Hello from N. California!

[Arclight333]

Hello, GSD lovers, from two long-hair German Shepherds of Northern California!
Markus, a 3 y.o. male, and Mila, and 8-months old girl.
In training to become SAR trailing dog for Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.

They are not related, from different breeders/lines, but share two things in common: luxurious long double coats, and extreme intelligence. And, oh yeah, these two are real clowns, make me laugh all the time with their vocal expressions and acrobatic tricks. Despite their size (they are rather on a large side body-size-wise), they are very athletic, having and opportunity to do daily hikes in the hills. Mila, a 70-lbs 8-months old puppy, jumps 5 ft tall obstacles without as much as a running start.

We are looking froward to share our experiences, photos and conversations with the rest of GSD community!

Lana and her two Awesome Sheps

[Bear GSD]

Welcome from a fellow LC GSD lover!
Markus and Mila are gorgeous, I look forward to more pictures

[Gretchen]

You have some adorable dogs and a good sense of humor, welcome!

[Arclight333]

Originally Posted by Bear GSD

Welcome from a fellow LC GSD lover!

Aha, you too have a weakness for hairy wolfies! I love all Shepherds, they are really a very special breed, but the long coats tug on my heart strings because they look so cute and fluffy. I can't stop myself from reaching out and sinking my fingers in that thick fur. Must some sort of genetic predisposition coming from a long line of my ancestors, roaming steps on Siberia and hunting alongside these majestic creatures.

Mind you, when we go on hikes and encounter a flock of wild turkeys, I don't know who gets more excited and chases the birds longer: my dogs or I... And I don't even like turkey meat.

[Arclight333]

And here is one from six month ago, when I first brought this little bear-cub-like puppy home and my 2 year old male was not too thrilled with it. The puppy was a major pain in the tail for him: stealing his food, climbing on his head, nipping at his ankles, sleeping in his bed - at first he would growl and walk away, even tried to hide from her or climb on retaining walls in the yard where she could not reach him.
And then, a week went by, and he decided that if she is here to stay, he may as well have some fun with her. So the two started playing and romping around (knocking everything everything down in their path) 24/7. This was the time when I was pondering if it was a smart idea to have two highly active GSD living with me... They seemed to lose their "off" switch. When it was "on", they we ON! Non-stop. Aaaaaaaah! :-)

Now these two are the best buddies. The girl, Mila, is very affectionate with Markus, licks his muzzle any chance she gets, and the big boy loves cuddling up with her and grooming her like a good mother that he is. :-)

[Freestep]

Welcome from another denizen of NorCal! If you were any closer to Chico, I'd invite you to bring your hairy beasties to me for grooming!

[1sttimeforgsd]

Hello and Welcome to you and to your two gorgeous babies.

[Arclight333]

Originally Posted by Freestep

Welcome from another denizen of NorCal! If you were any closer to Chico, I'd invite you to bring your hairy beasties to me for grooming!

Thank you for your kind offer, Chico is a bit of a drive for us, we are around Berkeley/Walnut Creek area. Grrrrrrrrooming is a sore issue for us. These two are 100% against it, even though I heavily bribe them when I do it.

The girl is actually worse than a boy. She is vocal, so when I brush her, she goes into a long-winded monologue, howling and whining as loud as she possibly can. I am always worried about my neighbors thinking I torture my dogs because it sure sounds like it.
And yes, I use Laser Sheen and try to be as gentle as I possibly can be with the brushes, but oh no, she doesn't appreciate any of it. And the first chance she gets to throw herself in a muddy puddle or a drying creek, she will do it with gusto!

The boy will tolerate the brushing, but then he is the one who destroys or hides (digs up a hole in a backyard and buries it) all my brushes, if I don't put them away in time.

And all this despite the fact that I tried to get them used to it since they were both barely 8 weeks of age. They just don't like looking good, I guess. ;-)

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by Arclight333

Thank you for your kind offer, Chico is a bit of a drive for us, we are around Berkeley/Walnut Creek area. Grrrrrrrrooming is a sore issue for us. These two are 100% against it, even though I heavily bribe them when I do it.

The girl is actually worse than a boy. She is vocal, so when I brush her, she goes into a long-winded monologue, howling and whining as loud as she possibly can. I am always worried about my neighbors thinking I torture my dogs because it sure sounds like it.
And yes, I use Laser Sheen and try to be as gentle as I possibly can be with the brushes, but oh no, she doesn't appreciate any of it. And the first chance she gets to throw herself in a muddy puddle or a drying creek, she will do it with gusto!

The boy will tolerate the brushing, but then he is the one who destroys or hides (digs up a hole in a backyard and buries it) all my brushes, if I don't put them away in time.

And all this despite the fact that I tried to get them used to it since they were both barely 8 weeks of age. They just don't like looking good, I guess. ;-)

Have you tried taking them to a professional groomer? Many times, dogs are actually better behaved for a stranger than they are for their owners. They're like kids that way.

[Arclight333]

Originally Posted by Freestep

Have you tried taking them to a professional groomer? Many times, dogs are actually better behaved for a stranger than they are for their owners. They're like kids that way.

You know, this, actually makes sense. I was always reluctant to inflict suffering on another human being by subjecting him or her to Mila's "concerto terrible" (this girl has a set of lungs on her!). But I also once watched my male GSD quietly and politely letting my friend trim his nails. When I do that he moans and jerks his paws as if he was in pain. Faker...