Major was born in Missouri on a ranch (http://www.crookedcreekranch1.com) that specializes in AKC German Shepherd dogs.
PuppFact: German shepherd dogs are, as their name implies, a breed that originated in Germany. They were developed beginning in the late 1800s by crossing various herding breeds. The breed was subjected to stringent selection and it progressed quickly. In the United Kingdom, the dogs are known as Alsatians because fanciers of the breed there wanted to protect the dog from anti-German sentiments after World War I. Major's himself is not from Germany though, he's from Missouri (not even close to Germany).
Major loves his treats. Here he is waiting to get the signal to eat his bone. Unfortunately, this soft bone gave him the you know what's, and ended up on my kitchen floor for me to clean up when I got home from work. No more soft bones for you (only hard).
Fuzzy, thick, and long best describes Major's tail. When he get excited it will curl at the end. Someone knocking at my door, someone ringing the bell, Major's tail goes up, and forms the shape of a circle. Also, ears and paws are Majors soft spots. Meaning, if anyone (other than me) attempts to touch his ears or paws he will growl and gently mouth your hand (never aggressive or bits, of course), but gives the "warning" nonetheless. I'll say "leave it" or "ouch" and he'll stop, but then your hand is all wet. He'll still do this to me at times. But, forget about clipping his nails. I have to hold his squirming body down (the best I can, not harmful), talk softly to him, "good boy", and 20 minutes later, I finally got one nail. On to the next nail ...
PuppFabulous: Major has had the honer to walk in the local town's pumpkin fest parade. The walk is a few miles, and he has no trouble keeping the pace the whole distance.
Major and Butters (Marcus) discussing what to do next with the cat streamer toy. Should Major pick it up in his mouth (the toy not Butters), and wave it so Butters can catch it? Whatever the case, hurry up as Butters is busting to play.
I rarely take Major for walks. A dog like Major (120 pound German Shepherd) requires a different type of exercise. Walks just don't do it for his body, mind, and self esteem, and jogging long distances is probably not the best for his health and joints/hips. Exercise for Major consists of throwing his Nerf Ball using a lacrosse stick (as far as I can throw using the stick which is pretty far). This allows him to sprint from a stand still as fast as he can (sprint is the key - quick burst of speed and energy). We'll mix up the throw-catch game: First, I have him in sit, I throw the ball, and he stays until he looks at me, and I give the command, "release". Or, I have him do up hill work. He'll push up the the hill like a locomotive, making long grooves in the ground (so much for my lawn). I'll also throw the ball so it rolls fast on the ground, so he can catch it on the run (good for mental work and quick reactions).
PuppNews: Do all dogs love to sleep by the front door? Major sure does. Maybe it's the coolness (Major's fur is pretty thick), or he's doing his duty and protecting the homestead. Can't be certain, but I do sleep sound at night knowing who's polling night guard duty at my front door.
Talking is one activity Major loves to do. All sorts of doggie noises, effortless grows and gentle ruff ruffs. Maybe he's telling me to take him outside, asking for scratches on his butt, or a doggie treat. In this case, I busted out the big ol' brush and eventually got 5 handfuls of black, gray, and white fur (enough to make a sweater). See his pictures and you'll see the mustache I made from one brush full.
When it is nap time or time to retire for the night, Major is right there at our sides. He loves to lay on the bed where ever he can find room (which is pretty much half the bed). He'll even steal my pillow to rest his big head on. That's ok I don't mind, I have many other pillows. He'll also snuggle up to me and rest his head on my side.
Major was born in Missouri on a ranch (http://www.crookedcreekranch1.com) that specializes in AKC German Shepherd dogs.
PuppFact: German shepherd dogs are, as their name implies, a breed that originated in Germany. They were developed beginning in the late 1800s by crossing various herding breeds. The breed was subjected to stringent selection and it progressed quickly. In the United Kingdom, the dogs are known as Alsatians because fanciers of the breed there wanted to protect the dog from anti-German sentiments after World War I. Major's himself is not from Germany though, he's from Missouri (not even close to Germany).
Major loves his treats. Here he is waiting to get the signal to eat his bone. Unfortunately, this soft bone gave him the you know what's, and ended up on my kitchen floor for me to clean up when I got home from work. No more soft bones for you (only hard).
Fuzzy, thick, and long best describes Major's tail. When he get excited it will curl at the end. Someone knocking at my door, someone ringing the bell, Major's tail goes up, and forms the shape of a circle. Also, ears and paws are Majors soft spots. Meaning, if anyone (other than me) attempts to touch his ears or paws he will growl and gently mouth your hand (never aggressive or bits, of course), but gives the "warning" nonetheless. I'll say "leave it" or "ouch" and he'll stop, but then your hand is all wet. He'll still do this to me at times. But, forget about clipping his nails. I have to hold his squirming body down (the best I can, not harmful), talk softly to him, "good boy", and 20 minutes later, I finally got one nail. On to the next nail ...
PuppFabulous: Major has had the honer to walk in the local town's pumpkin fest parade. The walk is a few miles, and he has no trouble keeping the pace the whole distance.
Major and Butters (Marcus) discussing what to do next with the cat streamer toy. Should Major pick it up in his mouth (the toy not Butters), and wave it so Butters can catch it? Whatever the case, hurry up as Butters is busting to play.
I rarely take Major for walks. A dog like Major (120 pound German Shepherd) requires a different type of exercise. Walks just don't do it for his body, mind, and self esteem, and jogging long distances is probably not the best for his health and joints/hips. Exercise for Major consists of throwing his Nerf Ball using a lacrosse stick (as far as I can throw using the stick which is pretty far). This allows him to sprint from a stand still as fast as he can (sprint is the key - quick burst of speed and energy). We'll mix up the throw-catch game: First, I have him in sit, I throw the ball, and he stays until he looks at me, and I give the command, "release". Or, I have him do up hill work. He'll push up the the hill like a locomotive, making long grooves in the ground (so much for my lawn). I'll also throw the ball so it rolls fast on the ground, so he can catch it on the run (good for mental work and quick reactions).
PuppNews: Do all dogs love to sleep by the front door? Major sure does. Maybe it's the coolness (Major's fur is pretty thick), or he's doing his duty and protecting the homestead. Can't be certain, but I do sleep sound at night knowing who's polling night guard duty at my front door.
Talking is one activity Major loves to do. All sorts of doggie noises, effortless grows and gentle ruff ruffs. Maybe he's telling me to take him outside, asking for scratches on his butt, or a doggie treat. In this case, I busted out the big ol' brush and eventually got 5 handfuls of black, gray, and white fur (enough to make a sweater). See his pictures and you'll see the mustache I made from one brush full.
When it is nap time or time to retire for the night, Major is right there at our sides. He loves to lay on the bed where ever he can find room (which is pretty much half the bed). He'll even steal my pillow to rest his big head on. That's ok I don't mind, I have many other pillows. He'll also snuggle up to me and rest his head on my side.