WHAT'S SEX GOT TO DO WITH ANYTHING ANYWAY?

Quick, if someone asked you to name the all time greatest German Shepherd Dog in the history of the breed, who would you say? How about if they asked you who the best looking dog of all time was? Want to make a bet that you would name a male dog for both of those questions?

Admit it, when you were a kid and someone would mention the German Shepherd Dog, I bet you would visualize a male dog. I know that I did. I’ve always loved the noble look of this breed. I visualized them as being a masculine, big boned dog with a great big old head. I thought of them as a powerful breed; strong and courageous and willing to defend you with their life! Not once did I ever think of a German Shepherd bitch when I thought about this breed! For some reason, thinking of a German Shepherd brings up a picture in most peoples mind of the majestic male of this breed. Many times if your parents bought a German Shepherd as a pet, nine times out of ten, it was probably a male. They were probably looking for a guardian for their family, but more importantly a powerful protector of their property and valuables.

There’s just something about the noble German Shepherd Dog that makes you think in terms of the males of this breed. On the other hand, if you’re thinking of a lap dog, many times you might think in terms of a female.

When I first started out in this breed, a male is all I ever thought about owning. I wanted a big masculine dog that would turn people’s heads when I walked down the street with him. “That’s right, we’re cool. I got myself a big “bad boy!” I wanted a dog that commanded people’s respect and in my mind, what better way to do this than with a male German Shepherd? That was my mind set then. German Shepherd Dogs equaled male dogs! That was until I was knocked down a few pegs when one of my very first lessons in this breed is when someone told me: “Your kennel is only as good as the bitches you own!” Really? But I loved the males. That might have been true, but unless he was a star, I would be just about the only one that loved him. He would never be used for public stud and would only remain my beloved pet! Boy, that didn’t seem fair at all! I mean after all he had the same bloodlines as his more desirable litter sister! How come it was OK for me to keep her and not him? Seemed like a reasonable question to me at the time.

I was told that if the bitch didn’t turn out for showing, I could always breed her to a top producing stud dog and perhaps get a show quality puppy or two. On the other hand, if I kept her brother and he didn’t turn out, no one would breed to him, except me and that would mean I would have to go out and buy myself a bitch to breed to him. It looked like if I wanted to have any little bit of success in this breed, I’d better learn to follow the advise of those seasoned pros that proved what they were saying was true by keeping mostly bitches in their kennels. However, the few males if any that they owned were all top winning dogs.

I would soon find out the difference in owning males compared to owning bitches! Both sexes certainly have their own unique personalities. I find it very different owning a bitch compared to a male. The majority of German Shepherds that I’ve owned have been bitches; so therefore, the majority of my favorite dogs throughout the years have been females. That said I still miss the males. I find that they are easier to get along with as long as you don’t have females in season! Most of the time they make great house dogs! Very much like the human male, they can be big babies!!! They like to be pampered and loved on and thrive on attention. Most of the time, they're quieter than the bitches.

The female on the other hand has earned her title (and wears it proudly) of being called a bitch and everything that the word may stand for! She is nobility at its best. She may even be the homeliest little thing that was ever born, or even the runt of the litter but don’t tell her that, because she’d never believe it. She’s too into herself strutting around like she owns the place. And if truth be told, she does (well in her own mind anyway)! She rules her domain by either being a showoff looking for endless adoration or ruling with a quiet dignified look to anyone that might challenge or doubt her. With her dark Hershey brown eyes, ears standing strong and centered resting on a fabulous feminine head well there's just nothing more breathtaking!

The bitches are definitely unique in how they view their world. They can be cunning, inquisitive, and sometimes oh so challenging! Living with bitches means there is never a dull moment. There is nothing funnier than when you see a 90 pound male submitting to the 58 pound “Queen Bee” as she steals his favorite toy only to drop it after she gets it. Then she runs over to put her teeth gently but firmly across his mouth to let him know she really didn’t want it at all but to let him know she can have it anytime she pleases! It’s like she’s saying, “I don’t really want it, but I don’t want you to have it either!” Can we say "Diva" here? Hmm…….sounds like some human bitches that I know of!

As far as watchdogs, both sexes of this breed are excellent, but sometimes the bitches can be just a little be nastier than her male housemate! She has to make up for all his bravado so what she may lack in strength, she makes up for in speed! They’re quick and it’s almost like their maternal instincts kick in when defending their human family and property. They’re very purpose driven; not being satisfied until they accomplish what they’ve set out to do. For sheer strength and power, you couldn’t want a more formidable defender than the male German Shepherd. He is not a dog that an intruder wants to find greeting him. But for sheer quickness and agility all the exercise and jogging in the world won’t save the perpetrator from the sheer cunning of the bitch of this breed! If you trespass on this breeds property, their goal is to get you and they’re going to “get you good!”

Living with the male German Shepherd he has learned how to manipulate his humans to get what he wants by surprising them with his “big baby” ways. Those big old brown “cow eyes” that hold you in his stare makes for some “laugh out loud” moments. Few can resist this big macho dog collapsing at your side for a belly rub. The bitch can be more demanding of your attention by moaning, groaning and whining when she feels her needs are not being met. If she were human, this would probably equate to the not so nice label of being called a “nag!” Oh they do keep us on our toes!

So no matter what sex you decide upon, living with a German Shepherd is always an adventure. You never know what your day is going to be like with these guys, but one thing is for certain, it’s never going to be boring. They make sure it’s not. They’re just too darn smart for that!

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL RAMIFICATIONS OF SHOWING DOGS

You’ve been preparing to show your newest little superstar before he was even born. You planned his breeding; you socialized him, trained him, and groomed him getting him ready for his first introduction into the show ring. You’ve made preparations to hire the best handler that money can afford. You “talked” him up to your friends and family. You even showed a picture or two of him on some of the show dog lists. You did a real good job of selling him to the show dog public. People now are starting to talk about him and anticipating seeing a real “head turner” when he walks into the ring.

The big day arrives. In trots your much “hyped” up superstar. You see people starting to whisper and you accept this as an acceptance of his star power. You smile to yourself knowing they haven’t seen anything yet. Just wait until they see your guy move around that ring. Off he goes and he’s charging around the ring. You’re beaming with pride about his great showmanship and attitude. People are whispering even more now. The judge calls his handler out to the center of the ring for a loose lead temperament test. Your dog is bucking and jumping pulling the handler in the opposite direction. Finally the handler gets him to the center of the ring. The dog blows his mind when the judge tries to examine him. Oh he doesn’t try to bite the judge; he’s too scared for that. So the judge sends him to the back of the line and that is where he stays as the winners are handed their ribbons and you’re handed back your dog.

Now the whispers grow louder and you can’t help but overhear some of the snide remarks made as you and your dog walk by. “Even if he didn’t blow his mind, he’s not that much better than a pet dog” someone says a little too loudly. “That’s not movement. He was running because he was afraid of his handler” another voice says.

