We are having a lot of problems with our 5 month old puppy. It is still mouthing everybody and is hyper alot of the time. We had a dog before and it was a high energy breed too, but we got this one (a GSP bitch) after speaking to other people about the breed. She is also a real bully when she meets other dogs if they show any fearfulness while she is a bit more respectful to older dogs. She rolls in any kind of xxxx she can find, loves to eat it and would eat anything (especially from your plate). This all sounds as if we have encouraged her but I can assure you we've not. We knew to expect a lot of puppy behavior but not to this extreme!!! Any information would be welcomed.
Thanks.
P.S. Even at her puppy class she had a German Shepherd, a dalmation and a bull mastiff pup all wait for her to take a drink first, which was noted by the lady taking the class!

Have you tried looking at her diet? Sometimes high protein diets can cause hyperactivity so that may be worth a go. I wouldn't worry too much that other dogs respect your pup as long as she doesn't back it up with aggression.
Bec

Hi

I would definately support Bec's idea of too much protein in her diet. My older Cocker was on Eukanuba puppy and it sent him up the wall - and us:-) Changed him to Nutro and he calmed down dramatically. Still a lively puppy - but no longer out of control. Puppies will mouth for what seems like an eternity - it will pass but is perfectly normal.

You mentioned taking her to puppy class - have you actually tried obedience training? It might help you learn how to handle her and get her able to understand "no".

Although you say she is a bully - in the nicest possible way I'm sure - is she aggressive to the other dogs - if not - why worry? The other dogs will be happy to submit if they see her as leader. If she is aggressive then it is obviously another matter.

I think we can all forget just how hard the puppy days can be and also how long they can seem to go on for. I wish you all the best of luck with her. Please do let us know how you get on.

Guest,what you are describing is mainly typical GSP puppy behaviour. If you would like to email me with a email address, I will be happy to help you with your puppy.

[email Leigh@champdogs.co.uk]Leigh[/email]