Born the beginning of 2006, Picard is now a 7-year-old giant. It took about 3 years of facing fears before he became generally happy and less fearful. That is to say, no longer afraid of flooring, sidewalks, noise, metal, water, rain, plastics, paper, some food smells, kids, etc. Some things he just will not get over; hands, thunder, and he is still most comfortable sleeping under the bookshelves behind my computer desk. He had a knee replacement at age 5 to replace severed ligaments on a back leg. But if you move fast he still intends to take you down. We're still working on a long list of improved behaviors.

Hard to explain when a fearful, hiding creature responds to you with tail wagging, seeks your attention and affection, takes on fearful jobs because you ask him, and will once in a while wish to play. He is a very reserved and territorial fellow and needs to be under my control at all times. The big change came when he finally wanted pats and grooming. Still, his tail wags only for family.

Picard is the most stubborn and unwilling hard case I've come across. I should have named him "No-I-Don't-Wanna". Repetition training, treats, the regular does not work with him....Only patience, respect and dominance work to form any trust. I don't know if it's the mastiff type qualities or sheepdog inherited genes. But we have good days and bad days.

At best, he responds with good nature, if not submission. Basic training did not socialize him or even get him walking on sidewalks or even be a little more friendly towards people, but Caesar, dog behaviorist program with his fearful dogs have helped with ideas and determination...as well as the daily walk.