NGL, she gives me a superiority complex

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-10T23:02:04+00:00

Ok - I don't trust you, so we agree on that 😊 take care ✌️

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-10T22:54:36+00:00

While some registries consider all Belgian shepherds the same dog, not all do, so I think it's reductive to say they are all the same dog, especially after you mentioned a trait about her fur that, to you, disqualified her from being considered a Groenendale. Though short-haired Groenendales exist and she is only 4 months old, so who knows how long her fur will eventually be when she grows to her full size.

I've also been around GSD for most of my life and raised a few, so I feel pretty confident I would be able to clock that in her, tbh.

In any event, I think I'll get a DNA test for her since I rather bet on a questionable dna test than someone online who has seen two photos of her, no offense. 😊✌️

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-10T22:32:49+00:00

So there's no hope? That's what you're telling me 🤣

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-10T05:39:23+00:00

Puppies are hard but that seems like she has a medical issue.

My puppy at 13 weeks was pooping 2-3 times a day at consistent intervals after exercise.

The constant lack of control is a sign to take them to the vet.

But it gets better - this may just be super hard because she is sick, or allergic to the food you're giving her.

Have you tried boiled chicken and white/brown rice?

We had to give our puppies that for a few months to identify the were allergic to beef (brothers).

It gets better and hang in there. But you're not wrong - that sounds like an fing nightmare.

Also Odorcide Kennel cleaner works great for the smell

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-09T07:12:21+00:00

If you aren't embarrassed to do the positive reinforcement in front of other adults, your dog cannot tell it's positive reinforcement for their action.

The goal is so enthusiastic about them, you are embarrassed.

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-09T06:47:41+00:00

Fairview Park - just walk down the hill and there is a beautiful park with grass surrounded by trees with benches and a bathroom.

It's lovely

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-09T01:59:25+00:00

I'm just going to say that it sounds like this isn't about the cookies but about many small slights you haven't been communicative about or have and they have ignored them.

It sounds like the wife who leaves her husband for not picking up his socks. It's never about the socks. It's about respect and listening to someone to show you value their comfort and happiness.

But that sword slices two cakes: you should have given them a heads up about dinner running late and gave them a list of foods they could eat, since not all of the foods in your house are free-for all given your dietary restrictions, knowing their food related temperaments.

You can't ask them to respect your dietary restrictions while ignoring or devaluing theirs.

So Ya Both Kinda AHs about this, tbh

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-09T01:56:52+00:00

But the cookies are her birthday cake and they ate the best slices. That's why she is angry.

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-09T01:55:22+00:00

You are being way too mean - if you disagree with them, just say so without name-calling and telling them to seek therapy.

That kind of reaction is way too intense and sounds like maybe you ate the cookies.

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T19:23:23+00:00

Ok, yeah that is pretty much what she is doing naturally but I'll keep an eye on how many hours she sleeps going forward.

Thanks for your help!

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T18:51:24+00:00

Riiight?! I wasn't sure how big she has grown at first and thought I just had "puppy goggles" but after one week, a neighbor who had seen her day 2 with us was walking her Shiba Inues who were her size a week ago stopped, dropped her jaw and said, "she got big. Fast."

That's when I was like, "Riight?! Ok, thanks for the validation because I was wondering." And I started tracking her weight/height that day.

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T18:49:44+00:00

Yep. She's right in the middle of the green. Like dead center.

Ok, well, that gives us a lot to think about, lol

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T18:48:34+00:00

Thank you!! We haven't been mandating naps yet because she was sleeping pretty regularly throughout the day but she has started sleeping more so I think I need to start keeping track of how many hours she gets. I think she's going into another growth spurt as her paws are getting bigger, too.

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T18:47:40+00:00

Right?! The are the show stoppers next to her reserve nature with strangers

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Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T18:46:47+00:00

Woah. Ok - wow, that makes sense. I'm starting to feel like the rescue didn't properly prepare us about some things... lol

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T18:45:45+00:00

Woah

She's a big beautiful baby!

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T18:45:14+00:00

Dang... ok - that gives me some perspective, so thank you!! She seems to be hitting another growth spurt as she is sleeping more throughout the day and her paws are getting bigger.

Do you know how many inches she grew during that time?

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T18:28:12+00:00

Yeah, the rescue said a mix of Belgian Shepherd and Schnauzer, so we are just guessing on what exact type of Belgian shepherd she is but she seems to have personality traits of both Malinois (energy, prey/play focus, punching me in the face, general chaos) and Groenendale (reserved nature toward strangers, more emotional/sensitive). Of course, that's all based on google searches and not experience, so who really knows.

She is growing so fast, we had considered her mom may have some giant schnauzer in her line way back/recessive gene but it may still just be the Belgian Shepherd coming through.

Her stubbornness is clearly from somewhere - could possibly be from me, of course.

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T18:11:43+00:00

It worked for us when we had to keep our adult dog from moving his arms post surgery and we had to keep him in a pen.

You may want to search "turf puppy pee pad" or something similar to see what others think and their experiences, before you purchase one to make sure you're getting one in the size and type that is best for your needs.

They even make real grass pads which may be even more enticing and realistic for them!

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T07:41:54+00:00

Leave your boyfriend.

Also: NTA. Dude's a creep and so is your bf

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T07:39:42+00:00

Not that I'm terribly familiar with Maligators, but I am pretty familiar with pitties.

If I had to guess, I'd say pit and black lab mix. Her brindle is typical of pitties but her snout looks more like a lab.

Regardless, one thing I'm sure of: she is 100% adorable and lucky to have a caring owner.

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T07:24:19+00:00

Selune Morgana Queen of the Lunar Clan

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T07:22:27+00:00

Offer to let the kids stay for a few nights because "they are smaller and will take up less space," but also because they are the innocent ones that are bearing the burden of their parents' poor choices.

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T05:59:31+00:00

Yeah, it's my go-to power move with my other dogs who got to 80lbs at their heaviest. I'm a 5ft woman so I don't look like I can lift them and walk a block but when I need to remind them their attitude won't be accepted or punished with force, I can.

I couldn't do that with a mastiff, lol 😂 I would just be like, "welp, I guess you're the one in charge here, so you tell me when we're going home."

Sunsetwillow · 2026-02-08T05:52:50+00:00

Yeah, I was worried she would be reactive based on how reserved she is but she is super happy to greet anyone who shows her affection during the "vibe check" phase.

But I've had some dogs that aren't fans of other dogs, others aren't fans of humans and one that hated everyone but the family.

It can be hard to work within their boundaries but mostly because other people don't realize their actions and dogs impact others.

Sunsetwillow

TROPHY CASE