Flint German Shepherd Dog Mix Wayland, MA

Flint is still very much a puppy and is one of the litter born to Frieda, who came into GSRNE 10 days before giving birth. She was so thin at the time that neither we nor the veterinarian knew that she was carrying puppies!

All the pups were born on October 10, 2009, so they are just over 6 months old. Flint loves meeting people and will jump up to rest his front paws against their legs, looking up eagerly to say “hello.” We’re working on teaching him “off,” but it’s going to take a while to get that message across.

First thing in the morning, Flint goes outside to take care of “business” and is ready to play with toys as soon as he’s back in the family room. He loves all kinds of toys, especially those that squeak; and he’s learning to play “fetch” with a Frisbee that is thrown so it slides across the kitchen floor. That way, he can pick it up by the edge and carry it back to be tossed again.

Flint gives lots of play bows, with a glint in his eye, and tries to get you to chase him. When that doesn’t work, he’ll run up and pull at your sleeve or pants leg until you substitute a toy and play “tug” with him. He loves going outside and playing in the snow; if there’s a snow pile, he’ll climb up and look around, then run back down and do it again. He races around, flat out, and then runs back to see what you’re doing; if you toss a snowball, he’ll pounce on it so it doesn’t get away.

Being a puppy, Flint still has to learn not to use his mouth for everything. When we’re walking around outside, he’ll suddenly decide to jump up and grab my hand or the hem of my coat; I’ve had to stop and hold his muzzle while I pry his teeth out of my glove. If he persists, I just attach the leash to his collar again and keep him moving along so he can’t jump and grab. He thinks he’s playing when he grabs a hand or finger and tugs, so it wouldn’t be a good idea to have him around children younger than 12 or 13 at this point.

Flint has met a cat and seemed fascinated but not ready to give chase. The cat was walking around on the other side of a baby gate, not running away; and it did lie down, tuck its paws under and then lay there watching Flint until he got bored and walked away. We don’t know, however, how he would react if the cat were to run away from him.

We’ve been doing some basic obedience with Flint, and he enjoys working for bits of cheese. So far, he knows “sit” very well and is pretty good with “down.” He’s getting the idea behind “leave it,” and he comes happily when called…unless he has just snatched up a slipper and doesn’t want to give it back.

If you’re looking for a happy, energetic puppy and have the time and patience to work on training, playtimes, going for walks, etc., please ask us about Flint!