Hello Leerburgers

I really couldn't find something that related to this, so... I have a 6 month old Karst shepherd. He's still a puppy, but a puppy weighing 65-70lbs. Issues with him are next to none, both at home and outside (except him jumping on people as a greeting, I guess he'll grow out of it), but since I live on the 3rd floor in a condo, if we encounter someone on the narrow stairs on our way out he starts barking and wants to nip on the person. I know he's incapable of doing any kind of lethal damage to someone, but not everyone is familiar with dogs, and he does look a little intimidating from average Joe's point of view despite being a very young dog. At times the same thing can happen in front of the building if he sees someone coming out of it, except there is less nipping I believe.

If it isn't something he'll grow out of, is it a territorial issue and how do I deal with this?

Puppies don't grow out of bad behavior. If you want him to stop jumping on people, you can't allow it. If you want him to walk quietly past strangers, you will have to desensitize him to that scenario, and possibly also do some socialization with him where acting out is not permitted.

If you wait for the dog to change on his own, you may end up with some serious trouble. Dogs are PTS much too often because they weren't taught correct behavior initially.

I understand, I would just like you to realize that I was trying (unsuccessfully) to put emphasis on the stairs, meaning outside he does walk quietly past strangers. So how exactly do I deal with this case in particular? Sit with him in the stairways all day and reward him when he stops caring too much about those who pass by?

Not just sit and wait. Make it a point to visit there during busier periods, or enlist some neighbors to set up scenarios. Also, going anywhere that has people traffic and a few little surprises will help with the overall desensitizing. Get him used to strange people, noises, and occurrences.

IMO, one possible approach, not specific to this individual issue, would help you in other areas. A solid "leave it" is extremely beneficial for a lot of things. I have a sharp, reactive dog and we frequently find ourselves in situations that we hadn't trained for. I put her in a heel, which shifts her focus a bit. If she stills seems intent on the distraction, I tell her to "leave it" and direct her focus back to me.

Petar - have you been through any formal training with your dog? If not, you may want to consider it, either a beginning obedience or puppy manners-101 class. Your dog is the right age for it and they cover stuff like that. Duane nailed it. Jumping up on people is a sign of an undisciplined dog, a lack of respect for the person, and it won't go away by itself. The dog has to be trained that it's not good behavior.

There are any number of ways to break him of that, introducing a good "leave it" command, luring with treats to focus on you while passing someone on stairs or anywhere, corrections, or just good dog walking fundamentals. None of that will be as effective, though, unless you lay a good foundation with solid training.

 Quote: Petar Vrdoljak

Hello Leerburgers

I really couldn't find something that related to this, so... I have a 6 month old Karst shepherd. He's still a puppy, but a puppy weighing 65-70lbs. Issues with him are next to none, both at home and outside (except him jumping on people as a greeting, I guess he'll grow out of it), but since I live on the 3rd floor in a condo, if we encounter someone on the narrow stairs on our way out he starts barking and wants to nip on the person. I know he's incapable of doing any kind of lethal damage to someone, but not everyone is familiar with dogs, and he does look a little intimidating from average Joe's point of view despite being a very young dog. At times the same thing can happen in front of the building if he sees someone coming out of it, except there is less nipping I believe.

If it isn't something he'll grow out of, is it a territorial issue and how do I deal with this?

Karsky Ovcar typically have a Sharp Temperament, are extremely Distrustful of Strangers, and will increase their Human-Bullying tendencies if not taken seriously in hand from a very early age...

I would start by going to the Banner across the Top of this web page & clicking on TRAINING ARTICLES where you can Carefully Study such VITAL INFORMATION as:

http://leerburg.com/puppygroundwork.htm

Also click on TRAINING VIDEOS and Immediately Order:

http://leerburg.com/120.htm

Then do exactly as these Highly Valuable resources teach -- You cannot afford to Waste anymore Time in "hoping for the best" to somehow Magically Happen with ANY dog, but absolutely NOT with a Livestock Guardian Breed of this nature, living in a CONDO COMPLEX ... He is already Acting Out unacceptable behaviors INSTINCTIVELY that will only get completely Out of Control at MATURITY, unless you totally Change How you are handling, managing, and training your dog, beginning TODAY.

Here in San Francisco about 15 years ago, two young Presa Canario dogs Mauled a Neighbor to DEATH in an elite & expensive Apartment Building -- I am NOT saying that Your Dog would ever do likewise, Peter, but it is entirely UP to YOU to Make Sure.

Ditto with Candi.

The Karst is know to be very sharp and very territorial.

It could be that your pup is territorial inside the apartment building, where outside those instincts haven't kicked in yet.

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Of good, moderately sharp temperament, courageous and valliant but not biting, very devoted to his master. Incorruptibly good guard, distrustful of strangers; pleasant companion dog and obedient, whilst maintaining a strong individuality.

Taken from the kennel club USA site

http://www.kennelclubusa.com/karst_ovcar.htm

Has any training been done with your pup?

Pup needs something to do other than jump on people. Sitting is not jumping. Heeling is not jumping. Even going to do a hand touch is not jumping.

I have some concerns with somebody owning a large guardian breed in a condo and thinking that they'll grow out of jumping. You might want to find a local trainer who has worked with guardian breeds before. They can be a little different and need closer management of certain behaviors that can lead to extremes easier than with a typical family pet. Depending on how "primitive" the breed is they can be like working with a whole different species.

Is there a particular reason you picked this dog? Have any end goals as an adult dog in mind?

Dogs jump on people to get attention. Give them the exact opposite. When a dog jumps on someone the should turn and walk away. Enlist the help of some friends to help train your dog not to jump up. A rattle can also help. Take a empty soda can and fill it with about 25 pennies. Tape the top shut. When the dog starts to jump up, shake the rattle and firmly say "no". This will startle the dog. He will soon learn that jumping isn't getting him what he wants.