What a beautiful, lucky boy. They really do change your life. I admit to being very biased, having grown up with German Shepherd Dogs and having lived with my own Border Collie and GSDs, but there is nothing quite like the uncanny way that a shepherd dog learns to know his 'partner'. It is almost surreal at times, you are one of the lucky ones fortunate enough to know that kind of bond.
They are so darn quick and perceptive, it is amazing just how much they can learn to read us. It is usually easier for most dogs to be taught to follow hand/body signals over verbal 'commands' and with very visually perceptive dogs, like many shepherds, you might even have to watch what you are doing because you might un-intentionally teach them physical cues (even if ever so slight), sometimes quite easily, lol. In everyday life it doesn't really matter, but when judged in obedience, you have to watch out because you can get penalties for 'double commands', such as dipping a shoulder when you call the dog to heel, etc. You know, like movements you might be making by accident without even realizing that you are physically signaling the dog and oops, he responds even when you don't say a word (or give the proper signal), lol.
About him knowing you so well, saw this quote awhile back and thought you'd like it
(Max v. S was the 'creator' of the GSD)
. Nobody listens to my big mouth unless it involves the word "treat"
