A year with the dogs... a review of 2011

[elisabeth_00117]

This morning I was sitting on the couch watching my two dogs eat their breakfast; ground beef, egg, ground lamb and some fish oil and I couldn't stop the slideshow of memories running through my head.

2011 did not turn out the way I thought it would. When the year began I was working with Stark and his reactivity and there wasn't a "cure" insight. He was lunging, barking and just making a ruckus whenever anyone got close to him. Being around children wasn't even something I would *think* about considering given his reactions to them from a distance. I remember thinking to myself one night while I was sitting on the couch crying with Stark beside me, "can I do this?". It was hard. Right then and there I decided to come up with a plan and to stick it out. I coupled a bunch of different training techniques together, what I thought might work and what I know did work some with him and threw them in a pot and went for it!

Stark, at 2 years and 9 months has become one of the most amazing dogs I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He is such a goof, like really super silly and dorky. He is awesome with children and strangers and is just a joy to be around. As time passes and I "forget" about his re-activeness I find myself trusting Stark more and more which ultimately has helped Stark grow. Being able to trust him has fostered his behaviour and I think only as time progresses it can only get better. Just the other day I had him off leash at the park playing ball. Several people walked by and stopped and gawked at him, he ignored every single one of them. Before, having people close by would be a recipe for disaster and I wouldn't even of considered having him off leash in public! Now, he can enjoy all of the normal dog things without having me monitoring every single move he makes. It is so much more enjoyable for the both of us!

Our training woes have also improved, although Stark will never be the dog who will have a flashy heel or take down the helper, I have come to be okay with that. I believe that was a big issue in our relationship, I wanted Stark to be something he wasn't. I have come to realize that and appreciate him for the dork he is!

I see improvements every single time we hit the field, I also see a dog who is having fun with no pressure to perform and that I am so happy for. He is just enjoying what he is doing. I still have many plans for Stark such as rally and of course herding, but we will do it, no rush. I KNOW he will always have fun in everything we do/try and that is my main goal.

As I sit here typing, he lays in front of me, staring right into my eyes. I truly believe he "gets me". He is so in tune with me now it is scary. He knows when I want someone close by, when I am in a silly mood or when I just want to relax by myself. He always mirrors my mood and is such an amazing companion.

He has grown so much in the past year and I couldn't be more proud of the dog he has become.

This past year has also brought me surprises! For an example, the small little Czech-y girl who is grabbing Stark's paw in her mouth as she circles him with a devilish look on her face.

Zefra was in fact a dream made reality. I thank Kathy every single time I look into that face for her.

Oh boy.. has she taught me a lot though! These past five months or so have definitely not been boring with Zefra around! She is a tornado of energy that zooms around this place always seeking trouble!

I wanted the perfect working companion; tones of drive, stable temperament, nerves of steel, enthusiastic work ethic, crazy for toys, biddable and that is exactly what I got. I also got a lot more than that, I got this totally out going, cuddly, silly girl who is just a joy to be around. There is no bad moods when Zefra is around because I can guarantee she will do something to make you smile.

I wasn't expecting Zefra or even considering another dog last year but I am so happy I put my nerves aside and went for it. I could not be happier with her!

It is not all roses though, Zefra has also taught me what a high energy working dog is and some days that is not easy. She is not a girl you can play ball with for a half hour and expect to tire out. No, not my Zeffie, she needs so much more than that! She doesn't settle well in the house and is always on the move; either bugging Stark (like now!) or chasing the kitties! or emptying the toy box and playing with every single toy in there at the same time!

I have had to learn what "capping drive" means which I find hilarious because with working Stark, all I did for 2.5 years was build it!

I have so many plans for Zefra and I in 2012 and the fun thing is she is enthusiastic to be doing just about anything with me! She is always right there, with that goofy grin on her face waiting for the next task. She is such a fun girl to hang out with and I am so in love with my "baby girl" it is ridiculous!

