BEAR is a handsome black-and-silver German Shepherd with a thick plush coat and a debonair dash of gray around his muzzle -- and he's looking for a family to love, relax with, and enjoy life with! (We know some of the photos make him look black & tan, but that's just the lighting in the room.)

BACKGROUND
Hi family surrendered him to a shelter, saying it was because of their health.  However, Bear was clearly not well cared for and we suspect the real reason may be Bear's health.  He was very skinny, his coat was in bad shape, he had a major ear infection and was holding his ear down, constantly shaking his head and scratching his ear.  He also iteched all over and had a small patch of missing fur.  A skin scrape was negative for mange, so he was for a yeast infection and recovered well. 

TEMPERAMENT / TRAINING
Bear is a smart boy who will require an experienced handler, preferably one familiar with strong-willed/dominant GSDs. He is even-tempered and very friendly but will still occasionally (in the right situation/circumstance) let you know that he disagrees with your request. He waits his turn patiently to go outside or inside without being pushy. He has proven that he would love to be a “one person” dog if allowed as he has shown a preferance to be a momma's boy. That’s not to say that he doesn’t grow attached to anybody else, as he’s so happy to see any of his foster family when they come into the house that he literally hops like a kangaroo with tail swinging mightily. When there is petting being done, he’s right in the middle of it, and will regularly appear under your arm to check in and get some pets and scratches.

Toy selection absolutely has to be monitored as Bear will destroy soft toys and swallow them in short order if not supervised. Hard chew toys too large to fit inside his mouth are best for him. He will drop and walk away from just about anything that he has, or is interested in (including chew toys), with “drop it”. He will fetch somewhat as long as he’s by himself but if another dog is around he will drop his toy before returning and walk away. He still guards food but will come off of it with “out” and will wait to go to the food. Bear is VERY food motivated, so kibble works for rewards. His foster family has been working with Bear extensivly and his toy guarding is almost gone now. If he’s working on a chew toy and his foster dad approached, he will give a token grumble and allow his foster to sit with him while he chews, and will accept petting. He absolutely loves going on walks and has excellent leash manners.

When Bear came to MOGS he had some issues with marking behavior which appears to have actually been related to age/bladder inelasticity. Watching carefully, his elimination pattern is reminiscent of an old man with prostate issues – frequent urgency and repeated small void volume. His fosters are working on stretching out the times, but for now he needs to be given the opportunity to go out at least every two hours if uncrated. He will easily go 8 hours if crated (he absolutely LOVES his crate and happily runs there and waits when asked) as he sleeps the entire time. He hangs out in his kennel overnight and when his family is out of the house.

 

PEOPLE
Bear can be introduced to new people at home, under supervision.  Protectiveness at home has softened but he’s still on alert with strangers.  Bear will often become excited when new guests visit or there is high activity in the house. He is practicing good manners and works with his fosters and trainers to behave calmly. He has learned a number of techniques to help him! Once calm, allowing sniffing and a couple of head pats, he’ll be anybody’s friend.  Once introduced and he realizes you’ll pet him, he will come to you for attention.

OTHER ANIMALS
Bear is dog selective. He is good with some dogs and is normally fairly passive but will occationally nip other dogs' tails if everyone gets excited and he gets keyed up. Usually, he just watches the other dogs play while standing next to his foster to get scratches. Prey drive has tempered quite a bit and is easily manageable with occasional reinforcement and supvervision. It is recommended that he have full attention and continued training. Bear still wants to chase his foster sibling cat that runs but has little interest in the two that simply sit and look at him.


ENERGY LEVEL
Moderate, a good middle-aged energy.  He’s happy to walk for as long as you want to walk him and doesn’t seem to get tired, but will go off to his kennel or to one of his “places” on his own and nap for hours, multiple times during the day.  He isn’t a big proponent of running, and will only do so in short bursts and only a few times before calling it quits.

HEALTH
Up-to-date on all vaccines, has a current rabies tag, is neutered/spayed and has been microchipped. Both ear infections are clear, all hair loss regrown with a long, silky coat.  There is a clear collar scar now that the hair is normal.  Vet says very healthy, but he will need regular brushing and washing with medicated shampoo to keep his yeast infections at bay.  Tolerates brushing well, but for extended brushing and bathing he requires a muzzle.  Does not mind having ears rubbed and preferes to have his nails trimmed farrier style. 

If you're looking for a stunning and potentially-cuddly German Shepherd,
BEAR could be your new best bud!

BEAR's ADOPTION FEE:   $350
This fee covers only part of what we spend to vet, board and rehab the dogs we save. On average we spend over $450 on each dog. We made a decision to keep our adoption fee at the 2005 level even though vet prices have doubled and tripled since then. We are constantly fundraising to cover the deficit. At minimum, your adoption fee includes the dog's spay/neuter, heartworm test, heartworm treatment if needed, rabies shot, distemper/parvo shot, bordatella shot, deworming, monthly heartworm and flea preventives, and microchip. In many cases it also includes surgery and various types of vet treatment for standard issues such as hot spots, ear infections and so on.


INTERESTED IN ADOPTING BEAR?
Complete an Adoption Application Now!