Puppy doesn't like us? - Page 1

My family has a puppy from Bazi Urbecke. After seeing him at the Sieger Show, we had to have one of his offspring. My puppy is very much stand-offish with people, not necessarily skittish, but reserved. She is still reserved (in the affection area) with our family after being here for about 3 months. We have to bribe her (with treats or toys, of course) to hold still so we can pet her. She wants to try to dominate my older dogs, and yet tries to keep them away from me when we are all out together. I don't know if I'm getting signals mixed up or what, but I don't know what to do with her. She's very intelligent, but not affectionate unless it's on her terms (by which I mean jumping and being hyper.) Is this normal for a Bazi puppy? Does anyone know?

I do not think the case is the puppy does not like you, but is sure of herself and independent. I would get her out and about and socialize her if you feel that she is too reserved with people. A German Shepherd should be somewhat reserved, be approachable, and not act like a Golden Retriever. It sounds like she is getting her way, (Taking advantage of you,) which in my opinion, I would not allow. She is trying to challenge the older dogs. If there is another female in the group, as she gets older, that could lead to a fight, so, I would watch that. Regarding the affection, every dog is different. My older German Shepherd loves me, but is not glued to my side. This is just my opinion. Others out there, what do you think? Dawn Bonome

Puppies that seem very aloof from a young age, and choose when to be petted and deliberately withholds attention at other times; can be dogs destined to control everything. Certainly a dominance tendency, that if not dealt with early on, will manifest itself in ways that many inexperience people will find difficult to live with, as adult dogs. Controling dogs deliberately control their actions until they are able to make a move to climb the pecking order for success. Rarely showing submission, so they remain stand-offish until the time is right. Situations like this can rarely be dealt with properly over the internet because the dog needs individually evaluated, so it is determined that it truly is a control issue and not any other underlying social issues. A goal in whatever the situation is, requires a proactive approach to balance out the dog and have her needing you, more than you 'needing' her.

Yes, I'm trying to make the balance to where she needs me and not the reverse. I have 3 adult GSD's (5 and 6 year-old range) that I have raised and trained myself. They are all obedience trained and have worked at the schutzhund club a few dozen times. My male is the son of a US Universal Sieger, he is very independent and always has been, but he knows who is leader is. So, I have an idea of how a GSD puppy is supposed to be. This puppy gives me mixed signals. She is independent and doesn't care for affection, BUT when I leave her in the backyard for a few minutes (loose in the backyard, not in her kennel) she is tearing up the screen on the backdoor to get inside with me. But when I do let her inside to where I am, she breezes past me so fast that I barely have a chance to see her, much less pet her. She will sitz and watch on command (I sensed I needed to work on those early) if I have a treat or a toy to hold her attention. She knows "hier" but is choosing to ignore it in the last few days. She LOVES to play but will bring her toy back near me, but not TO me. The other dogs...they are so patient with her. But she gets in their faces and licks and licks them until they growl lightly and warn her. If there is a toy, she WILL try to take it from them. So, I'm always careful to put the adult dogs' toys up before the little one comes in. She wants to play with them, but then in an instant it switches when they come near me. She circles me to keep them away. I'm not a new owner, but this puppy puzzles me. I don't understand...is this maybe just a case of insecurity and slow maturing?

Sounds like she has a natural attachment to other dogs. Of course, you feed her so you are part of the ratio, but not the important part in her eyes... unless she chooses. Circling you to keep the older dogs away???? A puppy that is submissive and licks the older dogs, may be testing the waters at circling you or it may be another signal that you are mistaking. There are some definite mixed messages some where. Good luck.

Sounds like a puppy to me. Licking the older dogs is showing them she knows her place and is being submissive to them. Perhaps licking "asking for the toy". It is communication between dogs. Sounds like she will be an aloof dog when she grows up. SO if you want to be the *center* then start lots of play and work with her. Play with two balls for now and just work on an *out*. Keep it fast and fun. Always *STOP* play before she is ready to quit... Take your toys and put them up... In the house you should also be aloof to her until she initiates play with you. The underlings always initiate the play with the alpha. Start to take over your Alpha position.... Start grooming her.. with your hands clean her eyes, ears and mouth.. make her stand still while you do this.. Use a warm wash cloth if needed (an alpha move). If she has alpha tendancies she will try to make you pet her on her terms by shoving her head under your hand... (alphas will demand others in the pack to groom them upon demand.. and will insist on others in the pack to be still when they want to groom them). Grooming plays a big part in finding out who the alpha in the pack really is... LOL Grooming is not the submissive licking in the mouth of one dog to another- grooming includes eyes and ears. With humans it can be the distinct cleaning of our hands or faces. And if we try to move they will try to keep us in our place. Just a little tid bit to add to what the others have already said... lots of good advice on here. Take what you like and leave the rest..