Old Retired Police German Shepherd Dog watching K9 movie

[marimar11211]

I bet he was a wonderful dog. RIP

[ThisIsNotSharyn]

Is it hard to keep these dogs from reacting to things that they have been trained to do? Like...if you went down the road with the dog and someone was running or something, would it run after them?

Would he still protect you if somebody attacked you?

Are you able to rename a retired K-9 if you adopt one?

[wolfmoongirl]

@ThisIsNotSharyn To answer your questions (1) It is hard to keep these dogs from reacting to things they were trained to do as much as it is for us to give up something we love. Physically they can't react like they used so they are easier to control, but whoever has them in retirement must understand fully the training these dogs had and what drives them. (2) they can't jump as high or bite as hard, but a retired K9 will react to protect you with the last breath in their body. (3) why rename?

[ThisIsNotSharyn]

@wolfmoongirl I just feel like...if you don't name it yourself, it's not "yours," you know? Just seems like you're taking care of another's animal.

I don't know. It's just how I feel.

Are they easy to command? It would seem weird for them to obey you instantly after only obeying one person for their whole life.

[wolfmoongirl]

@ThisIsNotSharyn I don't think of dogs being ours like a possession. I think of a dog as having their own spirit . They are loaned to us from God for companionship or a working relationship. If each job, friendship or other life change you went thru the people involved "renamed" you it might bother you. You might even resent it. You got used to the name you have and you like it from the warm memories you have. The dog will still listen to you if you earn his respect and love.

[wolfmoongirl]

@ThisIsNotSharyn Now I do believe it may be a good idea to rename dogs who have been abused. If each time they heard their name from their old "Master" it came sometimes with a beating you may begin to resent or fear the sound of your own name. If the history is good though, the dog's history is what helps make him who he is.....Part of his history is his name. I leave his name alone...it is his identity. Never had a problem with any of my adoptive dogs listening to me.

[wolfmoongirl]

@ThisIsNotSharyn Check out my video titled SMART German Shepherds are working "union" K9 dogs. The dog named Syron came to me when he was 5 and had limited obedience when he first came to me. The dog named Keno came to me when he was 2 1/2. Both came from good homes and had great relationships with their previous owners before they came to me. Can you see the relationship I have with both of them. They listen pretty well and strive pretty hard to please me because we all have a good bond.

[ThisIsNotSharyn]

@wolfmoongirl I guess we have different views on it. I want a dog to be MINE.

To me, it feels like they'd only love me because they can't have the original owner. A new name would be a fresh start.

[wolfmoongirl]

@ThisIsNotSharyn I think you ou are selling yourself a little short. I am sure your friends like you just fine even though they didn't get to name you. I understand your feelings on it though and what is most important is that you feel great about the dog and the dog feels great about you.

[DropDeadDezz]

I love that dog. My retired police dog is only 5 the reason he got retired was cause his human parter retired and wanted to keep him and then had to move into a apt a year later. And I'm sorry to hear the your dog died-\3

[wolfmoongirl]

Retired K9 Harro passed away on Sunday, 04-17-2011, so I am so glad we have this video. He was a great partner and a special dog who will FOREVER be missed.

[CallieGSD]

I love it !! He is a super dog enjoying retirement in his loving home.