Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
On the subject of rescue dogs, we've applied for a puppy with a local rescue organization. Went and looked at the litter yesterday and the kids fell in love. Thing is, it's at least half German Shepherd, and that makes me a bit leery.
|
If the dog is already in rescue, I think you would be fine. You are more likely to run into problems if the dog wasn't socialized properly, lived as a feral litter, or was abused, rather than something genetic.
Also, how old is the puppy and what age will it be leaving its mom? Some rescues let puppies go at 6 weeks, as soon as they are on puppy food. That is a huge red flag to me. Never get a puppy that someone lets go younger than 8 weeks. That is a critical time to learn proper manners from the mom and litter mates.
Ideally, I think puppies should stay with their moms until 3 months, but that is rarely the case. My one puppy was with her mom until that age, and she was the easiest puppy and is an amazing dog (does pet therapy among other things).