If You’ve Done Your Best, You’ve Won.
by Samantha Triplett, MT, Certified Master Trainer
For a dog trainer, one of the most frustrat- ing complaints to hear from a dog owner is “my hyperactive dog is driving me crazy.” We start discussing how high-drive dogs need stimulation, which takes some
handler, and constant companion. They are partners and best friends. Their rela- tionship is truly one of a kind. Of course, all dog lovers like to say they have a special relationship with their canine friend, and
ple hear the term “high-drive dog” most think of Border Collies. However, a high- drive dog can be of any breed or mix. A high-drive dog is highly active both men- tally and physically, and requires plenty of exercise as well as mental stimulation just to be able to relax at home. As I started asking questions, I was informed of the Eorgan’s family situation. When he was born, Nate was diag-
nosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a rare, complex, and serious heart defect. When he was just five days old, Nate received a heart transplant. By the time he was 10, Nate had lost his vision and the ability to play baseball (his sport of choice). Then, Nate contracted a virus that would result in endless monthly visits to the hospital for a week’s worth of treatment. Each visit made him feel worse than the last. In 2015, Nate’s parents wanted to sur-
prise him with a puppy. He had told them for years that he wanted a GSD because of their loyalty. He was also interested in hav- ing the dog trained for personal protec- tion.
As I listened to the family’s situation Diesel and Nate. Forever pals.
consistent dedication on the part of the dog’s owner, and their eyes start to glaze over.
Dogs don’t have a magical on/off
switch. There is always a solution to a training problem. What is often lacking, is the motivation on the part of the dog owner to conquer his or her training goals with their dog. Diesel is a German Shepherd Dog
(GSD) who is just shy of a year old. 18- year-old Nate Eorgan is Diesel’s owner,
62 THE NEW BARKER
we do. But, every now and then, you meet a dog that has an extraordinary bond with his human. Diesel is that dog. Last year, a friend contacted us asking
if we knew of a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder. Knowing the GSD very well, we understand that the breed is not for everyone. Yes, this can be the most loyal dog in the world, but they can also be high drive. High-drive dogs are not for everyone, especially a high-drive puppy. When peo-
and Nate’s condition, I felt so troubled and knew we needed to help them. We would have to find the best tempered, solid nerved, and environmentally sound GSD puppy. After reaching out to Diane Roberts for help, she told me there was one male puppy unspoken for in a recent litter. I was very familiar with the sire and dam, and felt comfortable recommending the five-week-old puppy to the Eorgans. Since the puppy was still too young
to leave home when Christmas 2015 rolled around, Nate was given a stuffed toy in the likeness of a German Shepherd Dog, and told he would soon be getting the puppy he had always hoped for. Nate could not believe he would finally be get- ting his dream dog. He had already named the puppy Diesel, because he loves Ford F- 250 pickup trucks, even though he will never be able to drive one.
www.TheNewBarker.com words and pictures
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