You know I have to agree with Wildrose on this one.  GSPs and water go hand in hand.  I take mine down to our greenbelt every chance I get (at a minimum twice a week, ususally more) and they get to be dogs.  There is a creek with several deep swimming holes, so they get to swim.  They look for squirrels and generally have a great time.  The only requirement is they come when called.  The beaurty of a shorthair is they truly are wash and wear.  So, if they get wet or a little dirty you can either brush them when they dry or wipe them down with a towel.  I just couldn't imagine not letting them play in the water, unless of course it is stagnant and nasty.

as someone who rescued a gsp 5 years ago and didnt have a clue as to what that high energy level really meant....i am compelled to post the chorus again exercise, exercise, exercise because it can't be said enough - and definitely both mental and physical kinds.  Also, you sound really stressed and unfortunately your dog will feed on that and mirror it back to you - yes shades of the Dog Whisperer -while not all agree with his methods - i think his formula is sound - exercise, rules, limitations then affection.  btw  I had the same experience with my shorthair as the poster who mentioned excitement and rewards at a traditional Obedience class just upping his dog's frenziness.    As best you can, try to be calm and positive.  hang in there.

I am sorry Belle has a bladder infection, but at least you know now and can get it treated.  The bladder infection certainly isn't helping you any with her behavior, so getting it cleared up will help you and Belle.  Keep up the exercise and obedience work with her and I bet you see a marked improvement in no time. 

Good luck and keep us posted.

Well glad  you got a diagnosis.  Hopefully this will also be a lesson for you.  Instead of shocking the dog to keep her from drinking every drop she can get to understand that such a thirst is a natural reaction to the infection and that she was not only trying to help herself but she was giving you a clear signal that something was wrong.

Some advice on the retrieve, if she doesn't want to bring it back to you or tries to get you to chase her, don't.  End the game.  One thing I have always found to work is I put a chair in the yard and bring a book.  I sit in the chair and throw the ball.  I do not get up out of the chair.  If the dog brings the ball back it gets thrown again.  If they don't, I pick up my book and read.  Eventually the dog will bring the ball back as they love the retrieve game (at least all  mine do).  I have even taught all of mine to bring the ball and put it in my hand this way.  Now I don't need the chair anymore.  Just remember if they don't bring it back the game ends. Good luck, have fun and I am so glad you got to the bottom of at least the medical problem.  Also, don't feel guilty, it is very easy to over look a problem when you see the dog all the time.  It took me a while to figure out that my Belle had a shoulder injury when she was about 9 months old.  Heck she even fooled the Doc as she would not show any pain. So, no guilt just be glad you did get to the bottom of the problem.