I have a new GSD pup, 8 and a half weeks old today. So far he's been outstanding, he's calm, playful, and has nerves of steel. The only thing that's been bugging me lately is when I take him out for a stroll. Lately I've been getting him used to the leash with a short walk up and down the street, nothing too demanding for a pup. When we're walking away from the house, he'll automatically heel (nothing I taught him, he just sticks to my side) and then suddenly he'll zig zag in front of me, causing me to almost trip. He crosses from left to right while I'm walking, then right to left again, then sometimes he will circle around me. He would occasionally let out a worried grunt at me the farther we got. When I turn around to head back home however, he stops heeling and trots out in front of me, not straining, but a little slow-paced march.

Is this herding? This is my first herding breed dog, and I've often heard that some breeds such as collies will chase and nip at children who get too far from home. I've also heard of GSDs who also circle around their owners while on walks, but I never learned exactly why they exhibit this behavior. I'd appreciate any info on this habit.

This is a natural instinct for the puppy to do that, he is only eight weeks old. He is not sure if he is supposed to be on the right hand side or the left hand side. It is up to you as the owner to correct the dog and help him to understand where you want him. The puppy may also be trying to figure out what he is smelling while he is walking in front of you from side to side. This is also a good way for you to start controlling your puppy the way you want him to heal. You can't forget this is only a eight week old puppy!!

The thing is though, he only does this while walking *away* from home. When walking towards it, he simply walks in front of me.

When I would take my old dog for walks with my children and a couple of the neighbor kids he would herd us. I'd be constantly watching out so I didn't strangle any of the little spuds with his leash. Just doing his job. My new puppy, 12 weeks old tomorrow, will occasionally turn around and look to make sure I'm still there. How do I get her to be on the left side all the time?

My 4 1/2 month old GSD does the same thing, with the switching side going away from home, and walking in front on the way back home.
He does circle me frequently when we are at home, and he is on a lead in the house or yard or whatever. He will *occasionally* nip at my heels. He LOVES to "herd" my Pom/Poodle cross dog too!

When you are going out, the pups are looking, smelling things on their adventure. Turning around and comming home,and being puppys, maybe a little tired, they know where they are going. If you are going over the same path you went out on, they have also inspected the area already. JMHO.

David

Not to be a pestimist, but I have to say this (and most people know I think GSD are pretty darn smart, but not that smart to heel on his own) the puppies not heeling he just happen to be on your left side until he finds something interesting to smell and explorer, then he out front and zig zaging back and forth. He is not herding you because in fact he paying very little attention to you. Like Bob said he is just having fun.

I would try this to start him learning the heel and sit, when he is on your left side sit him, either on command or place him, say "good sit", and praise him.
It is not require right now to try to hold this position, for more then a couple seconds, issue the heel command starting with your left leg and take a couple of steps (10-15 yrds) and stop and place him in the sit again, position him and praise. Then heel and after a couple of steps, release him with "go play" and just let him play. You can repeat this on back home.

When a dog is herding you he is watching you intenstly, he may even use his eyes or body to position you to go a certain direction. He will usually bark and jump in front of you if you don't go the way he wants. Some herding dogs play like this, some will just grab your hand with their mouth and with a gentle pull, herd you/take you where they want. Usually to their food bowl (smile).
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