German Shepherds: Power Dogs

(This is actually the first blog I wrote, this past Wednesday.

Blogger was having problems and I thought I'd lost it! p.)

We have a 12 week-old German Shepherd puppy named "Shatzie." "Shatzie2" is her official name, because we had a "Shatzie" years ago.

For those of you who have experienced the "puppy scene," I need say no more. 
Cesar Milan (The Dog Whisperer) calls GSDs "power dogs," and they need strict rules and schedules in the beginning in order to have a good dog-friend later on. (Think of Rin Tin Tin, definitely a "power dog!" Shatzie is black & tan.)

Lately,there have been hurt feelings, torn clothes, and on Mothers' Day, little knife-like teeth ripped my right index finger and I had to visit the ER. (It all worked out fine; instead of stitches, the wound was "super-glued!")

A Dog Obedience Class is starting nearby on May 25th, so I called first thing Monday morning. We were lucky to enroll for the class,as they fill up fast, and to have a private class this very afternoon!

Denise Smalt, from Canandaigua,NY, ( formerly of Bath, NY), raises and trains German Shepherds and other dogs as pets, Search & Rescue, competition and therapy dogs. Her business is Willow Creek Dog Training. She is an impressive trainer, easy going, and she sure knows her dogs! 

First we were reassured that our dog was going to be a good pet (although a bit rambunctious and will-full!) She had instant rapport with Shatz, and introduced her to a "pinch collar." The collar pinches the puppy just as its mother would a  nip or bite from the little one.
This training tool, which Denise uses on all her dogs, and suggests to all her classes, almost immediately, took care of 95% of the problems we were having with Shatzie.  Now we shall practice until Dog Obedience class begins in a couple of weeks.

After all that work, it was imperative that we stop at Twin Kiss for an ice cream! (Then home where we all took a nap!)