I'd like to know the best way to build confidence in my 8 month old GSD as he's still a bit shy when outside. Although having said that it seems to kinda depend on his mood. Some days he'll be all over people trying to get to them to play and others he shy's away like he's afraid.
He tries to "attack" people who come visiting to the house as well, but I don't think this is fear. His tail is wagging like mad and his bark is high pitched, not defensive sounding at all. Needless to say I leash him with his prong on and after laying at my feet and me talking to the visitors he calms down and accepts them quite happily, even allowing them to pet him if I allow it (I ask them to do this sometimes depending on who it is).
He hasn't been socialised as much as I'd like simply due to the weather and no-one wanting to go outside. I'm out with him a lot, he has no problem with cars, busses, horses other dogs (although he'll sometimes try to get away from other dogs before trying to get back to play with them).
Reg: 01-23-2006
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Since your dog is 8 months, he's still teething. A lot of dogs act a little tweeked during this stage.Is this going to be a sport dog? I would just try to have lots of patience & get him out & about as often as possible.
Reg: 01-23-2006
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Not teething in the traditional sense, but the teeth grow until about 12 months, some believe this accounts for the squirelly (sp) behavior noted in dogs 8 mo to 14 mo.
Reg: 01-23-2006
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Good point!! These are the difficult months (at least with GSD's). All you can do is roll your eyes & wait. Reminds me of an old schutzhund saying "my dog never did that before". <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
He's not going to be a sport dog but I'd like to train him in the relevant disciplines to get some experience for myself when I train my next dog. I'm hoping to do this professionally at some stage but I've estimated around 6 years part time to get all the practical knowledge required and another couple of years before I start any kind of breeding program. There's a lot to learn and it's surprised me how scientific this field can be.
Elaine Haynes Webboard User Reg: 08-16-2005
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Training is the best confidence booster. At this young age, basic obedience. Also, agility is a confidence booster even if you never plan to compete. You could start agility as soon as the dog knows some basic obedience commands but at this age just take it real easy especially on the jumps. The dog is too young to take the jumps at the regulation height.
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How to build confidence in a dog.
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