Need a litte advice.. my boy is timid - Page 1

Hey everyone,

Need a litte advice here. I have a 16 wk gsd and my concern is when I take him for walks he just sits down. I have  to then stop with him pet him and encourage him and then he will walk a little bit more and we repeat the process over and over until i get frustrated and we turn around to go back to the house. Then he comes to life and hes ready to go back to the house.  And when were walking, he barks at other people approaching. And he backs away from anyone that gets close to him.  Whats the best way to handle this? When we walk near a fence that has other dogs he acts scared and dosnt want to cross that path. I do have an english bulldog and they play so im not sure why he would be scared.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.   Here is his pedigree  if interested...

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/566130.html

get enrolled into a positive puppy obedience class.  just getting frustrated and going back home will not help, it just teachs him that if he continue's to sit he will get his way and go back home where it is "safe". Lots of praise and encourage ment.  at 16 weeks they are going through a fear period anyway.

If you have to post his pedigree..are you really concerned? Forget that.Uber, there are so many people that cannot afford a trainer and just need advice.Your bulldog wdosier? What age?Was he/she the only dog in the house when you got the gsd pup?PM me.

wdozier,

Keep socializing him but slowly, let him go at his own pave around dog's and place's.   But you must be the boss, it's time to do some real obedience training so that he will go where you take him, not the other way around.

He may have week nerve, dunno.   But he still need's training in obedience and then leash work.

You may find a dog club to help you train or look for some book's on the subject.

But now is the time to start.

Brent.

Thanks for the advice. I am in the process of looking for an affordable obeidence class. He seems to be doing well with the basics like sit and platz.  I have done some reading " The Art of Rasing a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete.   And I have been reading peoples tips on here.

That brings to question leash work Brent.To be honest as usual I didnt realize how many people that had Gsds lived in cities wheras they couldnt even walk their dog down the street as responsible owners doing the best they can for the individual at hand..and those with that just let their dogs run amuck.Alot of this is going on.The parks that are available include owners that allow their "Pets" to run amuck.Just a free place in the center of a city where dogs are allowed.There are all these cutsy pets.I have talked with quite a few people with Gsds in the cities and they have no place to go with them...hell they cant even walk down the street with them.Just too many dogs on the loose that interfere with the owner that is trying for the dog...as an individual

wdozier,

I remember from another thread you said you were going into schutzund with him so look for book's along those line's.

Rainhaus,

The cities and irresponcible dog owner's is why there is so much proposed new dog legislation in the new's lately.   It is definately hard to own a large dog in the city these day's.

I haven't lived in an actual city for over thirty year's now, I don't plan on moving...:)

later guy's.

a puppy course from Petsmart is not that expensive, and is great just for socializing.  I don't care for petsmart trainers, but have found it is good to get a pup out and socialized.  talk to your vet about even trying to get a local puppy play day set up, as long as everyone is current on shots ect.  there are many thing you can do.

I still wonder how a book written by monks quite some years ago can have all that influence to people. Teaching about "alpha dog" and stuff...

The puppy needs socialisation.

"Dogs do what works"

"Dogs learn by associations"

"A means B" Pavlov

"If I do A, B happens" Skinner

That is the theory behind it.

Now, in practice: Use primary reinforcers (food drive and prey drive) during your dogs discomfort situations. Give him a treat (a real one not something that he has anyway every day) or use a tug-toy if he is really into that. I reckon that the toy-treat will be better for your case judging from your message.

Everytime you take him out and you meet a "discomfort", just before take the toy (or treat out) and use it a lot. As soon as the "discomfort" disapperars. stop. Repeat.

Do it only when dog is in similar situations, not when he is comfortable. This is all you need. You should hurry though, not much time left for that (maybe still 1 month)...

Regards

I used to have folks with shy, unsocialized pups take them to a grocery store and sit on the bench out front. Puppies are magnets. Have a bag of treats, and offer tiny bits to strangers approaching to give to the pup. Don't force the pup, let him hang out and observe, and take some tasty treats from people walking up. Make it a very positive experience. Saturdays are great for this--lots of shoppers of all kinds--seniors, kids, handicapped etc. I would also agree to get into a class.

Heidi