HI have posted about Kassie before 5 month old GSD pup!!
Things seem to be going from bad to worse with her!!!
Weve just spent most of the week staying at my mum's -(little sister needed house care has been in hospital and i'm the only one with any holidays left!!) and Kassie has been fairly good, but with one (well two) huge problems!!!!!
I understand she is going through her 2nd fear stage, but this little madam will bark and growl that anyone who walks through the door - not just the front door but any door to the room that she's in- got better with little sister throughout the week, but was atrocious (sorry about spelling) with everyone else, took her ages to calm down. Our house is much quieter than my mums, theres just me and my partner coming and going (and the pizza guy coming to the door), we rarely have guests- (we live along way from our family and friends). I tried to combat this by giving every one loads of treats for her but it still took forever to calm her down! Is this something she will grow out, do i just need to spend more time at my mum's, or do you think we need to see a behavioural specialist?

The other thing was she is incredibly jealous and possesive of me, mostly if i have been out of the room, but she wouldn't let Fitz ( mum's bearded collie) anywhere near me when i'd been out of sight - poor fitz was most put out that she wasn't letting him get his hips rubbed as much as usual( His favourite treat that he normally gets everytime he comes near me!! -poor thing has bad hips)! AlthoughI find it flattering that she thinks so much of me, this behaviour is unacceptable!! I did try to hold her away in one hand (nasty snarling little madam) and mard him with the other , then let him go and mard her, am i going along the right lines? I didn't dare give them treats at the same time - all hell let loose!!!!
And yet you wouldn't believe it that so much of the time they were lying near each other asleep or playing in the back garden!!!
Her jealousy wasn't just restricted to members of the doggy breed either, although to my family she wasn't quite so aggressive - just barking and growling - still NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!!!!!
I love her dearly, she's a fantastic companion, (other half works away for weeks at a time) and apart from these moments of madness she's fairly obediant (for GSD pup - lol) But anyone got any ideas or advice?
Thanks loads,

Kayley and Kassie
xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx

Hi,
I think the problem with people walking in the room isn't necessarily the main problem, she's obviously got quite a strong fear of people, when she's in a room, and someone comes in it unsettles her, because it's a small place (and you are there giving her confidence) she will use growling to get rid of them. I wouldn't worry too much about that for now, it's just a symptom.
She needs to make lots of friends, which means choosing one willing volunteer at a time, getting them to play games with her, feed her treats, cuddle her etc, until she becomes really excited to see that person. It will probably take a few visits but you want her to greet her new friend in the same sort of way she greets you.
Once she is super confident with that person, happy to let them walk into a room and is totally relaxed, do the whole process with someone else, then someone else, etc etc. As many people as you can really, aim for about 10. She'll bond quicker and quicker with each new friend, and when she's accepting someone very quickly and not showing any signs of fear, she'll probably be able to generalise with all new people that she meets.
It does take a while, but it's worth it, and you'll be able to monitor your progress easily. Also she's very young, so will take to it much quicker.

About the other dog, does she have a good down-stay? If not, work on it. Put her in her or somewhere comfy on the floor, and put her in a down stay, then go and fuss the other dog for a very short period, before returning back to her to reward her for staying. She'll soon realise that if she's calm, and does what she's told, she'll still get a big cuddle so there's no point trying to push for it.

Are you taking her to training classes?

Jo

I also have a female GSD a little over 5 mnths old.. so i know what ur going through (havok!) Anyways i'm sure u know this but GSD's require alot of daily excercise for mental and physical stimulation. I know that you might have a very tight schedule but walking your GSD for about 20-25 min. at a time, two times a day if you can will dramatically calm him /her down at the household. About the barking thing.. GSD's are natural protectors of the "flock" which you are now part of... I dunno about you but I personally like that protection (living in a big city) but you definately can teach your pup to only bark at suspicious people (a good beginner gsd book is "GSD for Dummies" ) I have had the same problems as you are going through and some of my own but I know i'm the right path ( it takes time and patience.. your gsd will only be a puppy once =) -But be consistent-