Our dogs
Why are there dogs at Gut Aiderbichl?
Many dogs from Romania, Turkey, Greece, Austria, Germany and Switzerland have found a new home at Gut Aiderbichl. They were abandoned, mistreated or left behind in war zones such as Ukraine. Some have serious injuries, broken legs. Such impairments do not prevent us from helping them, for example with wheelchairs, to give them a happy life.
Gut Aiderbichl is involved in various projects, such as a rescue centre for street dogs in Romania, or the protection of Spanish galgos, which are often cruelly treated and tortured to death when they no longer meet the hunting requirements.
Another part of our work concerns dogs that come to us through the Animal Provision Programme to ensure that they are not alone after the death of their owners. At Gut Aiderbichl, every dog takes centre stage, receives the love and care it deserves and finds a life of safety and security here.
There are currently
dogs under our protection
Our dogs at a glance
We do our best to publish all rescued animals on our website as quickly as possible.
Our projects to protect dogs
Donate for our dogs
Frequently asked questions
A dog’s lifespan cannot be predicted exactly – it depends on many factors such as genetics, diet, care, and especially size and breed. In general: the smaller the breed, the longer the life expectancy. On average, dogs live between 8 and 18 years. Having a dog as a pet is therefore not a short-term decision, but a long-term commitment. If you are ready to take on this responsibility, a dog can be a wonderful companion. It’s no coincidence that dogs are among the most pop
Dogs are social animals, but they are not classic “pack animals” like wolves. While they need social contact, they don’t necessarily need another dog. Instead, they form strong bonds with humans. Single-dog households are appropriate as long as your dog gets enough social interaction with people and occasionally with other dogs, is physically and mentally stimulated, and is not left alone for too long.
Before welcoming a dog into your family, you should learn about the legal regulations in your region. Here are the most important points:
- Register your dog: At the local authority or municipal office.
- Dog tax: Charged annually and varies depending on where you live.
- Liability insurance: Mandatory in many regions.
- Microchipping and registration: Your dog must have a microchip and an EU pet passport.
- Leash and muzzle laws: Depend on your region or breed.
- Austria: A certificate of competence (Sachkundenachweis) is required, which costs €40 and teaches proper dog handling – e.g., not letting your dog run alongside a bicycle, which is prohibited.
This isn’t easy to answer – that’s why there are many online tests and guides. The most important thing is to honestly assess yourself:
- What is your daily routine like?
- Are you active or more relaxed?
- Do you have children or live alone?
- Are you often away for work or working from home?
Once you know which characteristics matter to you, we can help you find the right dog. Our adoption team will gladly advise you!
In general: Dogs need food tailored to their species-specific and individual needs. They are not pure carnivores – but they shouldn’t eat from the family dinner table either. Chocolate, for example, is toxic to dogs! The easiest way to provide a balanced diet is with complete pet food. High-quality dry or wet food contains all the necessary nutrients: protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals – often with plant-based ingredients such as grains. Vegetarian or vegan diets should only be pursued with advice from a veterinarian.
A dog costs around €50 to €200 per month – depending on breed, size, and individual needs. The main cost factors are:
- Food (smaller dogs are less expensive)
- Veterinary visits
- Insurance
- Dog tax (varies by breed and region)
- Accessories (bed, leash, toys, etc.)
High-quality food or special medical care can, of course, increase the cost.
In Germany and Austria, there is no general obligation to neuter/spay dogs. However, dogs from shelters are often only placed after being neutered to prevent unwanted litters. Whether neutering is the right decision should always be discussed with a veterinarian.
Whether a dog can stay home alone depends heavily on the breed and training. People who work full-time need a dog that can cope with being alone for a few hours. This can be trained gradually.
- Tail high and relaxed: The dog is confident and friendly.
- Tail tucked: Sign of fear or insecurity.
- Staring: Tense gaze, often with a stiff body – a warning signal!
- Front down, rear up: Typical play invitation, often with barking or tail wagging.
- Ears forward: Alertness, interest, or uncertainty – depending on the rest of the body language.
- Ears flat back: Fear, insecurity, or appeasement.
- Panting (without heat or exertion): May indicate stress or nervousness.
- Showing teeth while growling: A clear warning – keep your distance.
- Lifting a paw (calmly, without movement): Often a sign of uncertainty or appeasement.
- Yawning in unusual situations: Not always tiredness – often a sign of stress or being overwhelmed.
These signals help you better understand your dog’s mood.
Dogs bark for various reasons:
- Protective behavior: To defend home, family, or territory
- Communication: To get attention (e.g., when hungry or bored)
- Emotions: Stress, fear, excitement, or joy
- Understimulation: A bored dog often barks out of frustration
So barking isn’t always a bad thing – it’s a natural form of communication.
