my puppy won't let anybody take the leash unless it's a member of the family

[crisp]

Originally Posted by Helios

It's not that I like the idea of someone he doesn't know walking him and even more in my country..:/
I just wanted to know whether or not it was a bad behavior

But thanks for the tip

Being walked by someone doesn't seem like a big deal, but the dog has to be comfortable enough to do it. It prepares him for later in life for when you have to leave him at the vets, leave him with a friend when you're out of town, or your house is on fire and someone is trying to walk your dog out, etc.

[Helios]

never thot that..you are right, it's true.. it's just that the insecurity in my country is a big mess...

But now that you mention those things..

It changes everything

[Helios]

Thanks BTW!

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by Helios

Thanks . I haven't encouraged it. If someone else takes the leash the only way to make him walk with that person is me going right in front of him.

I don't think it is normal behavior for a puppy to really resist going off on lead with someone else. Maybe an adult GSD might be a little suspicious but a puppy of any breed should be friendly with any non threatening stranger.

Sounds to me like the beginning of seperarion anxiety and something that you can work on with the help of a few other people.

In puppy class the instructor would actually encourage us to exchange dogs and walk around for a while - really seemed to help.

Now as a result I can let most anyone take Baron (our 2 1/2 yo male GSD). He will look at me but will go along willingly and even work well in obedience with the instructor or other folks in the class. I would be dismayed if he acted like a few of the other dogs in the class - barking and lunging to get back to their owners.

[Caledon]

Originally Posted by codmaster

I don't think it is normal behavior for a puppy to really resist going off on lead with someone else. Maybe an adult GSD might be a little suspicious but a puppy of any breed should be friendly with any non threatening stranger.

Sounds to me like the beginning of seperarion anxiety and something that you can work on with the help of a few other people.

In puppy class the instructor would actually encourage us to exchange dogs and walk around for a while - really seemed to help.

Now as a result I can let most anyone take Baron (our 2 1/2 yo male GSD). He will look at me but will go along willingly and even work well in obedience with the instructor or other folks in the class. I would be dismayed if he acted like a few of the other dogs in the class - barking and lunging to get back to their owners.

I was thinking too that is was seperation anxiety.

Your puppy class sounds like it was a good one. We did that exercise in an informal group with dogs that were about 1 year old. All behaved nicely and were respectful of the new handlers.

[Helios]

Never thot of separation anxiety, I've read about it before but it never came to my mind.

If it were that, what other behavior would i see?

[Helios]

I just noticed i made this thread in the wrong section.. i meant to make it in General Behavior.
Sorry

[Helios]

1. Your dog gets really worked up and anxious when you are preparing to leave the house. Things like picking up your car keys or putting on your coat can trigger the behavior.
He doesn't behave like that.

2.Your dog engages in inappropriate behavior only when you are separated. behavior such as urinating inside, excessive barking and destructive behavior are common symptoms of Separation Anxiety in dogs.

Neither this.

3.Your dog follows you everywhere you go and immediately becomes distressed if he can’t be near you.

I have to say that this one happens, he usually follows me everywhere when im in home, unless hes tired from walking.
Tho, i usually leave him at the garage for like 15minuts with my other dog. And behaves just fine.
When i go to college my mom says that it feels like helios is not inside the house because he just goes to sleep.

4.When you arrive home your dog is over the top with his greeting and takes a while to calm down.
I've taught him that he sits when i get home i'll greet him..
So I'd say no.

What other Symptoms can be found??

[Elaine]

This does not sound even remotely like separation anxiety. This is so normal for any puppy that has bonded with their person and for any adult dog that hasn't been handed off a lot to other people.

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by Elaine

This does not sound even remotely like separation anxiety. This is so normal for any puppy that has bonded with their person and for any adult dog that hasn't been handed off a lot to other people.

That reaction sounds pretty extreme and not really normal and my thought is it may get worse as the puppy gets older. I don't know about anybody else, but I would want my dog to be able to go off on a leash with anybody who I hand him to. We have worked on it since Baron was just a baby.