6 month old German Shepherd

[TeeJay87]

Hi,

I have a 6 month old male GS. He is really attentive and smart but loves to jump and nip at my hands.
He knows basic obedience like sit drop stay but i am finding it very difficult to be outside with him when he jumps and nips. Being such a big dog, friends and family dont feel comfortable being outside with him either.
He also hates the collor or lead being put on and will nip my hands if i try to put either on.
I am starting more obedience classes next week with him but would love if anyone could offer suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

[Sarah]

I'm wondering how much time you spend with your puppy? Do you go for long walks? You puppy acts the way he/she does because of excitement. If you are gone for 8 hours a day and come home, your dog will be excited to see you. When he/she acts this way, just walk right into the dog, making he dog move away from you. don't tell the dog no, don't talk to the dog until the dog settles down. Your dog is still a puppy at least until 2 years old. He/she will start showing signs of maturity about 18 months or so.

Let us know how it goes.

[TeeJay87]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply.
He gets an hour walk nearly every day and also free time in a park where he releases alot of energy.
I understand he is still a puppy but sometimes it seems to get a bit aggressive not just excitement.
I want to teach him the right thing now while he is still young so he doesnt form any bad habbits..

[Sarah]

Dogs are not born aggressive, they are made aggressive by not having an Alpha, or from humans teasing the dog, or making them fighters.

Dog training is a very good idea, not so much for the dog, but for you. Dog training is designed to show you how to be a good Alpha in your home, so your dog doesn't become the Alpha and start being the boss.

Good luck

[smyers]

i would like to comment as I have a 6 month Standard poodle who struggles with the same thing. He does itmainly when he is excited but as you said, it is difficult to be outside (or more so for my two boys ages 8 and 6) as he is wanting to mouth and it is getting rougher. With bigger dogs it is hard and I too would love some input. I know ignoring works but only after they have nipped for a few times, and that usually means a ripped shirt or pants for us! Did you get any other feedback or advise? Thanks. I am new to the forum so I will search around some more.

Thanks!

[newbear]

Hi, here's a video on "How to train your dog to love his harness". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7edMjwEY1c You can try this with you dog so he will learn to love his collar and lead too. You can try a calm massage with your dog before you bring him outside so that he will not be so excited. I had read a book on tellington ttouch (a method which helps to calm dogs down) where I found it quite useful. There is one on ear work where it can help with issues with being handled around the collar and hyperactivity which is great for your dog in my opinion.

Here is how it works:
- Holding the ear gently but firmly stroke it from the base right out to the tip. If the ear hangs down you will work from base down, and if the dog has upright ears you will work from base up to the tip. Move the position of your hand each time to ensure that the whole ear is covered with the strokes. Work gently but with intent. If you are too tentative you may make your dog nervous,particularly if he is ear shy.
- Working the shock point (which is at the tip of the ear) by making circular movements on the tip of the ear with the finger and thumb is beneficial for dogs that have had a traumatic experience, have cold tips to their ears and/or are habitually nervous.
- The speed with which you work will vary on the dog's response and the situation. To calm a nervous or hyperactive dog and to promote relaxation work quite slowly. If your dog is unsure, start by working more quickly initially and then gradually slow the movements as the dog settles.

Tell us how it goes. =)