Obstacles...

[zombaby]

I always knew that German Shepherds, as adults, can be somewhat aloof, reserved, and a bit
less outgoing than other breeds.
What I was unaware of, was that with that territory comes a slightly more phobic puppy-hood
than what I'm used to.
Since I've had Boris, I've noticed all types of serious fears:

1. Other people - whenever we'd have a friend over

Comments

[greengalnblack]

I can't recommend doggie daycare and dog parks enough for socialization, and soon soon soon. Habits and behaviors are harder to break later than now, and especially at daycare, they can work with him on unwanted behaviors when they see it.

He sounds cute, and you're obviously a kick ass doggie mom :)

[zombaby]

Aww, thanks! Those are great ideas, and I'd like to start with friends'
dogs and branch out from there.
And yes, he's adorable - which keeps me from killing him sometimes.
(Only kidding!)

Kudos.

[arthurthedented]

I dont think that level of fear is NORMAL for dogs.. but dogs are pack animals.. and he is *alone*.. seperated from his littermates and mom, so you are his pack... and are picking up that task,and helping him recover from the trauma of that separation in admirable ways.

If you ever decide to dive into the gene pool... thats every indication you'll do it mangnificently.

Re: Kudos.

[zombaby]

Aww, thanks!
I'm trying my best.

[abrasax]

Sounds like things are coming along well. Alex did all those things as a puppy and they (mostly) went away as he got older. He *tolerates* water, even swimming in the pool, but I can't say he really likes it. Shepherds will always lean against you, it's just what they do.
He'll stop reacting to cars, though he'll most likely maintain that heightened awareness.
Be careful about bringing him into an unconfined space, like a dog park, because he might be frustrated at not being able to walk the perimeter and define a boundary. Shepherds are always in security mode.

[zombaby]

Yeah - I actually do like the leaning and patrolling behaviors.
Thanks for the tip!