Lately I have noticed Tasha becoming a little more suspicious and sharp to unusual situations. Just as an example a few weeks ago she barked at a little kid who was wearing a very exaggerated uncle sam hat. She also really doesn't like hoods, or when joggers come up from behind us.

A few days ago she barked at the laundromat guy the other day for holding eye contact with her for too long while I talked to his wife. At first I thought there was another dog approaching and looked around, there wasn't She didn't break her sit, but she really did kind of light up. I had her lay down and she was ok.

I understand that eye contact can be very threatening to a dog, but she has met this man many times before. I always chat with them when we are out for walks.

The incident that really concerned me was one night we were out for a walk and we passed a group of teenagers who were sitting on a stoop eating pizza. As we passed one of the girls picked up the pizza box and Tasha spun around, hackled up and let out a growl so low that I could feel it through the leash but not hear it.

What gives? She is very well socialized and I am working super hard on her training. Is this just the tail end of adolescent fear period stuff? She is now 16 months old.

What is the best way to handle it when this happens?

Keep her out and around but ask people to please ignore her. You can try to be a little more aware of what your walking her around so that you can use a little distance here and there so that she doesnt feel the need to react. Teach her a casual down, like settle or something so that when you are talking to someone, she's right there but able to relax a little, sniff the ground and stuff and let her figure out these arent all threats.

And the biggie, you need to relax.

Thanks Steve!

I figure that part of this is just her turning into a German Shepherd. Her genetics probably lend to an amount of natural suspicion and sharpness, since she comes form lines often used in police work and PPD.

She really loves people, so I don't see it becoming a long term problem. I just want to make sure that I handle it correctly.

Thank you again for the advice!

 Quote: steve strom

And the biggie, you need to relax.

Good reminder! I catch myself becoming tense at times and as soon as I notice or others remind me the whole scenario changes for the better.

How old is she? She going through a spook stage? I think the bigger the dog the weirder they can be.