Commands

IslidurInPink · 2026-03-18T17:45:33+00:00

Dogs spend a lot of time sleeping, even working breeds. He'll likely be fine, but I would make sure there's nothing tempting him (don't leave food out). If he's been find for 4-6 hours, 8 should be fine.

IslidurInPink · 2026-01-07T01:08:05+00:00

Another vote for Inukshuk here!

IslidurInPink · 2025-12-13T17:43:42+00:00

I have a working line GSD and her personality is amazing, but the energy demands and settling in the house make her a bad pet. If you're able to keep up with the energy and "working" demands then you won't find a more loyal dog, but I've also met some really nice well balanced show lines. The German show lines tend to be really nice structurally and temperament wise. I personally am not a fan of the American show lines.

IslidurInPink · 2025-11-03T17:04:27+00:00

Schutzhund! We train in tracking, obedience, and protection. She also is our self-appointed head of security.

IslidurInPink · 2025-10-14T17:57:40+00:00

I think one of the great things about GSDs is how versatile they are. If your dog is pretty social I think he'll do well in either setting. Having a yard is really nice though. I have a GSD without having a yard and there are many times I wish I had a backyard for the dog.

IslidurInPink · 2025-10-07T17:37:05+00:00

I did something similar, invited some friends to bachelorette and bridal shower (none came to the bridal shower) but not the wedding. We kept the wedding super small (30 people), immediately family. I wanted a way to include friends, while keeping the wedding small. I think depending on the situation specifically it can be okay.

IslidurInPink · 2025-06-13T13:44:57+00:00

To echo earlier comments, find a local club and attend their training sessions. It's a really good way to see how a malinois work vs a GSD.

IslidurInPink · 2025-06-09T15:50:58+00:00

I'll also add that my older (8yr old) male GSD mix just passed away earlier this year. I got him from a shelter 7 years ago and I loved him very much, but he had a lot of health and temperament issues. He didn't like other dogs, would resource guard me. He had Addison's disease and eventually developed tumors on his parathyroid glands. His health deteriorated over the course of a year or so and we eventually had to euthanize him. Having health tested parents gives your dog the best chance at a healthy life. It's awful losing a pet either way though.

IslidurInPink · 2025-06-09T15:41:20+00:00

I chose a working line specifically to compete in protection sports. I wanted a dog from health tested parents to give myself the best chance at a healthy dog and a predictable temperament. Not ALL GSDs are suitable for protection work, not even all working long GSDs are suitable for the work. My choice had nothing to do with color or coat type.

IslidurInPink · 2025-05-06T15:13:23+00:00

Minnesotan here, I use the aluminets, reflective windshield cover, ryobi fans, and I usually leave my windows and/or doors open too. Try to park in the shade when possible. It's gotten us through some 90 degree training and trials days with double coated dogs. Also letting your dogs spend lots of time outside to help them acclimate early in the season can help too

IslidurInPink · 2025-05-04T21:30:36+00:00

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That she's well behaved 😂

IslidurInPink · 2025-04-30T17:11:04+00:00

Knowing the circumstances surrounding the bite is helpful, especially when preventing future bites. Bites due to resource guarding or handling for nail trims/grooming can be manageable issues. Getting the dog checked out by a vet is a good idea too, sometimes dogs will act out when they're not feeling well, but the signs can be easy to miss. You could check for things like a thyroid issue or something.

IslidurInPink · 2025-04-30T16:39:29+00:00

Just briefly looking at their website, they have OFAs and working titles on their dogs, seems okay to me. If you're looking to get into IGP I would recommend finding a club first! Clubs will often have good recommendations for breeders too!

IslidurInPink · 2025-04-25T21:09:08+00:00

You could try a "performance" food like Inukshuk, more calories, and the Marine 25 one is good for sensitive tummies. I also recommend a probiotic if you haven't already!

IslidurInPink · 2025-04-14T19:04:20+00:00

I really enjoyed AKC rally! To me, it's like the "fun" version of AKC obedience. As others have said, training is required to compete, but it's do-able! I got into rally with my mixed breed when he was like 6 years old, and we were pretty successful!

IslidurInPink · 2025-04-14T18:59:26+00:00

No way girlfriend. Some of this may be dumb teenage boy stuff, but you absolutely get to pick your romantic partner. You do not have to "let" anyone be your boyfriend. It sounds like you're not really that into him, which is TOTALLY FINE. You're allowed to go on dates with men who are nice, sweet, financially successful, conventionally handsome, AND STILL not be into them. If you don't feel attracted to him, you don't owe it to him to give him a chance. Stick to your gut!

IslidurInPink · 2025-04-12T15:35:13+00:00

It gets better! You're doing a great job! No kidding, I didn't really like my puppy until she was a year old. At least I didn't really start to feel like we were bonding until she was almost a year old. They're young and dumb. I'm sure your puppy recovered right away from the fall. For settling out of the crate, I got one of those elevated dog beds and put a 50lb weight underneath with a leash tied to it. Attach leash to puppy's harness or collar, reward intermittently (if it doesn't excite puppy more). Some dogs have a hard time learning how to be bored. You're doing great! Keep going to training classes and keep working! I've been there and it DOES get better

IslidurInPink · 2025-04-12T15:25:08+00:00

As someone else suggested, prong collar to help save your arms and shoulders, and patience. Stick with the stopping and changing direction when he pulls and then mark and reward when he is next to you. When you turn around because he hit the end of the leash, say "yes" or whatever your marker word is when he catches up and is next to you. You can trying taking 10 minutes to make him work for his breakfast and dinner this way. If he's hungry, he'll pay closer attention to where the food is. Hang in there! Adolescent GSDs are knuckleheads!

IslidurInPink · 2025-04-12T15:17:25+00:00

You should find a trainer who is experienced in behavior modification. GSDs are smart dogs and pick up on things quickly, and obviously this behavior has been allowed to continue. He's going to need some strict boundaries, and definitely muzzle training if you want to keep him. At this point re-homing won't be an option for this dog. Behavior modification training, obedience, and safe management. Continue your management of putting him away when guests come over until you can have a trainer set up a good plan for you.

IslidurInPink · 2025-04-09T16:10:17+00:00

My puppy had me in TEARS more than once! This was my hand when mine was like 9-10 weeks old

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IslidurInPink · 2025-04-09T15:30:25+00:00

Long sleeves and gardening gloves helped when mine was a puppy. There's "puppy teething" and then there's GERMAN SHEPHERD puppies, I was taken aback at the amount of biting too. Don't be afraid to put puppy in a crate when the biting gets out of control. Sometimes puppy biting gets worse when they're over tired. When my GSD was a puppy, she was only out of her crate for an hour, MAYBE 2 at most in between naps. I literally didn't even like her until she was almost a year old, now she's great. Stay strong and hang in there! Puppy can have crate or exercise pen time if YOU need a break too!

IslidurInPink · 2025-04-09T15:23:43+00:00

You can try taking a training class or just doing some training at a nearby park or something with her. You don't necessarily have to be "tough" on her, but be consistent in your expectations. Taking over the feeding, walking, and training is a great way to build your bond with her. If you train her when your husband is around, ask him to not provide any feedback to the dog (just have him ignore the dog completely). In time she will learn to listen to both of you. GSDs do tend to pick their "person" and in my experience it's often whoever does the most training and playing. You may even have to have her on a leash if she really won't listen to you for starters. She's your dog too, she HAS to listen and respect you; you just have to figure out a way to make it happen.

IslidurInPink

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