Loud And Annoying

We all know that a few people have taken a dislike to Ross because of his larger than life characters. People who maybe should look closer to home rather than criticise the controlled exuberance of yougsters. I know Ross is loud, and can be as loud as Kai when the mood strikes him. To be honest I've had my feelings hurt on quite a few occasions this year by peoples careless and loose tongues. They should consider when they are talking about you who they are saying what to, too often it just comes straight back. After my SAH my life changed. I cheated death and decided to wipe the slate clean, to start afresh with everyone. Unfortunately three years on and quite a few people have already shit on my slate!
Anyway restoring my faith in human nature I read this on Facebook, written by a Sheltie owner ... "the puppies met Dash the papillon, Elsi the Welsh terrier, Ross the GSD, and the huge Merlin the Gt Dane. All four of them were curious, yet friendly towards the puppies, and the puppies in turn had a positive socialisation experience. Ziggy was particularly smitten by Ross, and watched him intently as he was being run around the hall. You should all be extremely proud of the temperaments of your dogs, they are a real credit to you and the dog owning community as a whole. They are all absolutely amazing!"
Yes I agree we should be proud of our dogs, but if they are uncomfortable in the situation and they give a grumble and a growl then we should also be proud of them. They are simply saying I'm not happy with this .. so we move them to a distance where they do feel happy. A dog who lunges out and barks needs addressing, one who grumbles, licks his lips or turn his head away is give us the opportunity to help him get it right.
I find the girls less trustworthy always, not everyone has the same experiences but with 27 years of owning multiple GSD's of both sexes I have found that generally the boys are what you see is what you get and certainly in pack life the girls are far more complicated. There's always exceptions and Asha is a delight.
I'm still trying to get Perry settle with the dogs, it's not easy as he is so fearful of these monsters but now I'm trying to push things a little. So when he comes into the living room I bring one dog in with him .. Loki. Loki is told to down and wait on the sofa and gradually Perry starts to relax and play with his toys. If Loki moves though it's an absolute crisis and he finds the highest vantage point. Again, credit where its due .. my dog is behaving fantastically, doing all that I ask of him.
So I'm criticised for being too soft on my dogs, apparently they show me very little respect. Well slap your bottom and slap your bottom twice Sammi Belle for loving me and wanting to get to me.  Actually what bullshit! I like my dogs to be spirited, to think for themselves and I love that they love me so much. They are not robots but with compassion and kindness .. and the odd reprimand (I do not believe in a world of no adversity either), I can show my dogs, walk my dogs and allow them to free run. Can you? (Not you .. you .. them you! haha)

I have respect from my dogs, but equally I have respect for them. I will not lower myself to harsh handling, smacking and the breaking of spirits. I only resort to extreme measures in extreme circumstance .. I will if I have too. If it's kill or cure I'll do my damnedest to cure, but it's not my choice method for everyday training and I'm truly shocked to see harshness used for dealing with minor everyday issues. I understand frustration and a lack of patience some days, hell I live with Kaiah who often puts her own interest first, thinks for herself and can push all the wrong buttons when you're not in the best of moods. But then it is what makes her who she is, she's the bright spark in the pack, the one destine to go to the top .. The future, and she's a darling.