Showing dogs is not just about getting a dog ready and prepared for the show ring. You better learn to be pretty tough skinned when you are showing dogs. Naturally the above scenario is in the extreme. But sometimes even the best of dogs can have an off day and they may be a little unruly in the show ring. People will talk if a dog looks at them the wrong way. Some people can be down right cruel when it comes to showing dogs. It is a competition and some are out to win no matter which way they can do it. Step aside if you are faint of heart because you may get run over.

There is a whole psychology in the showing of dogs. No one likes to lose, but if you don’t learn how to lose well, then you’re going to carry it from show to show. And an angry competitor is not a very nice person to be around. The dog picks up on it. Ring side picks up on it and the other exhibitors pick up on it. All and all it doesn’t make for a very enjoyable show experience. Showing should be fun. If it isn’t, then what are you doing it for? I can think of a lot of other ways to spend one’s time than doing something that turns your insides upside down.

If you don’t psychologically prepare yourself to show dogs then you may be in for a big shock. All the preparation in the world of getting your dog ready to be shown will not take the sting out of losing with this dog that you have placed so much hope in. If you have a good dog, common sense will tell you that sooner or later, he will be rewarded as being such. To lose control of yourself because one or two judges don’t agree with you is silly. Even the best of dogs will lose throughout their show careers. It’s to be expected in any sport. It’s the nature of the beast if you will. You win some and you lose some. Everybody likes to win. No one likes to lose. But lose you will and if you don’t know how to lose, you can make yourself sick about it!

Oh sure there will be some times that you lose and your dog lost to a better dog that day. Come on admit it now…….the other dog was better on this day. And then there will be those days that you lose to an inferior dog and you want to scream! Go ahead and do it if you have to, but try to do it away from the ring so the judge doesn’t feel like you’re going to jump the rope and strangle her! Probably the worst loss would be when you feel like you walked into a set up situation. You know the ones that I mean. The winning dog/bitch was determined before he even set foot in the ring! And before you die hard “believe that all judges are honest” fans shout that never happens…………..OH YES IT DOES! In this case, if you feel like jumping the rope to strangle the judge, ask your friends to hold you back so you don’t lose your AKC privileges and you can still show your dog under honest judges in the future!

Let me tell you, if you are reading this and have never shown a dog before it can be very nerve wracking. Headaches are throbbing temples, tempers are at their most unattractive stage, stomachs are doing cartwheels, intestines are in knots and exhibitors are fighting for the next free bathroom seat in the nearest restroom! I kid you not. I know I’ve been there before.

Talk about catty people……my goodness gracious just walk around ringside and eaves drop if you must and listen and watch the tongues……….they’re wagging faster than your dog’s tail. This is where people come to observe, to compare, to learn and yes to gossip. It’s alright I guess if you are one that is partaking of the sometimes unsavory conversations, but what about if you’re on the opposite side of this equation and you’re the one that they are gossiping about? It can be pretty painful stuff………if you let it get to you. If you go to the show knowing that sometimes your feelings will get hurt because people may not like your dog and are talking negatively about him, then you may be better prepared to deal with it. If on the other hand you go to the show and EXPECT that everyone will love your dog, you may be in for a rude awakening.

Showing dogs can be some of the most thrilling times of your life and some of the most positive as well. You must bring along with you the right attitude. If you do, your losses will not overcome you. You’re smart enough to know it just comes with the territory. Tomorrow is another day and another judge!

Go to the show knowing you love your dog and hope that others will as well. If they don’t, don’t take it personally. Remember you are competition the moment you step foot on the show ground. Not everyone will like your dog and so what. Take him home and love him anyway. Have fun and don’t let the psychological warfare of showing dogs get to you. If it does, then maybe this is not the sport that you should be in. If you’re not having fun, then do something else with your dog where you are having fun! The German Shepherd is one of the most intelligent of breeds. If you’re not enjoying yourself and are tense and upset, he knows and feels it. You can’t expect him to perform his best if you are not willing to accept the consequences of his performance on that day!


From the DVD: "CAUTION: SHOW DOGS!"......Behind all the glamour and excitement lies the never-ending hard work, enormous amounts of love and an all-consuming dedication that is difficult to imagine. Get to know four top breeders, and their dogs, while sharing the years of knowledge and experience required to produce consistent champions. In fact, the full-length movie CAUTION: SHOW DOGS! puts you behind-the-scenes so you can share the excitement and exhilaration of the world of SHOW DOGS!


My rating: showing dogs: (3 -4)

REMEMBERING YOUR FIRST TIME

Someone wrote to me this morning and asked me if I could write about this subject. So I gave it a little thought and decided, “Sure, why not?” Everyone in dogs has a “first time” doing something. The woman that wrote to me was so thrilled that she had just put the first point on one of her own animals that she was showing. Here are her own words: “I handled my girl Piper a few weeks ago in Urbana Ohio. Nothing new except she went Winners Bitch. I was on cloud nine and sill am. It’s the first time I ever put a points on my own bitch. I handled others and got majors, but this was different. It is a very special feeling, one that I have never experienced before, and I hope to again and again. I know I will never forget it.”

Looking back in my own involvement in dogs, I was never that talented to show my own dogs so I left it to the professionals. I probably am the world’s worst double handler and every professional handler’s worst nightmare so pretty much the dog was left to win on his own merit. The very first time that I ever showed at a major specialty show, I hired Jimmy Moses and my dog won a big four or five point major and back in those days the entries were huge. First of all I was thrilled that Mr. Moses was showing my dog because I was a young, “just starting out” novice and he consented to show my dog. So that was my “first time” having a cream of the crop handler showing for me. Then the other “first time” was that my dog won his first major! So those two things stand out in my mind of “first time” events. I remember driving to the show that day, but I don’t remember driving back home because I was floating, because my feet hadn’t stepped back on the ground yet.

Then there are memories of the first litter I ever bred and there are memories of the first champion I ever finished and the first champion I ever bred. There are memories of the first “big shot” I ever talked to and that was so sweet and supportive of me. That was Carol McPheron who owned GV Ch Scorpio of Shiloh Gardens. She was just the nicest and most helpful person to a newcomer like me.

Can I ever forget the first time an icon of the breed bred to my stud dog? When Bill Goldbecker bred one of his German bred bitches to my dog, I couldn’t believe it. He was a fascinating man who knew a lot about the breed. He didn’t let you forget it either. Now most people when they breed to your dog, they bring the bitch to him. Nope, Bill expected and he got me bringing my stud dog to his bitch. What did I care anyway? He thought enough of my dog to breed to him.

Could I have been any luckier than to be able to lease a bitch for my very first litter from the kennels of Marge Dolan of Dolmar Shepherds? She was from the famous Reno/Rhyme combination. I’ve always said it many times on this blog, I was VERY LUCKY when I first started out to have some knowledgeable people take me under their wings.

