Dutch Shepherd Forum

I rescued a Mal/Dutchie from a local guy that originally got him as a service dog for PTSD, but he wasn't a good fit for him. I had experience with German Shepherds, but this was a whole new experience. A year later, we are training and learning together.

Of all the dogs I've had in my life (family or training), Titan is without a doubt, the smartest. High energy, fast learner, very focused. I ran through my known quantity of commands, which he breezed through in less than a month. His separation anxiety is getting better and his protection mode is off the charts. Not having any success in either of these areas, we are going to a local trainer. The trainer thinks Titan is simply awesome.

Welcome, and thanks for rescuing! Love the pictures, especially your profile--reminds me of Anubis. How old is he?

YEAH!!!! he sure is cute !

racingiron1 wrote:Welcome, and thanks for rescuing! Love the pictures, especially your profile--reminds me of Anubis. How old is he?

A very precocious two (February 10th). I'm glad I'm not the only one that sees Anubis in that picture.... It's fitting...

The pictures don't really show it, but he's lean, about 50#. He's definitely a lot of work, high energy, willing to please/work. He's gentle with my boys (6 and 7) and the wife. He's a bit more "mouthy" with me. Not sure if that's an Alpha challenge thing, but he definitely acknowledges me as the big dog of the pack. What's interesting is, when he and I play or when the boys are running around, he goes and grabs a toy and mouths/chews on that during play. It's almost like he self-soothes himself. It's a behavior I've not seen in a dog before.

They are very smart and can read cues we give off without even knowing. H will bring me a ball then lay down for belly rubs and if he gets over excited he'll grab the ball. It's hilariously cute and there's certain toys I call his binkies, which he will retrieve if I say "go get your binkie!" When he's being mouthy.

Dutchringgirl wrote:YEAH!!!! he sure is cute !

Thanks!

He's chewing stuff as a stress reliever as you said. Get him some Kong's and tugs for you and him to play with. Mine use to flip rugs and move furniture when he got bored. Never let a Dutchie have nothing to do.