Fourpups,

I would ask the foster parents that are caring for the dog now about
the dog temperment, and any behavioral problems, food agression,
territorial, submissive urination, fear biting. Those are usually the
biggest factors on the tememperment end. The medical end is something
all together different, most that some from PM sadly are HW positive,
and that treatment is hard on any dog. But the Rescue Org will know all
of that prior to adopting the dog. Do you know the breed of the dog
you are planning on adopting? That will help alot as well. I dont
think personally any 2 dog trainers wll totally agree on how to handle
a PM dog or pup. Again it depends on the breed of the dog and if it
has issues. I hope for you it does not. Remeber though all dogs
reguardless of breed are pack animals they are very black and white on
things. You have to lead they will follow you, show the dog you are
the alpha in the pack, with paitence, love, attention to his needs and
of course safety.

One of the first things you need to get is a crate, and if you have
other dogs intoduce them slowly. Only allow one dog out of the crate
at the time meaning. While the resident dog is out the new dog remains
in the crate, and when the new dog is out the resident dog is inthe
crate. You do this so the resident dog wll not do what wll come
natural for him, you are a stranger in my home and you dont belong here
and I will show you. You either submit to my will or else the fight
will be on. So kept them apart for a while. The next thing I would do
is feed him in his crate and only by you. Your new guy has to learn
you are the pack leader you control his food, his water, when and where
he can potty. Only take him out of the crate to go potty and then to
play a bit with you then back in the create he learns that is his den
and he is safe there and you will protect him. know this all sounds
really harsh but I learned this from a man that trains GSD for police
k-9 and he says that buildin the bond with your puppy or adult dog is
the first thing you must do. I have 2 dogs myself and I used the Basic
obedience DVD he has they are great then obedience for show. I have 2
mini dachshunds now not German Shepards. The other reason for the
crate is the dog I am sure is not goign to be house broken if you plan
to keep him in the house. I went here www.leerburg.com and read for
several days. Again this man trains protextions dogs and police k-9
but the basic stuff and his outlook on how to do groundwork ith yoru
dog to build a bond, to teach it manners, and le tlet the dog know he
is safe and loved by you. Its wonderful. I would recommend it to
anyone.

I wish you luck

Rana