Jerry German Shepherd Dog St. Paul, MN

Jerry is up for adoption to an active sport home or person familiar with working dogs! He is not suitable for a “pet” home.

He will not be adopted to a home with easy access to children - no exceptions. A fenced yard is required.

He is a very high drive, 3.5 yr old, purebred GSD who needs someone who truly understands dogs and how to create a partnership with a high defense dog vs a dictatorship. He is a little slower to bond than some dogs and will not always tell you when he's feeling nervous (a yawn is sometimes his 'tell'), but once you're "his person" he loves to work with you! He's a total goofball and is always up for long hikes, tugs, or any structured activity. He doesn't entertain himself well (ie: finds random objects to tear apart when unattended) and doesn't self exercise (ie: if you put him out in the yard he will wait at the backdoor for you). He's on a great potty schedule and never has accidents in his crate. He can be crated for a work day without issues but when you get home - he's ready to get to working! He shows no signs of separation anxiety and he prefers if you leave once in awhile.

He has a strong preference for women and has shown some avoidance to certain men or anyone who tries to force engagement or play tough guy with him. He doesn't appreciate pets on the head from strangers (or anyone, really) and is typically aloof towards people in most social gatherings and will just ignore them.

Jerry knows all of his basic obedience commands (in English) but could use a polish on his heel without a lure. His 'out' is virtually non-existent with a ball unless you use a second ball to reward and if he gets both...you're pretty much screwed but he’s getting a little better with that, too! Forced outs break his trust pretty quickly and are not recommended. He will trade for other high value items (hot dogs!). He will guard a ball or ball-like resource with a lot of intensity. He will out his tugs. He's a total jogging buddy but has a fascination with moving vehicles so needs some distraction work on the more crowded roadways. He has a nice recall and payment in kibble for any command is always appreciated by the big guy.

He's easily handled for grooming and has no issues when boarded at a dog savvy kennel or at the vet (as long as the techs know to not use their squeaky baby voice with him and stay out of his face) but he can be muzzled for safety also. He will ride quietly in the car all day no matter what kind of dogs are coming in and out, but he will light up on them a little in his kennel at home. He is currently in an escape proof "alcatraz" kennel and he can get it rockin but hasn't figured out how the door works, yet.

He's been on leash around other off leash dogs in the home but he's not appropriate enough with his greetings/play to be trusted loose with other new dogs. Jerry is treadmill trained but it will have to be a human treadmill because he has learned how to turn off the Dogpacer both with the button and by removing the magnet! He also watches gates being opened and has learned how those mechanics work, too! His gates are now clipped/chained shut.

Jerry is trained in UKC Nosework and competed in his first trial in May '22. He has completed his Novice title and is competing in advanced. He LOVES to play the game and a simple kibble reward will get it done. He would be an excellent SAR candidate with the right handler. He is bold and confident environmentally and hasn't met a single playground, bridge, store, or home that he hasn't conquered with ease.

A home for Jerry will NOT be selected on a first come-first served basis. He has done a lot of growing and learning during his years in foster care. We will make sure that his next home is forever which may include more than one meeting so families local to the MSP/STP metro is preferred but not required.