Top 10 Excuses Used When German Shepherds Lose Their Homes

1	Dog got too big
	This one sounds ridiculous, but we hear it all the time!  People adopt a cute German Shepherd puppy that weighs around 15-20 pounds, then seem surprised that this large-breed dog grows to be 60 to 100 pounds or more!
	Solution:  If you don't want a large and active dog, please look at another breed.  Although German Shepherd puppies are very cute and little, it is much more difficult to find someone to adopt them once they become young adults.  There are plenty of small-breed dogs and puppies who need to find homes, too!
2	Dog is eating too much / Dog is too expensive
	Owning a dog is expensive.  They require food, supplies, training, medication, and regular veterinary care.  This all adds up, and it is estimated that the average dog costs around $800-$1200 per year to own.  And that estimate assumes that your dog does not become sick or injured.  The costs of owning a dog can go way up if the animal has any sort of medical or behavioral problem that must be attended to.
	Solution:  Please be sure that you are prepared to take on the financial responsibility for the dog that you adopt for the next 10-15 years.  If you are concerned about your ability to pay for the dog's care for his or her lifetime, wait until your situation changes before you take on this responsibility.
3	No one has time for the dog any more
	This is also a common complaint -- when the dog was new, everyone in the family loved to spend time with him or her.  As the novelty wore off, the family started spending more and more time doing other activities.  Jobs change, and the hours that we spend at work seem to get longer and longer.  Children go off to college, leaving the family pet behind, then suddenly the loyal dog is unwanted.
	Solution:  Make time in your busy schedule to give your four-legged family members some of your valuable attention.  Get up an extra 20 minutes early in the morning to take your dog on a quick walk or to throw the ball for him or her to chase.  It will be good for both of you!  As your dog becomes older, he or she will require less of your time, and will be content to spend time with you around the house.  They don't ask for much -- just your love.
4	Dog's owner died or ended up in a long-term nursing facility
	This is a sad situation, but it happens all of the time.  There are even rescue groups specifically devoted to helping companion animals whose owners have died or become incapable of caring for their beloved pets.
	Solution:  Make arrangements in your will for a trusted friend or family member to care for your pets in the event of your death or if you were to end up in a nursing home.  Set aside money for your pet's guardian so that it will not be a financial burden.  Be sure that the conditions of your will instruct the animal's caretaker how the animal is to be treated. If you are a senior citizen and considering adopting a new pet into your life, please do not adopt a puppy!  A puppy will be a tremendous amout of work, and the chances are higher that your dog will outlive you.  Think about taking a senior dog into your home.
5	Family members have developed allergies to the dog
	Developing allergies should not force you to give up the family dog, but many people don't even try to find a way to solve the problem.
	Solution:  See your physician to find out exactly what you are allergic to, and what prescription and over-the-counter medications can be used to treat the symptoms.  Get an air filter for your home.  Vacuum your home often.  Close the door to the bedrooms of the family members with allergies to keep the pets out. Keep your pets well groomed.  Most people are allergic to pet dander, not pet hair.  Regular bathing and brushing of your dog's coat will help to reduce the dander.  Brush your dogs outside the house.  Restrict the dog's access to bedrooms of allergic family members.  Get your dog on a good diet, and include products with vitamins and minerals that help to keep the dog's coat shiny.  You can buy these products at any pet supply store. If you already know that you have allergies to pet dander and are considering adopting a dog, look into breeds that are less likely to create allergens in the environment, such as the Bichon Frise or Standard Poodle.
6	There is a new baby on the way
	Out with the old, in with the new.  This one is so sad.  Young couples starting their human family often "dump" their previously-cherished animal family members as their attention switches to caring for a new baby.  We often hear that a dog is being given up because he or she jumps up on the owners and is too rough for a pregnant mother.
