Navigating the World of German Shepherd Walks
Choosing a German Shepherd, we knew we were signing up for a furry friend with an appetite for exercise and brainpower.
When Archer was a wee pup, we were warned to hold off on the walks. German Shepherds, with their royal hips, need a cautious start to avoid future hip troubles. Once Archer was ready for his grand entrance into the great outdoors, we embarked on a mission to expose him to every smell, sight, and obstacle imaginable. Because as they say, a confident dog is a reliable dog.
Adventure Checklist:
Beach? Check. Dandenong mountain hikes? Check. Parks, bridges, uneven gravel, family and friend gatherings? Check, check, check and check. Our weeks were filled with daily walks, brush sessions, and training. Pro-tip: Get your pup used to the car early. Unlike us, Archer is still convinced the car is some sort of canine nemesis.
Obstacle Course of the Great Outdoors:
The Pulling Drama: Archer, our 60kg muscle-bound superstar, has a talent for pulling that would impress any professional sled dog. Cue the introduction of the 'Halti' at 10 months—a genius invention recommended by our trainer. It's like magic for control without resorting to prong collars or a tug-of-war with his neck (pssst...stay tuned for our Petz Pal edition of the Halti).
Judgment Central: Walking Archer comes with an unexpected side dish—judgment. People dodge across roads, others exhibit fear, and some just forget how to leash their own dogs. It's like a parade of awkward glances. Looking back, I get it. A huge dog with a towering owner strolling towards you—it would be quite intimidating.
Daily Drill:
But it's not just about the walks. Daily life with Archer involves a serious brushing routine and a daily dose of brain games. We stimulate him with tricks like sit, spin, centre, and, occasionally, convincing him that the vacuum cleaner is not a mortal enemy. Brushing his constant shedding hair has become a ritual—our tribute to German Shepherd elegance.
Archer, showing off some of his tricks:
So, here we are, learning the ropes (or leashes) of the outdoor adventure with Archer. It's a journey filled with laughter, Haltis, shedding fur and the occasional raised eyebrow from passersby.
Stay tuned for more on the adventures of owning a canine companion.
Archer wearing and testing out our new Petz Pal Halti- Coming Soon!
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