5 months old male GSD Skeptic

Stian · 12-31-2012, 08:32 AM

Hello, i was wondering about my little friend, when i picked him up at the breeder he seemed very confident and not afraid of humans, incl, me and my girlfriend, but after a few days he began to show signs of uncertainty among humans and bigger dogs ( of course)

he is not pointing his tail between his legs or anything, just very shy, wolf behaviour at some points.

He is a calm and relaxed boy who is sleeping among strangers and eating his food,

Is this just typical for a dog in his age? the breed is good and he have good parents

Freestep · 12-31-2012, 11:34 AM

How old is your puppy? Around ten weeks of age, some pups will go through what is termed a "fear period". This simply means that they suddenly start to notice things that could be dangerous; other animals, strange people, loud noises, etc. It's part of their survival instinct; a little ten week old puppy would be very vulnerable to predators and dangerous situations in the wild, so nature gives them the sense to fear these things and stay away.

However, most well-bred, well-socialized puppies grow out of this phase as they learn that these things won't hurt them. It is your duty to take the puppy with you as much as possible to get him used to new sights, sounds, people, places, and animals. Make sure his experiences are positive and fun, and don't push him too hard. Let him approach and investigate scary things on his own and give him lots of praise and encouragement.

Do you have pictures of your puppy? We like pictures!

Edited to add: I just now saw the title of your post, that the puppy is 5 months old. How long have you had him? Has he always been skeptical?

Bear GSD · 12-31-2012, 11:41 AM

I agree with Freestep, you need to start slowly socializing him. Since your boy is 5 months old already he hasn't had the exposure to things that we normally would have exposed to a younger (8-12) week old pup.
You also mentioned in your other thread that he was living outside with his brothers and sisters? I think that you have not had him very long and he needs time to adjust to living inside and to being exposed to different things.
It takes time, but you will get there with him, just take it slow and don't rush into things with him. Good Luck!

Stian · 01-02-2013, 02:47 AM

Thanks for reply, he where not skeptic when i picked him up at breeder. we socialize a little bit every day , he is starting to get better already

i was very afraid that i got a nervous dog but off course he is just a big puppy and its new for him to allow to go inside

Stian · 01-02-2013, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freestep

How old is your puppy? Around ten weeks of age, some pups will go through what is termed a "fear period". This simply means that they suddenly start to notice things that could be dangerous; other animals, strange people, loud noises, etc. It's part of their survival instinct; a little ten week old puppy would be very vulnerable to predators and dangerous situations in the wild, so nature gives them the sense to fear these things and stay away.

However, most well-bred, well-socialized puppies grow out of this phase as they learn that these things won't hurt them. It is your duty to take the puppy with you as much as possible to get him used to new sights, sounds, people, places, and animals. Make sure his experiences are positive and fun, and don't push him too hard. Let him approach and investigate scary things on his own and give him lots of praise and encouragement.

Do you have pictures of your puppy? We like pictures!

Edited to add: I just now saw the title of your post, that the puppy is 5 months old. How long have you had him? Has he always been skeptical?

he is a big boy

frillint1 · 01-02-2013, 07:29 AM

OMG what a cutie!! Yes you want to socolize him as much as possible take him everywhere! I adopted a 3yr old who was beaten, neglected, and not socialized and it is certainly not fun dealing with a fearful/aggressive 3yr old.

Stian · 01-03-2013, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frillint1

OMG what a cutie!! Yes you want to socolize him as much as possible take him everywhere! I adopted a 3yr old who was beaten, neglected, and not socialized and it is certainly not fun dealing with a fearful/aggressive 3yr old.

its terrible what people is capable to do with their dogs

he`s not afraid or scared, he is just not used to many new people. he is getting better already !

msvette2u · 01-03-2013, 11:37 AM

You can always bring nice small treats along with you and ask strangers to give them to your puppy.

JohnD · 01-03-2013, 12:36 PM

Cute picture...He looks a little plump...Does he get to run and
play a lot outside?

Taking him for walks and meeting and smelling new things will help him.
Plus the more exercise the better he will be..Both for his mind and body.

He is a very good looking boy. Good luck!