Another first for me was when the GREAT, late Joan Ford judged a match show. The entry was huge. I kid you not; there must have been a hundred entries that day. The sun was shining brightly; a cool breeze was in the air……a perfect combination for a dog show. We entered our sable “Charlie” son and without a professional handler at the end of the leash. Well can I tell you when she pointed to him and gave him Best Puppy at this match; you would have thought he just won the Grand Victor title. I was stunned that she awarded our super moving puppy this title.

Then owning BIM Ch Arbar’s Xanadu ROM afforded me many, many “firsts.” She was the best thing that ever happened to me in dogs for a gazillion and one reasons. She was a once in a life time dog and I owe her so much more than she ever got.


And writing this article wouldn't be complete if I didn't include when I bought my very "first" German Shepherd Dog, Helga. Bought from a pet shop, but loved like she was a champion because although she may have taught me everything that a good quality German Shepherd shouldn't look like conformation wise, she also served to remind me of the fantastic mind and temperament of this breed. And after all that was the real reason I bought a German Shepherd to begin with. It was who they were that attracted me to them in the first place. It was their nobility, loyalty and the love for their master that first caught my eye. My very first German Shepherd made me realize that my first choice of a dog breed was the right choice for me.

So looking back over my ownership and involvement with the breed, I remember many “firsts.” How about you? Do you remember some “firsts” in your dog show career? Do you remember the thrill of it all? Did it feel different then then what it feels like today when you win? Do you still get that “rush” when you win? Are there still “firsts” that you are looking forward to experiencing?


From the book: "CHOOSING GRATITUDE: YOUR JOURNEY TO JOY" - Gratitude is a choice. If we fail to chose it, by default we choose ingratitude. And once allowed into the heart, ingratitude does not come by itself but with a lot of other seedy companions that only succeed in stealing joy. To not choose gratitude - daily and deliberately - is more costly than we usually realize. And when we do choose a lifestyle of heartfelt, humble gratitude, we are mindful of the benefits received from our gracious Savior and those He has placed around us. By intentionally thanking God and others, bitterness and entitlement are replaced with joy and the humble realization of just how undeserving we really are. Derived from a popular Revive Our Hearts radio series, Choosing Gratitude: The Path to Joy challenges and equips the reader to live a life of intention. A life based on thankfulness - for the freedom Christ has provided and for the blessings of others.

SO YOU WANT TO BREED A LITTER OF PUPPIES - (Part 1)

Someone wrote to me to ask me if I could write about what it takes to breed of litter of puppies. He belongs to my list and said he sees how excited some people are when they send pictures over the list sharing and bragging about their newest litter of “hopefuls.” He said that he would be interested in just what it takes to be a breeder from the time the puppies are born until they are sold.

Well what it takes is a lot of blood, sweat and tears and a lot of luck! In other words, it’s a lot of hard work. Most breeders are real excited once the puppies are born and nine times out of ten, most happy, grateful and exhausted by the time the puppies leave for their new homes.

For the non-breeder that views the pictures of the fluffy little butterballs, they think what a wonderful thing this must be to have all these little guys to play with. They are adorable and you just want to pick them up, hug and kiss them. That’s the fun part. But more than anything else, having a litter of puppies is a full time job. No actually it’s more like putting in overtime, because you’re on 24 hour duty when you are raising puppies.

So alright, let’s take a look at the process that takes place when breeding. Before you do anything else, make sure you’re breeding for the right reasons. And no, breeding to let the kids experience what birth and new born life is all about is not the right reason to breed a litter of puppies! And it’s not about thinking you’re going to be able to make a fortune to pay your mortgage payment that month or put a down payment on a new car. Think again. IF you’re lucky, you just MIGHT break out even. Other times you end up losing money when you breed a litter of puppies. That is if you are doing it right. Breeding is expensive.

The only reason to breed a litter of puppies is to help improve the quality and promote the betterment of the breed. With each new litter, the good breeder is looking to improve on the quality of her last litter. She takes from that experience all the best and worst of her lines and tries to improve on it with her next and subsequent litters. Hopefully, she will know the strengths and weaknesses of her lines and will breed accordingly in her future breeding.

So when does the breeding begin? It is not when the two dogs mate that it begins. The good breeder has planned her litter long before the “honeymooners” meet. The good breeder will have spent countless hours and research of the pedigrees of the dogs that she wishes to breed. The good breeder doesn’t just wake up one morning and decides to breed her bitch to “Joe Schmoe’s” dog down the street. No she’s been planning her bitches breeding from the time she bought or bred her.

Foremost in one’s mind if they want to be a good breeder is the acquisition of a well bred bitch that is properly structured and possesses an undeniable character according to the breed standard. She also should have been x-rayed or that she is quarantined to x-ray well. Ideally, it would be to your advantage to know something about the pedigree she comes from. Is there good temperament, hips and elbows in her line? Does she come from lines that have the proper breed standard? What about the health problems in her line? And don’t let her breeder tell you that there is nothing in her line that carries any health problems. EVERY line has some health concerns in the pedigree. The trick is to stay away from those lines that are known for producing a multitude of health problems. It would be wise to investigate the health problems of the German Shepherd Dog BEFORE you start breeding into it. There are many articles all over the internet that can help educate you on this breeds predisposition for genetic health problems.

If you can’t see her parents, at least see pictures of them and what’s behind your bitches bloodlines. Does the breeder have her sisters and brothers or other relatives that you can look at? This will give you an idea of what to expect with your own bitch as far as temperament and structure is concerned.

When you are looking to buy your breeding bitch, do you know what good German Shepherd temperament is? If you are buying a puppy, look for the puppy that is outgoing, confident and just darn right sure of herself. Does the puppy greet you? Is she freely sharing her kisses with you? Watch to see how she interacts with her littermates. Does she play “nice” with them or is she the “boss” over the rest of the litter? If she’s the boss, then you are looking at the “alpha” of the litter. She will be the one that has the most dominate personality. She will be strong willed and will challenge you for the alpha position in your home. She is the one that must know at all times that it is YOU that is the alpha in your home. In other words you are the boss and not her!

Don’t be swayed by the cute little fluffy pup that sits over in the corner or hides under the table. Sometimes people have the tendency to want to “rescue” the shy little pup. “Oh look how cute that one is over there. The poor little baby is scared. Come here sweetheart.” If she is shy, this is not what you want to introduce in your breeding program. That shy puppy may turn into a fear biter or become aggressive later on in life. Temperament of the puppies started long before they were born. It’s in their genetic make-up. Shy away from the shy puppy.

If you buy yourself an older puppy or a young adult, the same requirements should be in place as far as temperament goes. It’s even more important now as their personalities are already set in. So get familiar with the breed standard which you can read about on the Parent Club website (The German Shepherd Dog Club of America).

Alright then, you’ve just purchased your foundation bitch. This is probably the most important thing that you can do when establishing your breeding program. Buy the best bitch that you can afford. She will determine your future success as a breeder.

