May 21, 2015 Update:  Gracie has been with us for 8 weeks. She is very sweet and loving, but a real bundle of energy. She has totally bonded with all of my dogs, which consist of a male and a female GSD, a beagle, and a senior Pomeranian. She is respectful towards the older dog, but plays very roughly with all the others. Her manners indoors have much improved. She needs to be crated when I am not in the house, because she still likes to chew on things. But at night, she sleeps right next to the bed on a blanket and doesn’t make a sound all night. She knows “sit” and “crate,” but is still a challenge on walks.

I still recommend that Gracie be with a breed experienced person. Also, no small children and no cats. She should not be left alone for long periods of time. Another, playful young dog would make an excellent companion for her. She needs this, or some similar, outlet for her energy.

3/1/15  This gorgeous face belongs to a 2 year old Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix named Gracie.  Gracie has been with me for one week.  She has bonded very well with me and is very sweet and affectionate towards me. Although it took a couple of days, she has bonded with my husband as well.  I feel that she has demonstrated that she wants to bond to her human quickly and strongly.                                     

Gracie is a very high energy pup.  She has a lot of puppy behaviors, but she is very smart and is learning indoor manners quickly.  She knows the command “sit” and is beginning to walk on a loose leash.  We are working on “leave it” for cars and trucks.  She wants to chase them when they pass us on our walk.  I have her sit when a car passes, and reward her with a treat if she does not lunge.  She loves her meals and treats, but is not food aggressive.  She waits patiently for her treat when all the dogs are getting something special to taste.  My other dogs are all over 5 years old.  She likes them, but she wants to play so rough, and so often, that they do not tolerate her well.  She can be with them in the house with no problems, but she constantly needs correction to leave them alone.  She saw one of our cats outside for the first time the other night.  I would say she would definitely chase a cat.  Gracie will bark when first put in her crate, but she soon settles down and naps or chews on a bone.  She sleeps in her crate and has not awakened us during the night, and waits patiently in the morning to be taken outside.  At this point in her development and training, Gracie cannot be left for any time in the house uncrated.  

Gracie will do best in a home where either she is the only pet, or the other pet is a tolerant, playful, young dog.  She also would be best around older children, as she runs through the house and could knock down a small child. (Please be aware that she has NOT yet been tested around any children.)  She also still has the herding nippiness of a pup.  I have found that when it is only she and I inside, she will bring me a toy to play with her, or she will find a good chew toy and occupy herself. She loves going for a walk and needs a person who will play with her, challenge her, and take her for long walks to burn off her energy. 

Gracie will be evaluated this weekend for temperament and training possibilities.  I feel she is highly trainable and think she might be a good candidate for agility.  I can just picture her leaping over jumps and going through tunnels.  Gracie is just a lovely, smart, funny pup.  She has made my husband and me laugh out loud at her silly antics.  This girl definitely wants to have fun.  Gracie is a stellar pup and will be the perfect addition to the right family. If you are an approved adopter and would like to know more about Gracie, please contact me at:  catdoghorse51@gmail.com