German Shepherd Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin

Hi Ann -

Happy Holidays from Kari, Baloo, Shadow and myself. I just wanted to let you know Baloo is doing well. He isn't much for the early winter we've had; about 15 minutes outside in the cold and snow and he's ready to head in. Smart dog. He continues his job as a sentry, warning us of the approach of dangerous critters like deer, turkeys and squirrels. He also still thinks he's a lap dog (see photo).

Best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Rich

Update April 2007:

Hi Ann -

I'm happy to say that Baloo is doing very well. I'm afraid I'm not a big photo taker so I tend to get a lot of the same shots of he and Shadow in the yard.  Baloo still has a ton of energy. He slows down for the occasional tummy rub and to eat, but other than that he's ready to go. He's a real work dog. Always herding us and Shadow, always bringing his favorite toy along, always protecting us from deer, wild turkey and the ever-dangerous garbage collectors.

He's still got a lot of prey drive. We keep him on a 50-foot lead when we're outdoors and if he sees a deer or something, he'll take off after it.  We put the brakes on before he reaches the end, and he respects the leash very well.

Baloo has settled down quite a bit, though. When we first got him, he was very competitive for attention.  He also got pretty anxious when we were gone.  But those days are mostly past. I wouldn't say he's laid back, but he seems comfortable with the fact that we'll be back (and, of course, feed him again!).  He's got a huge heart and some pretty good smarts as well.

That's all for now.  Hope things are going well with the rescue. It's a great thing you and your fellow rescuers are doing. Thanks!

Rich

Hi Ann -

Sorry we haven't provided any updates. Things have been busy with us; my mom has Alzheimer's and is in an assisted living facility. She's not adjusting well, to say the least. Add to that the mountain of paperwork from moving her and it has been hectic.

Anyway, Baloo is doing well. He's got two more weeks of his training class and has done very well so far. We were afraid he'd be chewing up the other dogs, but aside from one incident, nothing has happened. He does well on his commands like sit, come, stay (sort of) and down. He's also more responsive to our commands.

We learned something very interesting from the class instructors. On the occasions when Baloo nips at people and dogs, he's usually nipping at their butt. The trainers said that in his mind they're "getting away" and he needs to get them back in line. They don't call them Shepherds for nothing. Not that being herded is any less uncomfortable than getting nipped. But now that we know what to look for, it's easier to control him.

He's still protective. We really can't have friends let him out; it's just too risky. But overall he seems to be a bit calmer.  Anyway, a while back we got a 50' leash for him so he can be outside with us, on a leash but still under our control. This spring I'm going to set up one of those elevated lines so he can run back and forth. And he still looks to crawl on your lap whenever he can. He and Shadow play, but Shadow is getting a bit older (just turned 7) so there are times when he's just had enough. He lets Baloo know, then Baloo leaves him alone and then grabs a toy and brings it to us, sort of a "OK, your turn" thing.

I've attached a couple of photos. One is from Baloo's broken toe ordeal from last fall.  That's about it for now. We'll probably have a small graduation party for Baloo in a couple of weeks. I'll try to remember to take pictures at that and send them to you.

Rich