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Bailey The Long Hair Female German Shepherd Dog
Here is our third German Shepherd Dog Bailey. We call Bailey “Floppy” because both of her ears are floppy. Skylar has just one year that is floppy but Skylar floppy ear 👂 is getting stronger 💪 and stands up when it is cold. Bailey turned one year old in January 25th, 2025 so she is now 14 months old. Bailey like Skylar is extremely skittish and not potty trained. I have not started any training regiment for Bailey since she is terrified of people. We are making progress with Bailey because she started playing with Chase, Skylar and our other dogs 🐕 (Bailey’s brothers and sisters)
Skylar was also very skittish but not like Bailey. I will post more pics and video clips of Bailey and keep you all updated on her progress. Attached are some photos of Bailey. I don’t want to take a lot of pics and videos of Bailey because I don’t want to freak her out.
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9 Replies
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Meet Bailey
Our Long-Haired Female German Shepherd Dog
Hello and welcome to the blog! We hope to introduce you to Bailey, our cute, long-haired female German Shepherd Dog whom we call “Floppy.” She just turned one year old on January 25, 2025, and is now 14 months old. She is a fantastic new family member and has effortlessly won our love. Unfortunately, she was rescued and is still not potty trained, so I need to work on her housebreaking seriously.
Bailey was born with unique features such as her long fur and floppy ears. Her especially distinctive floppy ears set her apart from her sister, Skylar, who is just a year old and gaining her confidence. Skylar, too, is not housebroken. She is much more timid than the rest of her family; twins and most pups are both skittish, but for now, it takes two to ten brimming with excitement to change her views.
Timidity Modification
Like her sibling Skylar, Bailey is incredibly timid and has yet to master the potty skill. We are refraining from a formal training approach because Bailey easily gets nervous, especially with strangers. Positively, we have noticed some changes recently. For one, Bailey has started engaging with Chase, Skylar, and the rest of the dogs, demonstrating incredible comfort and confidence. Witnessing her interact with her siblings and feeling more secure in her environment has been reassuring.
Giving Her Space
We remain dedicated to gently walking Bailey through her fears. Although we are a bit more guarded about taking videos and pictures to create a less intimidating environment for her, we are still excited to present her milestones. Every single one of her small strides is, without a doubt, a win. She will prosper with time and patience and unconditionally help Bailey.
Keeping You Updated
As Bailey gets more adjusted and self-assured, we will share additional photos and video snippets of her. Her journey is so special; we can’t wait to share it with you. Thank you for being a part of our journey with Bailey. We will keep you updated!
Even though Bailey is a little shy, she is already stealing the hearts of our family. Cheers to her growth journey and the happiness she brings to our home! I attached a few pictures of Chase, Skylar, and Bailey. Chase is two years old and still growing.
Bailey is still very skittish with me but not with my wife. She goes by her and has gained her trust. I will keep you updated.
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Bailey: Our Beautiful Long-Haired German Shepherd’s Journey
Meet Bailey: Our Floppy-Eared Beauty.
The newest member of our family is Bailey, a striking, long-haired German Shepherd whose beauty steals the spotlight. She recently turned one and celebrated her birthday on January 25, 2025. We adopted Bailey when she was 14 months old and welcomed her to the family with her siblings, Skylar and Chase. Bailey is lovingly nicknamed Floppy due to her floppy ears, which is unusual for a German Shepherd, as most have pricked ears.
Bailey is special not just for her ears but also for her cheerfully spirited personality. Although she has a gentler and more timid side, she is overly skittish with people, even more so than her sister Skylar, whom we consider quite fearful. Progress is promising as she starts interacting with our dogs, including Chase and Skylar, who have welcomed her to playtime.
The Unique Beauty of Bailey and Other Long-Haired German Shepherds
German Shepherds with long hair, like Bailey, have a recessive gene that gives them gorgeous coats. Long-haired German Shepherds are just as intelligent, loyal, and protective as their standard-coated counterparts, but these stunning dogs have some differences:
- Shed Season: They usually shed heavily twice a year instead of continuously.
- Temperature Control: Provides extra insulation for cold weather.
- Magnificent Coat: Their longer fur creates stunning feathering around the ears, legs, quarters, and tail.
- Grooming Needs: To prevent matting, they require more brushing (2-3 times once a week).
Bailey is not recognized in some show rings. Still, long-haired German shepherds and other long-haired German shepherds are extraordinary due to their considerate and gentle personalities. The German shepherd’s flowing coat only adds to her one-of-a-kind look, and her unusual ears make it more remarkable.
Reasons for Shyness in German Shepherds
Bailey’s over-the-top shyness is a common trait in German Shepherds. This breed can develop fearfulness due to the following:
- Not enough interaction during critical periods: There is a lack of exposure to people, places, and scenarios during formative years.
- Genetics: Bailey’s breed may predispose her to a more apprehensive personality.
