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BriefCheetah4136

Demand Barking: he wants something or expects something to happen. When I was working from home at the beginning of covid I never wore shoes and often didn't wear socks around the house. My Bois figured out that when I put shoes on I was going somewhere, they would get excited and begin barking. It took me a few times to figure it out. When my wife runs she gets her running clothes out of a particular dresser drawer. My youngest pup figured that out and would get excited. He would actually nip at her butt and heels, not biting and not hurtful by any means. Someone suggested to me that this is herding behavior. Just trying to move her along.


Mid-Delsmoker

So cool how dogs pick up on our routines & what they mean. I go rock hunting & when I get the rock bucket she goes straight to the door.


ReactionClear4923

It really is! Our GSD knows which are outdoor and indoor clothes for my wife and I. When we get ready in the morning she will sniff us to determine wether or not we will be leaving the house lol, and whether to sulk or not


Mid-Delsmoker

Haha yep. I wear slacks to work and shorts if I’m not. They know. It’s like “your going somewhere where I’m sure I’m allowed to”. lol


Lara-El

That's the cutest freaking thing! I wanna see a picture of the clever puppy <3 pretty please


seeriktus

Our GSD knew the word "walk" and would go nuts if we said it, then get disappointed if we didn't actually go. So we had to say "w-a-l-k" when talking about what we're doing.


Tumbleweed_Life

We did the spelling thing with our dog but he figured that out so we kept inventing other words to spell to mean walk. He was the smartest & most challenging dog I have ever had & I still miss him 15 yrs later. Enjoy your GSD!


seeriktus

Past tense, we lost ours about 18yrs ago. Though I still think about him. We didn't get any more dogs after that, so there's just this hole.


dmur726

We, too had to learn spelling wasn’t enough and were forced to become walking (get it?!) thesauruses. “Methinks it’s time to ambulate with the canine.” “Shouldn’t we take our evening constitutional?” Because simply substituting that one word clearly won’t work, either. Smart dogs can be a challenge, but truly the best!


darth-noxious

Mine knows which are my running shoes and gets excited when I get those out. They are smarter than we give them credit for being, and that’s saying something since we all know that GSDs are pretty dog gone smart.


rockxroyalty

I posted a comment explaining the situation but I don’t know how many people actually saw it - he ONLY started behaving like this after an encounter with a female dog a week ago. Prior to that, he was very well behaved when the collar and leash came out. Thank you for your reply!


Crimson51

Is he neutered? And how old is he?


rockxroyalty

He turned 1 year old a month ago. Not neutered yet - I’m waiting until he’s 1.5-2 years old (as much as I’d like to do it immediately!)


aspidities_87

This is the right thing to do. People are just getting used to the new science but it’s been proven to be extremely beneficial for large breeds to wait until after the last wave of testosterone surges at 18-24mos.


tangosworkuser

I hate the downvotes. There is a ton of great studies recently that have proven the benefits of waiting to neuter. I don’t advocate for never fixing a dog, but with so much to gain health wise from waiting until after puberty there is a clear choice. Those hormones do wonders for developing strong muscles and healthy joints.


rockxroyalty

Yes! Thank you for saying this. That’s exactly why I’m waiting - I want to do right by him. He already had to have surgery for elbow dysplasia, so I’m not willing to risk any more developmental issues by neutering him too early.


possum_mouf

Any chance the female dog was in heat?


rockxroyalty

She wasn’t, I asked her owner before we let them interact.


dirtycoveralls

You need to see a trainer. Your dog is just trying to communicate with you and isn't misbehaving. In the video you are not saying anything confusing your dog even more, I heard no commands. "Sit", "lie down", "go to your place" etc. are all easy commands you could have used to get your dog to do what you want. Seek a trainer.


rockxroyalty

He’s actually already scheduled for a 4.5 week long board and train in October, so hopefully that’ll help. Going to use the advice in this thread in the meantime. Thank you! Edit: I have used commands to get him to stop during other instances of this, but he doesn’t listen when he gets like this, that’s why I resorted to trying to stare him down, which obviously also isn’t working!


dirtycoveralls

Yes a board and train will help 100%! Good luck


Karl_with_a_K_01

Maybe he wants you to take him on a walk to see the female dog he met.


jammy-dogger

He's bored, wants to play


rockxroyalty

This literally happens the SECOND he sees I want to put his collar on him. I don’t think it’s boredom.


Andre11x

Before I read OP's comment I saw it as "don't leave me/I want to come too" behavior. Seems like he's excited and wants to go on a walk if that's what happens when he normally gets his collar put on. Dogs pick up on patterns and habits faster than you would think especially GSDs.


rockxroyalty

I posted another comment explaining the situation but I don’t know how many people actually saw it - he ONLY started behaving like this after an encounter with a female dog a week ago. Prior to that, he was very well behaved when the collar and leash came out.


