uchpanila:
Blasiangurl85 your are really doing a great job on shadow and am enjoying the thread, keep it up! Mama Shadow!!

LordRegalia that's another great write up. Thumbs-up

Thanks

LordRegalia:



Let me start by saying please do not neuter Shadow. I know he is not my dog but I hate to see dogs knowingly put through procedures that usher them a life which is less than that which nature intended. The fact that you are already thinking a lot about it, before long you would want to follow through with it. Please do not.

You have to become alpha. Absolutely and non-negotiable. You must have to be alpha, or else Shadow would assume that role as an adult. That scenario is not funny at all.

Here's one way to become alpha you could try. First, a question; what is it that dogs crave the most from their owners? The answer is attention. Be it positive attention or negative attention, they want it. They value it even more than the food they eat. So use the attention and affection you give Shadow to your advantage to become alpha.

So here's how. Because of the adolescent phase he is currently in, from now on (until the phase is over) make Shadow earn every single bit off attention / affection you show him. Make him do something for you, before you pet him or play with him. You could give him a command (like "sit" and then pet him only after he obeys. Of course there will be times when he acts like he has more important things to do, but you have to be firm. Also be very conservative with the way you smile and laugh at / with him because every interaction now is a battle of wits and will. Each time he makes you laugh when you are trying to be stern with him, you have lost that particular battle (he knows this but you do not) and so he will be emboldened to be disobedient or naughty next time. When he tries to jump on you or hug you, rebuke him. In fact, he should only be allowed to do that when you expressly permit him to. Rather than laugh and give in to his antics when you are trying to get him to behave, turn around and walk away immediately without another word. Deny him that attention. Do these often and you should see a change in his behaviour. Denying dogs attention makes them miserable and they would do anything you want to get that attention.

Other things you should do: during meal time, if he has been trained to eat on commands, make him wait longer before giving the command. Do not allow him go through doors and openings before you. Do not allow him initiate play or petting. Ignore any and everything you did not initiate. Everything now should be on you, when you want it, how you want it and why you want it and he must comply at all times. In all of it, think of your role as that of a strict school principal trying to keep recalcitrant kids in line. You are not being wicked, rather you are using discipline to instill discipline.


There is something I do with my dogs when they are being particularly naughty and a nuisance. I just stare at them straight in the eyes. No words, no movement, nothing. I just stand (or sit or whatever position I am in) and look down at them very sternly. They either back off to some quiet spot to chill and cool off or they quietly sit or lie down on the spot in submission. Anything I ask them to do after that, they obey one time without question. That is absolute alpha.

Hello LordRegalia, it's been a while. No I actually gave up on that thought a long while ago. I think shadow and I are kinda reaching a mutual understanding of eachother. The older he gets the calmer he is. Although he tends to misbehave especially when I'm around but when I get serious he knows when to stop mucking about. So I think we are on our way to a perfect relationship.

peterbello:


His gragra is just a phase and it will pass. He's an adolescent with a lot of energy. Just continue being assertive. He'll mellow with time.

Yes you're right his "gragra" phase is slowly wearing out (I think)

Rian and Shadow

When I got shadow at 8 weeks my son was so scared of him. Even though he'd seen other dogs before I guess he hadn't seen a German Shepherd and it looked scary to him. He would scream and refuse to come down when I carried him. It was really very worrisome. All the dogs I've had would always stay indoors but my sons fear of shadow made it impossible for us to keep him inside. It was a painful decision but my son comes first before anyone else. It continued like that for months. I couldn't take my son out unless shadow was locked or they would be separated by the sliding glass door. That was the only way Rian was able to interact with shadow. Eventually his fear reduced a bit and I would take him to see shadow and try to touch him but he was still scared. Someone suggested I get a toy breed for Rian and that's when I got babydog. Once Rian adjusted to her, he slowly started getting interested in Shadow. After a while he started telling me "let's go see shadow" and now they are best friends.
Now for anyone who has a little child or children I would never encourage them to leave their kids with their dogs unattended. No matter how much I trust shadow I can never leave him with my son alone for one second. Shadow understands that Rian is a little kid because new never tries to jump on him. He only licks him and runs by his side whenever Rian is running around. And some how he knows to keep a little distance. He has never once shown any kind of aggression towards Rian. But dogs are dogs, he could try to play with Rian and maybe hurt him if he got to excited. That's why I said I never leave the two of them unattended. Same goes for the two little dogs.