Freestep · 01-03-2013, 12:41 PM

Beautiful pup! It could be that he is simply aloof, and doesn't care about strangers. If he is not nervous or afraid, but doesn't care to meet new people, that is okay--the GSD is supposed to be aloof with strangers, and loyal to his owner. Still a good idea to get him out and socialize, just so he gets used to daily life and meeting all different kinds of people and situations. He doesn't have to run up and lick everyone like a Golden Retriever, but he should be accepting and neutral toward friendly strangers.

12-31-2012, 08:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
Stian New Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Norway Posts: 8	5 months old male GSD Skeptic Hello, i was wondering about my little friend, when i picked him up at the breeder he seemed very confident and not afraid of humans, incl, me and my girlfriend, but after a few days he began to show signs of uncertainty among humans and bigger dogs ( of course) he is not pointing his tail between his legs or anything, just very shy, wolf behaviour at some points. He is a calm and relaxed boy who is sleeping among strangers and eating his food, Is this just typical for a dog in his age? the breed is good and he have good parents

12-31-2012, 11:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
Freestep Crowned Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern California Posts: 5,152	How old is your puppy? Around ten weeks of age, some pups will go through what is termed a "fear period". This simply means that they suddenly start to notice things that could be dangerous; other animals, strange people, loud noises, etc. It's part of their survival instinct; a little ten week old puppy would be very vulnerable to predators and dangerous situations in the wild, so nature gives them the sense to fear these things and stay away. However, most well-bred, well-socialized puppies grow out of this phase as they learn that these things won't hurt them. It is your duty to take the puppy with you as much as possible to get him used to new sights, sounds, people, places, and animals. Make sure his experiences are positive and fun, and don't push him too hard. Let him approach and investigate scary things on his own and give him lots of praise and encouragement. Do you have pictures of your puppy? We like pictures! Edited to add: I just now saw the title of your post, that the puppy is 5 months old. How long have you had him? Has he always been skeptical? Last edited by Freestep; 12-31-2012 at 11:40 AM.

12-31-2012, 11:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
Bear GSD Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 1,929	I agree with Freestep, you need to start slowly socializing him. Since your boy is 5 months old already he hasn't had the exposure to things that we normally would have exposed to a younger (8-12) week old pup. You also mentioned in your other thread that he was living outside with his brothers and sisters? I think that you have not had him very long and he needs time to adjust to living inside and to being exposed to different things. It takes time, but you will get there with him, just take it slow and don't rush into things with him. Good Luck! __________________ Bear GSD 10/16/11 Elsa GSD 12/23/03 - 11/10/11

01-02-2013, 07:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
frillint1 Master Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 699	OMG what a cutie!! Yes you want to socolize him as much as possible take him everywhere! I adopted a 3yr old who was beaten, neglected, and not socialized and it is certainly not fun dealing with a fearful/aggressive 3yr old. __________________ I love my two boys Smokey and Chief. Smokey is that one of a kind dog. I also really love my 4 precious guinea pigs.

01-02-2013, 02:47 AM	#4 (permalink)
Stian New Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Norway Posts: 8	Thanks for reply, he where not skeptic when i picked him up at breeder. we socialize a little bit every day , he is starting to get better already i was very afraid that i got a nervous dog but off course he is just a big puppy and its new for him to allow to go inside

01-03-2013, 11:37 AM	#8 (permalink)
msvette2u Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Beautiful Pacific NW Posts: 11,005	You can always bring nice small treats along with you and ask strangers to give them to your puppy.

01-03-2013, 12:36 PM	#9 (permalink)
JohnD Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Doylestown, Pa. Posts: 82	Cute picture...He looks a little plump...Does he get to run and play a lot outside? Taking him for walks and meeting and smelling new things will help him. Plus the more exercise the better he will be..Both for his mind and body. He is a very good looking boy. Good luck!

01-03-2013, 12:41 PM	#10 (permalink)
Freestep Crowned Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern California Posts: 5,152	Beautiful pup! It could be that he is simply aloof, and doesn't care about strangers. If he is not nervous or afraid, but doesn't care to meet new people, that is okay--the GSD is supposed to be aloof with strangers, and loyal to his owner. Still a good idea to get him out and socialize, just so he gets used to daily life and meeting all different kinds of people and situations. He doesn't have to run up and lick everyone like a Golden Retriever, but he should be accepting and neutral toward friendly strangers.

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