Quote: Barbara Schuler

I've stepped on my twinkie before and said things which came out wrong - many of us have... just let this one go, okay?

I think we can all get past something this minor and silly with no further comment. In fact, I'm sure of it. Tam knows that this board is filled with many decades' worth of experience and that every comment is directed toward the safety and well-being of the dog and the kids.

Went back and read the other post...have you increased her amount of exercise? It sounds like she is a dog that needs A LOT.

My 9 month old GSD loves to chase my Cairn Terrier in the yard (fine with her in the house, though they are only allowed limited time together). He thinks it's great fun. I think it's totally unacceptable and so does she

We have been working on having them together, but only when he is zonked out after hours of playing, training, etc. It works wonders.

Just a thought...not an answer to the problem, per say. But a starting point for a happy dog.

I was wrong to get emotional. I am sorry.

I would like to try and stay on topic and find a method of teaching me and my family how to peacefully interact outside without the dog accidentally hurting someone.

Eva is a wonderful dog who has some kinks to iron out due to being raised differently and is now in my home. I love this dog and would buy her all over again if the chance arose. She will get all the love and attention that all my other children receive and more only due to the fact that she has 9 children who think she is the best dog in the world.

With that said. Her activity level has been increased. I just bought her a super-sized tennis ball that is the size of a basketball (it won't deflate). She will play with someone for a good while or on her own. She runs with hubby and any one of my older boys. She may run up to 5 miles on nice days. As for engaging her mind. We are first working on ground rules in the house that I want her to master which does include basic obedience. She has mastered sitting and laying down on command. Staying is taking more time, she is learning self control with that one.

Once I am able to take her to the next level in training, she will doing more problem solving and work. But since she has never been trained and is still new ... we will not be doing those types of activities for a while.

From what I am reading. Playing children and a free roaming GSD pet is not a wise combination?

 Quote: Lauren Jeffery

Tam, I didn't want you to get mad over something that was unintentional. I'm sorry to have offended you. Its a big task to have all that going on.

But if you want to be snippy over a clarification, go ahead.

You take care, lady!

See ya.

Gee, you started off well ...

Yeah!! Welcome back, Tam.

I've NEVER gotten emotional on a post, so I can't relate to that (bwahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaa) but am very glad you chimed back in.

I'll leave the training help with you and your dog to the more experienced, but am very glad you chimed back in.

 Quote: barbara schuler

Tam,

PLEASE do NOT let this one issue have you "sign off". You would be having the exact same situation if you had three children running around with this dog at this time - really.

Don't let one comment get between the experienced folks helping you and your pup, okay?

(All good moms get defensive about their children - I do understand.)

I've stepped on my twinkie before and said things which came out wrong - many of us have... just let this one go, okay?

You are absolutely right Barbara. And I need to also remember that this in fact isn't about me. Nothing as a mom ever is! My only desire is to have a healthy relationship between my family and Eva. So far other trainers that I have personally emailed have not wanted to answer my questions. Even Jerland himself whose dogs include Eva's father on back as well as some of Eva's great grand parents on her mother's side.

This is the only place where I can spend time learning.

I have appreciated the information in the past and will continue to ask questions when needed.

 Quote: tam haga

 Quote: barbara schuler

Tam,

PLEASE do NOT let this one issue have you "sign off". You would be having the exact same situation if you had three children running around with this dog at this time - really.

Don't let one comment get between the experienced folks helping you and your pup, okay?

(All good moms get defensive about their children - I do understand.)

I've stepped on my twinkie before and said things which came out wrong - many of us have... just let this one go, okay?

You are absolutely right Barbara. And I need to also remember that this in fact isn't about me. Nothing as a mom ever is! My only desire is to have a healthy relationship between my family and Eva. So far other trainers that I have personally emailed have not wanted to answer my questions. Even Jerland himself whose dogs include Eva's father on back as well as some of Eva's great grand parents on her mother's side.

This is the only place where I can spend time learning.

I have appreciated the information in the past and will continue to ask questions when needed.

Good job. I knew this was a board of grownups.

 Quote: Barbara Schuler

I've NEVER gotten emotional on a post, so I can't relate to that (bwahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhah
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaa)

Very true.

 Quote: tam haga

 Quote: Lauren Jeffery

I don't think Tammy intended to be insulting. The idea of 9 kids is enough to make most people feel tired! What I got from her post was that she questioned the breeder's ethics in selling a dog they didn't have time for to a person who is obviously very busy.

I don't think she was questioning your ability to handle responsibility at all.

I once felt the way most of you do. I couldn't imagine a person having SEVEN kids and I fussed about it. Of course I now feel differently. To be honest, I don't see how people can successfully manage multiple dogs even without children... but now that I know what I know, I realize that I am not in the place to judge.

I don't see these comments as being productive or aiding in my efforts to train. Take care.

Thank you, Lauren!

I can image it, Tam. I live it every day, as many children, more, in my house, multiple dogs, cats, and critters. I really don't think that I am in a place to judge you, or insult you. When people ask questions, they get a better understanding of the big picture.

To restate my past advice:

Tether.
Crate.
Marker.
Exercise.