Piatt Farms
Member
I've owned several breeds (mostly mixes that have been dropped at my farm), but when I had the opportunity to pick a dog I always went with an Anatolian, because I loved their protective, yet independent nature.
When I stumbled upon Sam, I had reservations....a protective dog that wanted to be with me all the time?? I work full time, I own a horse farm, I ride, I'm a mom of two children (sometimes 3 if you count the hubby). Could I really handle anything other than an independent breed?
I am here to say, I am a reformed ASD owner. I LOVE him. I love his devotion, his protective nature, how he looks to me to see what I'm thinking when he's in a strange situation and his silly goofy personality.
A few weeks ago my neighbor did some landscaping work with a bulldozer for us. My younger daughter and I went and watched as he cleared some trees around our house. Sam only allowed us to get so close before he started trying to cut us off by walking in front of me. I kept gently nudging him out of the way, telling him it was ok... When we got to a good viewing point and stopped and he immediately sat on my feet. ...Physically preventing me from getting any closer while he looked straight ahead to keep an eye on the scary bulldozer, occasionally looking directly up at me as it got closer as if to say "see, I told you it was coming for you".
He also insists on coming with me everywhere. The car door opens, he hops in. He usually get's his wish and gets to come with me (the benefits of living in a small town), however when he can't the look on his face when I tell him he has to stay breaks my heart. Its written plain as day on his face-- the expression says "don't you realize I can't protect you if I'm not with you?". He's around 5 months, but with lots of socialization he has remained very friendly towards people, but gets very protective when there are strange animals --particularly one's that are close to me. Yet he listens when I tell him it's ok, although he keeps a very close eye on them.
Yesterday while stringing horse fence he "helped" by grabbing the electric tape and galloping around to show me how much fun this chore could actually be if I just had his enthusiasm. I gave in and laughed...then proceeded to play a modified version of tug-of-war where he held the tape and I pulled it through his mouth as I strung it up. Between that, and leaping into the horse trough while I water, he certainly lightens the mood while doing the nightly chores.
A few pictures...just for fun!
When I stumbled upon Sam, I had reservations....a protective dog that wanted to be with me all the time?? I work full time, I own a horse farm, I ride, I'm a mom of two children (sometimes 3 if you count the hubby). Could I really handle anything other than an independent breed?
I am here to say, I am a reformed ASD owner. I LOVE him. I love his devotion, his protective nature, how he looks to me to see what I'm thinking when he's in a strange situation and his silly goofy personality.
A few weeks ago my neighbor did some landscaping work with a bulldozer for us. My younger daughter and I went and watched as he cleared some trees around our house. Sam only allowed us to get so close before he started trying to cut us off by walking in front of me. I kept gently nudging him out of the way, telling him it was ok... When we got to a good viewing point and stopped and he immediately sat on my feet. ...Physically preventing me from getting any closer while he looked straight ahead to keep an eye on the scary bulldozer, occasionally looking directly up at me as it got closer as if to say "see, I told you it was coming for you".
He also insists on coming with me everywhere. The car door opens, he hops in. He usually get's his wish and gets to come with me (the benefits of living in a small town), however when he can't the look on his face when I tell him he has to stay breaks my heart. Its written plain as day on his face-- the expression says "don't you realize I can't protect you if I'm not with you?". He's around 5 months, but with lots of socialization he has remained very friendly towards people, but gets very protective when there are strange animals --particularly one's that are close to me. Yet he listens when I tell him it's ok, although he keeps a very close eye on them.
Yesterday while stringing horse fence he "helped" by grabbing the electric tape and galloping around to show me how much fun this chore could actually be if I just had his enthusiasm. I gave in and laughed...then proceeded to play a modified version of tug-of-war where he held the tape and I pulled it through his mouth as I strung it up. Between that, and leaping into the horse trough while I water, he certainly lightens the mood while doing the nightly chores.
A few pictures...just for fun!