Recent picture of shadow. Being a couch potato. He thinks he's a baby. Sometimes he wants to sit on my lap and crush me

blasiangurl85:
Recent picture of shadow. Being a couch potato. He thinks he's a baby. Sometimes he wants to sit on my lap and crush me

lovely""""try and collage this pic oo

blasiangurl85:


Hello LordRegalia, it's been a while. No I actually gave up on that thought a long while ago. I think shadow and I are kinda reaching a mutual understanding of eachother. The older he gets the calmer he is. Although he tends to misbehave especially when I'm around but when I get serious he knows when to stop mucking about. So I think we are on our way to a perfect relationship.

Hello Blasiangurl85.

That's great then. Congratulations. The most rewarding phase of owning a dog is when they come off adolescence and into adulthood being controllable and well-behaved and you both have mutual respect and understanding of each other. At this point, you just know that the dog is your's for keeps and for life.

Congratulations on getting Rian and Shadow to be the best of pals. I absolutely always love it when i see kids who are naturals with dogs. I cannot really explain why but I just know that there is something very special and endearing about it. And asides the bond shared between children and dogs, kids who grow up with / around dogs are known to have stronger natural immunity to diseases than those who do not.

Really nice photos you have up there.

blasiangurl85:
Recent picture of shadow. Being a couch potato. He thinks he's a baby. Sometimes he wants to sit on my lap and crush me

Look at this nonsense* boy oh . He come even pose for camera lol he makes me miss my old dog that was stolen

I'm just imagining him sitting on your laps!!!!

Meanwhile I once saw a picture here on nairaland of a boy-a toddler about age 4 who was in charge of two boerbels! He took them for a dog show and one of the dogs evens won a prize. I've also seen a picture of a toddler who was so much the alpha of his pack that he was hand feeding his German shepherds.

I'm just saying this so you can encourage your little one to be more confident around shadow. While keeping safety in mind of course!

Hi blasaingurl85

This has been a wonderful thread, from the very beginning till the end (will there ever be an end to it). You've really shown yourself to be someone who can be dedicated and responsible to the cause for which you pursue.
And I must say, you've given me a new found inspiration to invest in my love for dogs and do right by nature by owning more dogs and helping them grow into sociable individuals (in the dog way).
I have just one Samoyed at the moment; Anny and she stays with me in my apartment of campus in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife. Hoping to get a rottweiler in the next 2months, and I hope that turns out a rewarding experience.
Shadow's diary has been really inspiring and educative. Now I know how to treat an older dog when i get one, what type of food to invest in, the importance of food scheduling et al. Safe to say, your mistakes and successes as detailed here will help a long way in conditioning and improving the lives of several dog lovers/owners who have also been captivated by this thread.
I sent you a BBM invite, I'd love if you accept it as I always like to connect and learn more.

LordRegalia, I must say your own comments have been educative too. I'm falling in love with dogs all over again. And yes, been the Alpha is just a necessity if one wants to get the best out of his canine companion.

Have a nice one people. Let's work together to make the world a better place ... with dogs in it.

rodmann:
I am now officially Shadow's fan... I guess this is what the Pet section should be about afterall... Bruno's dairy Loading..

Searched your profile for Bruno's diary, I no see am. I still dey wait am o

uchpanila:
Am so much enjoying this, our mods won't see this to move to front page only topics of killing or hanging snakes.

My boy KRONOS is coming up and am gathering his diary. Say hi to shadow from ME and KRONOS!
.

I don check your profile, I still dey wait the dairy of Kronos o

LordRegalia:


Hello DidiLove1.

Yes exactly!! Chaperoned by their mom and granny. The organizers would call them "Paws of Lagos" or something like that over the mic and the whole family would go "Whoooooo-hooooo!!". Really interesting family that was.

Wow! There's going to be another walk? That's great. Something to look forward to. Will try to be there and maybe this time I would come with more than one dog. Thank you for sharing the information.

Learnt a new word from u.."Chaperone"

blasiangurl85:
Out jogging on Monday. It was fun. But then some crazy kid decided he wanted to taunt Shadow. I don't know why he would even try something like that. Thank goodness I had a good grip on shadow. Obviously Shadows protective instinct kicked in and he almost lunged at the boy.
@Peterbello like you said I had to wrap my hand around the leash for extra grip.


