My pup Gypsy now 12 months old is acting of course very bratty these days...which I expected...but lately when we go on our walks she has been doing the following....

1) when approaching homes w/dogs in back yard she will pounce in a play stance and let out a deep/hoarse single bark which I assume to get those dogs to bark back...

2) when they respond...she will stand up straight on her hind legs, again I assume to get a better visual, where she will return their response with deep barks while remaining standing (picture that <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ...like a poodle), wagging her tail...

3) then seemingly like out of frustration she will come up on the lead 1/2 way..grab hold and begins tugging and thrashing with such intensity...of course I correct her on this but it takes a few seconds even when I prepare for it to happen (I do not tense up in my preparation).

What's up with this??? I cannot recall even when assisting training LE dogs long ago and even w/my previous personal GSD's this ever occuring..but then again it has been 13 years since having a pup around getting her after my/13yr old gsd girl passed.

Is this purely bratty behavior or her frustration wanting to go play? or defense?

Note: She gets along with other dogs wonderfully and people super...although her greeting approach (barking) intimidates most but once she is within a person's personal space range ...she is sweet sweet sweet. She has always demonstrated confidence....ie. when introduced to something new or something startles her..she will approach such immediately to check it out, never has run away from anything yet.

*edited to remove photo, they are not allowed

My 2 year old GSD did pretty much the same thing on the way to the car if she knew we were going to go play fetch.

I appreciated her enthusiasm, but I taught my girl to stop it on command because she was dragging me around! (Those GS's can pull like there's no tomorrow!!)

I'd say it's just over excitment. Make sure she's getting enough exercise and chanell her enthusiasm into some obedience work.

Hi Heather... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for confirming what I was leaning towards too...

Since this act just recently started, my process of nipping this coming up on lead crap; the last few times I attached a secondary short lead on the prong as once she grabs the main lead I lose all correcting ability if the training toy I now carry doesn't divert her. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> so far 2 out of 3 times toy has worked.

 Quote:

“I'd say it's just over excitment. Make sure she's getting enough exercise and chanell her enthusiasm into some obedience work.”

Good Point… I was using these walks to warm her up trying to prevent injury occurring before working her as she is overly gung ho. I will warm her up another way and walk her afterwards…hopefully that will help as well.

Obedience has been going well (also combined in her exercise program). I have increased her exercise (grass surface)... Her "out"ing I thought was going well as she would “out” on a dime, until this started...but not giving up!.

You are so right about the pulling...I keep looking for those hidden muscles that give her such strength since she just turned 12 months old and has much developing to go. (My poor shoulders are screaming to nip this.)

Thanks again <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Tangi

Any other suggestions would be so appreciated <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />