Six months and growling at passerby's

[Justaguy]

Well I was at the bus stop with Jack my GSD waiting for the kids to get dropped when I saw his ears and body get stiff. Two blocks away someone was walking towards us and he started to growl. Once the guy got to about 30ft he was barking and trying to lunge at him. Is that a sign that my pup needs better socialization with people or is that just typical GSD behavior? I take him to the pet stores and for walks so its not like he doesn't see people. Any ideas on how to stop that?

Thanks

[MaggieRoseLee]

Hes at the age our pups are maturing and start up with different peculiar behaviors without the real life experience to know what they are doing.

This is why many of us start up with the group dog classes when our dogs are 6 m old. So much easier for everyone to get the guidance a skills on how to work with our pup at the same time they need it the most and in the group environment to have the built in safe socialization opportunity.

If its just happened the once, its not a big deal, just proves our puppies are changing and growing. That said, its not acceptable and I know I would have just turned my pup away from whatever was setting them off and work on my attention/focus and eye contact training. I use the zip lock baggie of treats I never leave the house without when I have a puppy, plus the clicker. I don't correct and punish my puppy for the inappropriate and confused growling but instead start up a fun and fast w/tons of treats focus on ME training you beautiful pup!

:-)

[doggiedad]

trainer, training and socializing.

[Jag]

I agree with a training class. I'd also up the socialization. Your pup should not only be paying attention to you, but reading your body language before posturing in this way. Making it clear what is normal and what isn't should help the pup's changing brain to process a threat from a non-threat. Re-directing is good... if the pup were to continue this, I'd give an "ah-ah" which is my verbal 'correction'.

[Justaguy]

I'm doing training now with a personal trainer at the house. Problem is I work most of the time and my wife don't drive which is why we're not doing the group puppy classes. He responds very well with the basic obedience training when he's on the leash. Yesterday was a surprise but my fault I guess. Should of had treats with me to get his mind off the guy like the poster posted. Definitely needs more socializing so I'm going to have to figure something out.

[Rodimus80]

My GSD is 6 months and is doing that. If we are walking I don't stop or look at the person who is close to us. If I actually want to correct him I will stop, have him sit and be quiet. If he growls I give him a growl back with some good eye contact. He doesn't lunge, just growls which I assume is because he is still young. And it doesn't help when the person who is walking toward us just keeps making eye contact with my GSD.

[onyx'girl]

Rodimus80, before this happens redirect your pups attention right back to you with a high value toy or treats. Be proactive. Don't let him focus on people to the point of growling/ reacting. When he looks at you mark it and reward him. I'd keep up the same pace, not break the rhythm.

[Lauri & The Gang]

Originally Posted by Justaguy

Once the guy got to about 30ft he was barking and trying to lunge at him.

Has he ever done this to other strangers?

[Rodimus80]

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

Rodimus80, before this happens redirect your pups attention right back to you with a high value toy or treats. Be proactive. Don't let him focus on people to the point of growling/ reacting. When he looks at you mark it and reward him. I'd keep up the same pace, not break the rhythm.

I'll give your suggestion a shot today!