Greater California
German Shepherd Rescue
~ It's all about the dogs ~

LeafLeaf Head

Leaf was one of the three puppies found in a dumpster the week of June 10, 2013. They were all covered in fleas and ticks, and on the thin side. He is estimated to be 10-12 weeks old as of mid June. Leaf is the only male in the group.

Leaf's socializing and development is coming along well. He has put on some weight and his coat is starting to shine.

Leaf has meet several people, including a small child, and several big dogs. When faced with the new and unknown, he will try to avoid the situation or hide, so he needs to have his comfort bubble pushed just a bit. He likes to seek refuge under his person's chair, but once that option is removed, he is calm about dealing with the unknown.

He gives great eye contact, and with very little encouragement, he learned very quickly how to look every visitor in the eyes for a treat during a BBQ gathering. Once he discovered that people were friendly, he became quit social by giving soft eye contact and a gentle lick. He does not jump up on people or beg obnoxiously.

When he met the big dogs, he was cautious at first, but was soon following them around the yard looking for a way to join in the play without getting trampled.

He is learning to walk on a leash, and is tolerating short car rides without getting carsick. He is only about 50% housebroken at this point...he still doesn't want to take himself outside alone, so unless I go with him, he sometimes opts for a closer (indoor) location. He was not fond of the crate at night, so sleeps loose at night and can be relied on to stay in the bedroom with me. He is fine being crated for up to a couple hours when I am gone.

The primary area of concern is that if his socializing and forcing his comfort bubble does not continue, he has shown a few early signs of possible fear aggression. The first time he met a new big dog, who approached politely to sniff him, he growled. He did the same to one of our volunteers when he was being separated from his sister. Obviously, with just a little leadership and socializing, he has come a very long way in a very short time. But his future forever home will need to display a true understanding of socializing to continue his emotional development and ensure this little gem grows into a confident and stable adult.

His basic nature so far has been pretty calm and level headed, and I can't emphasize how very impressed I have been with his great eye contact. Potentially, he could be a really great obedience candidate.

This is a Level 2 Dog

Added June 2013

Updated Pictures: July 2013

Leaf 04

Leaf 05

Leaf 06

Leaf 07




Original Pictures: June 2013

Leaf 01

Leaf 02

Leaf 03