Take her home, love her, play with her, train her, socialize her and feed her the best food that you can afford. The breeder that you bought her from has done her part as far as breeding the best quality that she could. Now it’s up to you to make sure that she realizes her genetic worth and that you too breed her to the best of your ability. Don’t forget to “pick the brain” of the breeder that you bought her from. She should help guide you because she is familiar with her bloodlines. If she’s a good breeder, she likes to see her kennel’s bloodlines being utilized in a good breeding program.

(To be continued)….


From the book: "BREEDING BETTER DOGS".............. Highly recommended as a basic reference in every breeder's library. It should be required reading for all breeders. -- Helen Sondrel - breeder

It is fascinating and easy to understand. I can now hope to master the methods and ideas that will really make a difference. -- Patricia H. Riepe

The text focuses on the fundamental aspects of producing better dogs. It was written for those interested in upgrading their stock and producing quality animals. The author anticipates the type of information that most breeders need and presents it in a clear and easy-to-understand style.

Some of the unique methods which have proven to be of great value are the color charts and stick dog figures that are designed to help breeders plan their future breeding on paper to see what they are likely to produce. The pedigree charts and stick dog illustrations provide an easy method for interpreting the pedigrees of potential dams and sires, and for predicting the qualities in their expected litters.


My rating: Breeding puppies: (1 - 4)

WHAT WOULD YOUR LIFE BE LIKE WITHOUT A GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG?

I got the theme for this subject after being slobbered on for the umpteenth million time this morning by three German Shepherds running around the house like maniacs! One has a chewed up bone hanging out her mouth that can no longer be distinguished as having ever belonged to any creature walking on this earth. The other one is trying to figure out how she’s going to get that “treasure” from her sister’s mouth. And the third one drops a limp, lifeless saliva encrusted stuffed toy on my lap. In between, they stop, gulp some water, come back to decorate my bare arms with their drool, smell my clothes, scratch their pleasingly plump bodies next to me assuring that some more stray hairs land on my keyboard. And the “Dog Whisperer” tells us to remain calm and assertive. I throw calm out the window and in my most assertive voice, yell (scream) “I’ve had enough.” I still can’t figure out how they can stand there with those “cow brown eyes” wagging their tail loving me anyway when two of them are shown the back door!

In the morning one likes to drink their cup of coffee, relax, open up their e-mails or look at the morning newspaper. If you’re a writer and anything like I am, I need and demand “quiet!” I can’t concentrate otherwise. I think my Amber must think I’m nuts sometimes because she’s the whining (I need lots of attention) type of dog. She lives in the house all day with me and many a time she is told to go to her bed when she’s in one of her “demanding” moods. She knows what I mean too because after a little fuss, I point the finger towards the other room and tell her to get into her bed.

So these are just some of the fun reasons why I “love” owning a German Shepherd. I wonder what my life would be like without them. Now let me think about this…..

I’d be wealthier for one thing. No more buying Holistic or natural food. No more looking for the meat bargains at the supper market to add to their diet. Oh yeah, no more buying a special supplement to add to their food. No more vet bills. No grooming bills. No more buying grooming supplies. There would be no need for a dog run in my yard. There would be no dog houses. No kiddie’s pools. No expensive dog toys. No more worn out bones to decorate my living room rug. There would be no need to upgrade my car to a van. No need to invest any money for cushy dog beds to line the corners of my den. No need to buy an industrial strength vacuum cleaner to pick up your never ending dog hair!

I would no longer have the need to call one of those dog handlers to show my dog at the local specialty club. No spending money on entry fees. No traveling expenses. I wouldn’t have to stay at one of those “Super 8” motels anymore. No more eating those shriveled up hot dogs that they pass off as food at the shows. Oh yeah, no more having my dog grab the rest of that hot dog when my head is turned talking to Gertrude who stops to have a chat.

No more stud fees. No more shipping my bitch across the country. No more x-rays to see how many little darlings we can expect. No spending money on the OFA for my dog’s hips and elbows. No buying a whelping box. No puppy food and supplements. No worming medicines. No need to buy any dog crates. Oh yes, and no more dealing with annoying puppy people!!!!!!!!!!

No more planning my vacation around the National Specialty show. I mean who wants to go to “Anyplace, USA” in some cow pasture when I could be lying on the pink sands of Tahiti instead?

Gee after looking at these last few paragraphs, I feel richer already! So if money is no problem for you, let’s take a look at all the other things you’d miss without a German Shepherd Dog in your life.

There would be no need to wrestle a dog to the floor to clip their nails. There wouldn’t even be a reason for me to buy those “tasty” dog treats to bribe them with to do their nails in the first place. There wouldn’t be one single dog hair on my floors, my clothes, my computer, my car or any other place for that matter. They’d be no more muddy footprints decorating my floors. No more doggies breathe. Just think, no more doggie aroma assaulting my nostrils!

There would be no more jumping up on the counters, the stove, the table top or any other place that a food morsel may have been left behind. No more smudges on the sliding glass door or the living room window. My windows in my car would be free from this assault as well. No nudging me while I’m cooking dinner hoping I’ll share a piece of whatever it is smelling so “gosh darn good!” No more following me into the bathroom or hearing you scrape at the door if I close it in your nosy little face.

There would be no more cleaning up soiled dog runs. No more bleach splashing on my once dark pants. No more looking like a rag woman because I’m too tired to go to the beauty parlor after taking care of you all day. No more brushing your coat to make you look pretty. Now I’ll brush my hair to make me look pretty.

No more nose up my butt. No more tripping over you because when I turn around…..there you are! No more breaking my ankles on you scattered toys all over the house. No more listening to you snoring. No more sharing my favorite pillow with you. No more opening the back door telling you to be quiet with your unwelcome barking. No more interruptions from you while I’m talking on the telephone. Finally I could get an insurance company that wouldn’t hang up on me when he asks me what breed of dog I have.

Oh yes, life is beginning to feel simpler and better already. Yes sir, there’s more money in my pocket. I’ve got a cleaner house and a cleaner car. No more yellow stains on my lawn. You betcha’ life is good……..richer, but really poorer. Cleaner……but who cares anyway? Oh yeah and a whole lot lonelier! No more “laugh out loud” silly moments. No more unconditional love. No more loyal companion by my side. Oh no is that somebody trying to break in my cleaner bigger house? He’s after all my riches! Where is that darn dog when I need him anyway? I forgot I chose not have a dog in my life anymore!


My rating: owning a German Shepherd Dog: (4), not owning any pets: (1)

ONE REASON A DOG IS SUCH A LOVABLE CREATURE IS HIS TAIL WAGS INSTEAD OF HIS TONGUE

“ONE REASON A DOG IS SUCH A LOVABLE CREATURE IS HIS TAIL WAGS INSTEAD OF HIS TONGUE” – author unknown


I have always loved quotations. In fact I have many books on the subject. Every time that I see a clever one, I save it and find myself reading it many times over. Well this morning I was reading quotations about dogs. I’ve decided that I will try to write articles around some of those quotations in the future.