Why do dogs need to be walked on the left hand side? I have no idea. And Shadow also doesn't like it. He instinctively goes to my right and I always have to correct him. Is there any reason why it has to be the left?

I feel why Shadow should be on your left side, is to shield him from traffic/danger (just like a child since you are walking against traffic. I am reall enjoying you thread

okikiosibodu:

I don check your profile, I still dey wait the dairy of Kronos o

lol
will do that some say, still gathering it, he's still 4 months

babythug:

Look at this nonsense* boy oh . He come even pose for camera lol he makes me miss my old dog that was stolen
I'm just imagining him sitting on your laps!!!!
Meanwhile I once saw a picture here on nairaland of a boy-a toddler about age 4 who was in charge of two boerbels! He took them for a dog show and one of the dogs evens won a prize. I've also seen a picture of a toddler who was so much the alpha of his pack that he was hand feeding his German shepherds.
I'm just saying this so you can encourage your little one to be more confident around shadow. While keeping safety in mind of course!

Hi blasiangurl85, I have a GSD named Zeus and He will be 5 months soon. I have tried my possible best to teach him potty training but he poops and pees everywhere. I am running outta my mind and i would love some tips on how to get him to "go" in the potty area i prepared for him.
Thanks

blasiangurl85:
Training Shadow
Toilet training Shadow i have to say was the easiest thing ever. In a week he knew where to go do his business and has never had an incident where he pee'd or pooped where he's not supposed to. I think what also helped is that i have always fed him on a schedule right from the day i got him. It just makes things easier and more predictable.
His other training didn't go so well, i guess I'm partly to blame for that. I did try my best but gave up after a few failures. It always looks so easy when you watch the training video on YouTube and the dog gets it only after one try. Then you do the exact same thing and your dog just looks at you like "what the hell are you trying to do?" At least he knows the basic "sit", "shake", "down". I tried and failed woefully on "stay" command. I never trained him on the "jump" command because the dog was always jumping on everyone, it would be like I'm encouraging him to do something we all wanted him to stop. Even till now he has a way of jumping and giving you a bear hug. It's actually cute but when you have a dog over 40kg jumping on you, you have to make sure you are well balanced or else you'll fall down. I'll be honest I've nearly fallen down several times.
I also succeeded in training him to sit and wait until i give him his food. I think it's also really important to make sure your dog isn't food aggressive. From day one I would always put my hands in his food bowl while he eats and even as big as he is now i can put my hand and even take food out of his mouth and he won't do anything.

Hi blasiangurl85, I have a GSD named Zeus and He will be 5 months soon. I have tried my possible best to teach him potty training but he poops and pees everywhere. I am running outta my mind and i would love some tips on how to get him to "go" in the potty area i prepared for him. I have a million other questions but i will start with this for now. Shadow is an amazing dog. Good job.
Thanks

NorthernshoreTS:


Hi blasiangurl85, I have a GSD named Zeus and He will be 5 months soon. I have tried my possible best to teach him potty training but he poops and pees everywhere. I am running outta my mind and i would love some tips on how to get him to "go" in the potty area i prepared for him. I have a million other questions but i will start with this for now. Shadow is an amazing dog. Good job.
Thanks

For potty training what I did with shadow was crate training. I did that as soon as I got him at 8 weeks. Since your dog is 5 months it might be a bit harder but it's achievable. First of you'll have to wash the areas that your dog "goes" very well preferably with bleach to get rid of the smell of pee and poo. Feeding on a schedule also really really helps. So if you aren't doing that I suggest you should. At 5 months I was still feeding shadow 3 times a day. The best time would be 6am, 12 noon and 6pm. If you are doing it twice then maybe 6am and 4/5pm. Once you start feeding on a schedule you will notice you can predict almost exactly when your dog will go. You can read up on crate training to understand how it's done. Keep zeus in a small space where he can lay down comfortably and stand but not move around. Dogs naturally won't soil the area they sleep(unless they have no choice, like been caged for the whole day). With Shadow I would bring him out every 2 hours to pee and put him back. Zeus being older can hold his pee for longer, but I would suggest not more than 4 hours to begin. Once he's mastered the crate training you can keep him longer (but not the whole day).Whenever you bring him out always put him on a leash and take him to the spot where you want him to go. You have to be patient especially because zeus has already formed a habit of going wherever he wants. But just stay there with him, he will eventually go. Once he does, praise him and offer him a treat. And take him back to his crate or play with him for a bit before putting him back. Most times dogs poo almost immediately after eating as well. So once you feed him, with a leash take him to the spot and wait until he goes. After a while he will understand that he should go in that spot.
You have to be patient and persistent. Shadow was very easy to train but my two little dogs were a nightmare. But they all know where to go now.

