We are back from a 7 day vacation, my 5 mo GSD, my 22 yr old son and I. We drove from Phoenix to Weaverville, CA where we used to live for 16 years, and spent 4 days there - population 3500, pine forest, lakes, rivers and streams. Then went to Humboldt Redwood State Park for a 2 day stay. I have never been more proud of my pup. What a guy! He enjoyed himself immensely, romping and playing on a 30 ft lead. He tried everything that was new to him without reservation. He was quiet in his crate on our 16 hour drive (I love to drive ) both to and from our destinations. He was in his element in the forest.

We did some target practice with my friend's guns and rifles and he had absolutely no adverse reaction or fear or even startled to any of the sounds, although for the more high powered and loud firearms I kept him a couple of football fields distance away so as not to ruin his hearing (the firearms you need to wear ear protection for). For the not so loud firearms, my son or I kept him about 100 yards away. Made me realize I didn't know how far I should keep him from those sounds so as not to hurt his hearing.

At a great park in Weaverville (have not seen one like it here in Phoenix), there was a wobbly wooden bridge for the kids which Lear went on with no thought whatsoever as it wobbled beneath him, just ran back and forth on it and played and went down the slides - what a joy to watch such joy and fearlessness in a dog!

He adjusted to everyplace we stayed almost immediately after a little inspection, as if it were home.

And another important thing I've noticed - it seems as if in that short week he matured about 2 months worth. He's calmer now, and seems to really "understand" the rules at home. He's one of those guys that doesn't like to be held or petted too much and now he sits calmly looking at me with a smile on his noble face while I hold him and stroke him, instead of trying to bite my hands or trying to break free. He learned so much and I didn't even know he was learning it.