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Brut Quote

Brut Quote
Showing posts with label German Shepherd/Lab mix crazy puppy days. Show all posts
Showing posts with label German Shepherd/Lab mix crazy puppy days. Show all posts

Sunday, July 5, 2026

My poor girl!


 We discovered over the course of these past 4 weeks with Sadie that she came to us with 2 different infections and hookworms.  My poor girl!  She was really suffering and we didn't know it.  It explains her behavior, especially with me.  She had been jumping and trying to nip me in the face and would not stop no matter what I did.  Thinking it was behavioral, I kept looking up how to stop a puppy from jumping and nipping, trying the methods and not getting any results.  It was like a horror show.  I thought I'd gotten another Brut and his aggression.  I was terrified.  Slowly I came to learn that when Sadie needed something, this was the behavior she would use to get what she was looking for.  It was so frustrating!  As soon as we noticed there was more going on and she started getting treatment, her whole demeanor changed.  She is still a nippy, jumpy puppy, but she has quit jumping in my face.  Not to mention the sleep she is finally getting.  She was hardly getting any sleep those first few weeks, as she would get up when I move.  And of course, now that she is sleeping deeply, her mood is so much softer.  

I had no idea, Sadie had these infections and her behavior mimicked that of aggression and I honestly didn't know if we could keep her, especially with her attacking Chevy.  Somewhere inside I knew there was a good girl, she had proven it.  And I was so scared and upset that I didn't know if I could handle another aggressive dog.  If it wasn't for the faith that a certain person at the animal shelter put in us and had spoken on our behalf, I may have given up.  And I'm so glad I didn't.  I wish we could've have discovered her infections sooner, but I'm just glad we found out when we did.  My poor girl!  She is one tough cookie, I'll tell you that much.  Thank God, she is getting better and better.  

If that wasn't enough, I saw Brut while in a dream-like state last night.  He was as clear as day just standing there looking at me.  I could almost touch him.  That was such a good sign, telling me everything would be OK.  

Saturday, June 27, 2026

A month with Sadie

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.  ♥