House Rules!

"I don't own my Shepherd!"

I want readers to be very clear on my view on this. He is not some chattel, or item of goods or a possession. He is Ralph. He is his own person, he is a valued member our family. I care for his welfare. I have great affection and respect for him. We have certain house rules which he, like any other member of the family is expected to conform to and abide by, both in our home and outside in the big wide world. Like a child, from puppy age these rules have had to be learnt and understood.

Some rules are for his safety, and those of others. Some are to ensure he observes polite etiquette, and is a nice person to meet. I do not live in the expectation that he will be perfect, some faults are natural instincts, which I would not wish to expel from his character. Such imperfections are accepted and here it is my duty to understand them and to protect him from any trouble he might become involved in.

For example we live in a farming area. Sheep and lambs often stroll up and down our lane. Ralph is instinctively a shepherd dog, many years of breeding have associated the GSDs with sheep herding. His natural reaction is therefore, to chase and attempt to herd. It does not take a great deal of intelligence to work out where that might end! Therefore I recognise the natural instinct and budget for it. Not difficult, more a case of anticipation!