AyodejiTAbatan:
Hi blasaingurl85

This has been a wonderful thread, from the very beginning till the end (will there ever be an end to it). You've really shown yourself to be someone who can be dedicated and responsible to the cause for which you pursue.
And I must say, you've given me a new found inspiration to invest in my love for dogs and do right by nature by owning more dogs and helping them grow into sociable individuals (in the dog way).
I have just one Samoyed at the moment; Anny and she stays with me in my apartment of campus in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife. Hoping to get a rottweiler in the next 2months, and I hope that turns out a rewarding experience.
Shadow's diary has been really inspiring and educative. Now I know how to treat an older dog when i get one, what type of food to invest in, the importance of food scheduling et al. Safe to say, your mistakes and successes as detailed here will help a long way in conditioning and improving the lives of several dog lovers/owners who have also been captivated by this thread.
I sent you a BBM invite, I'd love if you accept it as I always like to connect and learn more.

LordRegalia, I must say your own comments have been educative too. I'm falling in love with dogs all over again. And yes, been the Alpha is just a necessity if one wants to get the best out of his canine companion.

Have a nice one people. Let's work together to make the world a better place ... with dogs in it.

Thanks, will accept the invite. I'm glad all my ramblings are helping some people. that's the purpose of the thread

babythug:


Look at this nonsense* boy oh . He come even pose for camera lol he makes me miss my old dog that was stolen

I'm just imagining him sitting on your laps!!!!

Meanwhile I once saw a picture here on nairaland of a boy-a toddler about age 4 who was in charge of two boerbels! He took them for a dog show and one of the dogs evens won a prize. I've also seen a picture of a toddler who was so much the alpha of his pack that he was hand feeding his German shepherds.

I'm just saying this so you can encourage your little one to be more confident around shadow. While keeping safety in mind of course!

Yes thank you, I always make out time everyday for my son and Shadow to spend together everyday and I must say it's just so rewarding seeing the two of them together.

Nice thread .

AyodejiTAbatan:
Hi blasaingurl85

This has been a wonderful thread, from the very beginning till the end (will there ever be an end to it). You've really shown yourself to be someone who can be dedicated and responsible to the cause for which you pursue.
And I must say, you've given me a new found inspiration to invest in my love for dogs and do right by nature by owning more dogs and helping them grow into sociable individuals (in the dog way).
I have just one Samoyed at the moment; Anny and she stays with me in my apartment of campus in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife. Hoping to get a rottweiler in the next 2months, and I hope that turns out a rewarding experience.
Shadow's diary has been really inspiring and educative. Now I know how to treat an older dog when i get one, what type of food to invest in, the importance of food scheduling et al. Safe to say, your mistakes and successes as detailed here will help a long way in conditioning and improving the lives of several dog lovers/owners who have also been captivated by this thread.
I sent you a BBM invite, I'd love if you accept it as I always like to connect and learn more.

LordRegalia, I must say your own comments have been educative too. I'm falling in love with dogs all over again. And yes, been the Alpha is just a necessity if one wants to get the best out of his canine companion.

Have a nice one people. Let's work together to make the world a better place ... with dogs in it.

I'm a med student staying off campus as well. I intend owning a dog pretty soon. How do you cope?

