Torrential rain flooding run

[Sunshine]

She looks lovely, but has a totally different shape to Chookiehen's white German Shepherd Polo.

 

I also wanted to say thank you for posting all about Zara. Lola is only 4.5months but its really good to hear about how her behaviour has developed and what you have done. It is good to hear about how she is not perfect(yet!) as in books you often hear the really good or the really bad whereas dogs must change their behaviour when they are maturing. We have already been told in dog training that is going to be tough to train and she pushes the boundaries regulary. We will love her whatever happens though and she has got to fit into our lives rather than us fitting into hers. I just wish she would stop biting!!

 

So thank you Chicken04!

[xChicken04x]

She looks lovely, but has a totally different shape to Chookiehen's white German Shepherd Polo.

 

I also wanted to say thank you for posting all about Zara. Lola is only 4.5months but its really good to hear about how her behaviour has developed and what you have done. It is good to hear about how she is not perfect(yet!) as in books you often hear the really good or the really bad whereas dogs must change their behaviour when they are maturing. We have already been told in dog training that is going to be tough to train and she pushes the boundaries regulary. We will love her whatever happens though and she has got to fit into our lives rather than us fitting into hers. I just wish she would stop biting!!

 

So thank you Chicken04!

 

No problem Emma, thank you for your kindness. Yes, the thing that got me was how sudden her change was, but it was very subtle and I obviously didn't pick up on it and correct it early on. Still, I think I got it early enough to have a lasting effect.

My advice to you would be to socialise her as much as possible, not just with other dogs but with people too and new situations. I'm not sure what breed your Lola is, but if she is a guarding breed then it is all the more important.

RE the biting. Zara did a bit of that when she was young, it wasn't biting as such, more mouthing. We told her 'NO' as soon as she did it and it is vital to replace whatever she was biting with a toy or bone, something she can chew. That is were we went a bit wrong. Also, we found that when we walked her, people would bend down to fuss over her and she would be chewing away at their hands, a few times I've had to say 'Oh, try not to let her do that.' Of course though, some people still let her .

 

When Zara's a bit better behaved we should arrange an Omlet doggie walking get together, not sure about you guys, but Zara would just LOVE that.

 

Natalie.

[henriette]

Delightful photos! I haven't entered into the postings since the first one, as I really know very little about GSDs, but I have really enjoyed reading all about Zara and all the advice you have been given too. She is going to be the most fantastic companion!

[xChicken04x]

Well, not much to tell really. Zara has been behaving wonderfully over the past few days. I've noticed a HUGE difference to how she reacts to other dogs, it's just incredible. I've kept her off lead at the park at all times (unless there are kiddies/cars/really little dogs/elderly people about) and it has made a massive difference, I'm so pleased.

 

Although when we are just starting our walk she is usually very excitable and will want to bolt after any dog she sees. But, this is becoming less of an occurrence which is good and after the initial excitement she tends not to bother anymore.

 

I was very pleased with her yesterday, I walked her into town. As I was approaching the traffic lights I saw a man with a little shih tzu. He didn't have his dog on lead, but Zara was (I always keep her on lead in very public places). I stood next to the man and waited to cross the road. I sat Zara down and told her to wait, and she did. She sat there like a perfect angel , without getting over excited about the presence of another dog. She was interested, and glanced over every now and then, but she wasn't fixated. No barking, no hackles up, no leaping around like an idiot. She was fine. As we walked across the road, it became apparent that little 'Ollie' (the Shih tzu) wasn't very obedient. He came scuttling over to Zara halfway across the road whilst his owner frantically called him at the other side. Zara panicked at this point as the man was shouting 'OLLIE GET HERE NOW!!' She barked once, but stopped when I told her 'its Ok.' Needless to say, Ollie made it back to the other side of the main road safely.

 

She has also become more submisive towards me, especially around food. When I offered her a tiny piece of toast yesterday, she bowed her head away and waited for me to tell her to take it. Usually she would just gobble it up without a second thought.

 

One thing I really would love would be little play mate for her. When I see her running around with another dog (especially her best friend in the world Elsa the Belgium Shepherd) it seems like the most natural thing in the world, she just loves other dogs. She definately isn't short of human company, as someone is here for her all day, but I think she would love a doggy pal. I was thinking maybe a few years down the line, but I read that it's best to introduce a new dog between 16 months - 2 yrs? If that's the case then there isn't much time and I definately don't want to rush such a huge decision. How do I know when it's the right time?! I'm sure there is a massive difference between meeting other dogs at the park and having another dog around 24/7. How would I know that she would be Ok with another dog around all the time?

 

Anyway, I DEFINATELY don't want another one until I know Zara won't be a bad influence on another pup, I need to get her problems 100% before considering another one.

[Lesley]

I know nothing about GSDs but we've waited until Jazz is over 3, she is very strong-willed and I also, wanted her to not pass on any bad habits.......

 

....but Jazz seems to be going through another phase of cloth ears Her recall is dreadful at the moment.

 

We're doing lots of fun training (back to puppy training) and we are going away for a week before we collect the puppy so hopefully we will have the recall sorted soon.

 

I'm sure you'll know when the time is right to start looking for a companion for Zara.

[henriette]

When you get a companion for Zara it might also depend on how much energy you think you have