	Solution:  Companion animals are important family members, too.  They should not be discarded as your family grows, the same way that you would not abandon one of your older children when you are expecting a baby. Train your dog not to play roughly, and not to jump up on people.  If your dog is well behaved, you won't have a problem with him or her being too active for you when you are expecting a child. Some dogs are great with children, while others may need a little more assurance when the baby arrives.  NEVER leave any child alone, unattended with any dog.  You dog will need to get used to the baby -- his smell, his cries, his presence in the household.  Give your dog some time to learn that this new baby is part of his or her "pack".  There are several wonderful books devoted specifically to this topic!  Check this one out:
7	Divorce
	When a couple is divorcing, the family dog often suffers the biggest loss -- the loss of his or her life!  We don't understand this one, since the dog formerly had two people that cared about him or her, but suddenly no one cared!  Often the sale of a home forces both people to move into smaller accommodations or rental situations.  Other times, a divorced spouse finds a new partner who is not fond of animals, who has animals of his or her own that do not get along with others, or who has some other problem with pets in the home such as allergies or children who are not used to large dogs.
	Solution:  Before bringing an animal into your family, be sure that it will be provided for regardless of changes in your home situation.  You wouldn't give up your children due to these changes in circumstance, and a family dog deserves the same consideration.  A companion animal is a lifetime commitment, even if your life changes.
8	Medical problem(s)
	Every dog will encounter medical problems during their lifetime.  Veterinary care can be very expensive.  A routine office visit alone will cost $30 to $50 or more. In addition to the cost, some dogs will require regular medical treatment from their owners.  Giving your dog daily pills, applying eye and ear drops, adding medication to their meals, and adjusting your schedule to meet your dog's medical needs are just a few common situations.
	Solution:  Consider purchasing medical insurance for your dog.  You will have a monthly premium to pay, but the insurance may cover any major medical emergencies.  Check the policy carefully to be sure that there are no unexpected exclusions. Seek financial help from family members, friends, and humane organizations that offer financial aid for pets.  Consider charging the cost on a credit card, or working out a payment arrangement with your veterinarian (or another veterinarian) so that your family member can receive the medical care it needs.
9	Behavioral problem(s)
	Although most people won't admit it, we feel that many of the dogs that end up in shelters and in rescue groups are there because their owners "gave up" trying to correct a behavioral problem.  They usually blame it on the dog, feeling that the dog should have been smart enough to overcome the problem.
	Solution:  Correcting behavioral problems is the responsibility of the dog's owner -- YOU!  When you adopted this animal, you committed to work through any problems -- big or small.  It is your responsibility to help your dog to learn to be a good family member. Start by trying to understand the problem from your dog's point of view.  Do some research on the internet and in books to see what you can learn about why your dog is behaving in this way.  Seek out professional help from trainers and behaviorists.  Consult your veterinarian to find out if the problem may be caused or aggravated by a medical problem.  Do not give up!  All dogs have an innate desire to please "their person".  You need to be the one to help your dog do this.
10	Moving to a place that will not allow pets
	By far, the number one reason that dogs lose their homes is because their owners are moving.  Many renters find themselves looking for a new place to live, and are faced with the difficulty of finding a rental property that will allow them to keep a large-breed dog.  Although this is not easy, you can find a place to live if you are willing to look hard enough.
	Solution:  Keep searching until you find a place that will allow you to keep your pets!  Where you elect to live is 100% within your control! Find a realtor in the area who handles rental properties.  Expand your search area to include cities that may have more rentals available to pet owners.  Search the newspapers and the internet for resources that will help you to find what you are looking for.  Click here for a list of online resources that will help you to find a pet-friendly rental.  In some cases, expect to pay a fee for this service. Offer landlords a "pet deposit" that can be applied to repair any damage done by your pet.  Introduce your pet to the landlord so that they can feel comfortable with allowing your pet on his or her property.  Create a "resume" for your pet that details its training, good traits, background, etc., and submit this to your prospective landlord.  Provide references who will attest to your dog's positive qualities. If you must move before finding a suitable rental, find a friend, family member, or co-worker who might be able to "foster" your pets while you continue your search.  Failing that, find a boarding facility that will give you a discount for an extended-stay, and board your pet until you find housing.  The amount that you spend to keep your animals safe during this time of transition will be well worth it! Do not move into a property that doesn't allow pets and expect that your landlord will "change his mind", or overlook your dog!  All too often, we get calls from people who have been given 24 hours to "get rid of" their dogs!  Please do not put yourself or your pets into this position!  Keep looking until you find suitable housing that meets the needs of ALL of your family members -- two-legged and four-legged alike!