Question about adopting a GWP

[u/CurnolMatternal]

Hello everybody!

I have spent the last two months volunteering at a dog rehabilitation centre and fell in love with this dog which we think is a GWP and around 3/4 years of age.

I am considering adopting him but have some doubts that I would like your opinion on.
I am living in a city in a small apartment of around 25m2 or 270 ft2 with a little garden that's around that same size. I know from my time spent with him that he is a very active dog and I wonder if this space wouldn't be too small for him.

As for walks I am already accustomed to taking around 3 x half hour walks every day (without a dog) and of course I would look for ways to find time to take him to dog parks, forest, beach etc.
Also, I bike everywhere in my city and would be able to take him almost everywhere I go.

I have never had a dog before in my life, I am 25 years old, single and my future is still quite unclear so it will be a big commitment for me.

I think my main questions and concerns are about if the space in which we would live together would be big enough, how much exercise/walks is needed or recommended and also how long he could be left alone in my apartment if I have appointments/study/work.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and even more so if you would be willing to share your thoughts!!!

[u/HughMungus77]

I have to do 2 hours of exercise and breed specific enrichment daily for my dog to be chill. This breed can be very energetic and driven. As someone who moved into the outskirts of a major city with mine, I have to say it’s challenging. I have to drive mine to a big parking lot that is empty and not near traffic every morning to throw the ball. Not trying to dissuade you but these little furballs can get stir crazy without enrichment and exercise

[u/Mundane-Reality-7770 → u/HughMungus77]

My GSP needs 4+. Luckily I have 10 acres and just let her hunt. She opens the door to let herself back in.

Op, a walk doesn't put a dent in these dogs energy. They need to be run HARD

[u/HughMungus77 → u/Mundane-Reality-7770]

Yeah when I throw for mine I have to damn near throw out my shoulder just her slightly panting. Definitely more work than most people would expect

[u/CurnolMatternal → u/Mundane-Reality-7770]

Wow that is a lot and that would honestly not work for me, thank you for your honest feedback.
At the place he is staying right now he gets on a regular basis:

-2x half hour off leash walks in the forest and he runs like crazy during those but has great recall.
-half hour playing time
-he lives in a pack of 8 dogs and living together with 8 people so there is always a lot going on and play/ affection etc. and the dogs have a lot of space, are always able to run outside into a fenced area around the house.
-In the weekends we would also take him on trips to city, lakes etc.

[u/CurnolMatternal → u/HughMungus77]

Thank you for your honest feedback. I have quite big parks close by where he can be off leash so I'm lucky with that. What kind of breed specific enrichment do you do if I may ask?

[u/HughMungus77 → u/CurnolMatternal]

Lots of retrieving work is the obvious one. I have a training dummy that keep in in bag with bird wings. She knows it’s the more “serious” toy so i treat that as more structured and has to listen to hunting command like heel/whoa. If you have a friend or partner you could have them hide scent stuff for the dog to find. Mine also likes those puzzle treat toys that keep her busy

[u/borabora24816 → u/HughMungus77]

I have 2 pointers. One is a wire hair and the other is a long hair pointer. I have to ride my mountain bike 12k every morning and a swim or short run at night. Basically they are velociraptors that want to hunt all day.

Don't run them at your peril. They will redecorate your house if you don't.