My name is Fin!

Background: Fin was found on the euthanasia list in a shelter on the Kansas, Oklahoma border. A good samaritan did what was needed to save Fin’s life and adopted him out of the shelter. This person had no intention on keeping Fin but thought he could find him a home with people that will love him. Another good samaritan offered to take Fin to raise him as a family pet. Without the understanding of how much German shepherds cost and the extent of training a young dog needs this samaritan surrenders Fin to MOGS in hopes of finding him the best home. At just 11 months old, Fin is just starting his new life in the care of a foster home where he is learning much needed manners and household rules.

Temperament: Fin is very eager to please. Food is his obsession which probably stems from not eating much as a young pup. He was definitely underweight when he came to his new foster home. He simply can not get enough food and treats, due to this obsession he can be a little selfish and is currently working on taking treats gently. Fin loves and trust his humans and believes they should always be within his line of sight. He is trying very hard to understand why a young boy that likes to play in the mud would need to smell better and having shorter nails would help his puddle jumping abilities but tolerates them without any fuss. Fin is kennel trained and will typically go in without any issue with the word “kennel.” Fin is fully potty trained and does not mess in his kennel, although if he has anything in his kennel (toys, bed) or within reach through the bars he will shred them. Fin for the time being will require an indestructible kennel and not a wire kennel. Fin is the kind of boy that likes to deconstruct any toy, and sometimes a pair of shoes or a flower bed if given the opportunity. He is still making huge gains on what is chew worthy and what is not. Mostly his chew on everything demeanor comes out of boredom and separation anxiety. He is currently being kenneled at night in a separate room to break his habit of crying for 30 minutes after bedtime. Although, he has spent a night or two outside the kennel and sleeps through the night if his bed is next to his favorite person. To alleviate his separation anxiety Fin would do best in a home with another dog to teach him the ropes and play as fast and hard as he does. Fin currently resides with 5 other German shepherd in his foster home. Even though he is the youngest in the pack he is still trying to figure out where he belongs in the hierarchy. He does not mess with the 2 female alphas and plays all day with 2 of the submissives. Fin enjoys going for walks and does extremely well walking with a prong collar. Fin is so very lovable, if he can get into your lap thats where he is going to be. Fin enjoys car rides and sleeps the majority of the time with the occasional wet willy appreciation to the driver.

People: Fin doesn’t know a stranger. He loves all humans regardless of size. He is a typical young bull in a china shop German shepherd with a bull whip tail. For this reason, Fin will need supervision around children and the elderly so he doesn’t knock anyone down. Fin will bark and jump when first meeting a new stranger, he is working so hard on containing his excitement so he can earn more yummy treats.

Other Animals: Fin has only been dogs similar in size and is very good around them. Fin wants to play all day, and hopes to always have another dog around with the same high energy like him. Because of his size and big (sometimes high pitched squeaky) bark he can be intimidating to other dogs. Fin needs slow introductions to new dogs because he wants them to know this is his house and will try to establish rank. Once he realizes the other dog is not a threat to him he will start playing instantly.

Fin has been around cats and previously lived with cats and has seen squirrels in the backyard without a care if they are around. He typically ignores anything that isn’t willing to play with him. Fin is incredibly smart and can unlock most gates if it means getting closer to his humans or another doggy friend.

Training: Fin will need constant leadership and consistency. He is very treat motivated which has made training easier. Fin loves to please his humans; he will do anything for the people he loves. Fin also knows “sit”, “down” “come” “off (for redirection)”, “heel” and “wait” and has been currently working on “free” to eat his meal and exit his kennel and all doors. Fin will need continued training and good leadership as he learns rules, boundaries, acceptable behaviors and adapts to his new environment. Fin has demonstrated some sly tendencies, when not supervised he likes to gobble up other dogs’ food as fast as possible before getting caught.

Medical: Fin is up to date on all his shots and has already been neutered.

Summary: Fin is a super loving dog who appreciates any signs of affection or food. If your looking for a very handsome boy to shadow your every move, Fin is up for the job. Fin might have had a rough start to life but he is the sweetest young boy you could ever get to know. He is very comfortable being in a kennel and prefers to always be very close to his humans. Fin is not destructive in the home except maybe a shoe or two, and always tail pounding excited to see his people when they get home. He is quick to learn anything you want to teach him. It will be especially important for Fin to get adequate daily exercise. It is important to note it takes time for any dog to adjust to a new family, environment and rules, decompression period may last a few weeks to a few months. Also, adopters should supervise and redirect good behaviors during this time. Fin will make a wonderful new addition to future adopter(s) home.

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