Awhile ago we were watching animal planet and there was a show about military training dogs. I believe it's in Va or Dc can't remember. But they adopt out the dogs that don't make the cut for the military. We are really wanting to get a german shepard for company for our golden and to protect us. I'd love to adopt and it's even better that the dog is already trained. I can't seem to find any info on this program and was wondering if anyone knew what I was talking about.

I work with MWD's...If you need any help, PM me and Ill see what I can do. Though I must tell you that most of those dogs are not dog friendly or kid friendly.

I work with MWD's...If you need any help, PM me and Ill see what I can do. Though I must tell you that most of those dogs are not dog friendly or kid friendly.

Oh there not? That sucks. I really liked the idea of them being trained in so many things and so smart. that kinda bums me out that they aren't that friendly. If I was to get a German Shepard does the military offer a training program? If they do and we're out of the navy will they still do it?

Let me ask the Capt what they do with the ones that dont pass their training and if she has info for a place to call about adopting them.

Most of the ones that retire go to an old handler or their current handler.

Ill let you know as soon as she comes back. Or ill ask the handlers on Thursday!

I just found this site http://www.militaryworkingdogs.com/about.shtml I don't know if that's waht I"m looking for or not. I'm trying to read but my child is being a terror :lol

Another option to get a GREAT GSD that comes with a LOT of training is to get on the adopt list for guide dog school washouts. Their dogs are specifically bred, socialized and traied to be HIGHLY people, animal, kid and situation friendly. Only a small percentage of the pups born each year at their kennels will actually go on to complete the training and graduate as a guide dog. A few of the washouts are kept for breeding purposes but the rest are adopted out as pets.
The only catch is the waiting list can be a little long and, with most programs that use "puppy raisers" (you have the puppy for 18 months starting at 8 weeks and lay the groundwork as far as socializing, etc and then return the dog to the school for the formal training and eventual, hopefully, placement as a working guide dog) the raisers do get right of first refusal if/when the dog washes out of the program.
We actually did a puppy raising and the dog ended up being a washout (she was too distractable/friendly and would have been a danger to any sight impaired person she was leading, lol) and we got her back and had her for 10 years after that (lost her to cancer). We worked with Guide Dogs for the Blind out of San Rafael, CA (we were living in Idaho at the time so you don't necessarily have to be living near the school). It is something to look into, at least. Who knows, maybe you woudl want to do the puppy raising approach.

Another option to get a GREAT GSD that comes with a LOT of training is to get on the adopt list for guide dog school washouts. Their dogs are specifically bred, socialized and traied to be HIGHLY people, animal, kid and situation friendly. Only a small percentage of the pups born each year at their kennels will actually go on to complete the training and graduate as a guide dog. A few of the washouts are kept for breeding purposes but the rest are adopted out as pets.
The only catch is the waiting list can be a little long and, with most programs that use "puppy raisers" (you have the puppy for 18 months starting at 8 weeks and lay the groundwork as far as socializing, etc and then return the dog to the school for the formal training and eventual, hopefully, placement as a working guide dog) the raisers do get right of first refusal if/when the dog washes out of the program.
We actually did a puppy raising and the dog ended up being a washout (she was too distractable/friendly and would have been a danger to any sight impaired person she was leading, lol) and we got her back and had her for 10 years after that (lost her to cancer).

How can I find out more info on this program? I'm ok waiting for a dog. I'm in no rush since we havn't bought our house yet and I'd rather not adopt a puppy but would. But it sounds like a neat program.

We reccomend the guide dogs to our clients!

How can I find out more info on this program? I'm ok waiting for a dog. I'm in no rush since we havn't bought our house yet and I'd rather not adopt a puppy but would. But it sounds like a neat program.

Sorry, I totally forgot about this thread and only just saw your reply this morning. As I said, we went through Guide Dogs for the Blind and their program page is http://www.guidedogs.com/site/PageServer?pagename=help_volunteer_puppy *but* they require you live in the western states as they are located in CA and want to keep the puppies relatively "close".

There are TONS of schools out there, though, and most have puppy raiser programs. The reason for this is it is impossible for the staff to properly socialize each and every puppy individually AND do the training of the dogs that have come of age for the next step. Having the puppies placed in individual homes is the best answer. If you do a search for "guide dog schools" or "guide dog puppy raiser programs" it will bring up tons of results and you can find a program that is near you. Each school has different requirements and guidelines.

Don't know where you're from, we occasionally have K9 washouts, and service dog washouts (we dont use gsd's for service, though) and some of them are fine for families. I know Lackland trains military dogs in TX :shrug .

Theres a dog training course here on base...i dont know much about it :dunno i just know its here.

I will get you that number, I forgot last week WAS NUTS...