Major's exuberance needs more control

While living in Mitchell, Major walked well on a loose lead; a walk along the Maranoa River to the bridge and back.

But now, on Phillip Island, he's regressed to pulling badly on the lead, completely over-riding his haltie-lead. The problem is his exuberant nature and his impatience to get to the sea and go for a swim.

So, back to square one and clicker training in the house and yard -- and then continue the training on his walk too, of course.

Going down the steps of the boardwalk to the sea needs the most attention. Consequently, we've begun a Click, Sit and tiny food reward routine to begin and end each set of steps -- and slowness while descending and ascending.

Major is very intelligent and wants to please, but he's also a dominant, strong willed dog. Sometimes I think we'll never get there!

But then I look at the way Del (five years old) walks on a loose lead attached to her collar, and I remember that she was MUCH worse at Major's age.

At two years of age Major's a teenager who is pushing the limits and who's full of exuberant anticipation for the fun he's soon to have -- running free on the beach and swimming.

What a life!

The season for shedding: Mitchell outback Qld

This time of the year sees tree trunks shedding bark, lizards and snakes shedding skin and our two German shepherds shedding hair. It's a time of renewal: of bark, skin and hair.

The photos show our two young lemon-scented gums growing here in Mitchell, at the back of our three-quarter acre block. A third specimen is within the drum as it got frosted to the ground and has just sprouted new growth.

Doug grew these trees from seed we collected from a magnificent specimen growing at Gilgandra, inland New South Wales.

Winter 2011 was particularly severe in terms of frost; however, our young trees survived and now have new growth replacing burnt leaves. But this is the first year they've shed their bark.

In 50 years time, I imagine these trees with thick trunks, silvery-cream bark and a dense crown of lemon-scented leaves.

When this block of land was first built on, people planted trees which are now mature. For example we have several fully grown bottle trees, two mature callistemons, a tall silky oak, and a casuarina -- along with a few other things. These trees give us pleasure and shade, and provide birds with food and shelter.

Meanwhile I brush our two dogs every day, and I'm amazed by the quantity of hair that comes out in the grooming process. Major's coat is heavy, with feathering that acts as a magnet to clover burr. Fortunately he enjoys being brushed. Del's coat is short, but is coming out in handfuls, at present. Whenever I brush Del she gets excited and goes between my legs.

Stego lizard shed his skin last week and is looking particularly handsome! So, what with dogs, lizards and trees, spring is the season for shedding.

The relationship between human and dog is unique

The relationship between human and dog is unique. Over a period of 14,000 years, humans have been selectively breeding dogs for particular strengths and skills -- moulding the dog's sociable nature and extraordinary senses to make a versatile, useful and indispensable companion.

Today we have a dog breed to suit every conceivable need. There are dog breeds to suit most types of people living all sorts of lifestyles. We must remember, however, that no single breed suits everyone. Therefore, choice of breed is an important decision.

Over the years, we've enjoyed the companionship of Irish setters, Labradors, Great Danes and German shepherds. We've also bred and worked Border collies as sheep dogs. At this point in time, though, two German shepherds are our chosen breed.

German shepherds are an intelligent active breed that need a lot of exercise, and plenty of mental stimulation and companionship. A cardboard box full of toys gives hours and hours of pleasure. Of course, we enjoy the play too, frequently laughing and smiling at our dogs' antics. Major is greedy with his toys, snatching them from Del if he sees her with something he wants. Tugs of war usually see Major as the winner.

Major's favourite toys are his soft puppies, whereas Del's favourite is a tennis ball. Many years ago Del initiated a game whereby she threw the ball to me and I kicked it back to her. It's a game we have every day with her concentration lasting up to 10 minutes.

One of the first things that Doug and I found we had in common was a love of dogs. I knew I could never be truly content without the companionship of a dog, and Doug felt likewise. So we're grateful to be in a position where we can both enjoy their companionship -- Del for Doug, and Major for me!

Clicker training my German shepherd

Obedience training my two-year old German shepherd is my current challenge.

When a dog weighs as much as his handler (which is the case with Major and me), training for instant obedience becomes essential. Major disgraced himself two weeks ago by pulling free of my grasp and chasing a little dog back to his house. He didn't attack the dog but he did give it a scare. I was extremely disappointed and cross!

Therefore, instead of long walks along the river, we drive to the Mitchell Show Grounds and do lots of training on the oval. I'm trying a new method of training using a clicker and food rewards. So far it's working well. For example, I say, "Sit", click as he obeys, then give an instant food reward --with all of this happening in very quick succession.

Major was taught to sit, drop, stay, watch (look at my eyes), and come when called when he was a young pup. Consequently, most of the work is done, I just need to reinforce the commands with the clicker and sharpen up his obedience. Pulling on the lead while heeling is another problem area that needs more work.

German shepherds are intelligent, keen to learn and want to please. Therefore, the process of training is enjoyable and I feel we are making steady progress.

Choosing a companion for life

When I chose Major -- at six weeks of age -- I was fortunate to have the opportunity to select one from fifteen. The pups were from two pedigree German shepherd litters born within one week of each other, in Mitchell outback Queensland. And I had first pick!

I wanted a male, so that narrowed the field. I wanted intelligence, eagerness to please and relaxed confidence. A series of tests reduced the numbers back to three. Any pup who wouldn't lie on his back on my lap, without struggle, was put back with 'the mob'.

Sitting on the grass -- with the chosen three -- I played, cuddled and watched. When Major crawled up my lap and then gazed intently into my eyes, I knew he was the chosen one. Scooping him up I placed him on his back and stroked his tummy. Once again, his dark eyes met mine.

Now, whenever I see a Major lying on his back, which is often, I'm reminded of how I chose him. Major is the master of relaxed confidence.

Del, on the other hand, never lies on her back. She would feel too vulnerable. The photos show Del and Major asleep in our bedroom here in Mitchell. With Katie Siamese asleep between Doug and me, with her head on my pillow, and Del and Major close by, our family is snug and secure.