Hi everyone

I have a 16 week old GSD pup called Rosie and the problem Im having with her is when I take her out on the lead she pulls to greet people and dogs in the street.Even if they are on the other side of the road.It's very embarrassing especially when obviously not everyone likes dogs.I have tried to get her attention using treats but all this goes above her.Although she's not the first dog I have ever owned, (I had a dobie about a year ago that I had to have put to sleep due to his back legs) her behaviour does puzzle me somewhat.Do GSD's always behave this way? I never had any problems with Jess my dobie when she was younger.How long will it take for her to grow out of this?

Also when she is laying down she has a tendency to what I can only describe as a growl.Its not a warning grow showing teeth but it sounds like a nasty grow if you can understand what I mean.Its hard to explain! Ive had her since she was 8 weeks and has always done this.Im just a bit bothered in case it turns into something more nasty when she gets older.
If anyone could give me some advice on this Id appreciate it
Thanks
Michelle + Rosie

Hi Michelle, I'm sure someone with more experience will come along shortly, but I had a similar 'problem' with my 18 wk old GSD x when it came to lying down. She didn't growl, but made a weird howl/sigh/moan before she did it. I've managed to get it mostly out of her by only rewarding her when she lies down without making a noise (took a lot of patience!). It might be easier to do it with a clicker. As you've had her since she was 8 weeks you've obviously been rewarding her lying/growling for the past 8 weeks, so maybe she thinks this is the normal etiquette?

Lying down is a submissive posture, so it MIGHT be that she's uneasy with this and so tells you by growling. Perhaps you need to work on letting her know who is top dog? Like I said before, hopefully someone with more experience will be along shortly! 

Elle   :-)