Lacemoat

Gsds as a whole are very intelligent Driven dogs, they are not lap dogs - although you would think they were if you saw mine relaxing in the comfort of their own home! I have tended to find the Longcoats to be slightly less driven then say a Standard German Bred Shortcoated dog, but this doesnt mean that they dont need stimulation & to experience new and exciting surroundings.

I am not the type of person who will take my dog to the park every day let it off the lead and constantly throw a ball - yes its great excercise but it is really enough for your dog?

So heres What we choose to do instead.....

We have always started our puppies off at Training clubs as we really do think these are invaluable. We do general obedience on a daily basis - its important to us that our dogs have manors around Adults, Children & Other animals.

.......

We are a member of the BAGSD and attend weekly obedience classes which we continue in the home and outdoors.

.......

We have agility equipment that provides excellent exercise for our dogs at home when they are not out training or on walks

......

Our dogs go on a variety of walks each day, they are lead walked in both parks & Woodland, road walked in our local area daily seperately & together & they are run off lead also. They go into Dog friendly shops on a regular basis & have lots of fuss which is always great for them! We take them regularly to a large local openair market-this is brilliant to get them used to crowds..and of course they always come on holiday with us to different parts of the country usually 1-2 times a year.

......

In the Spring, Summer & Autumn months we visit Local and national dog shows, our favourite shows to go to are the WALCSS ones because we get to meet up with all our friends & see lots of lovely Dogs!. Both dogs are lightly shown & you can see their results on the 'Show Results 2009' page. Apollo esp enjoys the show ring and is a complete show off - he does us VERY proud to say the least.

 ....... 

If you visit our photo Gallery you will see photo's taken from various Group walks-We usually try to get on one of these on a monthly basis-we go with our friends from the longcoat Forum & also BIGGSD...or simply meet up with friends. Sometimes we have had as many as 25-30 dogs on the walks, we've been to the seaside, local parks, large country parks you name it-its great fun & they love it.

.......

Our most recent activity we have decided to venture into is biking. We are first trying this with Apollo as we want to wait until Luna is 2years old. Its very early days but I love it and even more importantly so does he. To make sure that not only is he safe, but the rider is too we use a specially made bike attachment for this, in the form of a Walkydog. I look forward to uploading some photos & video Footage of this soon.

......

We hope this has given you an insight into what we believe is a great way of getting the best out of your dogs.....it works for us