Page 126 - K9News_Issue12_July2020

never thought that I would have the opportunity With our tent we have been able enjoy the
to be involved myself. I will state very clearly that countryside and parts of this beautiful country
when we took Dexter into our family it was never we had not seen before. From the coasts of
the intention that he would be a show dog. With Cornwall to the heights of Snowdon, Dexter
encouragement from the breeder and our want has been with us every step of the way. He
to continually challenge him, as well as being spends his time on the campsite running the
assured of him being such a good example of neighbourhood watch (he is extremely good at
the breed, we took on the new challenge. this).

It was a very nervous and bumpy start. But As does any dog he enjoys the long walks
through showing we have found something and exploration of the area. Though the chilly
altogether different. We found a community, evenings are not his favourite, we simply pop
new friends and a fantastic support system. Of him in a warm onesie and he will snuggle up
course, a little competitive nature ensued, but on the bed (before you can get in). My favourite
no matter the result of any show. Whether it be a camping memory with him so far has been our
small open show to all the way up to Crufts, we trip to Wales. During this trip we met up with
always take the best dog home. Dexter is our Dexter’s breeder and along with 3 of his own
pet first and we couldn’t love him more (even German Pinschers, we tackled the climb to
when he is being cheeky). the top of Snowdon. It was an amazing day,
surrounded by beautiful scenery, friends and our
Swimming became a natural next step due to fantastic GP’s. I can happily report that all made
the safety aspects at the shoot, as well as the it safely to the top and safely back down again,
physical conditioning for shows. I would like and of course the German Pinschers led the
to say that he took to it like a Duck to water. whole way.
Unfortunately, when we started out, he truly
hated the water. However, we have persevered Bringing a German Pinscher into our lives has
with it, and now have a dog that will tolerate the been truly enriching. I am truly blessed to have
water but is an excellent swimmer. This training found this breed and the community of people
has taken place with our local dog hydrotherapy who love them. Dexter is such an important
centre under the watchful guidance of the staff. part of our family and the best decision we ever
Through swimming lessons, I have now gained made.
the confidence to take on our next challenge.
Inspired by a friend and fellow German Pinscher
owner, Dexter and myself will be taking up
Stand up Paddle boarding. I hope that this
becomes an activity that we will enjoy as a
family and help to provide just another way to
challenge and stimulate our four-legged friend.

There are many other activities and challenges
that German Pinschers excel at. Scent work
provides mental stimulation and fun for every
dog. Scooter Mushing is a popular sport for
German pinscher owners, especially in Europe.
These are just 2 more future challenges that we
hope to take on.

Dexter is thoroughly involved in every part of our
lives, even managing to change how we spend
our holidays. We now spend these precious
weeks roaming around the country camping.

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K9 NEWS DIGITAL / JULY 2020