How do I know?

Breed specific discussion of your favorite breed.

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Lara575

Re: How do I know?

Post by Lara575 »

Hi Nettle

Thanks for your advice. I don't think I explained myself properly.

I understand that GSD are not sociable like labs what I meant to ask was what steps can I take to help my GSD not be afraid of everything, e g people, other dogs , traffic cones , prams ect. I know there not fond of these like labs are but I thought it could be possible to train a Shepherd to at least not be scared of these things? I hope that makes more sense
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Nettle
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Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2008 1:40 pm

Re: How do I know?

Post by Nettle »

Oh yes: perfect sense. :)

It's all about reading your dog so that you do not overwhelm it with new experiences, and when it tells you by body language that it is uncertain about something, do not force it to come closer, but let it absorb new experiences in its own time. As Jacksdad says in another post, the dog sets the distance not the owner.

Do not allow people to touch your dog, get in its space or otherwise force themselves on it. The nicest people may do this if not instructed otherwise. If you say no to something and they start to do it anyway, break the interaction at once and keep your dog safe - what your dog considers safe, not what you/they do.

Same with other dogs. never let your dog be overwhelmed by other dogs. Watch dog/dog interactions without your dog - a couple of hours at the park can be so instructive - and see how negative interactions unfold.

Read, read read. We have a list of suitable books pinned.
A dog is never bad or naughty - it is simply being a dog

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
master2

Re: How do I know?

Post by master2 »

Just to add to Nettles great advice that not all labs are confidant, my brothers lab does not like other people approaching her who she does not know. She prefers to get to know them from a distance. And a friends lab had little to none socialisation and is afraid of everything and then my cousins lab had little socialisation but is the complete opposite he's always happy and is always going up to people and dogs to get attention.

Iv also know shepherds who have been really friendly with strangers. Sherlock is fine with people but hates other dogs.

What I'm trying to say is even in a breed there will be differences in the same litter as all dogs are individuals and even the same breed will vary. Breed guides are just guides.
master2

Re: How do I know?

Post by master2 »

Just to add to Nettles great advice that not all labs are confidant, my brothers lab does not like other people approaching her who she does not know. She prefers to get to know them from a distance. And a friends lab had little to none socialisation and is afraid of everything and then my cousins lab had little socialisation but is the complete opposite he's always happy and is always going up to people and dogs to get attention.

Iv also know shepherds who have been really friendly with strangers. Sherlock is fine with people but hates other dogs.

What I'm trying to say is even in a breed there will be differences in the same litter as all dogs are individuals and even the same breed will vary. Breed guides are just guides.

I always say follow your heart if you want a GSD then get one as you could for example own 4 dogs that aren't GSD and then when you get a GSD you still find them hard as nothing will prepare you for a GSD but a GSD.
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