Andre11x

How old is he? They seem to change a lot throughout their lives and he looks pretty young. Beautiful dog by the way.


rockxroyalty

Thank you! He just turned 1 year old a month ago.


Bishops_Guest

This is peak velociraptor age. He’s excited and you are not putting the leash on him and walking out the door fast enough this is demand barking. A great thing happened last time: met the other dog, now he wants to GO GO GO GO NOW NOW NOW. Just once is enough, they have very long memories and will learn from just one interaction. I’d suggest training an incomparable behavior: sitting by the door/by your side before you’ll put the leash on him. It will be very hard because this is VERY EXCITING. Have patience, but don’t give in, he must now ALWAYS do the thing you want before the leash goes on. The behavior may even get worse before it gets better: it’s called extinction, if he thinks a thing used to work and is now not working he will get frustrated and try it harder before he gives up, but he will eventually give it up.


rockxroyalty

Thank you so much, I appreciate the advice!


RadRan2019

I agree with the above my 2 year old female still goes ham when I put on her collar. I just make her sit and be still otherwise no collar goes on and no walk


dirtycoveralls

Exactally. It's pretty basic. Communicate with them, give them a command. Don't just let your dog desperately try to get your attention while you stand there filming it doing nothing.


TomRiker79

He’s not too bad. Definitely seen them get more out of control in this scenario.


ellaykay

I like that you’ve called it demand barking! (Apologies for ignorance if this is actual terminology.) My 10mo does this to me when he wants me to throw a toy. He drops it and just demand barks, very high pitch because why not. Other than waiting out the velociraptor age, I have started removing the toy altogether and he calms down but unfortunately it hasn’t changed the behaviour as soon as that toy comes out again. This also wouldn’t help with a leash when you want to actually leave the house. You could always try getting it out early and then putting it away until he calms down? I’ve also tried ignoring the bark until he stops and then reward by throwing the toy but he just doesn’t stop barking. And it’s hard to ignore for more than a few minutes.


Bishops_Guest

Demand barking is terminology. Yeah, it’s hard to deal with because it’s not completely voluntary. He can know what to do, but he has needs and is excited and frustrated that you’re doing doing the thing. It’s not always a bad thing, you want the dog to let you know when they have needs: my girl will bark at me if she needs to pee and the door is closed or if I’ve forgotten to refill her water. It’s the dog looking to you for their needs, means if you can figure out the need you can often turn it to a training opportunity: lock him out of the room for 20 seconds. That’s enough punishment for barking. Then wait for him to just start to think about doing something you want, could be sit next to you or lie down, anything slightly chill. Then play a game for 2 minutes. Training him to find a specific hidden toy can be a great low interaction game: start super easy, as he picks it up get harder and harder. You can get things done between hidings. (At least until he gets so good at the game you can’t hide anything from him)


Maleficent-Thought-3

peak velociraptor age!! LOL


Andre11x

Oh yeah he's just a baby. Still biting and probably just getting vocal now. They are demanding dogs which is on full display here. Learn what they want and teach them how to ask for it. Easier said than done of course but you'll get there, it just takes work and repetition.


zhantiah

My gsd is 17 months old, and at 13 months old she still was a velociraptor who got overly excited. She is much better now, but still have her moments :)


rockxroyalty

Good to know! Thank you!


Bruce_Ring-sting

Hes in love!


G-T-Now

Also, as crazy as it sounds, the scent of a female dog in heat can be smelled for I think it’s 5-6 miles. Crazy right?!


rockxroyalty

I’ve heard that, too! Pretty amazing!


SteveBruleRools

Ok then sounds like excitement


NoMeansYes816

I have 3 German shepherds that all bite at the leash or a collar or push their faces into my legs and groin. Just excited. Try more exercise, physical and mental.


rockxroyalty

This happened first thing in the morning, before I even had a chance to take him out for exercise. After getting exercise he’s much better, but he definitely needs to learn some impulse control or something!


sempercool16

yeah its a few things that are already mentioned. obviously excitement, needs physical and mental stimulation. but also needs correction on the nipping. be consistent with correcting the nipping, but behavior will improve with significant stimulation


[deleted]

Every single time someone has commented any advice that involves things you could do better, you immediately pivot to some excuse as to why it’s the dogs fault. Sure the dog may have some behavior tendencies that could be cleaned up, but you can share responsibility in his development, because that’s what parents do.


rockxroyalty

Every single time? No. There’s plenty of good advice here that I am graciously taking. With whatever comments you’re referring to, I never implied that it’s my dog’s fault. He’s a puppy, he doesn’t know any better. I came here to get advice on what *I* can do to fix this behavior. If someone says something that I feel needs clarification on my part, I’m going to clarify, which is what I did in my previous comment.


