Your dog will be much more appealing if he's clean and healthy. First, take him to the vet for a check up. He'll need a heartworm test, a DHLP and a rabies vaccination if he hasn't one within the last 6 months. It is likely that your vet will recommend a fecal to ensure that the dog is free from parasites. Be sure to tell the vet about any behavior problems so he can rule out physical causes.

If your dog isn't spayed or neutered, do it now! Don't waste your time trying to sell your dog as "breeding stock" even if he's AKC registered. Frankly, no reputable German Shepherd breeder will want him unless he came from a well known show dog fancier in the first place. The only kind of "breeder" who'll be interested in your dog will be a puppy miller or a dog broker. Brokers seek out unaltered purebreds for resale to puppy mills or research laboratories. That's not the kind of future you want for your dog.

Having the dog spayed or neutered is the best way to insure that a family who wants a best friend and family member will adopt your dog. If you can't afford the cost of surgery, check with your vet, local shelter or rescue group for information about low-cost spay and neuter programs that are available in some parts of the country. You can call the following numbers for low cost spay/neuter referrals and vouchers: 1-800-248-SPAY or 1-800-321-PETS. Having your dog neutered or spayed is the best going away present you can give him. It may save his life! Give your dog a brighter, healthier future - make the appointment today!

If your dog has never been tattooed or microchipped, this is a great time to do it. It's not unusual for newly adopted dogs to get loose and become lost. A permanent ID will help your dog get back to you or his new owners.

Groom your dog. You want your dog to look beautiful and make a good impression. He needs to be clean and well-dressed! Bathe him, trim his nails and clean his ears. If you can't do these things yourself, take him to a groomer. Get rid of his old rusty choke chain and buy a nice, new, strong collar and lead.

Set an adoption fee. You can't expect the new owner to pay the same price for a "used" dog as they would for a brand new puppy. A reasonable range might be between $75-150, which helps offset your advertising and veterinary costs. A monetary commitment from the adopter shows he can afford food and future vet bills.