My pup is four (4) months old, I do not let anyone around him but the immediate family. I do take him to the park for walks and to let him see other people and animals, but no one is allowed to come too close to us or touch him. Am I being over cuatious with the pup or stirring him into an aggressive adulthood? I do plan on having the pup do some protection work. Any feed back is appreciated.

You definitely need to let your dog get used to the idea of being touched by other people... NOW. Whether or not you choose to protection train later, you will not have completed the socialization process if you fail to do this.

Again: Whether or not you do protection training later, try to picture a scenario in which you are simply walking your dog. Suddenly a school bus pulls up and 50 kids pile out. At least half of them are going to want to pet your dog--and at least half of those are going to touch your dog even if you tell them NOT TO. Do you want any of these kids to be bitten? I didn't think so.

So get busy with the people-skills socialization. And remember that any good candidate for protection work must be a dog that has strong enough nerves to be confident around people. If you fail to keep up your end of the bargain by introducing your pup to ALL KINDS of people--then you very well may wind up ruining a perfectly good dog.

Pete Felknor

Pete, you batted that one out of the park! I don't think we can emphasize enough the need to socialize a future protection dog! Too many people isolate the pup and end up w/a dog who is scared of humans, not at all what you want. You want your pup to be confident w/humans, understanding that humans come in many varieties and that most of them are good guys. Not only will you help develop confidence in your pup, which is *crucial* but you also help the pup learn discrimmination. When a pup has seen zillions of humans going on about their business and learns most of them mean no harm, it becomes easier for the dog to pick out the odd human who doesn't act quite right.
Unfortunately, this isolation stuff is a very, very common mistake and can ruin a promising dog for protection.
One thing I would suggest is to be somewhat selective about the humans you permit to interact w/your pup. There are far too many self proclaimed experts who won't hesitate to swat your pup on the snout for nibbling on them or jumping up. Sch or other protection sport clubs are often a better bet. They understand that these pups will be mouthy, pushy and energetic.

Thanks for the input... off to the park for a weekend run, except this time I leave the house a little smarter. I misunderstood some of what I have been reading and after watching Leerburgs Bite training for pup I got an idea of what I should and should not be doing. The pup seams to love being around kids and the point was made perfectly... I do not need the pup going at a child. One more for the road... I also have a three year-old black male GSD. He is over protective of the family (wife&kids) I have been taking him out trying to get him used to poeple but he doesn't want anything to do with anyone... would the pup pick-up on this and what should I be doing to stop it?

Best regards,

Luis

I must have signed on differently.... Luis A. Soto, Sr is the same as "Nightwatcher". Thanks again.

Luis,
Read the article on my web site *Elements of Temperament: Drives, Nerves, Thresholds*. Usually, when someone describes their dog as *over protective*, the reality is, the dog is showing fear based aggression toward neutral strangers. The article should help sort it out for you.
Yes, the pup very well could pick this up, they often copy their elders. Make sure they are crated or kenneled separately, allow them to be together only when you are there to supervise.

My pup is around people all the time and has been since I got her at about 9 weeks of age. However, I only let children or people who seem to need the comfort of petting a dog pet her. She's comfortable around people and can comfortably walk through crowds.

Is this the way you would approach it? Do I really need to let everyone pet her?

Catherine,

You should let everybody pet the puppy. I have been known to hunt people down to pet the puppy. If you don't the dog will be suspicious of those that are not allowed to pet it and "think" that those people are not allowed to touch and increase the likelyhood of an accidental bite. The good thing is that you didn't extend the prohibition to childern or you could of set her up to be distrustful of children and increase the chance of a problem with kids.

I agree with Richard. I even seek out people of different ethnic backgrounds. I had a friend who lived in an all white community. He had a great dog until at a trail there was an African American helper. The dog had problems with protection that night.

Desert Thunderk9... great site Thunder

Unfortunately what you described as bad nerves is what my three year-old shows. He will not back down from you but he will not allow stangers around the family. He will and has held his ground... but, the being afraid of things around him is the final sign (Head hung low when I take him a place).

Good thing is that the pup charges everything with is head and tail up high. Not aggresive, he a happy go luck type. Good prey drive. I did not get a good chance to read everything a wanted, so I'll be back to your site again. Thanks

Best Regards,

Nightwatcher