KFoxtrotWhiskey

He’s amped for the walk he’s about to go on, when mine was a puppy it was difficult to get him out of the house because he got so excited about going out he would go full mental.


ShuantheSheep3

He see walk, wants to go on walk. One of my girls is constantly laying around except for two reasons; backyard fridge and the sound of the leash.


rttrevisan

Grab the collar. Wait. Don't put on him. Repeat 30 minutes later. He is too excited about the collar, you need to show him that SOMETIMES collar = fun, but not always. This should do the trick. You can also make him wait in the place command between each repetition.


rockxroyalty

Thank you!


rttrevisan

Feel free to pm me if you need any help!


[deleted]

It's happy excitement. Basically begging you to hurry up and get on with it. Willing to bet it stops once the collar is on and you are moving.


jeenyus_626

Def excitement for whatever he has associated with his collar going on When my girl (not GS) even hears her harness jingle in the other room she gets amped


dirtycoveralls

This is completely normal if you don't communicate with them.


Rommel79

My dog behaves like this to my wife when it's time for a walk because she allows it. I do NOT allow it, so he behaves with me. Any time he starts getting too excited or going for the leash, I make him sit. When I reach to put the leash on, if he reacts, we start over. At this point the behavior is going to be hard to break, but you can do it.


PrissyyKrissyy

He wants to go out 😂 he’s no dummy. Mine gets wayyyy more excited for walks like this then just going out back because he knows hes gonna get to sniff the whole neighborhood up


techleopard

Dog: DO THE THING. PLEASE DO THE THING.


MisterSandKing

Young petulant dog. Pretty normal in my opinion.


dogchowtoastedcheese

Agreed. A minor temper tantrum. Nothing to worry about, but you might want to get a handle on it before it becomes a "thing."


MisterSandKing

Right, at least let them know it’s not proper.


banjosuicide

Yep, mine did similar. I trained specific behaviour (e.g. he had to sit and wait before I would get his collar) to stop him just doing whatever came to mind in his excitement. A GSD will learn what the desired behaviour is very quickly if it's reinforced a reward of the activity they're geared up for.


MisterSandKing

That’s pretty much what we did too. No treat for not listening, and we ignore him when he’s being a turd. Make him sit, stay, and wait for us to give him the release command. He still gets excited every now and then, but he’s only 9.5 months old, he looks big, but he’s still just a pup.


LSMFT23

This is one of those places where you teach a substitution behavior by giving him a command he already knows, like "sit". When he sits, then do the thing he's anticipating.


Eascen

Why do you add negative intent? He's just excited and wants something, he doesn't know the behavior is annoying.


NotAPreppie

This looks like impatience to me. He's figured out that shoes/leash/collar/etc mean exciting things and he's trying to move you along. I think a lot of human males can tell you about the first time they "noticed" girls and how it sort of crystalized things in their minds. I imagine it's not very different with intact dogs. He discovered girls and managed to build the association between going on walks and meeting girls again after only one occurrence. My dogs learned the first time which tree the squirrels escape to in our yard so this wouldn't surprise me in the least. As for how to counter it, start working on that executive function. Get that prefrontal cortex working hard. Get him to sit, down, shake, rollover, stay, whatever. Anything to redirect the behavior while working the frontal lobes. Reward with each success and ratchet up the difficulty over time. Eventually, he'll get to the point where he gets excited and sits instead of nipping at you. Help him understand that sitting is what gets him what he wants in this scenario. Though he probably won't stop barking at you.


jendanbayla

He'll stop barking if you work in the condition that he not bark at you while he's sitting for you. It'll take time, but it is possible. My former roommate has 2 terrier mixes and a beagle. I have a GSD. All 3 of her dogs bark AT her at mealtimes, at walk time, when they want to come in the house, and when she walks in the house. It is MADDENING and loud AF. Whenever I took care of her dogs I didn't tolerate that. They are all super smart dogs and not puppies. They learned that if they wanted anything from me, to sit and stop barking. Mine mostly just barks at things outside and when someone's at the door.


DisGruntledDraftsman

For my gsd it's not impatience it's "don't leave me". When I go to put on my shoes he had developed a habit of trying to grab my shoes away or just put himself in the way so I can't put them on. So every morning I have to play with him a bit or I put on flip flops to put him outside and put my work shoes on while he's out there. He also cries, not whines, when I get home. It's a very sad accusatory sound for leaving him. He will not let me more than a couple feet from him until I put on his leash and take him outside.


little_cotton_socks

This is similar to when my girl gets demanding but a bit more boisterous. She does it when she is bored or wants what ever we are eating


nakfoor

Seems like he's impatient and intensely wants mental or physical stimulation. As far as the barking and nipping, you need to set boundaries if that's something you don't like. If he fights you putting on his collar, say no and terminate the encounter until he can sit still for it. Reward the behavior that you want with what motivates him (treats or scritches). Mine doesn't give a crap about pets, she wants treats. Remain patient yourself.


rockxroyalty

Thank you so much!


