He brought home a dog

[AliandShooter]

So our doodle turns one next month and we’ll it’s been a process but he’s definitely part of the family. Well my husband came back from a trip and brought home a German Shepherd. Do you know how much they shed? And he wants it as an “outside dog” to “guard”. She’s about 10 weeks now but I’m not happy with the idea and I feel like it’s throwing our house hold off. I’m use to it being a routine and now our doodle just wants to be outside and play with her which I don’t blame him. He’s also thinking about working out of town the next 6 months and won’t have time to train her I worked hard to train shooter and to top it off I have 3 young kids is it bad that I want to rehome her? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

No, it's not bad; it's the right thing for the dog. No dog should be "an outside dog", let alone a working breed like a German Shepherd. It's very cruel to leave a 10 week old puppy outside. 

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

I feel your pain on this and I lean towards rehoming as well.  German Shepherds are working dogs and they REALLY want to work.  If they don't have a job then they create one and that does become guarding.  My son in law insisted on a shepherd even though they had never trained a dog or new anything about the temperament.  As she turned into an adult her job became guarding and when other kids were around my grandson she became aggressive about guarding him.  Neighbor kids grew fearful (rightfully so) and their parents didn't want them around the dog.  I can't tell you the money my daughter invested in the wrong trainers until we got her to bring the dog to a trainer near us. He started her on search and rescue and the transformation was incredible, alert to commands and eager to do the job.  Of course she was rehomed to a couple near here that does that work but the heartache and expense was costly on both sides.  It pays to know the breed and your capabilities. Sorry that you are in this position.

[Nancy]

I'm sorry but I would put your husband "outside to guard".  I would also re-home the puppy.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I agree Nancy. How very cruel for a puppy. Im not sure about the weather in your part of Texas, but the places I've been to can be either very hot or very cold. Neither comfortable for a living creature to live outside in. I just don't know how you'd explain that to your children. One inside and one outside. Im happy to see you are rehoming. 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

The whole "outside dog" thing makes me so angry.  

Yes I would rehome the puppy to someone who can give her a great life as a loved indoor pet.  It sounds like you have your hands full already and adding another puppy to the mix makes no sense.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I agree with Karen. I think it is mean to put a dog, and especially a puppy, outside to "guard". Dogs should be inside companions or rehome her to someone else. I would be livid with my husband, if he did this to me. Let's face it...you will be doing all the work....so, I think you deserved a say in whether or not you wanted another dog. I am sorry this has happened to you, but also sorry for the puppy. Hope it gets worked out. Please make sure your pup finds a great home. A reputable dog rescue should be able to help. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I’d be furious for several reasons- the ones you listed as well as how dare he get a dog to be outside only. That’s cruel. I’d make him return the dog and if he refused, I’d contact a German Shepherd Rescue. This would be a deal breaker. An untrained outside only dog is just not right. This is a non negotiable point in my book. Others may not share my perspective. 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

There's a mastiff on the corner of our street that is often chained outside... it's not an outdoor dog but DH says it's out there a lot.  Apparently he is very poorly behaved, lunging/barking as DH passes by with our little puppy.  

What if that giant dog got loose?  It's at least 120+ lbs of angry, obviously territorial dog.  

A dog that is left outside a lot and develops guarding behavior is NOT safe around small children and other pets IMO.

[AliandShooter]

Our neighbors have one too plus 2 boxers and they chain them all the time one of the boxers got loose the other day and almost bit my husband. But anyways the husband agreed to rehome

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Great :) Glad he's seeing some sense.  Puppy will find a nice home I'm sure.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

You are totally right to rehome her. There is no such thing as an outside dog.  I sound like an echo.  But your husband goofed.  I am sure there would be a rescue near that will take her.  Here is the website for one near you

https://www.goodshepherdrescuetexas.com/ ;  They do not have a shelter but will place her in a foster home.  A puppy should be pretty easy to rehome and they are dedicated to helping you do that.  In the meantime keep her inside please and treat her as if she were going to become a permanent resident of your home.  I know it is a ton of work on top of your already very full day.  But it will make her so much easier to find a good home.  

[DonMarie and Picco]

I'm glad to hear you decided to rehome the pup.  I know it can be hard to do because we honor the responsibility we take on when adopting a dog but you weren't the one to take it on, so please don't feel bad or guilty about it.  I'm say this because I'm sure I would carry some guilt over it.

I don't like the idea of "outside guard dogs" either.  German shepherds, along with similar breeds, still have an undeserved bad rep and it's mostly from those types of situations.