What did she do to the puppy? - Page 2

There is just way too much going on here to be able to accurately determine what is going on in all situations... there could very well be temperament issues.. however, a true alpha does not act like this and there really are very few of them A true alpha is confident and generally forceful in a differnet way .... sounds like there is fear aggression involved here along with no boundaries or leadership... which is pretty much where all trouble in the dog/human relationship begins.. Sounds like time for some Ruff Love, some NILIF but some clear cut boundaries on who is in what place. This dog needs her wings clipped back A LOT!! A good trainer would help however, class is not the place for this dog right now, they need to start AT HOME where the problem begins.. correct that and start working on real focus(her to them) and leadership (them to her) and for the love of God, no off leash whatsoever and no free run of the house!!! Just my 2cents worth.. have seen this over and over and over.....

Barbara, Yes, the pup sounds alpha to me, also. The owners are probably very timid about every new experience she encounters and their actions (worried tone of voice and unclear body movements) when they're over concerned have made her feel they're not capable--and, even more, inadequate. The pup has taken over and become the protector. Sad. I hope they find a trainer who understands GSDS, but I fear nothing will work, though, unless the owners exhibit more confidence in themselves.

Also, may I add, that the pup needs exercise. LOTS. A big backyard doesn't do it, nor does a long stroll on a leash. This pup has a great deal of bottled frustration and needs to let it out. At least once a day, preferably twice, they have to find a remote field or safe open space to let this pup trot and slow gallop around. (No fast running--too young--and could hurt her growth plates). When she is exhausted and depleted of all that excess energy she'll be much easier to deal with and training will be easier.

DK, I think you are right. This pup is not a true alpha. But, in that she probably is not being shown the leadership she needs, is trying to step into that roll. Her instinct is that her pack must have a leader and even though she is not temperamentally suited for that she sees no other way but to try to become that leader. Bottom line though, this dog is or could soon become very dangerous and the behavior must be stopped immediately.

Christopher the pedigree is mostly american with German lines on the father's side ( a couple of germans names Darro vom fegelhof, Fatala aus Martensrade, Illka v Schwarzen-Scherrett) David I will take you up on that offer if she does live there. She is going to need it. DK I am with you on the no off leash and running the house. My guys are completely trained and they still don't get to run the house. Wait there is one I do let run the house my mistakes she is 7 year young and I do leave her out with the kids if I go to the store or what not. I have had her ever since she took her first breath. But she still gets crate time. LMH you have a great point "I fear nothing will work, though, unless the owners exhibit more confidence in themselves" most people love them too much to do harsh training like what David said "E-collor"

Exactly ProudShepherdPoppa..... when shown no leadership, a dog will always try to fill the role even if they are not the candidate to do this.. makes for a wretched life.... This dog is not dominant, she is not alpha.. she is taking a fearful I will get you before you get me stand .. she probably is a brat and will most definitely become dangerous and a liability. LOL! This is basic parenting 101 for dogs. Most often these dogs are very bright.... I also vote to take the bell away and have the owner determine when the dog has to potty!! I'm the one who can read the clock! It is about control, like it or not... This is like giving a 12 year old the key to the 500 series BMW!!! What this dog needs is a kind, benevolent dictator!! Truly this is what works, they NEED a leader.. not someone to bang on them, we can show leadership with very little compulsion, it is all in how our pack is led.

Chances are the puppy was let do as it pleased and never corrected from the beginning. When unacceptable behavior was demonstrated it was allowed or even revarded for the behavior by acceptance or even catering to the dog which it may have interpreted as a reward. So for whatever reason, probably a combination of genetics and enviornment the dog developed a bad habit that went unchecked. I have had two or three that came back to me in the exact situation. Loving family wanted a nice calm pet and got an 8 week old puppy that was a nice calm puppy. They did not believe in discipling or correcting a dog. The dog developed the same character as the one mentioned here as a result. This behavior went unchecked and was rewarded by takinmg the dog out of the situation and petting it and telling it to be a good dog and not do this again. So the pup came back at 7 months with an attitude. He was introduced to some tough love in the petsmart parking lot as he lit up until he was undercontrol and realized the was a negative reaction to his action. The incident was repeated once. From there we walked inside, visited the other people, the other puppies, and he picked out some smoked discarded animal part from the shelves and took it to the checkout counter where I had to pay for it. The behavior was still in him and it reoccurred a time or to. As long as he was reminded the behavior was unacceptable, he was fine. I find you simply have to set your limits of acceptable behavior and let the dog know it is enforced and the problem goes away.

Someone has to be the leader, husband, wife, child or dog. (By the way should go that way , not the other way around). I hear it all the time "you don't spoil your dogs" and I say no I don't, they are loved but not spolied. This is coming from the people that don't want to inforce rules and or use corrections. This is why my dogs are well behaved and thiers we are reading about. I am with DH on parenting dogs 101 Dog1 I fear that is what is going to happen. We see it all the time. Instead of taking the time to fix the problem lets get rid of it and get a new puppy. The breeder already asked me if she does come back will I work with it and I said yeah. Can't see the dog being put down. If it was truely and temperament probelm then yes but I see more of a owner problem then anything

Sounds like the owners could use a good video or book on being a calm assertive pack leader....their are a couple of good ones out there for beginners... It would help with the baby on the way too...if not we may see them on Nanny911 in a few years with the child.....hope not. cheers to you for helping....

OMG, I missed the new baby on the way part..... get the dog now, it will only get worse and yes, these people do need parenting 101.. just what the world needs, another child who thinks everything is due them! Please help us!