What doesn't kill you....

[TrickyShepherd]

...Makes you stronger.

Cliche, yes... but, so true.

Storm has been the most difficult dog I've ever raised. She's levels above my experience level, I admit to that. That's what I asked for, that's what I got. I've had to sit back... listen... and learn, rethink my techniques, change my energy, and completely break down everything I know to reorganize how to work with her. She's not like any dog I've ever owned. Storm is not for the weak or inexperienced and even with my bit of experience.... she's brought me to tears and ripping my hair out for a while. Puppyhood has lead to so many challenges.

Just as I was ready to throw in the towel... I regrouped myself about 2 months ago.... stepped away from the stress of the training group and the expectations we were being held to... and *I* trained her myself from what was learned when I stopped and listened to her. I know it sounds silly.... but, I think we were both so bull headed that we just didn't listen to what each other was trying to share. I was pushing her to do what didn't work for her, and in return I got rebuttal from her. This made both of us miserable. When I stopped training for a week or so, I just played with her and learned what she is all about as an individual. We spent time bonding. That was the best thing I could have ever done. I really learned so much from her. From there, I worked with her every day. I changed her routine to better work her mind, body, and give us time for bonding. I allowed her to be more of a puppy... stop expecting so much from her. We completely pushed aside all the our sporting goals, and just enjoyed her for what she is first and foremost... a companion. Sometimes I think people get too tied up in their goals and expectations... they forget about the animal (and their own stress level). They are still a living breathing creature, and most of all... an individual. Not a robot. I think I lost track of this, and got way too caught up in the stress of performing well. I made a huge mistake of comparing her to her littermates.

After all this work, and bonding.... we were looking nice at home turf. I decided to return to Schutzhund training today with her, felt it was time. I had settled the problems with my trainer, and found myself in a better mind set. Instead of being stressed, we came in with a completely different attitude, and a different technique. After all of this, breaking down, ready to give up, and in tears over our future with her..... and then all the work, and deflating my ego and MY expectations... It paid off.

Obedience was AMAZING! Everything we worked on was perfect. My trainer was very impressed and said we were right on track. I came on the field and FINALLY knew what worked with my dog. I've figured her out and didn't have to spend our time arguing.

Tracking was a bit rough. She got herself nauseous in the car and just had no interest in eating anything that early in the AM. So back to work at home for a bit. We have a few things to start working on anyway.

Protection was a good step up for her. She's never been weak there. Today we were able to get her to bark nicely and her bite is still hard. She comes in like a truck. I was very proud of her..... both of us... for doing a complete 180 and coming back into the game with a MUCH better outlook.


Here's some pictures from protection. I wish I got some of OB, but everyone was freezing early this morning and forgot about the camera (or just didn't want to get out of their blankets! lol)... It was REALLY cold today.


















I win! She's so proud.


This dog means so much to me... I'm just thankful to finally understand her. It's not easy, but so worth it. What a lesson I'm going through with owning a dog like her.

Thanks for letting me share!

[KZoppa]

That is awesome. Without a doubt. I'm thrilled you guys have figured out how to work together now. Can't wait to see what the future brings for the two of you!!! She looks proud of herself and you sound like one proud mom!

[TommyB681]

great pictures! its good that you guys took a step back to look at the bigger picture then just the goals you had on hand. im sure the future will be very rewarding for both of you. Good luck with everything!

[elisabeth_00117]

Great photo's!

What is with these hard headed, crazy little females?! There must of been something in the water we didn't know about! :P

Love that you have started to work on things and that they are coming together for the both of you!

[GatorDog]

I'm glad you two are toughing it out. You will be a great team together and it sounds like Storm is really growing up a little. Hang in there!

[TrickyShepherd]

Thanks everyone! I, too, am very very happy we were able to find a better way around things. It wasn't easy... and in the end, I had to admit to being wrong and changing so much in this house (and my mind). There wasn't anything wrong with the dog... I was wrong.... I wasn't working with her correctly. I wasn't working all aspects of her mind and body properly. But, it's amazing to finally seeing our bond coming together!

She now brings her toys to me to play more often, in the rare times that she lays down and is peaceful.... she will actually lay at my feet. She is doing much better. And best of all, her behavior issues that we were dealing with are pretty much gone. I feel like we are both way less stressed! I'm actually about to enjoy her as a pet now too. It's a great relief!

Originally Posted by elisabeth_00117

Great photo's!

What is with these hard headed, crazy little females?! There must of been something in the water we didn't know about! :P

Love that you have started to work on things and that they are coming together for the both of you!

Haha, Oh I know!! They are crazy! When you post about Zefra, I just laugh because I swear I have the same dog here.. just younger. Storm is definitely a character! Makes life interesting though....

[mycobraracr]

Really I was just looking for a like button. Then remembered there isn't one.

Mods can we work on that?

[TrickyShepherd]

Originally Posted by mycobraracr

Really I was just looking for a like button. Then remembered there isn't one.

Mods can we work on that?

I agree.... it would be nice to add a 'like' button to the threads and individual posts. Without thinking, I try to click the invisible button all the time. lol