Someone recently asked me to write an article about losing friendships over dogs. I gave some thought to this. I put the idea on a “shelf” for awhile and after reading the above quotation, I thought maybe I could try to write something about it now.

When competition presents itself in our life, it can be a good thing. It’s the way sport teams win their games, it’s what makes children want to be the best at whatever they do and it’s what challenges us to better ourselves. However, competition can also bring out the ugly side of people as well.

In the sport of showing dogs competition is a good thing for the most part. It makes the breeder/exhibitor want to bring out his best animal for people to “drool” over and for the judge to honor his dog with the winning points. For the most part, people will show good sportsmanship to their fellow exhibitors. Then there are others that will rant and rave when things don’t go his way and make everyone uncomfortable in his presence.

Whatever it is that you’re involved with because of the ownership of the German Shepherd Dog (showing, breeding, training, rescue, etc.) this brings you in contact with other people that share a similar interest. Bringing people together sharing common interests and goals can be a good thing. It can also bring out the worse in some people, especially those that are highly competitive to begin with. It’s human nature to want to have the best and make other people take notice. My dog’s prettier than your dog. My dog is smarter than your dog, etc. This can open up the door for healthy exchange and some good natured joking around, but it also can lead to those that are not necessarily of the good nature type becoming aggressive and abusive.

What about those that have been our friend for years? You know the ones that I’m talking about. They’re our best buddies. We talk everyday on the telephone with them. We go shopping together. We go out to lunch with them. They’re at all our parties sipping our wine and eating our “famous” barbecued beans. Why heck, even our kids grew up together. We’ve both always owned dogs. But one day, we both own the same dog! We decide to co-own the newest little “superstar” in our kennel. Oh we don’t mind letting her go. She’s going to a good home. We don’t even bother to make out a contract. Our verbal contract is all we need with our best friend, isn’t it? WRONG!

In this authors opinion, I don’t care how well we know someone or for how long. Get EVERYTHING in writing, best friend or not. Best friends can become our worse headache, heartache or nightmare! I guess it’s because we expect more from those people that we love the most and hold dear to our hearts. We feel we can trust them. They would never think of doing something against us. I’m sorry to say, that these are the very people that can sometimes do us the most damage. It’s because of their closeness to us that we would never suspect them of any wrong doing. We might suspect the “trouble makers” of the breed, but never our closest friend.

Again in this writer’s opinion, I believe that these “so called best friends” have other agendas going on that has nothing whatsoever to do with dogs. When a person that is the closest to us turns on us, I believe it was never about the dogs to begin with. I believe that this person is jealous of us, perhaps for our success, perhaps for our lifestyle, perhaps for our intelligence, or whatever! It was never about the dogs to begin with. I believe it was about them and their view of our success or another positive aspect in our life that they felt threatened by. We have something that they want and maybe they will never be able to achieve. So blaming the loss of friendship over dogs doesn’t ring true for me. The “Green eyed monster” (jealousy) is one of the most destructive emotions that man can have. Heck even our dogs are jealous creatures. Just look at how they act when we show attention to another dog. Some have been jealous of other people that are close to us in our life even going as far as preventing those people that they view as a “threat” from sitting on “his” sofa!

If you’ve been in this breed or any breed for that matter for any length of time, you will notice one thing…….dog people love to talk about dogs! And when talking about a dog that leads to talking about those that own those dogs that you’re talking about. I mean there are some of the biggest gossips on the planet when it comes to discussions of dogs and “their” people. Like anything in the world of gossip, from the time it leaves the lips of the first person that shares a little “juicy tidbit” with someone until it erupts into the worst possible offense it can change the course of some people’s relationships forever!

So our feelings can be hurt, our friendships can be lost and our dreams can be shattered when we realize the one who we cared for the most didn’t feel the same way. I wonder if it really is worth it all in the whole scheme of things. The older I get, the more I realize that I’ll be “stepping up to the plate” sooner than later. Blaming the loss of friendship over dogs is foolish. It goes deeper than that but maybe it took owning dogs to find that out!

Oh the stories we pass on, oh the lies that we tell……”Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.”


From the book: "THE FRIENDSHIP FACTOR: HOW TO GET CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE YOU CARE FOR....A must read to strengthen friendships, timeless classic, a manual for living, warms the heart and helps you remember what's really important in life!

My rating: friendships are important: (4), healthy competition when showing dogs: (4)

SOMEONE IS BREAKING INTO YOUR HOUSE, DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR DOG IS?

It’s 3 o’clock in the morning. Glass shatters. A window is broken. You hear the unwelcoming sound of footsteps walking across your living room floor. Those same footsteps stop at the bottom of the stairs that leads up to your bedrooms. Your ears strain as you listen for the next sound. Your heart’s pounding. Your pulse is racing. Beads of sweat form on your brow. Your ears strain listening for the sound of the familiar creak of the stairs that he’s climbing that is leading him to you. Where’s that darn dog when you need him?

If he’s a German Shepherd with the ideal temperament for his breed, than the intruder never made it across the living room floor to the staircase. As soon as the intruder put his sorry little leg into the room, the dog pulled him in the rest of the way and was shaking and ripping at his trousers. The sound you heard were not footsteps coming up the staircase. They were feet that were running to the front door trying to escape from the lunatic that has him by the seat of the pants!

If he’s a German Shepherd with a timid temperament, he’s hiding right next to you under the bed. The pounding of your heart is actually the bed shaking from the nervous coward hiding under it. Better get the baseball bat out of the closet because you’re going to have to fend for yourself and your dog!

If he’s a German Shepherd who is a fear biter, there is a very, very slim chance that he could help you (err, I mean help himself). Maybe when the intruder comes into the living room, the shrinking violet might feel trapped and will bite him and the guy will run away thinking there’s a big mean old dog in the house.

If he’s a German Shepherd who loves everyone, he’ll just let the guy in and show him where the silver is! The intruder will give him a bone which he carries in his pocket just for these types of dogs. The dog is happy and the intruder is even happier as he makes off with your belongings.

And then there’s one more type of German Shepherd that the intruder can run into. He’s the aggressive dog. He sees the man coming up the lawn and watches as he breaks the glass. As he starts to come into the living room, the dog already has him by the throat and his breaking and entering days are over.

If nothing else at least your dog will be a good alarm system for you. He’ll let you know that someone is trying to break in and enter. Hopefully this will give you enough time to call the authorities before the creep is in your house. Most dogs you don’t need to tell them what to do. If they hear a strange sound, they’re up investigating it and making a lot of noise barking at it.

Someone once told me that what’s the good of having your German Shepherd? All the intruder needs is a gun and your dog is dead. Well that’s why I always keep more than one dog in the house at a time. I have three. If one of them doesn’t get the intruder, than the other one or two will! Dogs are very quick and before the intruder knows what hit him, he should be knocked off of his feet.

