Another Mia the German Shepherd Update.

Last night Mia the GS went missing. She got out through a hole in the fence,made by I think a fox. Actually I noticed while investigating today that there is a fox run there. She was probably chasing it. She was gone for only about twenty minutes, but I was worried sick. I had no idea which direction she might have gone in. I went out into the back field and started calling her name. it was pitch dark out there but eventually I saw a pair of eyes shining in my torch light and she came running to me. What a relief. I was very upset with her but being a good dog owner I couldn't show my displeasure and instead showered her with praise and gave her a treat. That was a loooooong twenty minutes.

Things are progressing well with our new relationship, but I have found it to be hard work. A puppy might have been easier or an old dog even easier still, but I can confirm that a one year old German Shepherd is hard work for a man of my age. Even though I am quite fit for an old 'un.. Things are not made any easier by the fact that it has rained every single day since Mia arrived. This whole area has been badly flooded and  the paddock is a mess of muddy surface water. I am pleased to say that despite the rain and wind and floods I have not missed taking her for a walk at least once every day, although I have to admit it has been hard sometimes overcoming my own reluctance to venture out.

All in all though she is coming on well and we are bonding. She is intelligent and funny and affectionate. She no longer barks at other dogs or tries to lunge after them, and she walks very well on her lead. I have to admit though, I do seem to have to correct her behaviour quite a lot. The words 'NO MIA' are used often. She is certainly no saint. But then neither am I. My main concern is that she is not very good at coming back to me when I call her. Most times she does it eventually, but I need to trust her to come every time. It has only been a month though. I need to be patient.

We have had some walks with my EBD Jodie's dog Skye, and my friend Fran's dog Jake. Skye is very submissive and Mia seemed to take advantage of this, but Jake is a big powerful dog and refused to be cowed by Mia's over exuberance. Mia's face is full of pleasure as she romps and her smile is a joy to behold.

This has been another Mia the German Shepherd post. Sorry about that, but she does tend to focus my attention these days.