German Shepherd behavior problems, nipping, barking,

by Betty Jackson
(Wenatchee, Washington)







I have a 19 month old male German Shepherd named Max. I still have trouble with him wanting to nip me to get me to do what he wants to do, such as go outside or play.

It's very hard to relax with him in the house. Outside he is an annoying barker and will not listen to me at all when I try to correct him.

I exercise him with walks and play time in the backyard pretty much every day. If I don't he is miserable to spend time with. He gets into things in the house, chews and digs at the floor.

My first shepherd was so different. I am so unprepared for this. We have been to a couple of obedience courses already. He has gotten his Good Canine Citizenship award.

What can I do to help him and myself have a better relationship. Is it too late for us?


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Dec 19, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Other things to try...
by: Norms

You might try exercising him on a bicycle, so that he actually gets to run while you are running the bicycle. I have also read that if you put a dog-bagpack on them (while walking) they get more exercised and tired that way. (You can make thim carry two bottles of water or something of similar weight. And maybe, you can probably enrolled him on agility class, so that he thiks that is his "job".
Dec 14, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Keep Working With Him.
by: Jason Ridler

My two year old male went through a barking and nipping phase at about the same age as Max. I have found that lots of daily exercise and a regular routine helps ( though some days I just don't feel like it). From time to time,Mac will still run around the house in circles, barking if I neglect to exercise him or crate him for long periods of time. As for obedience, I try to put Mac through his paces at least 3 or 4 times a week. If I use a choke collar he will follow his commands, if he is off leash I use kibble or small pieces of hot dogs to reinforce his behavior.

I understand where you are coming from. I love my dog dearly, but there are days when he tries my patience. As you already know, GSD's are a lot of work, but they are also a lot of reward.

I don't think it is too late for you and Max. He is still a puppy, and is at the stage where he will challenge your authority. It may take a while but keep working with him.

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