I have a great 3 mon. old GSD. She is wonderful except... When I scold her or she wants something she barks,growls and bites at me. I have tried everything. I am reading a book "Purely Positive Training" but so far this subject has not been covered. She is a brilliant puppy, learns really fast both those thing I am trying to teach her and those things I don't mean to teach. She is very intense when she plays and I have to work very hard to keep her from getting way too excited. She is gentle and sweet UNTIL she is scolded or wants food or toy. I really need help. Nakita is our second GSD puppy but Shawnna (now gone)was nothing like this puppy. and I have no idea what to do with her. I have put her in her kennel and when I go to let her out she just stayes in there and refuses to look at me or come out. When she does come out she does not come over to me nor will she look at me.

I have put her in her kennel and when I go to let her out she just stayes in there and refuses to look at me or come out. When she does come out she does not come over to me nor will she look at me. She is sulking. Don't encourage this by trying to make nice with her. As for the biting, growling etc, at 3 months she is still rather young. Are you sure this is not play? If not, you should consider seeing a trainer to stop problems from ariseing.

IMO I think it is just a stage some pups go through. Don't be too concerned. My female GSD did the same at 3-4 months, it was quite funny really. When she would steal one of those hundred of items that puppies do, I would take it back and give a firm "No". She would make direct eye contact and give me her most menacing little puppy barks. I'd try not to smile and give her another firm "no" and then get a toy and play with her, or in other situations, just ignore the attitude. I thought it quite amusing.

I would not use the kennel as punishment, this may create aversions to the kennel.

Let her become accustomed to you giving her and taking away her food and other items. On occassions I would hand feed my pup, put my hand in the bowl while feeding and even take the bowl away and immediately give it back. This will help instill leadership.

These 'challenges' only occured during the 3-4 month age period for my pup. She's developed wonderfully and doesn't have any dominance/possesiveness issues.

Thank you for your comments! I have and continue to feed her by hand I also take toys away and give them back hoping to build trust and confidence. She really is a great dog I just have never had a puppy so confident they barked, growled and tried to bite me. I really don't want to overreact and over discipline her and in any way take away that wonderful spirit and confidence she seems to have. Right now she is acting a lot like a strong willed two year old!

Barbra start OB training. When she barks and bites, you can eventually slow her down with a sit. Then get a sock or ball and play with her. Start training so even at feeding time she has to sit. Then wait until you release her. This will keep her spirit up but give you eventually control of her. Making for a happier and scar, well less scars free body for you. She sounds like a nice puppy.

The crate problem leave the door open and walk away, let her come to you on your terms. With Ob you can call her out, once she realized that when you call it means something good or fun is about to happen. She will come flying out into a sit right in front of you. If you train it that way.

I hate to sound like you need to be bossing or dominate, but thats what the Alpha leader is. She/He is also considerate. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Good luck.

You hit the nail on the head! Just wait for the rebellious teen stage! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Hi
I wouldn´t do anything. It is a 3 month old puppy. MAYBE you give her a very soft handshake on her had.
Michael Flinks

All of the above is great advise. But tell me ? What is this dog to be when grown? If you expect a pet couch potato all kick back etc. Id say you have a broblem. If you intend to make a working dog of her, Id say dont worry about it.
Just my thoughts.
Ron

Ron, to answer your question, I would never expect a GSD to be a couch potato, if that is what I wanted I would have gotten another breed. I hope with time patients and training this dog will become a loyal trusted companion. I want to thank everyone for your opinions and advise you have all been very helpful. Nakita is now 4.5 months old and she sits before she is feed, goes outside, comes in, she waits to have her leash removed and comes when called, she follows me everyplace and plays hide and seek more as a job then a game. She still barks/bites when she wants the ball or food. She takes her game time very seriously with a, no nonsense attitude, not having much patients when it’s not done with the speed and energy she thinks it deserves. She has two toys she will jump up and take out of my hands if I don’t throw them fast enough. If I throw 2 of the same toys she will get one bring it to me and with out a word get the second one. (Even if they are thrown in different directions) She has tried to get both balls in her mouth and she can’t so she does not even waist time trying any more she just goes back for the second one!!.
What I have learned is she is a serious dog with a serious attitude. And she loves two things food and me; so I remove me when she gets obnoxious, I will not play when she bites. She is learning the rules. Thank you all!