New puppy - please help

[Shens]

Hello, I have a 12 week old German Shepherd male dog. He isn't too bad most of the time but sometimes he will bark and bark for no reason - I take him out for a walk and he will drag behind me, refusing to move any further unless I pull him forward and he will never do any of his business outside unless it is in the back garden. I thought dogs were supposed to pull us instead of us pulling them. I'm not sure what to do about it and my local vet was of little help.

Also, I know he is only playing but when he gets a little excited he starts biting a lot, it's only play biting but he has cut and scratched me many times.

He has a good appetite and is very friendly towards new people who he meets in the street, although he seems paniced when confronted with another dog his size or larger.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[musky hunter]

is he taking any puppy classes, you should try bringing him.

 

[showpug]

First of all, I think you are expecting too much too soon from a 12 week old puppy. That is a very young pup and still a baby!

I would highly recommend you enroll in a puppy class so you can learn the basics. Plus, German Sheperd's need a TON of early socialization with people and other dogs. Puppy class is a perfect way to accomplish some of this.

Leash training takes a lot of time. When your puppy moves forward on the lead be sure to reward and praise him. Treats are a bonus and an aid for making leash training positive. When he walks with you = treat.

I wish I had more time to write, but I don't. You may want to post in the training forum for some good advice.

Good luck and congrats on the new family member

 

[tempura tantrum]

Hey there:

You've very much got a baby on your hands right now. Don't expect perfection from the little guy just yet. He's looking at YOU to be his teacher and his guide.

As far as the reccomendations for puppy kindergarten go- DEFINITELY go for it. A good deal of socialization with other dogs will help get rid of the panic and nerves he's exhibiting around larger dogs. When you meet other dogs do you find yourself getting nervous at all? Do you tighten the lead in your hands? Are you preparing yourself for the fact that you know your puppy is going to freak out? If you are doing those things you'll need to make an effort to stop. Keep calm, DON'T reel him in on the leash, and remain as indifferent and motionless as possible. Your leash is a conduit of emotion right from you to the dog- he can TELL that you're getting nervous, and so he thinks he's got something to worry about. It's sort of a vicious cycle- you're worried he's going to get scared, and he's getting scared because he knows you're worried.

As far as walking him on lead- I understand what you're going through. My Shiba girl HATED the feeling of a leash and collar, and would resist moving with me as much as possible. I felt like I was taking Kimi "on a drag." The trick is to make coming with you FUN.

Try this: Keeping him on lead, turn and face him, and then jog/run *backwards* while getting really animated and excited. Be silly. Make funny high-pitched noises. Act in such a way that you would embarrass yourself in public. His curiousity should be piqued, and he'll start to run toward you. Don't stop running- keep running backward- and he'll keep running with you.

When you do stop- and he stays right with you- praise lavishly.

This stuff takes time- so the trick is to do it *consistently.* He'll get the picture pretty soon.

The nipping stuff is typical puppy behavior. Puppies nip their littermates during play- but when things get too rough the littermate will let his buddy know it's gone to far by yelping and ending the game.

When he gets you yelp "ouch!" in a high-pitched voice, and then turn around and end the game. Quit playing completely, don't give him attention. He'll start to realize that his teeth on your body = end of fun.

Good luck and hang tough- you're going to have a great dog with a little bit of effort and a lot of patience!

 

[moxiegrl]

Nicely put Tempura...Ditto!

 

[lpollockandrsn]

Good advice Tempura. I second it...

 

[bubbatd]

3rd it !

 

[Whisper]

4th it!!!