Sounds like a new toy but no just my GSD. He is a barker, when he wants you to play with him or wants somethnig he barks like crazy. I early on with the no bark command but that really never worked, now if I try to correct him he just jumps back, thinking we are playing, and continues to bark. He is close to 5 months old and i really dont want to use a e-collar, but do i have any other choice? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

First I would make sure I am exercising your pup TONS AND TONS. And playing with him TONS AND TONS. And training him TONS AND TONS.

These GSD's of ours make great bomb dogs, police dogs, herding dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, etc etc etc. And the reason for this is because they are GENETICALLY programed to be crazy smart and have the energy to go all day. So when we get one of these puppies, we are getting all the good (smarts and energy) with all the 'bad' (SMARTS AND ENERGY!!!). So it's up to us to keep them happy, healthy and busy!

I know I currently have my first GSD from real working lines and she is WAY more 'work' than either of the other 2 dogs I raised from pups. But that isn't her fault. It's my responsiblity. So we hike miles and miles and miles and miles during the week. We go to dog classes. We socialize the heck all over the place. I take her everywhere. We meet tons of dogs/people.

Not to say I don't give her 'time outs' in the crate when she's driving me crazy. But I do it knowing she's had that tons of exercise. Knowing she's been training for the day. And knowing she's able to control herself for awhile RESPONSIBLY before we go out for play in the yard again.

I agree -

Although I've succeeded at the "no bark" command, letting the dog have fulfillment by letting it do its bred-purpose is very key to a well behaved animal. Hunters will hunt, workers will work.

Only then does our rules apply.

David C