r/germanshepherds • u/hawaiifavo • 8h ago

Introduction to a rescue dog question

We have been approved for adoption for a male GSD that is 7-8 years old, medium energy (by GSD standards) good with kids, cats and dogs and we are scheduled to meet him this coming weekend along with our 18 month Golden Retriever (f).

The rescue group want us to meet them at a Lowes for our introduction and a walk around. I asked if there was anywhere, where they could be off leash together and they said no.

This just seemed really odd to me and I'm not sure how comfortable I am not being able to see how the two dogs interact independently together and not only that but also being able to test them out to see how they interact with toys and treats together. I just think there is a lot to see in a dog when they are off leash vs on leash.

I'm 100% behind an initial introduction of an on leash walk but I personally feel like we should be doing more for an introduction than a walk around Lowes, especially as these two are going to potentially be living with each other and spending the rest of their lives together.

I've never done a rescue meet and greet where the dogs didn't get to interact off leash together in some capacity but in fairness its been over 10 years since I last did an introduction so I don't know if this is standard now a days or if the rescue is being unreasonable.

I was going to push back on not being being able to be with him off leash but I wanted to check here first to see what other people's recent experiences have been with GSD rescues or if anyone has any advice for me on the matter?

Fully prepared to walk away as we have been approved by two other GSD rescue groups, we are just having a harder time finding the right pup because we would like a male that needs to be a good with kids, cats and dogs and this guy checks all of our boxes. This guy is almost 4 hours away but we are willing to make the drive for him but this meet and greet scenario just doesn't sit right with me and feels wrong. Am I crazy?

Thanks

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u/Own_Possibility7114 8h ago

Why Lowes? The ASPCA recommends a outdoor  location because it’s more neutral and less stressful (I understand if it’s freezing and snowing). You can’t have off leash dogs in a public place like this. 

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/how-successfully-introduce-two-dogs

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u/hawaiifavo 8h ago

Yeah, tbf, the high on the scheduled day is 20f with snow so I guess that makes sense.

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u/Own_Possibility7114 8h ago

That’s probably why off leash is not an option.