New Years Resolution for a Foster Dog

I decided that if I had to make a new years resolution, so does Sheba. We all need goals, even dogs. I may not have taken into account that these goals will have to be maintained by me, but I'm sure Sheba will remind me of that. Off we go!

Resolution #1
Sheba will work on her social skills with both people and dogs. (Small animals will likely never be her friend, sorry.) We are going to start working on this goal immediately with a puppy visit from another foster German Shepherd dog. She has come a long way with dogs. The more social she is, the better her odds of finding a forever home. The people skills are not bad now, and she has really relaxed. As a purebred GSD, there will always be a tendency to guard the home.

Resolution #2
Learn some more new tricks and games. This is an easy one! Sheba loves to learn new tricks. Most German Shepherds pick up new brain games quickly and Sheba is no different. This year she learned every trick in my arsenal (in only a few weeks!) so I'm going to have to play my own brain game to keep her busy.

Of course Sheba's (and my) ultimate goal is to find her a forever home. Until then she will work on becoming more confident and calm in stressful situations. You can find out more about all the German Shepherds up for adoption by the MVGSDR here.

Oh, and if you happen to know any good brain games for dogs, be sure to leave a comment!

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Easy game to play with your dog on cold days

It's hard to stay outside for long on cold winter days. So pet owners need to entertain the dogs inside. A dog that gets bored will find trouble. Here is a fast and easy game to put together for your dog and you to play.

Get an old pillowcase (that you will never use on a pillow again) and the dog's favorite toy.

Take the dog to the area where you want to play.

Get the dog's attention by showing it the toy and squeaking (any small toy will work, but squeakers keep them interested).

Show the dog the pillow case and place the toy inside. Let it drop to the bottom of the pillow case and show the dog where it is from the outside (squeak it!)

Wrap and twist the pillow case around the toy for more fun.

Toss the pillow case with toy inside on the floor and give the "find" command (whatever you use: get it, find it, where is it... all work well, just be excited about it).

Help the dog get started by staying excited and repeating the command. Reach down and squeak the toy inside the pillow case if the puppy loses interest.

Set some rules to the game to help your pet learn commands. The dog is not allowed to destroy the pillow case to get to the toy. They have to learn to pick up the end and shake the toy out.

Teach the puppy to not bite hard (there is a huge difference in using their mouth as a tool and trying to destroy something). Correct the puppy when it tries to bite and pull. Say things like, "Don't bite", in short even tones right when the puppy bites hard.

There is only one solution to this game. The person must stay involved for corrections and excitement. Get on the floor if you can, dogs of all sizes love that. This game will exercise a dog's brain as well as it's body. They will realize that by taking one end and shaking vigorously with their head (which they love to do) the toy comes rolling out!

Some dogs love to string out the process once they understand. Let them! This is fun play time for you and your pet. Add variations (more toys, use a sheet instead, etc) if your puppy gets bored quickly after 'solving' the game.

Most of all, have fun and play with your dog!

I'll keep posting more games I play with my dog. Do you have any fun games you play with your dog? Leave a comment!

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Ways to Keep Your Dog Active in the Cold Days of Winter

It's hard to exercise too much outside when the temperature drops below freezing. Even the furriest dog's feet get cold quickly. Small dogs can't stand more than a few minutes out in the cold weather. Just because the temps drop does not mean the level of activity your dog needs drops. It's easier for small breed dogs to exert energy inside, not so much for large breeds.

Here are a few games and tips that Sheba and I are doing to get threw the cold winter days stuck inside.

Play inside when it's cold outside

Yep, just that simple. Choose a room with little or no furniture (or just cut a large path through the house with no obstructions) and go to town. Get on the floor with your dog and do some light rough-housing if you are able. This is really bonding for the dog, your pet will love it. The more excited they get, the 'hot laps' will start.
*make sure there are no obstacles in the way when the real running starts, tripping will cause a real injury.

Play doggy head games when it's too cold outside

Don't want to be too rambuncious? Try some brain games with your pet instead. There are some inovative new toys for smart dogs. Brain games for dogs are pretty easy and much more fun if owner and pet play together.

Try having the dog sit in the middle of the room and show them a piece of treat. Now hide the treat somewhere in the room while the dog watches. Tell the dog to "find" the treat. This is a great game since it enforces the sit/stay command and the find command. As the dog gets better, hide the treat in a different room.
*Never hide treats anywhere near toxins or places the pet can fall or injure themselves.

Teach and old or young dog a new trick
Spend the cold days teaching your pet new tricks. You build trust and strong bond when you spend training time with your dog. Start simple and work your way up. Use tiny pieces of a treat to entice the dog. Slice a hot dog into thin slices and offer just a tiny piece when the dog does what is asked (or close).

Take breaks for play. Both older dogs and puppies need breaks from training sessions. Keep trying until you see progress or the dog has learned the trick.

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Sheba the snow dog!

Well in the middle of an Iowa blizzard, Sheba the GSD is happy as a clam! Romping through the fresh snow is awesome! Who knew she had 4-wheel drive!


(but at the end of the day... it's still all business)

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Sheba (GSD) in her first movie!

This is Sheba the German Shepherd, playing ball (and having a ball!)




Visit mvgsdr.org for more information on Sheba and many other German Shepherd Dogs that need your help.

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Sometimes a Dog Just Has to Run

Sheba got to run her heart out this week when we went to a giant field. I love it when a dog gets that hard run going. Ears back, tongue hanging out, dodging invisible obstacles. We took some toys and I through as far as I could (which is not near far enough). Sheba the wonder GSD would charge off after at full speed grabbing the toy and running a little further for emphasis. What a good dog! She came back every time on the first call.

I took a clicker with us. I've never used a clicker to train a dog, but I've never had a dog that pays this much attention to commands. As we walked to the field, I clicked when Sheba walked nicely on leash (which is always, unless a squirrel threatens us!). Sheba's ears would perk with each click. When I said, "Good dog", I gave a click. When Sheba came back to me, I gave a click. She seemed to understand and when she ran without listening... she heard the click and came! Impressive for out first try at GSD clicker training.

Rain for the rest of the week.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

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Sheba the Wonder Dog to the Rescue

Here she is, Sheba the German Shepherd wonder dog! She is about 3 years old and very active. Loves her squeak toys, but they have to be tough to stand up to her play.

Sheba has some small animal and dog aggression that we need to work on. She has shown marked improvement while on leash, but cannot control herself yet on her own.

Sheba is very active, as are all German Shepherds. We take at least 3 medium walks (25-30 minutes) per day, walking at a brisk pace. She could go longer, but my legs aren't there yet. She lays quietly while I work, only coming to me if called. There have been no incidence of chewing yet, but she has tons of toys and is passed the puppy chewing stage.

Sheba knows the follow commands: sit, stay, down (lay down), sit up (sit on hind legs), crawl, heel. She walks very nicely on the leash, with or without a pinch collar.

I'll continue to update all of Sheba the wonder GSD progress here!

Find out more about adopting a German Shepherd at Missouri Valley German Shepherd Dog Rescue.

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