4 month old puppy FEAR BEHAVIOR AND PULLING?

Niya · 11-11-2011, 03:28 PM

My 4 month old GSD has a fear behavior and is now starting to pull. When I talk to a certified dog behaviorist, she said not to let people touch her or come to her because that will make it worse. So what should I do so she can overcome her fear and stop pulling? I AM REALLY WORRIED about this. Should I start taking her to a park and let her observe people? What should I do?

dazedtrucker · 11-11-2011, 03:30 PM

What is the behavior? Is she just really scared, or aggressive? or....

Niya · 11-11-2011, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dazedtrucker

What is the behavior? Is she just really scared, or aggressive? or....

She's scared of people and barks when they are near her. I talked to the behaviorist on the phone she said around that age is when they develop fear. I dont know what to do anymore...

dazedtrucker · 11-11-2011, 03:58 PM

I'm sure others will chime in who know more than I do...I don't think that is too unusual in a GSD pup, that is why early socialization is the best way to go. (I'm still having problems with my 8 month old barking at "mainly" other dogs) He is just very "vocal", to relieve anxiety. If I were in your position, I would take her somewhere where there are people around, but you don't have to get really close...maybe a large park or the like. Just hang out with her and do fun stuff, try to get her attention off of what is bothering her, to get her used to people being around, and so she realizes they are not a threat. And don't rush it, this will take time to fix. Also, maybe recruit some friends to step in and give her treats when she is ready...relaxed and not barking or acting fearful. I agree you shouldn't "force" people on her, but "ease" her in.
My 8 month old is fine once he is relaxed, it seems to be just anxiety in new situations that leads to the barking behavior. The trick is to get their attention off of the "trigger". Check out teaching the LAT (look at that) game

Anthony8858 · 11-14-2011, 10:08 AM

Well.... This is my department at the moment.

I have a 4 mth GS, and she was afraid of everything. This happened after a bad experience with a larger, older dog.

All of my experience and recommendations, have me socializing her as much as possible. I certainly wouldn't suggest that you shelter your dog.
When I see people wanting to walk over to greet her, I give them a treat, and tell to put in the palm of their hand, and say hello. I don't have a problem having a friendly GSD.

I'll sit in a busy area of a playground, and just hang out with her. I go to the kiddie park, grab a bench, and let all the kids run past her for an hour as much as I can. She's been hit with kick balls, hoola hoops, and has had a 100 kids walk over to pet her. I make her lay on the floor while all this action goes on.
That reduces her anxiety, when she see people.

The pulling is another department, and requires some exercise on your part to train her not to pull.
There are techniques that need to be followed with patience and diligence. Pulling is a tough one, and can be corrected.

Stay tuned,.... I have a feeling, someone will chime in on the pulling part, very shortly.

Jax08 · 11-14-2011, 10:18 AM

While I agree that you shouldn't force ppl on to her, if she isn't around them then how will you teach her that people are not to be feared? Personally, I would find her "thresh hold" distance. What distance away from them can she be without reacting? Teach her the Look At That game. Once she knows that, find a safe distance away and work on looking at people while gradually moving closer. Take her around people she knows and have them treat her (heavily). People = yummy things!

**MaggieRoseLee** · 11-14-2011, 08:00 PM

Any trainer/behaviorist can't diagnose a problem over the phone.

Set up a meeting with someone so they can see. And then you can also get some real and accurate hints and suggestions on how to proceed.

What does the breeder recommend, and are other pups in the litter having the same behavior?

11-11-2011, 03:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
Niya Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 40	4 month old puppy FEAR BEHAVIOR AND PULLING? My 4 month old GSD has a fear behavior and is now starting to pull. When I talk to a certified dog behaviorist, she said not to let people touch her or come to her because that will make it worse. So what should I do so she can overcome her fear and stop pulling? I AM REALLY WORRIED about this. Should I start taking her to a park and let her observe people? What should I do?

11-11-2011, 03:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
dazedtrucker Master Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 587	What is the behavior? Is she just really scared, or aggressive? or.... __________________ I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. - Edward Everett Hale

11-11-2011, 03:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
dazedtrucker Master Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 587	I'm sure others will chime in who know more than I do...I don't think that is too unusual in a GSD pup, that is why early socialization is the best way to go. (I'm still having problems with my 8 month old barking at "mainly" other dogs) He is just very "vocal", to relieve anxiety. If I were in your position, I would take her somewhere where there are people around, but you don't have to get really close...maybe a large park or the like. Just hang out with her and do fun stuff, try to get her attention off of what is bothering her, to get her used to people being around, and so she realizes they are not a threat. And don't rush it, this will take time to fix. Also, maybe recruit some friends to step in and give her treats when she is ready...relaxed and not barking or acting fearful. I agree you shouldn't "force" people on her, but "ease" her in. My 8 month old is fine once he is relaxed, it seems to be just anxiety in new situations that leads to the barking behavior. The trick is to get their attention off of the "trigger". Check out teaching the LAT (look at that) game __________________ I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. - Edward Everett Hale

11-14-2011, 10:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
Anthony8858 Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,314	Well.... This is my department at the moment. I have a 4 mth GS, and she was afraid of everything. This happened after a bad experience with a larger, older dog. All of my experience and recommendations, have me socializing her as much as possible. I certainly wouldn't suggest that you shelter your dog. When I see people wanting to walk over to greet her, I give them a treat, and tell to put in the palm of their hand, and say hello. I don't have a problem having a friendly GSD. I'll sit in a busy area of a playground, and just hang out with her. I go to the kiddie park, grab a bench, and let all the kids run past her for an hour as much as I can. She's been hit with kick balls, hoola hoops, and has had a 100 kids walk over to pet her. I make her lay on the floor while all this action goes on. That reduces her anxiety, when she see people. The pulling is another department, and requires some exercise on your part to train her not to pull. There are techniques that need to be followed with patience and diligence. Pulling is a tough one, and can be corrected. Stay tuned,.... I have a feeling, someone will chime in on the pulling part, very shortly. Last edited by Anthony8858; 11-14-2011 at 10:11 AM.

11-14-2011, 08:00 PM	#7 (permalink)
MaggieRoseLee The Agility Rocks! Moderator Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Bushkill, PA (The Poconos!) Posts: 22,215	Any trainer/behaviorist can't diagnose a problem over the phone. Set up a meeting with someone so they can see. And then you can also get some real and accurate hints and suggestions on how to proceed. What does the breeder recommend, and are other pups in the litter having the same behavior? __________________ MACH2 Bretta Lee Wildhaus CGC TC TQX Glory B Wildhaus NA, NJ, NF + LOL (still) "*Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much." - Oscar Wilde*

11-14-2011, 10:18 AM	#6 (permalink)
Jax08 Crowned Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NNE PA Posts: 14,337	While I agree that you shouldn't force ppl on to her, if she isn't around them then how will you teach her that people are not to be feared? Personally, I would find her "thresh hold" distance. What distance away from them can she be without reacting? Teach her the Look At That game. Once she knows that, find a safe distance away and work on looking at people while gradually moving closer. Take her around people she knows and have them treat her (heavily). People = yummy things!

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