Welcome to another issue of the Shepherd Guide!

Thank you for subscribing. As always, in respect for your time, I will keep these monthly updates short and to the point.

Special note: Looking for a GSD? Please consult a German Shepherd Rescue. There are many deserving GSDs looking for their forever home.

In this Issue:

1. In the News - GSD Gets Head Stuck in Hole
2. GSD Hero of the Month - NY Police Rescue GSD from Hudson
3. Training - Miscommunication & Online Dog Training Video
4. Health Issue - Dog Incontinence
5. What's On Your Mind?

Rebel, an eight month old GSD in Riverside, Ca was caught in an unusual predicament. He had somehow managed to get his head stuck in a hole on a concrete wall.

Perhaps he was chasing another animal or was just curious about the hole, said Sgt. James Huffman of Riverside County Animal Services. Rebel's owner was not home, and the dog cried and whimpered until a friend of the owner heard him and called authorities.

The LA Times described his dramatic rescue:

"An officer got on either side of the wall, tucked in the dog's ears and nudged him back and forth for about 30 minutes before getting him out safely. Huffman said Rebel assisted in his own rescue and knew the officers were there to help him. The dog made it clear to officers when he was uncomfortable and would stiffen his hind legs to assist as they pulled him out, he said."

See photos of Rebel's predicament and rescue.

Have something incredible to share about your dog? How about telling us what makes your dog unique?

Share your dog stories here.

Read more stories about German Shepherds in the news.

Chloe, a 4 year old GSD was rescued from the Hudson river after falling off a boat. She was trapped under pilings at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan, police said.

Detective Matthew Sherman pulled on gear and dove into the 20-foot-deep water to free the dog. From a police boat, detectives Michael Cocchie and John Drzal tossed out a line and were able to pull Chloe safely aboard.

The water, at 46 degrees with a high tide and strong northern current could've pulled the dog far away.

The thankful owner, Mark Stoss, gave Chloe a warm shower and said she was feeling fine.

"I gave her a big hug," he told the New York Post. "She was just petrified."

Thanks to the NYPD for their heroic rescue!

Dogs want to please you. But, when you are talking to them, they pick up more on body language and tone of voice. When you tell your dog, "You're not supposed to chew that," they're not ignoring you, but they hear Charlie Brown's teacher, "Wha wha wha whaaaa..." Unless you use a key word such as "outside", "ride" or "SQUIRREL!"

Just the other day when Schatzi was on the couch, I told her "down!" She laid there and looked at me since "down" means laying down. I meant for her to get off, but since I said "down," she didn't move.

Dove Cresswell's online dog training video series can clear up a lot of the miscommunication you may have with your dog.

Had a scare with Schatzi the other day. After bringing her in from a potty break, she trembled and collapsed. Rolling over onto her stomach, she began dry heaving. After several unsucessful attempts, she was finally able to spit up some foam.

Fearing canine bloat, I immediately called the vet. After describing her symptoms, they said to bring her in right away.

Thankfully, she was not bloating. Her blood tests were mostly normal and ruled out several systemic diseases.

But, a new problem has cropped up. After noticing wet spots on her bed a couple of times a week and actually seeing her lying down and "leaking" on one occasion, I called the vet.

She was diagnosed with female dog incontinence. Proin was the recommended drug, but I wanted to try out other alternatives before giving her a drug.

As a fellow German Shepherd lover, I want to hear what you may have questions or concerns about.

What would you like to read about in future issues? Reply to this email and let me know.

Until next month,
Jennifer
http://www.german-shepherd-lore.com