Big Dog... Small Apt... cont

Well, we are almost moved in to our new apartment and I have to say everything is going so well with Mouse. There is a big grassy area a couple houses down where he can get his exercise, so all is good. What was I worried about? He is such a good dog.

Small Apt... Big Dog...

In July we are going to be moving into a much smaller apartment. With two kids, two adults, and one very big German Shepherd! Financially it is a necessity and it is only for a year but I have to say having a big dog like this in a small apartment with no back yard makes me a little nervous. I just keep telling myself it is only for a year. In our home now he is always inside. We take him out and exercise him at least four times a day. But the remainder of the time he is inside with us, and when I don’t have time or if he is being annoying, which they can do sometimes ;-) he is in his crate. It works out well for all of us. But we have never had to worry about neighbors. He doesn’t bark often but when someone comes over he does, and he has a VERY healthy bark, great watchdog.

I am not worried about us so much as the neighbors. Maybe I am just worrying for no reason. Any advice welcome.

Kincaid at the Lake

We went to the lake the other day. I got some pict of my beautiful dog so I thought I would share!

Just for fun!

Dog Parks

There is a lot of controversy on the subject of socializing dogs. The mainstream believes that dogs should be socialized with all other dogs. We did this with our first dog Jazzy and had some problems because of it. Luckily she was never attacked by anther dog so she was very friendly and nice but alternately often she wouldn’t mind me or my husband if there was another, more fun, dog around. When we got our GSD from Tom, who has been training personal protection dogs, police dogs, and search and rescue dogs, for over twenty years, he told me to have my GSD around people as much as people but not to let him play with and interact with other dogs. The reason for this is simple.

First of all, other dogs are more fun! Dogs are simple creatures it is all about immediate gratification.

Secondly all it takes is one attack from another dog and your dog can be dog aggressive or overly avoidant for the rest of his life. It is risky because even a seemingly nice dog can bite/attack really fast and unexpectedly.

Personally I notice a difference in how my dog responds to my commands based on if he has been around other dogs. It makes a HUGE difference.

There are many other arguments for and against. I found this article by Ed Frawley very interesting. Please take a moment to read it. I would love to know what you think. Read the article and let me know if you disagree... if you agree... why? I love debate and I am not too proud to admit when I am wrong, although it is often very difficult to convince me I am wrong ;-) Just don't be vulgar or offensive or I will delete your comments.

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Jazzy 2003-2007

Jazzy was my first dog and part GS. Love and miss you...