LSS
How do I get my almost 6 month old GSD to leave the vacuum alone.
He will attack it when I use it and afterwards he will still be jumping and barking at it for 20-40 minutes. After he settles down he will sleep next to it. If I move the vacuum to another room he will follow and sleep by it there. There's alot of details I'm leaving out but that's the basics of the problem.
Is this a fear behavior or is he just being a puppy?
Thanks
Kathy
I think I just answered part of my question by reading one of the articles here.
When Gus is barking, it's high pitched and he will run back and forth when I vaccum. So I think it's safe to say he's in a prey drive.

My Pup does the same thing to a T, I just put him out back when I vacum, that is the easist way to deal with that problem, unless I want to play vacum wars!

Tried that and the gargage-once he hears it he's at the door frantically trying to get in.
I hope there is another solution other than to take him for long walks while I clean :rolleyes:

Well if you can't beat the situation, use it to your advantage! Use the vacuum as a frustration for prey, tie a bite tug to it and then tie him out in the room your cleaning, let him go crazy for it then when you are done let him go and tug with him so he wins the vacuum/tug...

If you don't want to do that, just let him cry at the door, remember crate training, once he figures out you are not going to let him in, he will calm down then you can reward the calm.

There is my $.02 for what it is worth.... just being creative :0

While I love your creativity Lonny I do not think in this case it applies. I would suggest that the dog is crated during these time. But keep the great ideas coming.

Tried the crate too.
He has a nice scab on his nose now from going bonkers in it

How much do you want for him? LOL.

Here's a crazy idea.. Put the vacuum cleaner at the furthest end of the house or apartment. Attach an extention cord to the vacuum and have the plug end at the opposite end of the house with you and your dog. Keep your back to the outlet so the dog doesn't associate the noise to your hand. Plug it in breifly, then pull it out. As soon as the dog hears the vacuum give it a great treat. The dog will begin to associate the noise to a reward and not be tempted to run into the other room. After several sessions of this (depending on the amount of prey drive), leave the plug in for longer periods of time. When the dog is focused on you, it's time to bring the vacuum into a closer room. Eventually, you will be able to have the vacuum running beside your dog without it paying attention. Then you start the movement of the vacuum and start all over again with rewards. When the dog is focused on you, randomize the treats. Then reward at the end of each room vacuumed. Then when you finish the whole house, give a reward. by this time your dog will either be sleeping through the vacuuming or be dead from old age. LOL. Scott

I'll give that one a try, but man oh man..once Gus sees me go for the vacuum he starts with the high pitched barking and starts pouncing around. I used to keep it in the closet but he would scratch at the doors frantically. If I move it to another room he wants to be right there with me and when I take him out to do leash training and take him back in he'll go right to the room and pace in front of it and then lay down by it.
Eeeeek this one is a challenge for me.
I need ear plugs!

If he's real crazed over the vacuum, I'd experiment at the same time you put down his food. If the dog is hungry, he'll have a hard time leaving the bowl. The alternative is hiring a housekeeper to come while your at training. Send the bill to the breeder..yuk...yuk.