Some people don’t feel that all dogs will attack someone if they tried entering their house. Some say that not all dogs will bite. I must admit that I have read about this when doing some research for another article that I wrote about. Many people are under the assumption that because it’s a German Shepherd, he will protect you and bite the intruder. Just because a dog acts like a maniac when someone knocks on a door, doesn’t mean that they will attack that person once he’s inside.

Of course, we all hope that this never happens and if it did that our dog would be there to defend us. Let’s hope that they never have to prove it.

My rating: German Shepherds as watch dogs: (4)

ON THE SPOT - EDAN GERMAN SHEPHERDS

 

Ch Awlful good of Edan, CD, TC, ROM                   BIF Select Ch I'm All That Matters of Edan

It’s not unusual to see Ann Schultz of Edan German Shepherds come across one of the German Shepherd dog e-mail lists bragging about another dog from her breeding program that just won at a dog show. I have followed this woman’s breeding career in the last few years and I have been totally amazed at what she has done and with consistency has produced one dog more beautiful moving than the next. I never met Ann nor have I ever seen any of her dogs in the area that I live in, but I’ve seen many of them on the DVD’s of the National Specialty show. One thing that I’m always impressed with is the shoulders and side gait that her dogs exhibit. I knew that she was one of the breeders that I wanted to interview because I felt that her show and breeding record speaks for itself. Here then is my interview with Ann.


Me: Please tell us how and when you got involved with the German Shepherd Dog.

Ann: I went to my first National in 1976 and fell in love with Sel Ch Cobert's Reno of Lakeside ROM and decided I had to have a puppy from him. I started reading ads in the Review and Dick Jennings advertised a litter by him, out of his half sister Ch Lakeside's Just Jamaica ROM. He sent me a puppy and although I had memorized the standard, I didn't have a clue if she was any good or not. She wasn't, but she was very well bred. Reno was sired by Lance and Jamaica was sired by Paladen and they were both out of Cobert's Melissa ROM, one of the great producers in the breed. I did a copycat breeding, similar to Ch Topflight's Sue. Sue's mother China(Reno-Jamaica) had been bred to Ch Doppelt-tay's Hammer ROM and produced Sue, who finished in something like seven shows, when you needed thirty some dogs for a major, so I thought I would do that and get a Sue too. I did better. My bitch Ch Awlful Good of Edan CD, TC,ROM took over five years to finish, but oh what a producer she was. When she was ten weeks old, I took her to Jim Norris, who lived about 40 minutes away. Jim was one of the most wonderful people that I have met in this breed. He handled Judd to GV and was the judge that put Lance up to GV. His words to me were "This is your ticket into German Shepherds.” He died from cancer, before he knew how true those words were. Every dog in my kennel today goes to Awlful. Awlful was the dam of three ROMs and her daughter Ch Love at First Bite of Edan ROM was the dam of four ROMs.

Me: Who has been your favorite dog of your own breeding?

Ann: I think I can safely say that Awlful was my all time favorite dog. She didn't finish until she was almost six, but I did it myself and what a personality she had. Looking back, I could have finished her quite easily today. Back then I thought that the best dog always won. Silly me.

Me: How many champion and other titled dogs have you bred or owned?

Ann: To date I have bred and or owned 73 champions and 19 ROMs and multiple obedience titled dogs. I owner handled my bitch AOE GVx Ch Dawnhill's Carli, CD to Grand Victrix in 1986. I was co-breeder and co-owner of GV Ch Bethesda's Earth of Jada Edan ROM, who went Grand Victor and Best of Breed from the classes at 23 months of age. I have had multiple Futurity winners. I show in both specialty and all breed shows and my dogs do very well at both. I prefer specialty shows, because most of the judges are knowledgeable about the breed. Some of the all breed judges are totally clueless and find it easier to look at the end of the lead.

Me: Who was your favorite dog of the past that was not of your breeding?

Ann: My favorite was Select Ch Houston of Wildwood. He had it all.

Me: What do you see as the most significant differences in the breed today compared to when you first started breeding and showing?

Ann: I think that the dogs today are more moderate then the dogs of the eighties. I see very few "stars" in the breed today and seldom get excited about the dogs being shown. Back then there were outstanding movers with beautiful breed type.

Me: Your dogs have won at the Specialty shows; all breed shows, futurity shows and the National shows. What is your most proud accomplishment so far in the breed?

Ann: I think that I have had a lot of achievements that stand out in my mind. Probably my most exciting are being awarded the Lloyd Brackett Award, finishing my First champion Awlful and I've Got It All of Edan ROM producing 14 champions, all finished without the help of any one handler pushing her progeny.

Me: Is there something that you haven't done yet in the breed that you still would like to accomplish?

Ann: I still have goals. Without them I would probably just walk away from showing dogs and do some traveling. I would love to go GV or GVx again with one of my dogs and I just want to continue producing top quality animals that are recognized by my peers as such.

Me: What are your lines known for?

Ann: I love a beautiful dog, but without the movement they are just another dog. I want to continue to produce outstanding movement and this is something that is so lacking in the breed today. I think that the Rollins and Uecker line is one of the few lines left that produce movement.

Me: If you could give advice to someone starting out in this breed, what would it be?

Ann: For people starting in the breed, educate your selves, don't expect someone to take you by the hand and tell you what your every move should be. When you are done, you will still know nothing. Find a good mentor. It is hard to tell the real ones from the people that have finished a few champions and think they are the ones. Then buy the best bred bitch you can afford. She doesn't have to be the pick of the litter, just somewhat close to the standard and from a truly good producing line.

Me: Would you rather see a breeder, a judge or a handler judge the
Futurities and why?

Ann: I really don't care if judges or breeders or handlers judge futurities. A long time ago handlers were allowed to judge futurities. There are some handlers out there today that would do a very good job. The judge should be someone active in the breed that knows how to pick young puppies as well as older dogs. The most important thing, however, is that they are honest.

Me: Tell us please how you go about picking out your best puppies in a
litter. What do you look for?

Ann: When I look at a litter of puppies, one usually jumps out at me after a few seconds. I look for the total package that moves in a coordinated fashion with lots of presence. I don't look at coming and going at all as it improves drastically as they get older. I used to keep the best movers, while today they also have to have pretty breed type as well. Movement on my lines gets better with age. I think that it is also very important that growing puppies receive unlimited free exercise. When I sell a puppy that doesn't turn out, I often find that they were a couch potato and didn't get the free exercise needed for growing puppies. I have huge grass fields that my dogs can go out in during the day and fence run with others to build stamina and muscle.

Me: What do you see as the biggest health problems in our breed right now?

Ann: I think there are lots of problems in the breed today, maybe no more then when I started, but with the internet I think that we are more aware. Torsion and bloat, missing teeth, autoimmune are just some of the serious problems out there today.

Me: What do you feed your dogs and how often do you feed them each day?

Ann: I feed Diamond Natural Chicken and Rice and Eukanuba and add supplement and meat, eggs, mackerel and other proteins on the dogs that are being shown. Due to my job, I find that I can only feed once a day, except for puppies and bitches with puppies.

