German Shepherd Dog Forums - View Single Post - What constitutes "Unstable temperament" in a dog, and can it be changed?

jessac · 03-06-2013, 02:25 PM

I don't have much advice, but I will tell you that "ipe" with our puppy just made him go even more nuts. The best thing for him was to remain calm (I know, easier said than done when he's biting!) and walk away into a different room and ignore them until he quiets down. We did that until he learned to open the door after us. Luckily, with time, his bite improved and got softer, but ignoring worked more than "ipe" with us.

I would be a little concerned too about the unpredictable greetings. Hopefully someone else will chime in with helpful tips for that.

Did you get your other dogs as puppies?

I don't know that temperament can be changed really, but I think you can build up the dog to manage itself better. Our puppy was pretty shy when we first got him and lacked confidence. We have been overcoming "challenges" and rewarding with treats and praise for "bravery" and now, at 6 months, I don't think many people would say he has confidence issues at all. Our trainer was actually surprised that he ever was. Your pup is so young, I think with socialization and training you can definitely correct any issues from her nerves, but core temperament - probably not. JMO

03-06-2013, 02:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
jessac Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 265	I don't have much advice, but I will tell you that "ipe" with our puppy just made him go even more nuts. The best thing for him was to remain calm (I know, easier said than done when he's biting!) and walk away into a different room and ignore them until he quiets down. We did that until he learned to open the door after us. Luckily, with time, his bite improved and got softer, but ignoring worked more than "ipe" with us. I would be a little concerned too about the unpredictable greetings. Hopefully someone else will chime in with helpful tips for that. Did you get your other dogs as puppies? I don't know that temperament can be changed really, but I think you can build up the dog to manage itself better. Our puppy was pretty shy when we first got him and lacked confidence. We have been overcoming "challenges" and rewarding with treats and praise for "bravery" and now, at 6 months, I don't think many people would say he has confidence issues at all. Our trainer was actually surprised that he ever was. Your pup is so young, I think with socialization and training you can definitely correct any issues from her nerves, but core temperament - probably not. JMO Last edited by jessac; 03-06-2013 at 02:28 PM.