Land shark turned gentleman

[wolfy dog]

This is for everyone pulling their hair out while dealing with a land shark stage pup.
WD was a handful when young; mouthy, rowdy with other dogs. There have been times when I .............(fill in the blanks).
Now he is over 10 months old and plays appropriate with any size dog. He has a one year old intact male Lab friend that he absolutely rough houses with. They both enjoy it. Then he meets a shy 4 month old dachshund mix and approaches it very carefully as if it can break anytime and eventually decides to leave it alone. He looked surprised at two fighting Corgis and came back to me as soon as I called him by only his name.
He gently played with a female Collie. All in all he adjusts his energy level to the dog/pup he is in contact with. (knock on wood) he has never shown any sign of aggression to any dog or person.
If someone had told me 6 months ago he would grow up to be like this, I would have never believed it.
But.....
1. it took many visits to an awesome dog park where the bitches taught him. This is how he used to "socialize": see another dog, run up to her/him, jump on top or shouldering that dog, get told in unmistakable dog language, "No, you don't ever do that again to me!!!" and be ignored.
2. Continuing dog classes
3. Consistent training and exercise.
Just wanted to let you know there is hope for your land shark. Work them through it but enjoy them as well.

[LaneyB]

Thank you, this post gives me hope. My pup is going to a farm this weekend to see some animals and interact with some therapy dogs. He will start his next dog class in January - either basic obedience with little tracking at the end of class, or a CGC class. I am seeing signs of a good dog hidden in him, but we still have a long way to go.

[RowdyDogs]

I love you GSD people...I have a couple of fresh (minor) wounds from playing with my ACDs, the youngest of whom is 8... My Hector was mouthy when I got him but he grew out of it. My other dogs? They're known to be landsharks until the day they die (I mean, the whole breed is known for it). LOL

In fact, my most obnoxious ACD is the one who was taught not to use his teeth before I got him...he just licks me endlessly. At least the ones who gently chew tire out their jaws eventually.