There's a lot to learn when you have a new pet. Our sister brand, The Wildest, is here to support you—with new pet checklists, virtual training, and expert guides. Sign up for free.
"Dutch" is an approx 80-lb, 4-yo neutered male GSD mix who is calm, strong and cuddly. Dutch is very bonded with the 2-yo female GSD ("Val") who he lives with, so I am seeking a home for Dutch that will keep him & Val together. (See Val's adoption profile elsewhere on this site.)
Dutch is very friendly with people, both at home and away. He alarm-barks when a stranger is at the door but otherwise is not a very assertive watch dog. Dutch is easy-going and great with young children; he takes treats gently from hand.
Dutch is very good with other dogs, including little dogs, though he can be a little choosy with other male dogs—especially if Val is around as he tends to protect her. Dutch was great with the other dogs he met at GSRSV’s rescue ranch back in February (See elsewhere on this site for a video), and he had no issues at all w/ the other male dogs. Dutch is good when visiting a dog park.
Dutch has not been around cats since his former person (Jennifer) adopted him two years ago. Though in my opinion Dutch has the right temperament to be OK w/ cats, I will give preference to a home without cats as there is still some risk placing Dutch & Val in a home with cats.
Dutch is housetrained and calm inside. Though he has not received any formal obedience training since Jennifer adopted him, he is quite well-behaved overall. Dutch used to stay outside when his people were gone for more than an hour, but was otherwise allowed inside. He used to sleep on his own bed in Jennifer’s room.
Dutch tends to pull on the leash when first setting out on a walk, so he can use some work in this area. He also tends to bark at large dogs while walking on leash but not so intensely as to create a problem. Dutch loves to go for rides in the car and is a polite passenger.
Dutch loves to play fetch with tennis balls or his favorite rubber-like "brick." He also likes to carry his food bowl around! He is not a fan of water.
Jennifer adopted both Dutch & Val from the Stanislaus County animal shelter in April 2019. She had gone to the shelter to adopt just Dutch, but when she saw Val—very thin and shut down--she just had to adopt her, too.
Jennifer really loved Dutch & Val but was experiencing serious mobility issues and was not able to walk both dogs together. Further, her fragile, elderly father was preparing to move in with her and the two young, active dogs posed a physical risk to him.
GSRSV rehomed Dutch & Val for Jennifer w/ a woman (Elena) on 2-28-21. Elena also loved Dutch & Val but discovered that her daughter was extremely allergic to the two dogs. She tried several remedies but ultimately had to return the dogs. GSRSV took them in on 5-22-21.
Dutch MUST be adopted with Val. Their adoption fee together is $400.
