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Likes: Mom
Pet-Peeves: When mom goes in the front yard without him, strangers that don't get properly sniffed
Favorite Toy: any toy he can get you to throw for him
Favorite Food: wellness core, mom's home made stews
Favorite Walk: in the neighbor hood
Best Tricks: bang, shake, give 5 or 10, wave , bow and the usual commands
Arrival Story: We had two dogs. Duke the little monster and Pepper The ugliest dog on earth. Pepper was a dalmation, aussie mix. He was a mean looking bundle of dough. We had a motor bike stollen from our back yard. The joke around the house was that the theif would have had to step on him before Pepper would have known he were there. This wasn't the first time something was taken from our yard over the last year. Since Pepper was geting older we decided it was time to get him some help watching over the house. So I decided to start researching what kind of dog we should get. We had never had a purebred before and we thought we might try one. Well, it wasn't long when I found an ad for snow white german shepherds and I fell in love. We went to see the puppies and came home with Gus. Gus was 8 weeks old. Gus has been a bit of work but we adore him. He is the most loving creature. I firmly belive that nothing will ever love you as much as a german shepherd will.
Bio: Some of you may know, that it is said that white german shepherds don't have as good a temperment as other GSD. I don't know if this is the case because Gus is my first. However, Gus has had some issues. He is the most loving , well behaved beast ever once he knows you. But, it has taken some work to get him were he can meet people and he still has issues with other dogs.. The first thing I noticed was an aversion to having the top of his head petted. Starting at 8 weeks I worked with him allowing me to touch his whole body and that no longer was an issue. I had read that GSD needed to be well socialized by 14 weeks. So, I quickly signed him up for puppy class. Unfortunetly, the class was canceled twice and we didn't start class until his 14th week. The day before class started he growled at someone the first time. Puppy class was another misfoutune. The trainer was brand new and the only other pup was a 6 month old lab. The first class Gus started growling and barking I asked the trainer what should I do and he never really replied. Well, we graduated from the class with the two dogs never being allowed to greet or play together. I was new to this and didn't know what a disaster we were creating. I was excited for the first day of intermedate class. With 6 dog/owners, I thought this was going to be a better experiance. About 15 minutes into class we were asked to leave. This trainer said we would have to see the more experienced trainer. When the store found out he had never socialized Gus they allowed us to retake a class for free. We were taking two classes and a private lesson all at the same time. This trainer was great, but the damage had allready been done. My sister told me about this show with a dog whisperer. I quickly became a fan and lucky for us we live 60 miles away from LA. We were able to get an appointment when Gus was 7 months old. If, you have ever seen the show, you can guess what he said about me and I wouldn't disagree. He said Gus was insecure, but not a red zone case. We spent about 1 1/2 hours with him and his pack. Gus did well. He said that we could come back and let Gus interact with his dogs anytime. However, 60 miles on LA's freeways wasn't practical for us. He then suggested I find balanced dogs to interact with but stay away from dog parks, because the other dogs would have problems with Gus. It took me 3 years to find some balanced dogs to work with. I found a man who walked his 6 dogs all at once and asked him for hlp. He was the Cesar of Rialto and what a blessing.I We walked with him and his dogs for many months with great succes untill the Santa Ana winds (If you don't live in CA these are hot winds that blow over semi trucks) and a neck problem that causes Gus to drag a paw interupted our progress. So, with Cesar's advise and what I have learned from tv shows and other books I have read Gus is doing very well. He walks on leash very well. Strangers and leashed dogs can walk pass without an issue ( rude unleashed dogs are an issue) and visitors to the house get barked at until they have been well sniffed and or throw a toy for him. Trips to the vet do require a muzzle, espically the eye doc. We did adopt a golden retriever sister to see if she could help teach him some calm doggy ways and that worked verywell. He used to have loose stools on his daily walks (new places, traffic, and any thing unusual would strees him out) that stoped once Tuesday joined us. I still wish he could join Tuesday at the dog park. Tuesday's trainer want's to work with him so we are planning a try in a couple of weeks. We will see. I have learned a great deal about dogs that I would never have if Gus hadn't come into our lives. For this I am greatful. And for those who wonder, yes I would get another white GSD . Once you have had one it is hard to imagine life with out one. Again, he is the most loving, beautiful creature. I think with what I have learned with Gus I could now prevent his problems from developing in another dog .
Forums Motto: Please throw the ball
The Groups I'm In: "Canadian Golden Retrievers" who want to be Friends with other Goldens..., Fancypants Cafe, Welcome Waggin' for Dogsters and Catsters, Arizona White Shepherds, Cesar's Dogster Pack, German Shepherds, Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever Lovers, Golden Retriever FunHouse, Pawsome Awesome Goldens, Purebred German Shepherd Dogs of America, The Big Dog Lounge, The Dog Park ;), white german sheperds or german sheperds, White German Shepherd Group, White shepherd dog, ~~~*♥Dog Park USA♥*~~~
The Last Forum I Posted In: So pups...what in your food bowl?
Wow, it has been a whole month since I wrote to you diary. Today is a beautiful day, we are all out on the patio while mom types this for me. There is a nice cool gentle breeze keeping us cool. Yeah for fall.
I just got home from seeing Doc Nancy and I feel great. I haven't seen her in 3 weeks. This is significant because it means I am getting better. I no longer have to see her every week. The sores on my feet are healing up, this means I am not dragging my paws as much. I am eating normal portions of food now, but I am getting huge. I weigh 104 lbs. My usual weight is 96-98 lbs. Mom has started calling me Marsmallow, because she says I look like one and of course I am just a sweet. Doc Nancy told mom to add more veggies to my diet. Low calorie things because the extra weight will be hard on my neck. I can't get much exercise. Mom has been putting Paw Tectors (Booties)on my front feet so I can go for a short walk. We have to be careful to not go to far. I can just see mom carrying me home. BOL.
There is a family joke about Grandpa'a wagon. He offered his yard wagon so mom could take me for a long walk with Tuesday and Duke. Just imagine Mom walking with Duke and Tuesday and pulling a great big white german shepherd marshmallow in a wagon. Do you think people would stare? Wouldn't that be something? We would be having the greatest time and they would have something great to discuss at the dinner table. A beautiful day for everyone.
Hi Diary, I am still in no pain, but I do seem to be getting weaker. I had accupunture yesterday so i am a little stronger today. I fell on the tile floor the other day with all 4 legs out and I couldn't get up. Mom had to lift me up. Doc Nancy told mom to be careful about that, because sometimes this happens to a wobler and they get into trouble if there is no one to help. For example, if they are outside by themselves and fall in the hot sun. Luckly I am an indoor dog. Dad is worried about the pool so I am not allowed outside by myself any more. I am not peeing in the house any more. I still get very hungry and I have some weight back on. My personality has become unpredictable due to my meds. But, I am still the most loveable creature on this earth. I am still living the great life.
Hi diary. Today i feel pretty good.. I have no pain. I still drag my front paws so much that I have sores on my knuckles. I am week in general. I Pant, drink and pee alot. I have many accidents in the house now. Not sure if it is a neurological problem. I used to ask at the door to be let out but know I don't. I walk and pee. My appetite has slowed up ( I was eating like an elephant). I am still very skinny. I am down about 16 lbs. I still love to have the toys tossed to me. Mom and dad don't let me chase it much. We are tappering my prednisone dose. I now only take 1/2 a tab a day. We hope this will control my drinking and peeing. I am hoping for another great day tomorrow.
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