Loki-pup's big day out!

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Pix

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We took Loki to Chatsworth today, thinking he could have a bit of a run about on the grounds and dip in the river. Got there and realised a) it's nesting season-river is out of bounds, b) the sheepses and their now rather large lambs are everywhere and c) there was some sort of car show and it was completely packed everywhere!

Which turned out to be a great thing for puppy socialising :D Today we walked through large crowds of people, including pushchairs, electric wheelchairs, manic kids, bicycles etc. We met far more dog's than we do on a normal walk, including a nearly-grown-up GSD, two Afghans, several labs, a terrified spaniel and terriers of all sizes. He had a look at the ducks (completely uninterested), developed a taste for sheep poo, enjoyed some fussing from strangers, tolerated the comments regarding his Dumbo-ears with great dignity and most importantly of all.... got to lick clean a strawberry icecream container.

He found the whole day great fun, and I was really quite proud of how well he behaved himself. He didn't seem to be fazed or worried by anything, just interested in it all. It makes a huge difference from our rescue lab, who wet himself with nerves around strangers and never really did get to the point where he would be ok in a crowd. Plus I can now stop worrying so much every time I'm told at puppy school that as he's a GSD his default setting is demonic aggression.

Some puppy pics :D

Loki being informed of day out plans
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ready to go!
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quick water break
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drinking from a bowl can be hard work
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and a random sleepy-pic from a couple of weeks ago. Just because I like sleepy puppy pics :)
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That last picture is brilliant, he's going to be a big lad when he's grown into those ears. Sounds like he had a great day, events like that are wonderful for socialising. I took Evie to loads of horse shows etc when she was little, she got so used to people stopping to fuss her she used to just plonk down in front of strangers, she was very put out if they didn't give her attention.
Sounds to me as if you need to change your puppy school, demonic aggression indeed!:p
 
Having met his older brother (he's from a repeat mating) I was rather expecting him to be a little oversized. But really I must admit these ears are absurd! And his big knuckled paws are getting to be the definition of dinner plates :o

I'll definitely be getting him out on more local busy days... if only 'cause he crashes out big style afterwards. The peace and quiet is so novel these days... :D

And yes, different classes are really needed. The bint that does these has grated on my nerves from day one. The first session had a 15 minute talk at the beginning. Fine, but don't spend 1/3 of it lecturing myself and the one other GSD owner on how much extra work we need to put in with our 'difficult' puppies. I would tolerate it better if she didn't speak to me as though I was a cretin. I cut down work and went to uni last year to get a degree in psychology, I have a good grasp of learning theory, Skinner's behaviourism model (the good and the bad implications) and the resulting reinforcement practices. Oddly enough I do understand basic conditioning! Now stop snapping at myself at the rest of the class simply because we all feel uncomfortable in your deeply unpleasant presence!

Sorry, rant over :o

Actually no, not quite.... I forgot to add that her two dogs are obese.

Now my rant is over :p
 
Oh wow, oh wow I LOVE the ears!!! Don't ever let anyone tell you he'll grow into them - our girl's ears are still as big and she's 10 ;) at least you won't need your own satellite dishes!!
He's such a stunner! Sounds like he did amazing, well done!
Will have been a lovely experience for him meeting all those new things!
K x

ETA - you seem to find that poorly educated, nervous attitude towards GSDs everywhere you go :( we went to a specialised GSD club and ended up as trainers ourselves there and even people who came with other breeds were surprised that there were so many "nice" GSDs there. They are the most loyal, proud, beautiful and obedient dogs I've ever had the fortune to share my life with :) No more GSD bashing!!!!!
 
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Oddly enough the radio does now pick up BBC London and that, which is nice and novel up here in Yorkshire :D
 
There are a lot of GSD breeders in Yorkshire Pix, I am sure someone could point you in the direction of a more GSD orientated training class. Roughly what area are you in? Pm if you prefer.
 
Love the ears too - agree, a breed-specific club might suit you better.
Like MM I can point you in the right direction (I can't remember if I PM'd you a link to the GSD League's Working Branch website before, but it's easy enough to find and gives contact details for all the club secretaries for the regions).
 
Gorgeous!!!! Like MM I was also thinking he will be a big lad when he grows into those ears! :)

What rubbish comments you are getting at your training! They should know better really! A nice tempered, well socialised GSD is a lot less challenging than an independent, will-do-my-own-thing terrier (I love terriers btw, just think that a JRT can be much more of a handful than a GSD).
 
I've been having a look at GSD clubs, and the working branch lists a secretary for Sheffield, as well as Rotherham area, which would be our closest I think. I might ring them over the next couple of weeks to find out where they meet, and whether we'd be able to go along.

Travelling arrangements are awkward at the moment though, as he just won't fit comfortably in my car. Will have access to a 4x4 after Christmas though.

On the bright side there is a training club on our door step so I can try that one out while we're stuck getting out and about. Current puppy school course is nearly finished, yay :D
 
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