When I tell my friends and family that I’m going to dog class they often ask me if I’m learning how to be a dog. Haha. What really happens is that the dogs are learning how to behave at a dog show. It’s not an obedience class, and I’m not learning how to train. It’s just a place where the dogs learn what a dog show is like and how to hold still for a judge who is going to run their hands over them. They learn how to relax and take it all in and not be so nervous in a new place around a bunch of other dogs. Dog class mimics what a real dog show is like, just on a smaller scale. Here is a video of me with See See at dog class this evening in Goochland County. The camera angle isn’t great, which couldn’t be helped. Also, the room is very small and the floor has no mats to get good footing. But you can see that she is relaxed and holding still for the class instructor who is pretending to be a judge. You can tell a little bit about her movement and see that she has a nice gate and structure. You can also see that she’s young and still has a ways to go to develop fully.
8 years ago….
I had a litter of puppies out of Nellie in October, 2013. Johnny and Jane’s sister went to a family in Canton, Ohio eight years ago today. They named her Maggie. Here are pics of Maggie when she was first adopted and now. They already had a male Shepherd and he is over 10 years old in these pictures. I’m told that Maggie likes to retrieve apples and then eat them! She runs a lot and stays in shape. She loves the snow. She looks so much like Jane I can hardly tell them apart! I’m always glad to hear from people who have gotten my puppies. Dawn and her husband take wonderful care of her and their other dogs! Thank you for the great pics, Dawn!
Beautiful Connemara
Connie’s owner sent this lovely pic she took by the lake. She says Connie is fascinated by the ice.
Chief pics!
I just got these pics of Chief, formerly known as Mustang. He was the only longhaired male in the litter. He was one of the smallest in the litter when born. His owner says he now weighs 93 lbs. and is 27” at the shoulder. He is going to be big like his sire, Cash, and like his Uncle Johnny. He is getting great care, and it shows.
The Reunion!
See See’s heat cycle is officially over after 28 days. I took her to Tractor Supply for a thorough bath and drying to get all the scent off (only $10, use of towels and dryer, and I don’t have to bend over my tub).
I brought her back to be reunited with her brothers, who she loves to play with. This can get a little rough, as stature needs to be reestablished. They are so good natured though. Hard to think they would ever really fight. Nevertheless, I introduced them one at a time.
Notice all the growling and posturing. And sniffing! And more sniffing. There was so much sniffing I shortened the videos. All is peaceful now.
Did you notice that See See has put on weight? She looks more mature, less puppyish. Hormones are amazing. She still has lots of maturing to do though, as does Clyde. They will be 1 year old on February 6, 2022.
Mud, mud, mud, and mulch…
It’s that time if year, when the mud us ridiculous, the dogs track it in, and it gets everywhere. My solution is mulch. It’s not perfect, but it is cheap and relatively easy. Here are some before and after pics of the small area I had fenced in for See See.
Before….
After…
Here’s the product I used. It is free of dyes. I got it at Home Depot. I think it was between 3 and 4 bucks a bag. I used 4 bags in this area. It’s not beautiful, but it’s better than mud. And much easier to clean up with a broom. I will probably need to put some more mulch down soon. I should have gotten more.
I hope this helps people who are struggling with muddy dogs tracking mud into their house.
Also, shout out to Home Depot, where the staff are friendly and helpful, and my dogs are welcome!
Can’t we all get along like these two?
Winston is nearly three years old. Clyde turns 1 year old on February 6th. I can’t get over how well these two guys can work things out. Here they are eating and playing together. In the second video you can see that Winston is dominant and occasionally disciplines Clyde. And Clyde responds submissively in an appropriate way. And no one gets hurt. Neither male is neutered. I keep thinking this will change, but See See has nearly finished her heat cycle, and there’s been no fighting. (I have kept Johnny separate, with Jane and Nellie, because he is too aggressive with other males. He is the territorial one and my protector.) Winston and Clyde are simply buddies.
German Shepherds in the snow!
See See and Clyde were born in February, but didn’t see the snow because they were infants when it snowed last year. This is a lot of snow for a first romp! The older dogs are used to lots of snow, being born in WV. They also spent time in Ohio, with many sub zero days.
More pics!
I forgot to include this great pic of Pony, now known as Cash.
This is Jean, now known as Bea. She was from Jane’s second litter, so she is almost two.
This is “Grandma” Nellie, enjoying the pink chaise lounge.
If you have pics of Jane’s puppies, I would like to post them. Please send them to my email, morganshep@aol.com
Christmas
Merry Christmas! Here are some videos and pics of my own dogs and puppies plus some from people who have Jane’s puppies.
For Christmas this year, I am grateful that my dogs are happy and healthy!
Shepherd Sight 