TEMPERAMENT / BEHAVIOR
She's a sweetheart. She's energetic, smart, and eager to please. Her favorite thing in the world is looking up at trees and hoping she sees a squirrel. While she does have some anxiety in new situations or around a lot of stimuli, she calms down and takes her cues from her 'people' in new environments. Outside, she loves to zoom around and sniff everything; inside, she'll chill down when her 'people' are focusing on something else. She's very food motivated, which makes for easy training! She loves to cuddle, and alternates between sticking close to her people and keeping watch around the house. However, she does have that shepherd wilfulness — and if given an inch (because she's cute and she knows it), she'll try to take her mile. ;)
She WILL snag food from the table if given the opportunity. She has a high small prey drive for squirrels in particular; she'll do little lunges for squirrels on leash but will not tear your arm out of its socket. Off leash, she chases squirrels with enthusiasm. She does well with cats. It's unknown how Sasha does with other small animals (chickens, rabbits, etc).

TRAINING
Knows Sit, Lie Down (though she pretends she doesn't), Stay, and Release. Recommend continued training because she's a shepherd and she's wilful. She's housebroken and crate-trained. She can be left alone in her crate, but will cry. Foster has left her alone free-roaming the house; she does not destroy, but she WILL get into food if it is left on an available surface. Has relatively good leash manners. Will occasionally pick a random dog to be reactive towards, but can be redirected by her people to sit, stay, and calm.

OTHER ANIMALS
She seems to do well with other dogs once proper introductions have been made and the other dog is friendly. With other large dogs, her behavior has been mostly submissive and playful. With other smaller dogs, her behavior has been curious and playful, but not so submissive. Recommend introductions and review on a case-by-case basis. On walks, she will mostly ignore other dogs unless approached directly. Will occasionally pick a random dog to be reactive towards, but can be redirected by her people to sit, stay, and calm. She has an incredibly high small prey drive for squirrels in particular; she'll do little lunges for squirrels on leash but will not tear your arm out of its socket. Off leash, she chases squirrels with enthusiasm. She does well with cats. It's unknown how Sasha does with other small animals (chickens, rabbits, etc). 

PEOPLE
Good with women. A little wary of men, but gets over it quick enough. Gentle with babies, may be a risk to small children outside when playing because every so often she gets so excited she'll forget how big she is and "clip" the person she's playing with. We are actively working on this, and she is receptive to being corrected. She barks protectively when meeting strangers in the house for the first time. Foster has been working for her to stay in one area for a minute while talking to the guest, then releases Sasha. Sasha has always approached visitors with friendly intentions following this.

MEDICAL
Up-to-date on all vaccines, has a current rabies tag, is neutered/spayed and has been microchipped. Has no known medical issues.

STOP!! READ THIS BEFORE YOU GO ANY FURTHER!

1. We're picky about our adopters. 
2. Are you sure you're up to having a GSD?  They're not for everyone.  They take a lot of time, effort, training.  They shed year round.  They're big.  They scare lots of people.  They "mouth" and herd.  They're usually strong-willed and stubborn.  You have to have references and a home visit.  If you're not willing or able to deal with any of this, please don't waste your time or ours applying.  
   
3. Will the dog be an inside family pet? We do not adopt to outdoor-only homes. All dogs must be indoor dogs.
4. Do you leave your dog outdoors when you're not home?   We do not adopt to homes that leave their animals outside when they're gone.  You must put your dogs indoors when you're gone.  A 3 yr old adopted MOGS dog died when the owners went to run errands, left her outdoors, the gate was somehow opened, and she was hit by a car.  Tragic and 100% preventable. Even privacy fences get broken into.  Gates are opened.  Thieves steal dogs. Never leave your dog outdoors when you're not home!!
   
5. What's your plan for unexpected events and major changes?  New baby? Divorce?  Moving?   How you will provide for your dog if your family breaks up? 
   
6. Will you make a lifetime commitment?  It's your responsibility to keep your dog safe, loved and cared for FOR LIFE.
7.  Do you understand we expect you to keep that lifetime commitment?  It's YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to stick by your family member -- no matter what.
8. Are you unable or unwilling to make a lifetime commitment? Do not apply.

Have Questions? Email us at mogsrescue@gmail.com