacing, they just need to be put in their place. In fact, the intelligence factor makes this breed one of the most easy to train at any age and believe me, they are so eager to please their humans!
2. Training and socialization: Fosters and owners need to know and understand the need for training and socializing German Shepherds properly and effectively due to their intelligence and protective instincts.
It must be said that unless you are familiar with this breed we highly recommend consulting with a professional trainer that is familiar with German Shepherds. Not all trainers are familiar with the breed. So make sure to ask about specific breed experience when interviewing potential trainers. Sure, there are basic commands you can start with, like sit or stay, but it must be emphasized to fosters and adopters that getting help from a professional trainer, even if just initially, is imperative.
Just because we love this breed, does not mean as fosters and owners that we know it all. I can tell you that I am always researching various breed related topics and learning new things from my fellow volunteers and owners.
Also, and this is important, you must also invest in the training. This means you have to help more than just financially. Leaving a trainer, never to practice the skills at home is so counterproductive and actually can cause more harm. Think about this, when a teacher gives a student homework, it’s not to torment the students or parents, it’s to ensure that practice makes perfect! To ensure the newly learned skills are maintained. So, as your pups favorite person, help facilitate their new skills while in the comforts of home.
Training not only provides structure and obedience, but it’s also the most perfect bonding opportunity. Bonding makes this breed the most loyal and loving companions.
3. Health considerations: Learning about health issues more common with German Shepherds can help fosters and owners be proactive in their care.
I’m sure you have heard that German Shepherds are prone to issues like Hip Dysplasia and other Osteoarthritis issues, Gastric issues, Allergies, and did you know Behavioral issues are categorized as a health issue. Many of the common health issues associated with this breed occur more frequently in pups that are victim to unethical breeding practices and/or exposed to abuse and neglect, but don’t think that traumatic pasts and/or victims of unethical breeding practices can’t be helped! You can still help mitigate issues by being proactive.
Here’s an example of what it means to be proactive…
Let’s say you just adopted from a rescue or started fostering a 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. You may not have all of the details related to the puppy’s past or its mother’s past, but you do know the puppy came from what we call “backyard breeders” or unethical breeders. These are breeders have little to no concern for the well-being of the mother or puppies. They do not perform genetic health tests, like ethical breeders, rather the breeder’s motivation is solely for financial gain hoping that potential adopters aren’t very savvy about the breed or how to tell if ethical breeding is being practiced. So, even though the information you have is limited, it’s still enough to know that your puppy may be more susceptible to Osteoarthritis issues, specifically in the hips and elbows.
So how can YOU be proactive in this situation? It’s easy! When you and puppy go for that much needed walk, allowing the velociraptor energy to release, be more conscious about finding softer surfaces like sand or grass to let the puppy run and play.
How can softer surfaces can aid in a puppies growth?
- Reduced impact: Soft surfaces like grass or sand lessen the impact on the puppy’s joints and growing bones, minimizing the risk of stress-related injuries.
- Muscle development: Walking on softer surfaces engages stabilizing muscles as the puppy adjusts to the varying terrain, promoting balanced muscle development.
- Joint health: Soft surfaces can help in the gradual strengthening of joints, potentially reducing the risk of joint issues as the puppy grows.
- Coordination and balance: Negotiating softer surfaces challenges a puppy’s coordination and balance, supporting overall physical development.
4. Meeting their needs: Being knowledgeable about the breed helps fosters and owners provide an environment that meets the physical, mental, and emotional needs of their German Shepherd. Ultimately, educating oneself about the German Shepherd breed helps ensure responsible fostering and ownership, as well as a harmonious relationship between foster/owners and the dog.
German Shepherd specific needs that are important to be familiar with:
- Exercise: German Shepherds are active and energetic, which requires regular exercise, both mentally and physically to stay healthy and prevent boredom-related behaviors, like destroying shoes and incessant barking or other neurotic and destructive behaviors. Energy releasing activities, such as daily walks or even a 30 minute “fetch” session, is essential.
- Mental Stimulation: German Shepherds are highly intelligent and thrive on mental challenges. Training sessions, music therapy, obedience training, and interactive toys and games can help stimulate their minds and prevent behavioral issues. Examples of interactive toys and games include snuffle mats, dog puzzles, slow feeders (they’re not just for fast eaters!), and other enrichment games. Just search the internet for “mental enrichment for German Shepherds.” There are even DIY enrichment activities, just search Pinterest! Also, check out our previous blog about the benefits of music therapy.
- Socialization: Proper socialization is crucial for German Shepherds to ensure they are well-adjusted and friendly towards people and other animals. Exposing them to various environments, sounds, and experiences can help prevent fearfulness and aggression. Proper socialization is especially important for your pup to know that there is life outside of just you. You can still be their favorite person, but allow your pup to have a meet and greet with people and new furry friends.
- Nutrition: Providing a balanced diet tailored to their age, size, and activity level is important for maintaining their health and vitality. The right diet is also important to help mitigate health issues, such as gastric issues and skin allergies. A consultation with a veterinarian can help determine the best dietary plan for individual dogs and even a breed specific trainer can help with recommendations for their dietary needs.
