Friendly or Scared???? - Page 1

Hi, I have 2 GSD sisters both of course have diffrent temperments. Both have wonderful and very high prey dirve and will be used for SCH and IPO. I satrted them on the tug and they love it. One of the girls her name is Bicha is very good at all of the training but she seemes to be shy around people she is not scared but she ignores them and if they come to close she seemes to say "I don't want anything to do with you." She is vey afectionate and is not gun shy. What could be the problem? Her mother ignores everyone around and only listens to me Which I might add I really like. Cold she be like her mother or could she be shy? Her sister on the other hand loves everyone and is not afraid or shy of anyone. She is very mouthy and I have had to correct her many times for getting to rough with people. What would you guys say about the first pup?? Thanks. Jess

Hi Jess you don't say their age but I will assume they are under two years in which this is a developemental stage and they are learning alot of what goes on around them.I would get them out around people as much as possible so that shyness will not become an issue,as this would not be a good temperament trait in the breed.Even have strangers offer treats occasionally.

Hi sorry to not mention the age they are 6 months old. one thing though I never let strangers feed my dogs. I don't want to incorage that but petting them is ok. They are around a lot of peopel and go with me to school 2 to 3 times a week. I am in vet school and So I can bring them with me. So what else can I do or should I not worry about it as much or could it be a fase Bicha is going through. A GSD is not supposed to be friendly right they are supposed to be aleart and maybe Aloof? readdy to protect the owner? Right?

Yes that is true we all hope for a naturally protective GSD and they should not be overly friendly to strangers.If my dog was showing fear I would probably use treats in that case but like you said,puppies will go through phases and I think the most important thing during that time is to avoid any negative experience that could mold her behavior later in life.For example if someone was to scare her with loud unexpected noise at her age.It seems a good sign that she is suspicious of strangers at her age and not overfriendly.Does she alert bark at home yet?I would want a dog to be protective of my property as well.

Hi, Yes she does bark at home and if I walk her a night and someone is walking in a funny way she ninny barks which is really nice I like it that she is protective and I hope she just gets a little more secure of herself.

Give her time to mature,I'm sure she will and the Schutzhund training will help her confidence tremendously.