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A black and tan German Shepherd sits beside a small pink piglet at the edge of a pond at dusk. 9 / 33

A German Shepherd Taught a Piglet How to Watch the Pond

AI imagegerman shepherdpigletpond

Dusk is settling over the pond, and a black and tan German Shepherd sits tall at the water's edge with her ears pricked and her eyes on something in the distance. Beside her, a small pink piglet stands with her snout lifted, looking in the same direction as if she were learning how to keep watch. Reeds and fallen leaves line the bank, a fence and a faint light glow in the background, and the water holds the last pale light of the sky.

German Shepherds are famous for their alertness. They were bred to work and guard, and many of them take their watching duties very seriously, which makes them attentive companions. That focus is a good reason for early training and calm socializing, so that a big, watchful dog learns to treat smaller animals as friends rather than something to monitor. Ponds are lovely to visit, but dogs should be kept on a leash near water, since muddy banks can be slippery and standing water can contain germs, so bring fresh drinking water and wipe paws afterward.

Penny seems to be taking her first lesson in sentry duty, with her little snout raised toward the horizon. The Shepherd doesn't seem to mind the student. It is a peaceful end to the day, with two sets of eyes on the water.

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