Me: If you had to do it over again, would you change anything that you have done?

Ann: As far as I am concerned the German Shepherd Dog is the ONLY dog. I have never owned another breed, nor do I desire to. They are so smart, loyal and beautiful. If you really want to be successful in breeding good dog’s generation after generation, get a good bitch. The bitch makes your kennel; the dog makes your name. If you are to be successful in anything you have to take the good with the bad and believe me, there are as many heartbreaks as there are successes. Every time I had a failure I learned something. If it had come easily and it hadn't taken me eight years to get my first champion, I don't think I would have gathered the knowledge that I have today. I would have had no reason to learn anything. I remember to this day when Awlful got her first major at age five and someone at the show that day said, "Another 100 shows and she'll get her other major". Were my feeling hurt? No. I just thought to myself, I will show you and I think I have.

I know that Ann is very proud of her young dog pictured above (BIF Sel Ch I'm All That Matters of Edan) that finished at 10 months with 4 majors and was awarded a Select at 14 months old!

I want to thank Ann Schultz for doing this interview with me. There is one thing that I forgot to ask her and I wish that I did. That is, I should have asked her where she came up with some of the most unique names for her dogs that I ever heard of. They are so original and different. I guess along with their outstanding qualities, it’s just another thing that makes them stand out!

You can get in touch with Ann by going to her website at: www.edangsd.com


My rating: breeding beautiful moving dogs: (4)!

MY DATE WITH THE DOG WHISPERER

                     "Kizzy" - Dawn's ROM bitch                  and son           Ch. Laxfield's Hitman ("Vinnie")

Today I have asked a guest to write an article for my blog about her experience going to a Cesar Millan, “Dog whisperer” seminar. She had often told me how much she enjoyed that day and because I happen to watch his programs every week, I thought it might be an interesting subject to read about. I thank Dawn Restuccia for her time and effort to write this article for me. I hope the rest of you enjoy reading it as much as I did.


MY DATE WITH THE DOG WHISPERER - Dawn Restuccia

I attended a Seminar conducted by Cesar and Illusion Millan in May of 2006 at Bentley College in Waltham, Mass. Though the ticket price was dear, I can honestly state that it was the best $160 I could have spent.
Cesar was accompanied by another speaker; a Veterinary Nutritionist from California who discussed raw feeding. He was both entertaining and educational, explaining the need to bring the dog's digestion back to his natural state and the benefits that can be garnered from feeding a raw diet.

When Cesar took the stage, the entire stadium was on its feet and erupted in thunderous applause. He is an amazingly unpretentious person; reminding me a little of one of those sweet mixed bred dogs that follows you home from school...all wags and smiles. He is incredibly engaging in person.

The next three hours were packed with information surrounding issues such as how our dogs perceive the world as opposed to how WE perceive our dogs! He explained that by excessively humanizing our companions, we are effectively ignoring their "animal, dog, breed, name" state of being. With the use of short video clips from previous "Dog Whisperer" segments, he walked you through his methods of calm, assertive training that have worked so well for so many owners in need.

While there were no actual dogs allowed in the hall, Cesar gave a VERY believable facsimile of their behavior under certain circumstances and when he emulated a "red zone dog" there was NO confusing EXACTLY how that dog would appear! The seminar depicted several of the more common issues that owners have with their pets; outlining each and explaining in more detail the method utilized to correct the behavior, not only for the DOG, but for his OWNER as well. He discussed "Rules, Boundaries and Limitations" at length; apparently many of us struggle with this one...and exactly how you could help your beloved Fido achieve a submissive, calm state of mind.

The audience was allowed to submit questions and several were chosen for him to respond to. The one that I personally found most helpful was the issue of "the walk" and how best to enjoy spending this type of time together. One of my four German Shepherds is affectionately called "The Eveready Bunny"...a nod to the fact that she is usually in warp overdrive and not amenable to a leash. Using the method that Cesar demonstrated, I was able to get her under control in a short lesson or two! I have since used this technique with ALL of my German Shepherds with enormous success. I have even helped a few other owners who find themselves in similar straights!

Cesar took a moment to discuss his feelings regarding spaying or neutering your companion dog. I'm sure we all know the problems inherent in pet overpopulation as well as the health benefits that come with age appropriate spay/neuter. That being said, quite frankly, I had never looked at it from his perspective; it really opened my eyes. He simply stated that it is his opinion that when an animal is intact, you are not seeing the true personality of that animal...you are seeing their drive to reproduce or to maintain alpha status in the pack. Bitches are driven by fluctuating hormonal levels..and dogs, when confronted with a bitch "in season" are blind to anything else around them.

The entire proceeds of the days event was over $16,000 in ticket and book sales which went to the Massachusetts Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

As the disclaimer states at the beginning of all of the "Dog Whisperer" segments, "Do not attempt this without consulting a professional". I felt that this Seminar was a great introduction into the Cesar Millan method of training and led me to seek out local trainers who employ his methods of positive reinforcement coupled with "exercise, discipline, THEN affection".

Dawn Restuccia, Pres.
Last Hope, Safe Haven
Donations may be made to:
Paypal via windwych@yahoo.com


My thoughts:  I personally love watching Cesar handle his toughest cases.  These are the type of dogs that most people wouldn't know how to handle no less live with.  But watching him handle some of these tough cases just reinforces my belief that MOST dogs can be trained to be good citizens.  


My rating: Cesar Millan method of training: (4), His books and DVD’s - educational: (4), entertaining: (4)

"DANCING WITH THE STARS"

Alright I admit that “Dancing with the stars” is one of my favorite shows. So what does it have to do with dogs? Well actually nothing………but the title fits in with today’s subject. I get my ideas from many different things. It could be a conversation with someone, it could be something that I read or it could be something that people are responding to about something that I wrote. Sometimes what I write and what someone takes from that can head in all sorts of directions from the original subject matter. But it’s good. It stirs up conversation and through that conversation we can all learn something.

Like in all walks of life people can accomplish their goals in many different ways. And so it is the same in the breeding and showing of dogs. Some people are blessed with a good eye and a good mind and can produce winners time and time again. Then there are those who no matter how hard they try can never seem to produce a winner at all. And lastly there are those who rub elbows with the top people in the breed and ride on their coat tails to success. And these last people are the ones who really don’t know anything about the breed on their own but all of a sudden they become the breed experts. These are the people who are “Dancing with the stars!”

The truly knowledgeable people in our breed are those who fall into the first category. They are the ones who through trial and error, blood, sweat and tears have persevered and have given back to the breed. It is because of them that the breed continues. They know the pedigrees of the dogs that they breed. They know the faults of the lines and breed away from it. They know that even with the best laid plans that a litter can be a disappointment. They never give up. They know in order for their dogs to be winning dogs not only must they be well bred, but they should be well trained.