- Trauma: Negative experiences can lead to debilitating phobias.
- Low self-esteem: Dogs may become insecure without encouragement and successful task attempts.
Her extreme caution shows Bailey’s skittishness around people. Like her sister Skylar, who is skittish but less severely, Bailey requires patient, consistent support to build her confidence. That she is starting to play with her canine siblings suggests she is forming or has positive relationships.
Gentle Training Techniques for Dogs with Fears
We haven’t started working with Bailey yet because of her fearfulness, which is quite reasonable. With very sensitive dogs, rushing training worsens things and escalates fear. When we do start, we will try these strategies:
- Creating a safe zone: Set a calm location Bailey can go to when she needs to recharge.
- Using positive reinforcement only: Praise, treat, and play to encourage even the tiniest steps towards brave behavior.
- No punishment: Take away negative outcomes, as this will only heighten fear and damage trust.
- Be patient. Slowly work on Bailey’s training so progress only happens on her set timeline.
- Keep sessions short: Engage with Bailey in brief, friendly interactions to help her relax and form positive associations.
We’ll formulate a schedule for potty training, set high-value rewards for successful tasks, and respond neutrally to mistakes. The goal is to help Bailey feel safe enough to learn.
Socialization: Bailey’s Milestones with Her Dog Family
Bailey has been making remarkable strides by allowing herself to play with Chase, Skylar, and the other dogs. This form of interaction is important for the following reasons:
- Learning appropriate dog behavior—social dogs usually help calm nervous dogs.
- Building confidence—Positive play experiences create successes that help transfer to other situations.
- Decreasing isolation—social connections lessen stress and anxiety.
- Creating positive associations—associating new experiences with good outcomes and fun with other dogs.
While being careful not to burden Bailey with excessive showing off of her progress through pictures and videos, we always try to strike a balance respecting her sensitivity. This thoughtful approach illustrates an understanding of her needs.
Reflecting on the Progress Made and Looking Ahead
At just 14 months old, Bailey is particularly young, with ample time to work through her fears. German Shepherds usually fully mature around 2-3 years, so her personality is still maturing. To see her engaging in play with her canine siblings is remarkable and speaks to her ability to bond and feel secure in some situations.
In our sessions with Bailey, we will concentrate on the following goals:
- Trust building: Forming positive interactions that are consistent and reliable.
- Comfort zone expansion: New introductions paced to her speed.
- Celebrating small victories: Notable incremental progress recognition.
- Patience maintenance: Allowing movements in a step-and-repeat manner in her journey toward progress.
We’re excited to share new developments about Bailey. Whether her ears will someday flop—like Skylar’s do in cold weather—is irrelevant. What matters is that they add the je ne sais quoi that makes her Bailey—our beautiful and sensitive girl who reminds us about patience, understanding, and the joy hidden in small victories.
With gentle guidance and endless love, patience, and time, we’re certain Bailey will continue to bloom in her way and time. After all, the journey with our furry family members is not about perfection but connection, growth, and unconditional love.
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This reply was modified 5 days, 2 hours ago by Gustan Cho.
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How do you potty train Skylar and Bailey, 14-month-old German Shepherd dogs? They are rescue dogs and have no clue that outside means to go potty. Let the two out, and they run and play for a long time. I call them in, and within fifteen minutes, they pee and poo in the house.
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This has been going on for several months. I’d happily help you with potty training advice for your rescue German Shepherds, Skylar and Bailey. Before I research specific techniques for skittish rescue dogs, I’d like to ask a couple of questions to customize the advice better: 1. Have you tried any specific potty training methods with them already that haven’t worked? 2. Do they have any particular triggers or patterns for their indoor accidents (specific times, locations, or situations)?
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A Step-by-Step Process On How To Potty Train Adult Rescue German Shepherds
Recognizing the Difficulty
Rescue German Shepherds, like Skylar or Bailey, are challenging to potty train due to their anxiety, potential lack of prior exposure to training, and history as skittish rescues.
Other factors include:
- No previous training: They may never have been taught proper elimination habits.
- Anxiety or fear: Skittish dogs might feel too vulnerable to eliminate outdoors.
- Distraction: Playing outside diverts their attention from bathroom needs.
- Comfort association: They associate indoors with safety for vulnerable moments.
- Scent marking: Previous accidents create scent cues that encourage repeat behavior.
Defining the steps toward success in a Consistent Schedule
As a German Shepherd owner, you must understand that dogs thrive on routine.
They require:
- Feeding Times: 2-3 regular meals daily.
- Potty breaks: first thing in the morning, after meals, before bed, and every 2-3 hours).
- Play sessions (Separate from Potty Sessions): Clearly defined designated play times not associated with potty breaks.
Designate a Specific Potty Area:
- Pick a quiet place in your yard with minimal traffic and distractions.
- During potty breaks, take them directly to this spot (not playtime).
- In the beginning, use leashes to maintain focus and prevent play.