This past year with the dogs has been a learning experience for sure. I feel like a more experienced dog owner, handler and trainer now.. I have confidence in myself, in my dogs and I know that with the proper guidance from our club and it's members that we can accomplish anything we set out to do.

Having the two "goobers" at home, enjoying the time we spend together and ensuring that both have healthy, happy, fun, fulfilled lives with me is all that matters.

I can't wait to see what 2012 with the dogs brings... Happy New Year everyone!

[KZoppa]

Dangit! I keep looking for that darn "like" button but I still don't see it! oh well...



LIKE!!!! May 2012 bring you all the joys and happiness you can stand and then some! have fun!!!

[Rylee]

Holy Cow! I can't believe Rylee is already a year old on Jan. 1. I have had a hard/awesome/weird year with this crazy girl. She has been my strength, my rock.... and the one who is turning my hair gray! lol I love her so much!!! I work full time, am a single mom, have an 11 yr old, a 14 yr old, a 7 yr old ChiChi and a cat. I wonder some days how I ever survived without her.. I have went to the breeder and visited her sister who is not socialized, what an eye opener, she almost bit my face off and Rylee just kept kneeling down like.... you wanna play... wanna play... I know you do..... and then NOPE she almost was bit. It is sad to see her sister like that but I am happy that I have a great gal on my hands. I look forward to many years with my precious angelgurl

[KentuckyGSDLover]

That was a pure joy to read!

[elisabeth_00117]

Thanks everyone.

I can't believe so much has happened in such a little time frame; for Stark especially.

Hoping everyone has a great 2012!

[Cheerful1]

We've only had Joey for about five months (he was six years old in November), but I never thought I'd fall head over heels in love.

I was nervous in the very beginning, wondering how he'd take to us. I did a lot of stress eating, which didn't help my waistline. I used to think, I hope he doesn't bite me. Now I'm very comfortable around him.

The only issues are his going crazy every time the doorbell rings, and him jumping on people (wanting to play). Otherwise, he's perfect!

Hope that 2012 is a good year for us, and for all GSD owners!

[Josie/Zeus]

2011 was one of the worst year for me.

Imagine Dec 31 2010, my puppy was born, the excitement, stalking the breeder's website for pictures several times a day. You watch your puppy getting bigger and you get obsessed with the guessing game, which puppy will be yours?

Fast forward 2 months later, you drive in the middle of winter, over 2 thousand miles roundtrip to pick him up. You hold this teeny weeny pup in your arms, you smell that puppy breath, you cuddle him like he's your newborn son, you make sure he's provided for, taken care of, you make sure he has the best in everything you can afford. He was perfection in your eyes, nothing makes you happier than coming home to this new bundle of joy in your household. Never mind the shoes he chewed, never mind your bleeding hands from this little landshark, look how happy he looks, that's all that matters.

Then July 22 - 23rd 2011 happened. My husband and I spent long hours at the ER. From 7 pm Friday night all the way to 4 am. Waiting for blood test results, x ray, ultrasound, then blood transfusion. By 2 pm on Saturday, we made a decision. My puppy isn't going to survive IMHA. I held him for as long as I could, knowing that would be that last time.

My home was never the same without him. Depressing. Sad. Everybody was mourning.

Aug 25 2011
Who knew that Koda would come along. He made my house a home again. His goofy facial expression never fails to make me laugh, he is a happy go lucky puppy. He is so sweet and just wants to be loved.

We both in a way were grieving at the same time, Koda just left his owner and I'm still grieving about Odin. We both gave each other space and time to heal. We started training right away, our bond started.

Koda's strength astounds me. He continues to impress me at training every time. He has come so far in such a short time. I am beyond proud of him, he makes me happy.

Anywho, that's my 2011 with the dogs.- I guess it's time to go back to work.

[elisabeth_00117]

You definitely had a rough go at it that's for sure.

2011 had many sorrows and taught us many things, here's hoping for a more mellow 2012.