help with new puppy - Page 1

 My Juno is 3 months old.  We have just started taking her for short walks around the neighborhood.  She is very cautious around people she doesn't know or hasn't seen before.  I would think a puppy would be thrilled to meet new people.  She also barks at people or dogs she doesn't know, espcially small children.  We are taking her to puppy classes at our local Schutzhund club.  Any thoughts?

You might consider asking the people in your club for help. Done at the wrong time, in the wrong manner, you can make this shyness worse. They are there, they see the pup, and hopefully, they have enough sense to suggest how to socialize her properly. It sure sounds like she needs socialization and confidence building.

Positive interactions and lots of socialisation are what the pup needs. Take some of your pups favourite treats with you whenever you go out. When you stop to talk to anyone let your pup approach them rather than them putting their hand out to the pup. She will be curious and will approach the person after a while to have a sniff. Its best if the person doesnt look at her and pretends to ignore her. When your pup appears to be curious and starts to have a sniff, hand some treats to the person to give to your pup. If you can do this quite frequently and get your neighbours etc to help,  you should find slowly your pup's confidence should build around people and your pup will see people in a positive light, especially when they give the yummy treats. Try not to push too quickly and try not to reinforce your pup's anxiety by giving cuddles if fear is shown. Try to be quite matter of fact when telling your pup its ok. Children can sometimes run at a pup, not meaning any harm, but this can be quite upsetting for the pup if they are not used to it. So I would  gently explain to any children that she is only young and is nervous and that  they mustnt run towards your pup as she will be scared. With both my pups I explained this to my neighbours children and to be fair they are good as gold when they see me out and will ask if they can come over to smooth my pup rather than just running up with hands all over the pup.

It will work. Your pups confidence will build but it may take a little time.

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

xxx

Sounds like a nice pup to me. Who says that your dog has to like everyone. I am not a fan of my dogs thinking that all humans are petting machines. Let you pup get comfortable with you and your family first. It is only three months old. If your pup is not shying away from the strangers I wouldn't worry too much about it. You can re-assure your dog that all is well and act non-chalantly when you encounter "friendly" strangers, but, there is nothing wrong with your dog alerting you to potential danger. GSD's are naturally aloof. This comes from their herding instincts. They were dogs that were used as guardians of a flock. They are territorial and protective. (Sounds a lot like a cat, huh!)

Good luck with your pup!

 Thanks for the wonderful positive advice and encouragement!