Hi everyone. China my GSD pup is nearly a year old. When she was 3 - 6 months she was a hyper OTT pup. That eventually seemed to settle down and then she was simply a really energetic pup, perfectly natural and healthy, and just as I would expect. She now seems to be going through a second phase of being a real nut. Does anyone know if this is linked to growth/puberty/teenage hormones? Her food is Burns, Denes (quite a low protein) and cooked chicken. She doesn't have any treats with artificial colouring etc.
She had her first season at 91/2 months, and I am probably going to have her spayed in January. It's not really a problem, and she's not naughty. I'm just hoping this is a phase, cos it tires me out just watching her!! Anyone?

Kat

Could be a spurt of hormone that is causing the problem, if you are feeding Burns I would not add more protein, a little chicken water is ok but the meat will throw the balance of the complete food out. It may only be my feelings but I am sure that a diet too high in protein effects the pups behaviour and all so accelerates growth which I would rather avoid, may just be a feeling I have as I have know proof.

GSD's sometimes go through a 2nd 'teething' phase as the teeth settle in their final position - this can bring on phases of hyperactivity. I would also look at your protein balance too - there doesn't seem much point in choosing 2 low protein brands of dog food only to add chicken which is almost pure protein.....

Thanks.
I do adjust the quantities of each food component so she's not getting too much protein (I hope). I also don't believe in high growth foods, and it is something I'm trying to avoid.
The amount of chicken that she gets is quite small, and she gets casseroled vegetables too. She has been on this feeding regime since she was about 7 months, and has been quite 'normally' energetic until this last week. Her energy seems to just have rocketed off the scale. If she was a horse I would describe her as 'coming out of her bridle' It has literally been this last week that its come on.
The only environmental change we have had is that we lost our very old mongrel a week ago last Sunday (I had three inc GSD) now we have two. He was so ancient that he slept most of the time and didn't interact that much with the others, although she seemed to be very fond of him.
Thanks
Kat

Kat,

"The only environmental change we have had is that we lost our very old mongrel a week ago last Sunday (I had three inc GSD) now we have two. He was so ancient that he slept most of the time and didn't interact that much with the others, although she seemed to be very fond of him."

I am sorry about your old boy. You may have hit on the reason why your young GSD has gone so hyper. Your old boy may have slept a lot - but he still may have been at the top of the pecking order to your other dogs. I know I had an ancient GSD who could barely move in her last year or two of life, you would think she had to be at the bottom in terms of rank. But, every once in a while she would make it evident that she was still sitting in the top spot. (Usually this meant barking at a boisterous youngster until they "assumed the position", eg, laying down on their back.)

Any change in a pack of dogs can bring about unusual behaviour as they all try to resettle where they stand.

Stacey

Hi Stacey
We had thought initially that losing the old man might have some bearing, but had decided not.
He was definitely not top of the pecking order, but having said that had a certain immunity from pack culture. Let me explain: Being poorly sighted, and totally deaf, he couldn't read the signals from the others, so if he approached something that they wanted, they would make all the ugly faces, but he couldn't see them, and carried on regardless! The pup was taught from a very young age that she wasn't allowed to interfere with the old fella - so perhaps I instigated a special position for him within the pack. Quite naturally, if their expressions and body language didn't work, they just let him do what he wanted (chew their bone)  etc.
Whatever is causing it, I hope she goes back to normal soon!!
Thanks
Kat