Dog barking at people? - Page 1

So, I've noticed a few things lately.  Anubis has started barking at people if they're at a distance and we're just standing in one spot.  He is more than willing to play with them, and never greets anyone rudely, always in a friendly manner......though I'm still ticked at that guy who tried to get too rough with him.  Any reason why he would be barking at them? Though he also barks for the bite tug, or if he sees a guy with a rag or towel he barks for it now.....in fact he barks if most anyone has a toy since going to the SchH club. What would you guys suggest about this? Hackles aren't raised, he doesn't look fearful or act that way.  If we walk to them he seems to just greet them like normal and plays with them. Any ideas? Keep in mind this is just a pup who is getting closer to four months.

Just sees something he doesn't know what it is.  Barking "who is that, what is that etc."  Just more curious as he cannot focus on it at a distance, or maybe some caution.  Nothing to worry about IMO.  As long as he is showing no fear, it's all good.  What are his lines.  Sounds like and looks like a nice boy.  I would rather they do as he is doing, focusing in on something and speaking about it than a dull dog that has no interrest what so ever.  Does he venture out to investigate?  As with any situation that comes up with a dog or pup, it is impossible to give advice with only a little info, so what I share could be subject to change if I saw him in person and read his body language and how far the person is from him.  P.S.  He is your dog, so you will do what you feel is best, but I do not allow people to play with my dogs or pups.  That is for me only.  I want to be everything to him, the god of his life.  Again, JMO   Good luck.

He's out of Mambo z Pohranicni Straze and Fatyma z Perštátského mlýna        He's linebred on Kaso Pohranicni Straze also. Heres the link to his pedigree.

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/591355.html

What doesn't this guy investigate lol, he's curious about everything.  He is vocal....even aside of barking at people.  If we're standing still for too long....say in a line waiting to check out...he starts barking wanting to keep moving.....which I totally understand that since he's a puppy and what puppy wants to stand still.  It was just the whole people thing.  Oh the fun of when we go to Pet smart or Pet co....if I touch a toy or he sees someone with a toy he's ready to go for it barking at the toy.  When meeting new people it's funny how he finds food in their pockets or in whatever they have food in. If it's there, he'll use his nose and he WILL find it.  So you don't think theres really anything to worry about when it comes to barking at people? The whole letting people pet/play with him vs not allowing it confuses me.  Many say do it, many say don't.  I'd prefer him to be social in a way.  We've only done "Hier" in obedience so far and he will leave ANYONE who is petting him and come right to me when called already.  I only plan to do the basics for now until he's older.  He is independent, but also has a good desire to be around me, or with me.....but is happy playing with his toys aside from me also, or investigating things....when we're in our yard...He follows me around while I do yard work a lot of times. Hmm, what else....he's in love with children, licks them to death, very good with them.  Just some of a description about him so you can know more of what I'm dealing with.  The first day I noticed the barking was at the police office the other day. I usually go at night, this time there were a few women in the other room....in the day....and Anubis barked a few times, and they gave me dirty looks like they wanted him out of there for barking.  Back to socializing....I've also got the confusing thing.......some cut off people petting at a certain age.  I do know genetics determine a lot. Though reading about dog psychology and dog behavior  it suggests socialization for the first full year. It talked about a lot of dogs who were friendly and well socialized up until 6 or 7 months who as an adult were scared of people. I can't remember the terms it used for the months after that, but it had suggest doing that. Oh well, off to bed and then to take Anubis to the park tomorrow......not a dog park, a state park with playgrounds, creeks, trails, ect.

I think that handsome boy is just full of himself and is announcing to the world "Here I am!!"  He sounds like a real joy.  You should control who he makes nice with.  He doesn't have to meet and greet every single person although I'm sure he will want to do just that.  My girl can't stand to be ignored by anyone.  She is pretty demanding too.  I think they will be just fine making nice and as they get older they will descriminate.  For now, everyone is a plaything.  It's up to us to keep everyone, dogs included in check.  You would be wise to teach him when you have heard enough barking.  Teaching him when to speak will help him to understand when you say enough.  Good luck!

Deb

I disagree with Debisue

You're training the dog in Schutzhund.  It sounds like he has a good idea of what is going on.  He has already learned that he barks and gets rewarded by the helper.  I wouldn't cap/control any drive at this point.  The dog is less than 4 months old.  Letting him know what is appropriate at this point is ill-advised.  Let him be a puppy and have fun with him.  Promote his drives, get out tracking,  and continue going to the club.   I would wait until he is older, then you can beat him over the head with a frying pan for not shuttin the hell up.  I would also direct my questions to the club members that have experience or the TD.    Glad to see you finally got a dog.  It seemed like you were searching for a long time.  I think I actually thought and accused you of being a scammer.  No hard feelings?  Good luck with him!