Stage 1: Bonding
The first stage of the rehoming programme will involve you getting to know the dog you have been assigned, and the dog getting to know you. These sessions will take place under direct supervision, in our field. Your interactions with the dog and their interactions with you, will continually be assessed. It is strongly advised that you bring high reward treats with you, such as chicken, to help the dog associate you with nice things. You will also be encouraged to play and get hands on with the dog. After a number of successful bonding sessions, you will move on to the next stage of the programme.
Stage 2: Field Work
Field work will initially take place under direct supervision, and again your interactions with the dog, and their interactions with you, will constantly be assessed. During this time, you must listen to the guidance and direction of our trainers, as failure to do so will result inthe termination of your rehoming programme.
You will be asked to walk the dog around the field and to work on basic commands, such as sit, stay, heel etc. Some dogs are required to wear a big dog styles head collar, and initially they will not enjoy wearing this collar and will try anything to remove it, however you will be shown how you use the head collar, and what you should do if the dog attempts to remove it.
Upon successful field work sessions under supervision, GSRRR will gradually reduce the amount of supervision to enable you to work alone with the dog, putting into practise all you have been shown, helping to strengthen the bond between you and the dog. GSRRR trainers will always be nearby, and will observe from a distance, but this step is primarily to allow us to see how you cope with the dog without our guidance and instruction. We will also bring other dogs and people into the field, in preparation for how you would handle the dog in a working environment. Should this stage be successful, you will then move on to our next stage, which will see you leave the confines and security of the rescue centre.
Stage 3: Working Environment
The working environment stage is one of the most important parts of our programme, as it allows us and you to see how well you can manage the dog you have been assigned, in an everyday situation.
Many of the dogs that are with us, have been surrendered because of their reactivity, towards people, traffic, dogs and other animals. We introduce our dogs to the working environment prior to the dog becoming involved in the rehoming programme, so we know how they will react and will be able to instruct you how to redirect their behaviour, if needs be.
This stage may be overwhelming for some people, especially if the dog they are working with is very reactive, but please note, we are not setting you up to fail. We are not there to judge the dog'sbehaviour, but rather to see how well you can manage that behaviour. We will guide you through this stage and will be a constant support to you. However, you must listen to our instructions and be prepared to work.
This stage again, will constantly be assessed and will consist of numerous sessions outside the rescue centre. Initially we will be alongside you, instructing and showing you how to manage any reactivity, and if we feel you are managing well, and you feel comfortable, we will gradually increase the distance between us and you, allowing you to see how you will cope with the dog on your own. We will always be watching to ensure you have full control of the dog, and will be ready to step in, if we need to.
Stage 4: Fostering
Fostering placements will be discussed when we have seen that you can control the dog.
Prior to arranging a foster placement, one of our volunteers will visit your home and raise any concerns they have about your property, for you to sort before the dog will be allowed out on foster to you.
Initially the dog will go out on foster for one night, you will return to the rescue centre with the dog, and we will review with you, how well the placement went and discuss any concerns you may have. If we feel the fostering placement went well, and you are happy to continue, arrangements will be made for the dog to go out on foster again for a number of days. The placement will constantly be under review, and we will keep in contact with you to ensure all is going well. We also encourage you to contact us if you have any concerns or need any advice.
Gradually the foster placements will be extended, and on-site reviews will become less frequent.
Throughout the fostering process, German Shepherd RRR requires the sending of video updates, photos and keeping us up to date as to how things are going at home. We will contact you, but we expect you to contact us any time you have an issue, and you must make us aware of any serious issues immediately.
Stage 5: Adoption
Upon successful completion of the fostering stage, you will be invited to the rescue centre to sign adoption documents. Please note that the dog will remain the property and responsibility of German Shepherd RRR, under the guardianship of Raymond Quinn. This means that should you wish to return the dog, or if something should happen to you, that you can no longer care for the dog, you must make contact with German Shepherd RRR.
If you wish to use a different veterinary practise, than Glenn Veterinary Clinic, you must make German Shepherd RRR aware of this and provide the details of the clinic you wish to use.
Please note that we may obtain information from the vets with regards the wellbeing and welfare of the German Shepherd in your care. Should it be brought to our attention, that the dog you have adopted from us, is being neglected or mistreated, and we find this information to be true, we will always act in the best interests of our dogs, and will remove our dog from your care.