- Grooming: Have you ever heard of the term “German Shedder”? Watching fur tumbleweeds migrate to every crevice of your home is not ideal for any foster or owner. But, we must understand the German Shepherd coat. They have a double coat that sheds year-round and requires regular grooming to minimize shedding and prevent matting. Brush their coat with an undercoat rake or slicker brush a few times a week. Also, occasional baths, and I mean OCCASSIONAL. German Shepherds should never be given monthly baths….unless of course you have a rambunctious mud goblin. Again, understanding their coat is VITAL! Of course, lets not forget, nail trimming should be done often to keep comfortable.
- IMPORTANT !!!NEVER SHAVE A GERMAN SHEPHERD’S COAT!!!!! You are not doing them any favors, rather it can be harmful to a pup’s ability to regulate their body temperature . A German Shepherd’s double coat actually provides them with unique relief in the summer months.
- Healthcare: Be proactive with regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care, which is essential to ensure they remain healthy and free from diseases or parasites. Additionally, prompt attention to any health concerns or injuries is crucial for their well-being. Know your pup, pay attention, and relay information to your pups veterinary team!
- Affection and Companionship: German Shepherds are loyal and affectionate companions who thrive on human interaction and bond closely with their people. Spending quality time together, offering physical affection, and providing opportunities for social interactions are important for their emotional well-being. I probably have more conversations with my German Shepherd than I do with any person. Meeting these needs, can help German Shepherds lead fulfilling lives as cherished members of the family.
Advocacy Essentials
Be a voice for the voiceless! Don’t allow negative stereotypes to plague this magnificent breed. Speak out loud and proud!
How We Promote Advocacy for German Shepherds:
1. Education: Again, providing information through education, regarding the breed’s characteristics, needs, and potential challenges to potential fosters, owners, and the public is the most impactful way to shed misconceptions.
2. Breed Specific Adoption support: Advocating for the adoption of German Shepherds from breed specific rescues, as well as supporting breed specific organizations dedicated to their welfare. Breed specific organizations know the breed they rescue and advocate for because it’s truly a passion. Adopt don’t shop!
3. Breed-specific legislation (BSL): What is this? Well, in a nut shell it’s rules that target specific breeds that the law considers “dangerous, vicious and/or a menace to the public.” Our German Shepherd breed being one of those targeted breeds, which if you have spent considerable time with a rescued German Shepherd, especially, you know these categorizations are so far from the truth. Are there breeds that are inherently more protective, Yes. Are there breeds that need more mental stimulation and activity, You bet! But, this is why it is so important that people educate themselves before adopting. Every dog is not for every family. Put a dog in an abusive environment, you’ll get a bad dog. Put a dog in a loving home with a family that allows them be the breed they were born to be while helping to facilitate positive environments, you’ll get a best friend.
Currently, there are only 11 states that do not have Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL). However, 22 states have BSL enforcement, but it could be for certain municipalities rather than an entire state. For instance, in Crowley, Louisiana the local ordinance indicates that German Shepherds, specifically named, are “declared to be dangerous or vicious by virtue of their predominate characteristics and represent a real and eminent danger to the public health and safety of person and property…” Most of the breeds specifically named in Crowley’s ordinance are not actually inherently dangerous or aggressive. In White Castle, Louisiana, local ordinances require owners to obtain a permit to own a German Shepherd, and other noted breeds, because, again, the breed is categorized as inherently aggressive and/or could present as a nuisance or hazard to the public. In Texas, the town of Childress will not allow adoptions of any breed considered “dangerous or aggressive” and you guessed it…German Shepherds are sadly slapped with that consideration.
To find out more information about anti-dog breed-specific legislation (BSL) in your state, visit: https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/anti-dog-breed-specific-legislation-state
So how can you advocate to dispel the myths and stereotypes associated with our German Shepherds? First, find out if you’re in a BSL state or town or county/parish, then participate in discussions and advocacy efforts with your local city, county or parish council to ensure fair treatment of German Shepherds in laws and regulations. Next, educate, educate, educate. Discuss issues related to unethical breeding practices and how these practices need more regulation, because these breeders are a major part of the big problem that has lead to the stereotypes long associated with the breed. How I advocate for our beloved breed is by taking my German Shepherd with me to outdoor, dog friendly, restaurants, bars, parks, and festivals to showcase her breed-specific amazing qualities, like loyalty and intelligence. I also use social media to provide facts about the breed and what to expect when considering a German Shepherd to foster and/or as a furever companion. I do what I can to showcase the breed as the canine marvel they truly are in all ways.
4. Other Resources and support: Sauver Des Chiens is known for preparing our pups for their future furever homes by providing support and guidance to our phenomenal foster families! Also, our rescue alumni and their adopters are family to us. Even after adoption, our volunteers, having years of experience with German Shepherds, will gladly help guide our adopters to ensure all roads lead to success. It’s truly our pleasure to share information that would be helpful to the German Shepherd family unit. We can also assist with providing recommendations for breed resources, including training, health care, and responsible ownership guidance.
When you see us at events, not only are we showing off our amazing adoptable pups, but we are also spreading awareness through education and advocacy.
One of our missions is ensuring the current and future well-being of our beloved breed thrives through advocacy and education via responsible fostering and ownership, because ultimately everything we do leads to a positive reputation for the breed.
So, if you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family or looking to support a cause that’s close to your heart, we invite you to join us in our mission for breed advocacy, rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of German Shepherds in need. Together, we can make a difference—one paw at a time. 🐾💕
Join our family of adopters by checking out our amazing pups looking for their furever home: https://sauverdeschiens.org/adopt/available/
Maybe you’re interested in joining us as a volunteer! Please send us your information: https://sauverdeschiens.org/volunteer
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