Twenty years and more ago, +/- Memories... Ah well.

So, I am surrounded by Axel and Zuzu, my daughter's two GSDs, and Titan and Poppy, our little pack. It's hot, 90's, and the dogs recognize it is not the time to be running wild. Water and ice cubes to chomp on seem to be the hits of the afternoon.

Been having come to moments at my daughter's behest with her two GSDs. Focused on the dogs going down until released instead of going nuts when someone comes into the house. Their behavior is much improved. From not paying attention to being aware of body language cues. A nice transformation.

It is funny how voice tone and intensity and profuse praise can modify behavior relatively quickly.

Train the dog today for the dog you want tomorrow. I was looking at pictures of our dogs through the years, and the fosters through here who found forever homes. Some melancholia, to be sure but pleasure and gratitude to brighten the mood.

And so it goes. Dogs. Can't live without them.

Good to hear from you!

And this: "It is funny how voice tone and intensity and profuse praise can modify behavior relatively quickly."

So true!

Good late afternoon, early evening Connie,

The whole pack is back. Zuzu, Axel, Titan and Poppy. My daughter is an Officer in the SPD and her fiance is a Deputy in the OCSD. So, with me bride, we watch her two GSDs when they are on duty. The SPD is really short handed, down maybe 30% from optimum staffing levels of cops. It is so in most cities.

I had a chance to adopt a Malinois but I took too long to weigh the pros and cons, Alas. A beautiful dog. Eight months old. Ah well, probably for the best. I think me bride was relieved, greatly.

We still get together with three other GSD couples. Probably 25 years. Three or four times a year. Covid kind of did the schedule in a bit. But it's my turn to organize a dinner, and I gotta get at it.

That and work with Tricia's dogs to track. It is fun to see them succeed the first time.

Lot of time has passed since I first posted here. Times change.

Anyway, I'm glad you responded. Thank you. Be happy.

Like Connie said, good to hear from you, Mike! I always enjoy hearing about your pack and how things are going. Your daughter is so fortunate to have a trusted family member who can keep the dogs while she and her fiance are at work. I also think it's very nice that you have other GSD couples you have been getting together with for such a long time.

I have not been a LB member as long as you have, but still, I now have two totally different dogs than when I first joined. I used to tell the previous two that they were the best dogs in the world, and I was so lucky to have found them. I can't imagine what I did to deserve this, but I feel the same way about the two I now have. We all should feel that way about our dogs, right?

My dear sweet Doberman female is going through some health issues that are proving difficult to diagnose, and there have been lots and lots of vet visits and tests done, with no answers yet. But it seems to be something manageable, so far, at least, so we are doing our best. My little Lab mix is a fun-loving and smart guy who has turned out to have quite the aptitude for training. We go to rally and obedience classes at the dog club I belong to, and he really loves it. I'm not sure I'll ever want to do any competition again; at this point, I feel content to think of my dogs as wonderful companions and family members, so the classes are just for fun.

I hope all of you from the extended LB family are doing well, staying healthy, and enjoying your dogs!

Cheri, nice to see you post.

Finally some gully washer rain. Needed it.

Titan, my GSD, is going through some stuff. Blood work is good, and no temp. Probably should get some tests, X-rays, etc.

He's long in the tooth so I'll give it a it a week, and see if the dietary changes and meds have a desired effect.

Boosted his food intake, and added cooked venison, rice and goat milk to his meals. He seems to be quite happy with the new mix, and especially the goat milk. If the new meal regimen works out I'll be happy. He's not in any pain, but he went through a bout of diarrhea that was disconcerting.

Still and all, he's older and it could just be that age is catching up on him. Alas...

Other than that, the little mutt is quite robust and active. So different from a GSD in size and energy.

The bride is in RI visiting daughter number 1. Lots of seafood. And a pig roast today. I think I missed a good time or several. Just my luck.

And so it goes. Dogs are great companions.

I'm happy to see posts from you both, Mike and Cheri.

And I'm definitely sending metta to Mike's GSD and Cheri's Doberman ... I know that all of us here understand how it is to have worries about our beloved dogs' health.

XOXOXO

Hi there!

I remember seeing your name on this board many years ago. Most forums have been lost to FB unfortunately. I would like to see more activity here and hope you stick around.

I doubt any of us here could live without dogs ????. We have 2 mutts, a husky mix and a cattle dog mix. I used to have a Dutch Shepherd named Logan. He is the reason these two seem so easy to handle lol

Good evening,

Well, the little hound demonstrated a demeanor that I would never have tolerated from a GSD. I think her size and cuteness intimidated me or at least fed my my reluctance to be a bully.

But Friday she decided to do the intimidation number complete with bared teeth once too often. A come to the too long put off reckoning happened very spontaneously and reflexively. Surprised the heck out of her. I reminded myself that you train the dog today for the one you want tomorrow.

We are reorganizing our relationship. So far, so good.

The big GSD, Titan, seems to approve. If she would just watch him. I think he is bemused by it all as in mildly amused in a detached way.

Anyway, it is easier to work with a GSD than a little junk yard hound. A learning experience for the two of us. A welcomed challenge.

I think some ice cream as a reward.

Mike A.

Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year.

Three GSDs and a little junk yard dog are still here. My daughter's two GSDs, the little hound, and Titan who is 12 years old.

We are grateful to have Titan for Christmas, and, hopefully, for New Year's. He is on his downhill slide. A tumor in his nose. He is still alert and enthusiastic but his breathing is more labored every day. But every day he brings joy to us. He is our Christmas present.

And so it goes...

I hope all are well.

Mike A.

 Quote: Mike Arnold

Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year.

Three GSDs and a little junk yard dog are still here. My daughter's two GSDs, the little hound, and Titan who is 12 years old.

We are grateful to have Titan for Christmas, and, hopefully, for New Year's. He is on his downhill slide. A tumor in his nose. He is still alert and enthusiastic but his breathing is more labored every day. But every day he brings joy to us. He is our Christmas present.

And so it goes...

I hope all are well.

Mike A.

To you too, Mike, and to all ... I hope everyone's holidays are peaceful and warm and happy.

A digital smooch to each of the dogs, and special love to Titan.

Merry Christmas!