The second group of breeders continues to breed the same type of dogs year after year who will never even come close to finishing their championships or obedience titles. These are the type of breeders who breed with their hearts. They love their dogs and expect other people to love them as well. They never honestly evaluate their breeding stock, whereas the intelligent breeder knows that this is something that you must continue to do if you ever want to produce good producing dogs. They weed out the mediocre dogs from their breeding program.

The third type of “breeder” looks for others to make his decisions for him. He doesn’t know how to study a pedigree. He doesn’t know the proper structure of the dog to know that that is the reason he moves the way that he does. He doesn’t know the faults of the line because he doesn’t really know why he’s breeding to a particular dog except that he was told he should. This is the type of person who buys a dog from a good breeder, shows it, wins with it and starts “talking the talk” as if he really knows what he’s talking about. He’s the one that will say, “Look at the front on this guy, or the rear” and if you asked him, he wouldn’t even know what a good front or rear is. He was just told that by the one who really is the knowledgeable breeder. He’s the one that every other sentence out of his mouth will be “Well so and so said this or that.” He really doesn’t have an opinion of his own. God forbid if you were to ask him something about the breed. He wouldn’t know how to answer it if “so and so” wasn’t around to do it for him! This is the name dropper in the breed. He’s successful because someone he associates with is even more so.

I suppose all three types of people are necessary in the whole scheme of things. The successful breeder hopes that with each new litter that she produces that it’s better than the last. She looks forward to incorporating new blood into her lines. She knows that she’s looking to improve temperament, top lines, feet, etc. and she’s studied pedigrees to do so. The breeder that continues to breed mediocre stock will continue to breed his way hoping to prove once and for all his way is the right way. He keeps the pet market happy. The “elbow rubbers” will do what they have to do to get where they want to go. They keep the really good breeders happy. The good breeder has their dogs in a show home and the buyer is very happy to promote and shout the breeders name to anyone that will listen to him. Gee, just think of the free advertising the good breeder gets with the “elbow rubber!” It’s kind of like the barter system. You do this for me and I’ll do that for you!

So no matter which way these groups of people do it, they’re all happy in their little world. The good breeder gets the recognition that he deserves. The breeder in the second category can still complain to those who will listen to her about why she’s never produced a champion. And the last group can continue “Dancing with the stars” to get the attention that he craves. It’s a win – win situation. Everyone is happy.

My rating: the good breeder: (4), the mediocre breeder: (2), the elbow rubber: (2)

LOVE ME, LOVE MY DOG?

I discussed this subject over a year ago on one of the German Shepherd Dog lists that I belong to. I thought I’d bring it up again for those who didn’t see it and for my readers who don’t belong to these e-mail lists.

So you meet the love of your life and he/she has everything that you are looking for in a potential partner except one thing……he doesn’t like dogs. Oh it’s not that he doesn’t like them, he just doesn’t want to live with them. He’s of that old school thinking that a dog is just a dog. He doesn’t feel like you do that the dog is part of your family and you could never see living your life without one of them to share it with. Can you sway him over to your way of thinking about your canine friends? If you did talk him into accepting a dog, will he be happy with the arrangement or will it cause problems in your relationship?

Let’s face it, not everyone wants a dog kissing them, pawing at them, jumping on them and leaving their hair all over everything that they come into contact with. It takes a very special kind of person to share their life with a dog. Perhaps he never owned a dog in his life. Maybe his mother was a “cleanliness freak” and would faint having a dog come into her house to mess it up. Maybe he just believes that a dog is an animal and is expected to live outside, but not in the house that he dwells in. It doesn’t make him wrong and you right. It’s just the different ways that we were brought up.

Perhaps you’re saying to yourself that you could never be with someone who didn’t share your love of animals and especially of your dog. You’re of the thought……love me, love my dog. Well we don’t choose who we fall in love with. You have chemistry with this person and you want to be with him. When you’re in a new relationship, sometime sacrifices and adjustments have to be made. Love is about making compromises to make one another happy. Having one dog will be adjustment enough for the non-pet lover. But what about those of us who have more than one dog? How will the new “love of your life” cope with that? Well you’re probably saying that you had your dogs first and if he wants to be with you, then he’s going to have accept your dogs. If he has a hard time with this, do you let him walk out of your life or do you make some adjustments? Someone is going to lose here. The dogs or your love interest.

I know of people who are in these types of relationships. One of them lives, loves and breathes dogs. The other “tolerates” it because of his partner’s commitment to her animals. Is he happy with this arrangement? Probably not, but because he loves her and wants to make her happy, he accepts it. The real problems start when the one who loves the dogs expects her partner to share in the work and upkeep of taking care of dogs. Little by little she may ask him to help feed them, pick up after them, bring them in, etc. This is where the animosity can set in. You may have talked him into living with your animals, but he didn’t sign up to take care of them. If both people can accept one another’s limitations and work with one another so you are both happy, then this arrangement can work out. He may never share your love for them, but he can grow to accept them and that can lead to a happy environment to co-exist in.

No one would want to be put in a situation where they would have to choose between the human type of love and the love they feel for their dog. Ideally it would be best to marry someone who loved animals like you do, but that’s in an ideal world. It doesn’t always work out that way. The best thing to do is to be honest right up front in the beginning of a new relationship. This way there are no surprises later. This is when one can choose to walk away if they can’t accept animals in their lives. All you animal lovers are probably saying you wouldn’t want to be with someone who didn’t share your love of animals anyway.

Let’s take this one step further. So you find someone who although never had a dog will accept your dog/dogs and it seems like you found a match made in Heaven! There’s just one other little thing that you need to tell this “angelic” soul mate. You breed your dogs. There will be puppies and the associated smell that comes with them. You have a stud dog and bitches will be coming to stay at your house. You might have to drive to the airport a few times a month to pick up the pretty ladies. You’re going to need him to help you breed the two dogs. This might just prove too much for the non-dog lover. You just might be pushing it with that kind of request.

You need to let him know that there is a thing called dog shows and you like going to them very much. Sometimes there’s more than one show on a week-end. Then there’s that really big show in the fall called the National Specialty show and it will normally run for about a week. You got to let him know that this is how you spend your vacation money. He needs to know that there will be dog runs and dog houses displayed across his backyard. His beautiful green lawn will now be decorated with little yellow patches here and there just to add a little interest. It’s probably a good idea to let him know that “Rocky” likes to share your bed and will be quite upset relinquishing it to him.

So if “Mister Wonderful” can accept you not smelling of that sexy little designer fragrance he loved when you first met him for the “doggie” aroma that assaults his nostrils now, then he’s a keeper. If he can accept you wearing sweat pants a lot more than those tight jeans he turned around and followed you into the supermarket for, then he loves you just the way you are. He might not love the dogs (not the way that you do), but because he loves you, the dogs are now a part of BOTH of your lives. And because you love him, you may find that you too will make sacrifices and compromises to keep peace and harmony in your relationship.

My rating: dog lover with a non-dog lover: (2 -3)