Well, I dont think hes bad. Butr i am conerned. Hes a 6mo GSD. Hes NEVER bitten anyone. thats not it. But its the strangest t hing (to me at least)

SO he Barks and Growls at anyone thats walking past the house, the neghbours when they ar eoutside, etc... Recently, the nneighbours kids were out playing, and Hercules started barking and ran to them. The kids started making it for the house, when Hercules caught up to them, he just licked them. I was screaming the entire time "NO" ,"STAY" and calling his name.

SO afte rkhe kissed the poor kids that were crying, he made it back to me with his head down, knowing he did something wrong. I told him to go to his crate, and he got a 15 min time out.

Why does he pursue people like that?
Is this normal? It made me furious, because evertime there is a stranger around he charges up to them barking then sniffs them, and licks them.. Would he do this if he sensed them to be threatening?

Hi Tim,

I wouldnt worry right now. Dont forget that hes only 6 months old! Hes still a baby. If you just want him to simply ignore people then that you can teach and may come as he gets older. What are your plans for him? (personal Protection, Schutzhund, pet?)

I have an 8 month old and he also is very friendly. He is just now to the point where he doesnt pay too much attention to people he doesnt know but he still loves kids and the crowd we hang out with. He too has started barking when people go by. I feel its to let people know that hes there and its his yard. He is socialized with other people like when we go for Schutzhund training every Friday. I dont let poeple love all over him either, but then again hes more focused on where the tug is so he doesnt really pay attention to anyone. Alot of people will tell you to campare him to a child. Would you expect anything less from a child, other than to go up and play and make new friends?

By the way Im in no way saying your wrong, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> it really depends on what you want from your dog and your expectations. But I do think that all will be ok, I think hes just a happy puppy right now. I think as he gets older and with your guidence he will learn to ignore people that you do not give your permission to play with or pet him etc.

Im sure you will get great advice on this. I too am new to this so I am only speaking from what I have experienced with Kane (8 Mo. GSD)

Good Luck!

Thanks for the good advice!
How are you liking Shutzhund training?

I am interested in Shutzhund, but mostly personal protection.

Your right about him being a baby still, I forget, bc he looks big already.

I guess its his prey drive making hm chase people?

He sound slike he wants to tear someone to pieces he doesnt know apporaching the house,
Again though when he sees hes not a threat he starts kissing them and is really friendly. It this good? (Does he open up to easily?)

I love Schutzhund training. Im not too far in right now though. Kanes not on the sleeve yet but doing good. I too forget sometimes that Kanes still a puppy (or teenager) maybe? Becuase he too is so big! Hes as tall if not taller than some of the adults in the group!

As far as prey drive, yes could be. Like I said Im not an expert but high drive dogs/pups will chase anything that moves sometimes! One great trait is a dog that knows the difference in threatening and non threatening. Now I dont know if at his age thats a true sign of his character or not but hes being friendly so thats good. Also dont put him in a situation where hes going to do something he shouldnt. Kane is no longer allowed to hang out with the guys (good friends of my boyfriends) unless Im present, same goes for the kids. Just becuase I need to know what hes doing and how hes acting. Do you have a fenced yard or was he on a leash? By not allowing him to run up and play with strangers or children this should keep him under control and he will learn that its not ok. Once hes older and knows its not ok then you can start corrections. JMO

Have you been to a traner or club to see if your pup has what it takes for schutzhund/Protection? Not that I have doubt in you of course, I wasnt sure if Kane had what it takes but the trainer reasured me. Getting involved with a good club or traininer will also help address your concerns and answers. I ask my trainer EVERYTHING! I only see him once a week so I still post here when I cant reach him etc. As far as personal protection not all dogs are cut out for it. I too would like to introduce Kane to that after he has a more solid Schutzhund background, but I also know that he may not be PPD material. If its a protection dog you want you really dont want him to be petted and loved on by everyone. Kids of course are an exception. They dont have to pet and love on him but he should be friendly. You really have to limit who you want to pet and interact with your dog if this is what you want from him. And if theres a situation like him running and licking the kids, then be prepared. Crate him, leash him etc. to make sure you have control over what he does and who pets him etc. But like I said hes a baby so we must all remember that size isnt everything <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> hes a BIG baby!

Hi Tim,
Maybe I misread your post - but if your puppy is chasing after children on the street - you need to get him on a leash - pronto.
Incidents like this are part of what cause problems for responsible dog owners when it's time to find home owners insurance, or even be allowed to own a certain breed of dog in many towns/states/countries.

I would suggest finding a professional to help you train your dog - and also learn how to socialize him. If he has good nerves - he'll likely be ok. If he doesn't - than you are in for along ride.
Either way - keep him on a leash when out in public - so that we don't end up with someone's kid getting hurt.
Nick

Oh by the way socialzing him has alot to do with things also. Introdicing him to new sights, smells, sounds, experiences is what makes him more confident. Has he had good exposure to new things etc. I try to exposed Kane to new things/suroundings, as much as possible. Can be hard sometimes depending on your lifestyle but this may help when wondering why hes barking a certain things or acting a certain way. With new and unfamilar things always encourage him and let him know its ok.

Good point Nick, it does depend on his nerves whether this can and will lead to a problem. I know if Kanes is in the back yard and I had kids running around etc. he would probably chase them too. Which is why hes not allowed to play with them unless Im right there. The kids have theyre time and he has his. But then again what was the circumstances? Was this outside of a yard on the street? In a fenced yard? You always need to have control of you dog.