Tyr's Little Bit On The Internet

Kennel Club Name: Tyrs For Athene (granted By KC 29/04/2008)
D.O.B 30/04/2005
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Tyr (pronounced "tear"as in crying) is the latest addition to my happy pack

I first met Tyr on a behavioural visit to his former owners (he was Buster then).

When I first saw him as he entered the room, I swear I was looking at the exact double of my old GSD Athene. I felt such a pain in my gut, I could very easily have left, there and then so very close was the likeness between them.

To cut a long story short, a while later Tyr's owners contacted me and explained that due to work commitments, there was insufficient time to deal with the few issues that were spoiling their relationship with him and as such they felt that it would be best if they rehomed him to an experienced GSD handler. I would like to thank them both for entrusting me with his future care.

Although I initially advertised Tyr by posting his need to be rehomed around various dog groups on the internet and also advising all the GSD people I know, no-one suitable for him was found in the first few days. His owners contacted me again and told me that there was even more of an urgency as they had to relocate due to work and so the race was even more on than it had been.

All the time I was looking for a new home for Tyr, it was in my head, just how much he looked like Athene, how easily I could deal with the problems and how much it would hurt if I let me go somewhere other than my house. I weighed up and considered all of his issues, all of the potential issues I would have introducing him to my own pack. I thought through EVERYTHING. How I would deal with any eventuality, how I would be risking the happiness of my own pack, the impact on our lives if I was wrong and then I started to hint to my better half Bev. I say hint, but as Bev would only too gladly tell you, my hints start as hints, quickly move into suggestions and then into downright nagging until I get what I want. I had thought through everything and although my heart was screaming at me over Tyr's appearance I had made sure that I had a plan for all contingencies should things not go just right.

Tyr's owners were called and away I went to collect him. At 10pm on 8th February 2007, Tyr came home to meet his new pack.

Updates on Tyr to May 2008

The things we have dealt with in the last year are.

Manners within the pack. Tyr had no idea how he should correctly greet fellow pack members as he had been a lone dog. he is now fully integrated in the pack here.

Submissive urination towards me...This was not a problem I was aware of when getting him  but with a little gentle management and understanding this is decreasing well.- CURED!!!

Constant barking...This is reducing as time passes. Tyr has more things to do than bark and training is ongoing as to when we should vocalise and when we should let someone else deal with the visitor to the house/car. Tyr now understands and obeys "Quiet" and "Leave". Although his is still very guarded of where he is, it is possible now to get his attention and take control. I am quite happy with this level of control.

Sit/Down/Stand...all now within 2 seconds of the command 99% of the time

Stay (Sit or Down) ..Over 10 minutes for either

Temperament wise, Tyr has very few problems other than when people stare at him. He is a very touchy feely dog with me and likes nothing better to have contact with my hands whenever he can and knows just how to nudge to get my attention. When he can't reach a hand, leaning on a leg will do for him and this just helps with the Obedience positioning during heelwork.

Tyr has started Obedience training fully now. He has trained both with me on his own and also at training classes. He is progressing quite nicely. At the WALCSS show in April 2008, Tyr entered the ring for the first time in his life and attempted a very simple round just so that I could see how he coped with having Judge and Steward following him. He came FIRST in his class!! I then entered him in a class above his ability and he came THIRD!! having been let down only by his sudden urge to go and see Bev when he should have been coming straight to me on the recall. Early days still but I am over the moon with his progress so far. Lessons continue and I have the help of some very wonderful friends who are very experienced in Obedience to help me as I learn things myself to help me train my dogs in this very accurate of disciplines.

Tyr passed his Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze Award!!!!!

In January 2008, Tyrs passed the  GCDS Bronze award. This is almost as  big a step for Tyr as for Cassy and is just another way of him proving that he has improved over the last  year. Like Cassy, he is quite happy for me to go "over" him with my hands but is still a little wary when a stranger attempts it. We are making quite a lot of headway with this though thanks to help from my friends and he has allowed quite a few people of late to give him a good stroke before he showed any discomfort at the prospect of more fuss.

More news soon I hope!!