Jumping on my child and barking at approaching strangers

[keiko]

There are only two things my 7 mo old GSD puppy can do without.

One, jumping on my child. She gets excited, not out of aggression, but scratches my child on the arm or face. Help!

Two, barking at approaching strangers. I know it's natural and she needs her space or maybe trying to protect me but how can I then make her stop to let her know it's ok?

[Germanshepherdlova]

How do you correct her when she jumps on your child?

[keiko]

Originally Posted by Germanshepherdlova

How do you correct her when she jumps on your child?

i say NO and SIT and DOWN but lately i've been trying to give her treats to distract her with the SIT/DOWN commands but she still gets excited and of course my child tries to avoid her (for good reason) but that makes it worse.

[Wild Wolf]

I recommend some exercises that will encourage proper behaviour when greeting your pup. Have her sit calmly for attention, and reward when she is preforming the desirable behaviour. For jumping, I like Stanley Coren's method - cross your arms and turn away, ignoring the pup until the desirable behaviour occurs.

[elisabeth_00117]

Originally Posted by Wild Wolf

I recommend some exercises that will encourage proper behaviour when greeting your pup. Have her sit calmly for attention, and reward when she is preforming the desirable behaviour. For jumping, I like Stanley Coren's method - cross your arms and turn away, ignoring the pup
until the desirable behaviour occurs.

Agreed.

Oh and in this case - do as I say, and not as I do.... Zefra is an angel... and NEVER jumps.

[Wild Wolf]

Originally Posted by elisabeth_00117

Agreed.

Oh and in this case - do as I say, and not as I do.... Zefra is an angel... and NEVER jumps.

Zefra is also a working dog that needs to maintain her excitement not learn to be calm in everything she does. She's a pup who loves people - plus you don't have kids... thus, all is forgiven. :P

[billsharp]

Sounds like dominance to me. Child age 4 or 14? Train child how to be master of dog, issue commands, use leash, etc. With dog under your complete control and supervision work child into the routine, so dog accepts that child is above it in heirarchy.

Now that you know the dog barks at strangers, anticipate it and issue a correction and "leave it" command when they approach (to get dog's attention on you). Correct barking while stranger is there. Praise and treat for quiet stretches in the presence of strangers, and for calmly approaching and showing curiosity in strangers.

[chelle]

Curious to know how old the child is?

[Niya]

Originally Posted by keiko

There are only two things my 7 mo old GSD puppy can do without.

One, jumping on my child. She gets excited, not out of aggression, but scratches my child on the arm or face. Help!

Two, barking at approaching strangers. I know it's natural and she needs her space or maybe trying to protect me but how can I then make her stop to let her know it's ok?

I have the same problem with the barking issue but she stops once she starts sniffing them knowing that it is okay. She will still keep her guard up though like one time my friend came over and when he was about to go to the bathroom he stood up and Niya woke up and started barking without hesitation but I do think its a part of her fear behavior issue. Try correcting her by pulling her leash quickly or jerking I should say and say "ttssch" keep doing it till she stops and looks at you and then praise her. Don't forget to always be calm when doing it!

[catz]

Are you in any classes with your pup? How have you been socialising?
Barking at strangers usually comes from fear and nerves rather then protection. I would start working on bringing your pups focus on you during your walk.
Start teaching your pup the "Watch Me" command at home. Say your pups name and then "Watch Me" and treat him when he looks you in the eyes. Repeat this until he gets it and then slowly build up distractions. You could bring a toy with you on walks and pull it out when strangers appear. Make yourself fun and interesting so he focuses on you instead of barking.
You can try practice this at the park with distance between you and the strangers so your pup can see them (lots of treats and praise when he reacts calmly) but they are not in his personal space. Then move closer as your pups confidance increases!

As for jumping on your child, I would keep a leash on your pup while they are together so you can grab it and redirect before he trys jumping. Catching him and telling him no AfTER he jumps will make this process a long one so leash up and watch your puppy at all times while they interact.