When you are working with high drive breeds like German Shepherd Dogs, one of the most important aspects of their training is socialization. A GSD that isn't exposed to other dogs and taught how to be social will eventually cause problems when you take them into social situations.
One of the frustrating (to us at least) things that GSD owners do is isolate their dogs for months, then get angry with their dog when they take them out into public situations and find they have a very reactive dog on their hands. They become frustrated and even angry at their dog for barking, lunging, and otherwise behaving in an antisocial manner. However, we have set them up to behave exactly in this anti social way!
Today was a lucky day for the GSDs in our program. We got the southern and northern pack together for a little social interaction. After a lot of noise and testosterone induced posturing, things settled into a little circus of frolicking pups.
I think the thing we forget is that dogs are social animals. They don't want to be aggressive and miserable and afraid. People teach them to be that way. We abuse them and isolate them until they are totally dysfunctional. Thank goodness there are people in the world who don't give up on dogs like this. We know the social, happy-go-lucky circus dog is in there, just waiting for someone to show it the way out.
Enjoy these pictures of our training day. To the uneducated, this just looks like a bunch of dogs running around the yard. Oh, but you have no idea! You have no idea what a wonderful and important part of our training strategy you are witnessing in these pictures! Enjoy!
What you are watching is a miracle. Best of all, you are looking at dogs who have gone from hopeless to happiness, from lost to found.
Remember, it isn't just a tag line: We all survive on second chances.