Dutch Shepherd Forum

Merlin tends to herd my son Thomas and practice bite work on him! The other day we were outside playing and Thomas is running full speed away from Merlin. Merlin circles around to Thomas' left to try to bring him into the corner of the yard. As Thomas starts to make his move to the right Merlin lunges through the air...... he clasps on to Thomas, by the arm, and takes him to the ground!!!! Awesomely enough, Thomas (who is 5) gives him the command "off" as Im running toward them and Merlin backs up and sits. Thomas gets up and starts hugging Merlin, ripped up shirt and all, and Merlin begins licking him in the face. They go back to playing like nothing even happened. We of course, are working on this not happening to Thomas, but I was proud of both of them for treating the situation like they did.

Aww, what a story!

Gutsy boy you have there---I'm sure you did need to calm your nerves a bit!
Maybe you have a dog trainer in the making!

What an awesome little boy you have! To have kept his head in that kind of pumped-up situation, come up with the correct command, get it out, then be full of loving forgiveness...you must be so proud of him!

Way to go, mom!

got a little dog whisperer! Wait, the Dog Whisperer is little.

He needs a tiny bite suit!

What a good boy for keeping his cool!! My daughter squeals, well, like a girl, if Xena even licks her clarinet.

Schlussdibusti wrote:got a little dog whisperer! Wait, the Dog Whisperer is little.

lol, Thomas is very good with Merlin You can tell they have a real strong bond. Merlin doesn't leave his side for anything and even with Merlins young age if people come into the yard to talk to us, he is always between the person and our son. I was very proud of Thomas for giving the right command. They both suprise me so much, sometimes you just think they don't listen, then they will shock the crap out of you. lol