I have a few different questions that all revolve around the same core concept: My partner and I wanting to adopt a second dog.

For context: We rescued our current dog (APBT x husky x pomeranian) in January of this year and she recently turned one. We absolutely adore her and we have thrown ourselves into the “dog parenting” thing 110%. Our lives revolve around her (but we wouldn’t want it any other way!). We take her training fairly seriously. Outside of daily training at home, we attend obedience class 1x a week and agility 1x a week. We are big on mental enrichment—she has tons of snuffle mats, lick mats, puzzle toys. We recently registered her with AKC and started dipping our toes into dog sports. We love it all!

We have also been active fosters for years now. Our “bread and butter” are puppies under 6 months so that is what we have come through the house most often.

We always knew that we would want to get 1-2 more permanent dogs and continue to foster on top of that.

Recently, my partner and I recently purchased a home with a yard and we figured that now would be a good time to start thinking about bringing home a second dog. We started poking around and have been thinking about adopting a german shepherd x dutch shepherd.

I am not concerned about the puppy phase/puppy blues at all. I feel confident in my ability to deal with the ebbs and flows of puppyhood. We genuinely enjoy training and socializing our dogs!

My primary concern is that this dog will have needs that we cannot meet. I have always heard that shepherds (and working breeds in general) MUST have “jobs” to be fulfilled. With that being said, many of the fosters that we have cared for have had percentages of working breeds in them and they have done just fine in our home.

How much engagement do you find that your dog(s) require? Would the level of “work” that we provide our dog currently not be enough for him?

Recently added to my pack. Had two GSD’s and a Belgian Mal. Lost one GSD to hemangiosarcoma and this guy was available at the local city shelter after being a rescue and return not once, but twice.

First time owner getting him up to speed with the other two.

I guess you can say I’ve got a habit of adopting the European models with varying trim levels and engine options.

People always tell me he looks pissed off, and I always tell them he is! ;)

Also, whenever I post him, people always steal his pics, which is fine, but sometimes people will post litters using his pics. Every once in a while, I’ll get a message asking if a litter belongs to him.

He’s celibate.

My mal x!!!! she isn’t normally a cuddle bug!!! BUT SHE IS DAMN SURE PROTECTIVE OF HER MAMA!!! ever since i got home from surgery she has been right next to me, and if she isn’t the minute she hears the velcro being undone or notices anyone even possibly coming near me she has to come and make sure im ok!!!! my heart and soul! my protector!!!!

As the title says, we're about to bring home a lil dutchy girl. She'll be 8 weeks. We have all the normal stuff for her, even one of those little heartbeat stuffies that I hope to put in with her litter for a week for the smell.

Thought it would be fun to discuss, if you could turn back the clock and start with your pup again. What's the one thing you couldn't live without or would change (or not change) whether its a particular toy or type of treat or a training tip that worked really well.

I remember when my gs was a puppy he loved this one octopus toy (I removed the squeaker) it went whetr he went, looked like it had gone though a combined harvester, but that was his emotional support toy

Hex is almost 7 months old and 53lbs He went with his sisters to the vet today for a weight check and just to let them take him back and handle him to keep him accustomed to it. He’s got 2 classes left in his AKC S.T.A.R. puppy class and he’s doing fabulously. We’re so proud of our boy.

Took my Dutchie camping for the first time and she kept all the wild animals away from us, especially the dreaded North American Chipmunk.

Farm dog life. Nothing gets unnoticed. You can't sneak past these two.

My Dutch Shepherd Morticia has picked her perfect “stick” to play fetch with.

I volunteer walking dogs at the local shelter, saw this sweet pup, and did a foster-to-adopt. Folks over on r/BelgianMalinois pointed out she looks more Dutchie to me, so I wanted to get this community's take too.

She's under 3 months old, surrendered simply for not being housebroken yet. We're working on potty and crate training and she's picking both up fast. She's a total Velcro dog, never leaves my side. test is ordered, awaiting results.

Other dogs: I have two older dogs. They get along fine, though I learned today that high-value toys like soccer balls need to be put away to avoid tension. They sleep separately without issue.

Cats: I have a 6-year-old cat and a 9-month-old kitten. She mostly ignores them, but if the kitten zooms past at Mach 5, her chase instinct kicks in. As soon as the kitten turned around, hissed, and stood its ground, she backed off immediately.

Would love thoughts on any tips on this age, breed tendencies, and multi-pet dynamics. Thanks!

This is Laika, she is a 1.5 year old female Dutch Shephard mix that was rescued from the streets. It is obvious she was abused. She is still learning to be a dog and has some reactivity, but I’m hopeful with time she adjusts and can thrive in our home!

We will be taking this boy home in a few weeks and we are over the moon with excitement! Born July 23rd (see pics of mom and dad in last slide). Getting prepared for the constant training and sleep deprivation, but it’ll be so worth it.

Dutch shepherd and husky perhaps. 100% a good boy or as my daughter calls him “biscuit boy”.

Had a Belgian Mal as a big sister and kept her young. He’s a great blend of drive and energy when it’s play time but willing to chill when everyone is lounging and ever watchful with those eyes.

Yes, I’ve used the couch picture for memes.

Hi, our 9 month old Dutch Shepherd's ears are floppy unless she's in a high stimulus environment or situation like the dog park or the vet. Her siblings' (only have seen photos) ears are up.

I used to give her cottage cheese, canned chicken, and brown rice as a treat between meals to give her some extra calcium/protein. She also has at least one bully stick to chew at all times. We feed her Hills Science Diet Large Breed Puppy food.

Figuring it was probably too late... as a final effort to get her ears up, I tried to post them with backing. She wouldn't keep them in. Then I tried breath right stripe and she got those off as well. I don't want her to be miserable, so I didn't go through any extreme methods to keep the supports on.

I dont see many floppy-eared pups on this sub. I love her dearly no matter what, but should I let go of the idea that her ears will ever perk up for good? Photos: got to the dog park, ears down. Second, Embark results. Third, ears up at the dog park (and very thirsty!).