I have a 15 week old german line GSD and since you folks here in this community seem to know what your talking about I thought I might ask you your opinions on this. Sasia is very sensitive to moods and demeanors of people, particularly men. It seems that if a bad first impression happens then whoever that person may be she is cery tentative around them from then on. Keep in mind that this has happened almost exclusively with men. Also she has growled at 2 kids. Her hackles did not rise and it seemed to me both times that she was just uncertain of the situation and wanted a bit of space. But I am no dog behavior expert which is why I'm putting the question to you folks. With both of the kids, after she was able to check them out for a few seconds, she went right in and had fun with them. And as I was saying with adults, she is very timid and hesitant around men but with women she goes right up and gets to know them. Hell, after a couple of minutes she rolls over to have her belly scratched. I am being diligent about properly socializing Sasia so I take her all over the place and introduce her to people several many times a week and since she is so obviously reserved around guys I put emphasis on them and go to places like home depot. So I guess here are my questions. I have no experience with this type of dog so is this behavior abnormal for a pup this young? What more can I do to help her feel more comfortable around guys and help ME feel more comfortable with HER around kids?

sorry that was so long
Marc

Funny you feel that way, Marc. I on the other hand want my dog reserved around men. I actually allow women and children to pet my dog but do not allow men. Most perps are going to be men. I suppose that since you are a man that this doesn't necessarily concern you. LOL! I teach my dogs that my kids are alpha over them. I do this by allowing my children on the bed but not my dogs. I feed my children first not my dogs, etc. When friends kids come over I always am there to make sure the dogs are greeting with wags and kisses. At the first sound of aggression I would be all over my dogs, I would make sure they understand that to behave like that is not acceptable. I would do this by a serious scolding immediately, if that didn't work I would put the dog in a sit stay and enforce it! I would make sure the dog understands under no circumstances is it okay to growl or act aggressive in any way with a child. Is your dog strictly a pet? Do you have her around children often?

I wouldnt say I have her around kids "often". My daughter is 14 (OMG....) but I have some nieces and nephews around about once a week that range from around 2 to about 6 years old. I have a ginormous family and my place is pretty much the nerve center of the entire thing. I did a LOT of research when I was making a decision about what breed/type of dog that I wanted and this one fit the bill but, naturally, I worry LOL. As far as what direction I might go in her training, I havent decided yet. Shes been with me for about 3 weeks now and I dont want to make that choice while I still have the "high" of having her around. No matter what, though, she will be my buddy first and whatever else second.

I would guess that at 15 weeks she still considers anyone close to her size almost like a littermate. She might just be setting herself up as an alpha, which of course won't do. Regardless of her position when she's home with just the two of you she needs to be at least tolerant of your families children. Even if that means going into another room to avoid being bothered. Another thing you might consider is talking to the children and trying to teach them proper dog etiquette. Most anyone would resent having a 30 pound child sitting on them jumping up and down. I would try and spend a little time with just the pup and the kids. Maybe show her they are fun (don't encourage rough play though) having them throw a ball for her, if you make it a pleasant experience while not tolerating any aggressive or dominant signs she will probably learn to love them as much as anyone. ONce she sees them as members of her (extended) pack. She will surprise you. Now is the time to deal with the issue though before she gets much older. I am not one of the xperts on this sight but this is how I would deal with it. Hope this opinion helps!



Edited by RobbinMann (09/13/2007 10:33 PM)
Edit reason: missed a thought

marc, a technique that i have often used when i'm working with shy pups is to carry a pack of irresistible treats (boiled chicken and hot dogs go over very well) with you when you're out in public with your pup. Allow every person that shows interest in your pup to take a treat from you and give it to the pup before saying hi to her. People (especially kids ) are usually very willing to feed treats to a dog. This will also make folks, who don't know any better than to rush up on a young dog, have to slow down when approaching your dog .

Some things to keep in mind: -- don't coddle your pup when she is being fearful. Instead guide her firmly and gently into a position comfortably close to you, and praise her calmly when she settles down and just takes the situation in. At this point tell the overly-friendly person that "yes, you may pet her, but could you please give her this first?". insert treat. Be sure to instruct children to hold the treat in the palm of their hand to avoid having fingers nibbled!

-- tell people that she is shy and to please avoid making direct eye contact, then show them how to correctly pet her: not on top of the head! (which is how most folks pet a dog, but is considered quite intrusive from the dog's perspective). Show them how to gently pet her on her chest, which is not so overwhelming for a shy pup. If she takes the treat but doesn't want to be petted, DON'T push the issue! Explain to the well-meaning person that "she's still training and thanks for helping out" and go on your way.

-- if your pup decides she wants to be affectionate and be petted, praise her like crazy. I have my youngest GSD because he had nerve issues with people and his owners couldn't deal. Every time he goes up to someone to say "hi", i go crazy and he thinks it's awesome (though i'm sure that the people think i am crazy :blush, so then he'll go up to them again just to get a reaction! But above all, remember that you have a GSD and they are bred to be aloof with strangers. If she takes a treat and that's it, it's still a good lesson for her

Kacie,

Great post and great signature pic

Happy trails,

Aside from this one issue and my hands being in CONSTANT peril from puppy attacks I literally couldnt be happier with Sasia. She is the smartest puppy I have ever had the pleasure to hang out with and she and I get along great (well, she DOES get zoomy sometimes but thats nothing a bit of excersize cant fix...and it seems as soon as I finish this post that she'll be outside getting some judging by the sock in her mouth right now...) But thanks for the advice. I was sort of prepared for the " OMG you HAVE to do something about that MONSTER right NOW" responses LMAO. I have had a couple of boxers before and I loved them both but so far this one is radically different than they were. My biggest gripe about them was they were far to accepting of strangers (yea I know...haha) so one of the traits I was looking for in my new one was a bit of reserve in that area. I got it LOL. But anyway thanks again and if any of you have any more wisdom to share feel free, I'm all ears (or eyes?)

Oh, one more quick question about excersize. I'm taking her out about 3 times a day right now. We're working on a lunge whip because she absolutely loves it and "golfing". I tie her out on her long lead and wack a few 6 irons and then we go find em. I work her about 5-10 minutes at a time on the whip and we walk for 15 minutes or so at a clip. Is this to much for a pup this old?

edit-we're only using the whip once a day
marc

the good news is, being a GSD, she will more than likely grow into an aloof, reserved personality as she matures (as opposed to boxers, who tend to be more accepting of strangers as a whole ). Regardless of your goals for her, i would be fairly concerned about a 15 week old pup growling at children... puppies should be more at ease with strangers and growling/unease with new people may be a sign of inappropriate aggression or insecurity, either of which can lead to more serious issues as the dog matures. (i wouldn't really call her a "monster", however )

i've raised both my oldest and youngest male GSDs in this manner (both of which had nerve issues and were very insecure with people to the point that they were on their way to become fear biters :eek. Both have grown into dogs who are comfortable with new people...but neither one actually gives a flip about being petted or hanging out with anyone except me (just as i prefer it :grin!

once you've made her more comfortable and at ease with folks, i would then refer to Ed's article on "Who Can Pet My Puppy" and start managing her in the manner he recommends in the article to achieve the results you desire

cheers!

 Quote:

Great post and great signature pic

thanks, Jennifer! tis the season for hiking trips in the south

Beautifully said, Kacie and oh my gosh I love your pic! What a Kodak moment!