GSD basic instincs! - Page 1

At what age is it normal to start seeing thd typical GSD instincs coming out? My dog is 5months old and recently has started to show great pray drive. Also, when my 7year old step daughter runs Lola will run infront of her and try and slow her down. Is this her trying to protecting her ? Thanxs for any comments

I dont know any thing about hearding.  But could this be a hearding behavior?

I would say it would be the herding instinct if she ever nips at her or tug at her, or she tries to funnel her toward a specific area. Your dog will know when there is an actual threat to your step daughter, and believe me you will know the difference! You will probably notice her staying between the child and any stranger or dog at her age now.

GSD's love to be around their family, and she will be always be in your business! Yard work is almost impossible with our GSD, but as annoying as it is you will miss it when she is gone.

You better stay on top of that prey drive! Harness that drive into something positive like a job of some sorts.

That depends on if your dog is from a strong working line/herding line.
The instincts are always there, from birth on. You can see them in 6 weeks old puppies. Just that 6 weeks old puppies can't act them out as much, because they have still difficulties coordinating their bodies.

Everything you all say makes sense, herding is what i ment when i said protecing , i never realised thts what shes doing when she tugs my legs while running past me tho.. Unfortunatly, i dont know her background / lines - she supposed 2 be not full GSD but no one can see any other dog in her.

Keep the young dog and kids supervised when together. The herding instinct with the kids I have seen many times.  I caution you to be careful as the pup and child age together, that the child remains "above" the dog, do not tolerate any dominating behaviors towards the child. Eventually the child will outpace the dog in size and development, but sometimes they will appear on the level. Help your child establish control as they progress together.

Sounds like it might be herding, like the others said.  One of my female gsds walks just ahead of me and often circles around me as I walk.  My male gsd (from Kirschental lines) walks further ahead of me but keeps me in his sights at all times.  My youngest gsd (9 month old female) behaves the same way as my older female, staying close and circling me.