Maxie and Vader at the Bridge
My name is Raylene and I've been a friend of Valerie's for over sixteen years. It was through our dogs that our friendship was formed. My two dogs were Vader and Maxie. More can be seen of Vader at: http://www.dogs.net.au/delaforce/ My world fell apart in July 2003 when Vader - my "Big Boy" passed away, then two years later, also in July 2005, I lost my dear sweet Maxie. I've now moved on from Vader and Maxie, but I do think of them everyday.
My current Gsd is Solo, he will be 4 years old in February 2008. However, while he is a lovely boy, he does have a problem - his main fear is of people, especially children! Apart from this fear he has a very good temperament - which is entirely different to a Phobia! (Just ask Valerie)
I approached the committee of the club, who are breeders of this magnificent breed, for some help! Not the slightest interest was shown! I did think at least some sort of desensitization program could be set up - afterall, it's not that hard to do! As I've learnt to deal with it on my own and made very good progress -
WHO NEEDS THEM!
This is how our story unfolds . . . . . . . . . . . It's been nearly 4 years of frustration, tears and disappointment. I purchased this dog to do obedience and showing and it won't happen because this damn problem will be with him forever (unless ofcourse I can up his training) and it's nothing I have done (contrary to what's been said by some.) It was just a simple thing of children rushing up to him when he was a 5month old puppy that "triggered" it off. He got such a fright, poor little thing! The children were told to approach carefully, unfortunately the damage had been done!
Then when the dog was about 9months old, a "reputable breeder" at the club took Solo away from me for about three minutes, told me to "stay out of sight." When he gave the dog back to me he said I "Should think about having him put down!" I often wonder what he did to the dog and putting Solo down will NEVER be an option. Maybe this "reputable breeder" should be "put down!"
I've consulted a dog behaviourist and I'm exactly on the same "wave length" with my training. I've even tried him on medication which was a disaster! It's a "phobia" and it's GENETIC - so the dog needs careful desensitization - which he's continually getting (usually while out walking with Val and his best mate Louie.) UNFORTUNATELY my resources are very limited!
At home in his "safe zone" Solo is a great dog, obedient, very clever and a good watch dog (and he's very handsome) - he's here to stay. The "phobia" only surfaces when we're out and about - it's a fear of the unknown and he sometimes wants to take "flight."
He is nothing like my dear Vader (or other German Shepherds that I have owned) but I do love him - our journey together so far has been very challenging! Life with Solo is never boring and to top everything off, he has a seasonal allergy to contend with!
I've been in the "dog game" for over thirty years and I thought I knew it all! WOW! - I've learnt so much!
Solo's puppy album
Solo at 6 weeks
Checking out my park
You know, I'm always having my ears cut off!
Not bad in stance, am I?
Got my eye on a bird
Oops! I thought they said turn this way!
Working Solo
I love being groomed and fussed by my human
Got to get spruced up for my birthday!
No one this way - no one that way-Where are my birthday visitors?
Aha! Here come my party friends at last!
Now I know I saw something . . . . .
Well now I've found it I'm not sure what it is!
How do you like my cooling jacket? ~ I am so spoilt!
Happy 4th birthday Solo ~ What a grown up boy I am!
~ EASTER SOLO ~
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