Cc: Seun, prodeegee, blasiangurl85

blasiangurl85:


For potty training what I did with shadow was crate training. I did that as soon as I got him at 8 weeks. Since your dog is 5 months it might be a bit harder but it's achievable. First of you'll have to wash the areas that your dog "goes" very well preferably with bleach to get rid of the smell of pee and poo. Feeding on a schedule also really really helps. So if you aren't doing that I suggest you should. At 5 months I was still feeding shadow 3 times a day. The best time would be 6am, 12 noon and 6pm. If you are doing it twice then maybe 6am and 4/5pm. Once you start feeding on a schedule you will notice you can predict almost exactly when your dog will go. You can read up on crate training to understand how it's done. Keep zeus in a small space where he can lay down comfortably and stand but not move around. Dogs naturally won't soil the area they sleep(unless they have no choice, like been caged for the whole day). With Shadow I would bring him out every 2 hours to pee and put him back. Zeus being older can hold his pee for longer, but I would suggest not more than 4 hours to begin. Once he's mastered the crate training you can keep him longer (but not the whole day).Whenever you bring him out always put him on a leash and take him to the spot where you want him to go. You have to be patient especially because zeus has already formed a habit of going wherever he wants. But just stay there with him, he will eventually go. Once he does, praise him and offer him a treat. And take him back to his crate or play with him for a bit before putting him back. Most times dogs poo almost immediately after eating as well. So once you feed him, with a leash take him to the spot and wait until he goes. After a while he will understand that he should go in that spot.
You have to be patient and persistent. Shadow was very easy to train but my two little dogs were a nightmare. But they all know where to go now.

Thank you so much for the insight. I will put it into practice and update you with results. Appreciate.

What a thread. Blasiangurl85, I have to say well done. Your dog is so lucky to have you. And to lordregalia, thank you so much for your insight, it has helped a lot. I'm getting a one year old female gsd and hopefully, the transition to having me as her owner would be seamless but just in case it isn't, I'm glad to have someone like you who can offer helpful tips. And finally to bobbysax, you have done well. Blasiangurl85, thank you for showing people how a dog/human relationship can be so amazing.

Sobala:
What a thread. Blasiangurl85, I have to say well done. Your dog is so lucky to have you. And to lordregalia, thank you so much for your insight, it has helped a lot. I'm getting a one year old female gsd and hopefully, the transition to having me as her owner would be seamless but just in case it isn't, I'm glad to have someone like you who can offer helpful tips. And finally to bobbysax, you have done well. Blasiangurl85, thank you for showing people how a dog/human relationship can be so amazing.

Thank you, please let us know how it goes with your new girl

imsuboi:
Nice thread .

Thanks

JonSnow:


I'm a med student staying off campus as well. I intend owning a dog pretty soon. How do you cope?

Cc: Seun, prodeegee, blasiangurl85

There are a lot of things to consider when getting a dog/puppy. As long as you can dedicate time you will be fine. Also consider the cost of feeding and vet bills as well. For me SCHEDULE is everything. I do everything on a schedule. That way I'm able to create time for my dogs.

SHADOW THE SUPERSTAR
(Ok so maybe not a superstar but a star in the making)

Last week Shadow was asked to be part of a music video for an up and coming musician called Dotman. Unfortunately I couldn't be there but Mr Prodeegee was so gracious to take Shadow for the video shoot. I couldn't risk him being without someone familiar and someone who can control him. I heard Shadow did very well and from the pictures and videos I saw I was very pleased and excited to see the final music video once it's out. Wow it seems shadow is definitely having more fun than me and going places hehehe.
Once the video is out I'll definitely post the link here.

Superstar Shadow meeting Dotman and getting familiar with him

blasiangurl85:
SHADOW THE SUPERSTAR
(Ok so maybe not a superstar but a star in the making)

Last week Shadow was asked to be part of a music video for an up and coming musician called Dotman. Unfortunately I couldn't be there but Mr Prodeegee was so gracious to take Shadow for the video shoot. I couldn't risk him being without someone familiar and someone who can control him. I heard Shadow did very well and from the pictures and videos I saw I was very pleased and excited to see the final music video once it's out. Wow it seems shadow is definitely having more fun than me and going places hehehe.
Once the video is out I'll definitely post the link here.

That's nice. Shadow don turn celebrity o, can't wait to see the music video.
I saw some pictures about the music video tho I wasn't too sure, wanted to ask Prodeegee because the guy in the picture looks so much like him Buh he's the type that will reply you after a week if he will reply at all.

.nice one,the lady in that pix is feeling shadow's swag .

Shadow no wan gree o. I may soon come for autograph signing, hope I won't have to fill forms before seeing Shadow.

plssss I.need advice....am in school.n.would like to own a dog in school....wil.dat be ok