Four weeks with our new girl and I am seeing progress little by little. I can not get over how smart this girl is. Sadie learns things very quickly, like in a day or two and practically has them mastered. She is definitely challenging me in ways I never thought possible. Half of the time I feel like I never owned a dog before her. I make mistakes left and right and feel like I don't know what the hell I am doing. lol But we keep pushing through all of that fear and doubt and keep going.
Our biggest struggle is the way she treats Chevy and I was beginning to wonder if we could keep Sadie. She is still jumping and biting him when she gets wound up. There has been some progress in regards to her behavior with him. I am anticipating her moves, stopping her, and/or putting her in her crate. Which the crate has been such a blessing. She was already accustomed to it some how and only whines for a few minutes when I put her inside it. She doesn't fight, she just calms down. It is making such a difference. Today, Chevy was smiling. I think he can feel the change as well.
I had no idea that German Shepherds were herding dogs. I think that is some of Sadie's frustration is trying to herd Chevy. I have a herding ball ordered. I am hoping this will help with some that ancient instinct and take some pressure off of Sadie and Chevy as she works out that mental energy. I will let you know how it goes.
Sadie is an anxious, high-strung girl and was struggling to get any good naps in. Every time she falls asleep she will get up when I get up. I have been reading about the effects of lack of sleep and she is exhibiting all of them. Especially nipping and jumping. Which were really getting out of control, and painful! So, I have been trying to regulate her naps and it is making a huge difference in her behavior.
She can be a little fury tornado, but she is also sweet and loving. I'm so in love. ♥
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