Quote: theresa macdonal

 Quote: kelly byrd

Random dude at PetsMart today: "Where did you get him trained?"

Me: "I trained him myself"

Random dude: "Oh, he must be old then, he's so calm"

Me: "Actually, he just turned 2 years old last month "

Random dude: "Oh..... ok...." (and walks away shaking his head)

I think he thought I was lying.

This conversation going on while a PetsMart "dog trainer" was trying to get a dog to sit, by tossing on a prong collar, yanking up, as he pushed on the butt of the dog yelling SIT. Promised the owner the dog wouldn't pull in the impossibly oversized prong. Idiot.

Off Topic ? Or Regarding "Canine" & "Logic"

I had Often Wondered How Old This Dog Was, & for How Long He had Been Jumping or, from prior pictures, been Acrobatic With Frisbee's?
& also has this dog had hip, elbow, xrays?

There are multiple articles, advice, in the archive of this website, from the web masters, regarding the above as it pertains to health, injury, & effect, as I have a 90# GSD & learn from others experience.

Ed Frawley's experience is 45 years of training German Shepherds.

Yeah, it was an off topic remark, I guess. I thought it kinda went in line with Aaron's last post.

Koenig has had hip and elbow X-rays. While not sent to the OFA (no reason to, he's not registered) they were looked over by an orthopedic vet, and the decision was rating his hips and elbows good-excellent. Dutch Shepherds are not known for the hip/elbow/stifle issues of the GSD variety.

He's in excellent physical condition, kept very lean, and began jumping crazy stuff 6-8 months ago. That frisbee picture you're thinking of was really only a foot or 2 off the ground- he was just vertical, so it looked higher.

I know I've pushed the 'limits' with Koenig's maturity and work level. That said, he's on an excellent diet, supplemented heavily with extra good stuff. I do realize this will not 'prevent' any arthritis, or joint issues in the future, but it is what it is. He's an active dog. Not a lot I can do to keep him enjoyable as a house pet without vigorous exercise daily.

Knock on wood, Koenig has never taken a lame step in his life. I don't encourage anyone else to work their dog like I do mine. He's in top condition, and enjoys the work. He actually goes out of his way to jump things at times. I took this, and shaped it into a behavior I wanted.

Thanks for the concern though!