Grim is growing up...
 

My boy who used to relish strangers fawning all over him now gives a polite "hi", but is gone in less than 3 seconds. He's not rude about it, he just doesn't care. He's also changing the way he views the world. A few weeks ago, he growled when we were stopped at a gas station because he felt someone got too close to my van I guess. Our last trip to a new vet was also a change. The vet came into the room and Grim was standing beside me. He introduced himself, and extended a hand. I notice the slightest change in Grim's posture, and he was very aware of the vet. He didn't threaten. He didn't growl or anything. He was just carefully watching. I shook the vet's hand. Again, nothing happened. Grim didn't dislike the vet, but was aloof to him. After we'd been talking for a few minutes, Grim laid down on the floor next to me.

He's not being a maniac when we stop strange places for him to potty, either. He's paying attention to the surroundings. My baby is growing up. I am watching him closely, and wondering who he's going to be when he's 'grown up'. I do believe I'm seeing the beginning of 'civil' behaviors from him. I'm never bored with him, that's for sure! The 'barking stage' is waning. I'm keeping a close eye on him with strangers approaching me, though. I think he has enough brains (and genetics) to not get nasty unless there's a reason. However, I'm glad we're starting training to help him learn who the 'bad guys' are so there's no confusion. Right now, the consensus is that he'd be cocky.. heck, he's already shown that. He was OK with the vet...don't mean to imply that he wasn't. Just a watchful eye that is new. :wub:

Nothing wrong with that I'd much prefer a cautious dog then an overly friendly 1. To many messed up people in the world that do awful things. I like Bella to greet and be friendly on my say so..

Question for ya have you ever posted a pic of Mr grim I would love to see what this boy looks like, I'd love to see the boy behind these stories LOL :)

I actually have lots of pics in the pictures section. I'm going to get more tomorrow. Here's one of my favorites, though.

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/x...17661285_o.jpg

Oh wait he's gorgeous, yup your right how could you possibly stay mad at him LOL TOO cute :wub:

Thank you!! He's becoming a serious boy already. I love that look on him, though. He's my heart dog... so yeah, it's pretty much impossible to get mad at him!

Grim's such a good looking boy. I always follow your threads. He seems pretty protective, but if that's what he's bred for, I don't imagine that's such a bad thing. I know you've been to the point where you didn't think you can handle it, and he's also had his shining moments. Getting my GSD in just two weeks, and I feel like if there's one "forum dog" i'll have in mind the whole time, it's Grim. lol.

Oh my gosh... *my* maniac?? No, he's not what I'd call 'protective' yet. He doesn't know how to bite, LOL! He's becoming territorial, and he's becoming handler protective to the point that he's paying attention who's coming into my space. A month ago, he'd have been still running around the room sniffing everything whether someone came in or not, LOL!! He thinks he's Mr. Tough, though... which I find amusing! :)

Wow - he is beautiful and I can see why you melt when you look at him - those eyes - those beautiful caring eyes.

I'm sorry, I missed your comment! This boy takes the word "devotion" to another level! ;) He is naturally a very sweet guy. I just don't think he'd be that way if there was any threat to me.

Lovely dog - what age is he?