- Consider marking the area with their waste to encourage inmates to explode.
Advanced Techniques of Training
Getting Rid of Boring Potty Break
To resolve the issue of dogs not pottying while playing outside, try this:
- The dogs can be walked only on a leash for potty purposes ( this should be separate from outside play).
- Stand in one location with no interaction, play, or excitement.
- Give verbal instructions to Pohon, such as “doo-doo” or “Do your female Sanchez the business.”
- Focus on the 10 – 15.
- Wait 10 – 15 minutes.
- If there is no success, bring them inside but confine them in a small area or crate.
- Try again in 15 minutes.
- They shall eventually eliminate outside, reward immediately with calm praise.
Catch the Dogs Without The Frisbee Rule
- Watch for signals of sniffing, circling, and restlessness.
- Rush them outside at the first move of signaling.
- Use extremely high-value treats restricted to potty rewards when they are eliminated outdoors.
Prevent Accidental Indoor Trigger
- Consider tethering the dog to you when indoors and supervise constantly.
- Limit access to previous accident locations using baby gates or closed doors.
- With enzymatic cleansers that remove scent markers, clean these areas thoroughly.
The ‘Outdoor Extension’ Technique
Since your dogs eliminate within 15 minutes of coming inside:
- After play sessions, don’t come directly inside.
- Transition to the designated potty area on a leash.
- Wait quietly for 15-20 minutes (when they typically have “accidents”).
- Reward any elimination before coming inside.
- If there is no success, crate or confine upon returning inside, try again in 15 minutes.
Special Considerations for Skittish Rescue Dogs
- Create Safety in Vulnerability
- Skittish dogs like Skylar and Bailey may feel too exposed when eliminating outdoors.
- Provide privacy and anti-visual barriers, such as bushes, tall grass, or temporary visual barriers.
- Maintain distance from perceived threats like roads, neighbors, and other animals.
- Stay nearby for security, but don’t stare directly or hover.
- Consider a covered area if weather is a stress factor.
Manage Emotional States
- Potty breaks should be low-pressure.
- Indoor accidents should not be scolded (increases anxiety and hiding behavior).
- Use a happy but quiet voice for encouragement.
- Positive associations should be built with the outdoor potty area through praise and treats.
Gradual Confidence Building
- If they’re very fearful, start with shorter outdoor sessions.
- Use familiar scents like bedding and toys in the potty area.
- Positive experiences should form a gradual increase in outdoor comfort.
- Look into Thunder Shirts or calming pheromones for extremely anxious dogs.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- They Play Outside But Don’t Eliminate
- Separate playtime from unclipped potty breaks.
- Take them out on the leash for elimination first before play.
- After the play, have a quiet ‘potty time’ before coming indoors.
- If they don’t eliminate after a play session, confine when returning indoors, then try again in 15 minutes.
They Hide to Have Accidents
- This tells you they understand elimination gets a reaction but do not comprehend the proper location.
- Increase surveillance, limit access to concealment spaces, and restrict hiding spots.
- Double down on rewards for success outside as well.
- Don’t punish for accidents indoors.
Regression During Training
- Try all the basics.
- Schedule frequent outings.
- Temporarily increase supervision without reason.
- Look for medical issues that might be causing urgency or discomfort.
- Look for new potential environmental stressors.
Long-Term Success Strategies
- Incremental Freedom
- Grant one-room freedom after successful elimination outdoors.
- Increase indoor freedom as reliability improves.
- Continue monitoring for several months before granting full house access.
Maintain the Schedule
- Place feeding and breaks consistently even after success.
- German shepherds do better with predictable routines in the long term.
Ongoing Reinforcement
- Outdoor potty sessions will still be occasionally rewarded.
- Always reinforce appropriate behavior.
- The verbal cue connection must continue to be retained.
When to Seek Additional Help
If any of the following conditions are true, a vet or a trainer should be consulted:
- After 3-4 weeks, with consistent training, there is no visible improvement.
- Sustained periods of very high stress or anxiety.
- Suspicion of a medical problem, such as Increased frequency, urinating, straining to urinate, or blood in urine or stool.
- Loss of previously achieved milestones.
Skylar and Bailey, as timid rescue dogs, will require understanding, consistency, and patience but can learn appropriate elimination behavior. Don’t forget that adult rescue dogs take significantly longer to train than puppies, but with committed effort, they will manage. The most important thing is to restrict the possibility of indoor accidents, concretely associating outdoor eliminations with positive reinforcement and separating play time from potty time.
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I got Bailey, my third female long hair German Shepherd dog on March 1, 2025. I got Skylar on Sunday, October 6, 2024. I will look up the date I got Chase. I think it was sometime July 2023 but will search.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15wupzkJEr/
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Here’s pictures of Chase. One picture is from September 2023.
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Got the date I adopted Chase. September 12, 2023.
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Here’s Album of my Three German Shepherd dogs