The Road (almost) Not Taken

We had two dogs. Why did we need another?

I didn't have time for a puppy.

I was still grieving the loss of my corgis who had been with me for nearly 14 years.

I couldn't be tempted.

​Until I met Rezso.

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He didn't get along with Freki and Gunnar. He wanted to be in charge. It would have been laughable, but the big dogs were adamant they didn't want an interloper in their world.

But he somehow managed to win our hearts--and most of the toys.

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He was such a beautiful puppy!

And he loved to cuddle! (Still does, actually)

He demanded to sleep with us. Not going to happen, I said. After the first week, he slept with us every night.

Housebreaking-- made it eventually.

Chewing-- still does, and we have the chewed baseboards and window sill to prove it.

Training-- he has earned his Canine Good Citizen award, and a Novice Trick Dog title. But his biggest challenge lies ahead. But more on that later.

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If you follow Rezso on Instagram (#adventureswithRezso) or even on my facebook page (Cathy MacRae Author), you'll have seen Rezso grow through his training classes at our local(ish) dog training center. (An hour and a half drive, but worth it)

Rezso's heritage is working dogs. His pedigree is thick with Schutzhund titles, agility, tracking and herding certifications. I thought agility work would be fun, and we still might pursue that route.

​But we've been sidetracked.

In December of last year my husband and I made the decision to train Rezso as a service dog. Without going into the 'whys', I'll just state that as time passes, he is becoming more valuable to me in his new role.

(Isn't he adorable in his harness? He's 5 months old here, and it appears he's going to need a bigger harness now)

When I contacted a service dog trainer about furthering Rezso's training, she cautioned me about protective German Shepherds. I have to say that's the only down side about placing Rezso in this role. He IS protective, though he is also thoughtful (which is a word his breeder used to describe him, and very accurate) and doesn't just dive into situations, for which I'm very thankful.

We now meet with the SD trainer twice a month and she helps me teach him new tasks. He's doing so well--I'm afraid I'm his limiting factor. It's humbling to admit the dog may be smarter :-)

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