Flight or Fight

[Goofy Newfy]

This is a question about a 5 month old GSD puppy. She has picked up very quick on all training commands. The only issue is that she is at the stage where she is determining if it is a flight or fight situation. She barks and growls at everything and everyone she sees on a walk or sometimes out in the yard. I understand she is testing to see if she should be afraid or if the "object" is going to be afraid of her. The problem is, I can not get her to stop barking unless the person comes up to her or we go to the object. It is ridiculous and obnoxious, and this is the only time I tell her No, that she will ignore me.

Suggestions?

 

[R Taft]

Socialization with GSD's is extremely important as they are not as laid back as some breeds (newfies). If your pup is anxious, but does stop when she meets the people i would encourage meeting and allowing her to investigate. Always making sure it is on a loose leash and when she shows good friendly behavior reward her. A lot of GSD's can get anxious. We get that at the Kennel Club a lot. We encourage them to really meet and greet a lot. Choose many people and many new environments and make it fun. And As you said she is OK when she meets, I would do a lot of that. Do not get too annoyed with her, because she might think that there is a reason to be worried about all thes strangers. I would even encourage people to say hello to my pup.
My Parents Bred GSD's and sold pups to the Police force and Armed Forces. We Socialized them a lot at shopping centres and all other available places where a lot of people were. And we asked people to pet the pups, to give them confidence. So make all the new things a happy time for her........Good luck Ronnie

 

[Tricia2]

Agree with Ronnie, GSD's are very acute, aware and cautious. That is what they were bred for and that's what your pup is displaying along with perhaps a bit of guarding behavior and a touch of the fear stages they go through. My GSD can get super focused on doing her job and phase me out while instincts take over.

I teach the 'watch me' command (immediate eye contact reinforced with a high value treat) to break her negative focus. I then do a change of direction and another luring treat if she breaks focus on me. And no greetings until she's sitting quietly.