Greetings everyone,
I currently have a 6 month old male German Shepherd Dog (about 65 pounds in weight). There are a lot of things that are really great about him and of course I like him a lot. But I have some issues that I have no clue how to correct.
I just found these forums so will be browsing the resources but I thought I would post a thread so people could give ideas or point me in the right direction.
He gets really excited whenever he sees other people or dogs. Whenever he sees a dog or person his ears perk up and he kind of leans forward (without pulling yet) towards them. When they get closer he starts pulling. He is very intent on wanting to go see them. When I don't let him he starts whining a lot. This eventually developes into kind of a bark/whine.
I can make him sit and stay. He will do this as long as they are farther away but he won't once they get close.
It is even worse when it is someone he knows. Then he REALLY wants to go say hi. I just went out with my Dad (who has fallen on hard times so is living with me now). We tried to go on a walk together with my dog but it wasn't working out. Walking next to him he kept trying to jump on my dad.
So we had my dad walk a bit ahead and then stop. I was trying to walk forward and as soon as my dog (Thales) started pulling I'd say his name and walk the other way. I was trying to associate that as soon as he pulled we were going in a different direction. After about 1 hour of this I gave up (I know, probably too long but I kept thinking he was close to catching on. Apparently this wasn't a good technique?). I ended up jogging home while my dad walked hom.
Thus far, he isn't aggressive at all (he barely even barks, and that is mostly only when he gets starled. I have yet to hear him growl). If he does get to say hi to another dog or person he just wants to play but ends up jumping all over people. As he is getting to be big I can't let this happen.
I socialized him a decent amount when he was a puppy but as he is growing bigger I haven't been able to as much because of this problem. I am afraid that I won't be able to at all if he continues as he could hurt someone jumping on them trying to say hello.
The thing is, when I am walking in the park and there is no one around he almost doens't pull at all. He stays by my side and sniffs a bit but doesn't lag or pull barely at all.
I've taught him basic commands such as Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Watch Me, Heel (sort of gets it), Stop, Gentle (for eating treats), and Leave It. He is really good at following all of these when no distractions are around, but as soon as another dog or person comes into the picture it is like I haven't done any training at all.
Sorry for the disjointed post, but I was just trying to provide any information that came to my mind. I appreciate any help.
Respectfully,
Charles
I currently have a 6 month old male German Shepherd Dog (about 65 pounds in weight). There are a lot of things that are really great about him and of course I like him a lot. But I have some issues that I have no clue how to correct.
I just found these forums so will be browsing the resources but I thought I would post a thread so people could give ideas or point me in the right direction.
He gets really excited whenever he sees other people or dogs. Whenever he sees a dog or person his ears perk up and he kind of leans forward (without pulling yet) towards them. When they get closer he starts pulling. He is very intent on wanting to go see them. When I don't let him he starts whining a lot. This eventually developes into kind of a bark/whine.
I can make him sit and stay. He will do this as long as they are farther away but he won't once they get close.
It is even worse when it is someone he knows. Then he REALLY wants to go say hi. I just went out with my Dad (who has fallen on hard times so is living with me now). We tried to go on a walk together with my dog but it wasn't working out. Walking next to him he kept trying to jump on my dad.
So we had my dad walk a bit ahead and then stop. I was trying to walk forward and as soon as my dog (Thales) started pulling I'd say his name and walk the other way. I was trying to associate that as soon as he pulled we were going in a different direction. After about 1 hour of this I gave up (I know, probably too long but I kept thinking he was close to catching on. Apparently this wasn't a good technique?). I ended up jogging home while my dad walked hom.
Thus far, he isn't aggressive at all (he barely even barks, and that is mostly only when he gets starled. I have yet to hear him growl). If he does get to say hi to another dog or person he just wants to play but ends up jumping all over people. As he is getting to be big I can't let this happen.
I socialized him a decent amount when he was a puppy but as he is growing bigger I haven't been able to as much because of this problem. I am afraid that I won't be able to at all if he continues as he could hurt someone jumping on them trying to say hello.
The thing is, when I am walking in the park and there is no one around he almost doens't pull at all. He stays by my side and sniffs a bit but doesn't lag or pull barely at all.
I've taught him basic commands such as Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Watch Me, Heel (sort of gets it), Stop, Gentle (for eating treats), and Leave It. He is really good at following all of these when no distractions are around, but as soon as another dog or person comes into the picture it is like I haven't done any training at all.
Sorry for the disjointed post, but I was just trying to provide any information that came to my mind. I appreciate any help.
Respectfully,
Charles