I see you're a German Shepherd Aficionado (I'd think they'd be Alsatians in NZ due British cultural influence...is this not the case?) What technique/school/methods do you employ?
These are my two sons....
I raised the big boy in strict accordance with the principles of the Monks of New Skete, and he's a more perfect gentleman than most of the people I know. I take him with me virtually everywhere and he never fails to draw complements on both his looks and behavior. There's a nearby cafe with an outdoor terrace that we frequent. Many of the other regulars will greet him by name, but fail to recall mine!
The little one is a rescued abandonee from Hurricane Katrina. He has a few annoying behavioral issues (he's a New Orleans native so that's to be expected) but they're more annoying than dangerous. I'm estimating the dog's age at 18-24 months, and it's a pity I didn't get him at an earlier age, as he's displayed more natural scenting and tracking ability than any other shepherd I've ever worked or have seen working.
Well I've strayed a bit off topic haven't I?