Just wanted to write what a great site this is, read it most days and have had lots of helpful tips and advice.  Just want to share with you that I've had my gsd pup since she was 7 weeks old, she is now 9 months,  I adore her,  I'm looking at her now asleep and relaxed stretched out next to me, I waited 12 years to get her, as i lived in a flat and my children were young and I had to work part time.  I have now moved a 100 miles away and I now have a house and I'm at home all day and life is great as we go out every day together me trudging round the fields, macey looking happy and resembling tigger in bounces not appearance ( lol )  I have a new lease of life with her, even if it's pouring, I go out there and sod the carpet when we get home, it's only mud.
The kids adore her too, though I must admit they probably think mum has gone a bit doowaly,  but fortunately they love her too.  Just feel so lucky that I have such a beautiful placid happy friendly dog.  The neighbours are probably fed up with my topic of coversation too so just thought I'd share this with other dog lovers.
ps. thanks to all for advice when I needed it.

Glad we could help, Tashina!
:)