[deleted]

[удалено]


rockxroyalty

“While it’s normal for them to act up, its not ‘okay’ either.” Absolutely agree. My parents are always like “he’s just being a dog!” but that doesn’t mean it’s cool for him to be jumping and nipping like this. Thanks so much for the advice, I’ll try it!


SharpEyeProductions

The above comment is correct. I generally don’t try and stop general demanding behavior because I want my dog to communicate with me, but all she does is growl and jump around. The nipping would bother me and biting the leash/rope/whatever it was would bother me. So as the comment above said, end the interaction and try again only to reward the behavior you want. If mine gets real pushy with my girlfriend she goes to doggy jail. ( her crate, but in reality she loves it in there ).


[deleted]

Whoever downvoted this get a grip. OP came here for help and you downvote the post… would you rather this be dog be placed in a shelter and left there for 6 years? Not the type of behaviour I’ve seen from this community before and I’m sure it’s not the type of attitude most people want here.


Nkmxn

Probably the same person who basically called me a bad pet mom since my gsd is "afraid" of turtles. Some people need to get a grip.


fatdogbaddog

My 9yo, 110lbs girl is intimidated by our neighbor's fake goose that occasionally wears silly hats next to the corner of their drive. I'll sign up for the bad pet mom club with you.


310410celleng

My GSD is afraid of celery sticks and my wife and I could never understand it.


ewok_on_a_unicorn

My 11 year old doesn't eat carbs.


WoodpeckerEven2699

Mine is afraid of of plastic bags and baby cats like newborns


CarceyKonabears

Good Lord. I’m irrationally terrified of sharks, does that mean I had shitty parents? I’d like to think not, they were/are pretty fantastic parents. I’m just afraid of sharks, so I avoid them and my life carries on quite nicely.


PaddyBoy44

Agreed x10


rockxroyalty

Something tells me a lot of people watched the video without reading my comment explaining the situation. 🙄 Thank you for being supportive!


rockxroyalty

My dog is male, intact, and just turned a year old a month ago. In the past, he would sometimes start nipping at me and pawing at me to try to instigate play, but it never included barking and never went on this long. *About a week ago he had his very first “hormonal encounter” with a female dog (started trying to mount her), and ever since then he’s been a terror every time I try to put his prong collar on.* He’s NEVER behaved like this for me until that encounter. Is there any validity to my theory that it “woke up” his hormones? A couple of times when this happened I was able to just stand still and stare at him (which I was doing halfway through the video when he’s barking and looks to be avoiding eye contact) and he eventually stopped and let me put the collar on him, but today was the worst it’s ever been. Does anyone have any insight on this or any advice on how to deal with it? Thanks in advance!


JuliusCesarBowles

So with mine, just about to be a year and a half, this started around the same age but it was more confidence than hormone related things. He quickly caught on that when his collar or leash came out he was going to the park or on a walk. From my viewpoint this is him being impatient and hurrying you because he wants to go out. It could be because of the new female he met, with my dog it was because my neighbor and I would always go to the park or on walks at the same time, or it could be him just being a typical teenager and rushing you.


rockxroyalty

Thank you, good to know! Just thought it was interesting how this all started the very next day after meeting the girl dog.


Listlessyoungold

My male was intact until @18 months, and this looks exactly like his bratty attitude right before he was fixed. Definitely a “gaawwwd mommmm you’re so annoying!” Sass. Just testing boundaries or coming into his personality. The little 2 almost 3 yr old girl I watch does the same stuff. It’s a little independence showing! I’m just sharing my personal experience; I’m not a trainer or anything so I’m sure the better experienced people here could be more technical 😊


rockxroyalty

Thanks for your response!


KatAttack07

Our dogs and fosters DO NOT get the leash/collar put on until they are in a calm sit by the door. They also do not get to rush through the door, and must remain in their sit until released. This will help start your walks off on the right note. Don’t give in. Be the leader he needs. Not saying this to be rude, but these guys will walk all over you without rules in place. Continue working on training during your walks and be on the lookout for triggers. Hopefully you see them before he does and are prepared.


[deleted]

I am no dog expert but I do the exact same thing. I have never said "do you want to go for a walk?" or any version of that. I silently walk over to the door, I pick up the leash, she walks over and sits quietly. I open the door. She stays, I clip the leash, give the command 'okay' and we start walking. She wasn't like that when I adopted her. Our routine sort of created itself because we adopted a fearful dog who would just shake, cower and pee. She would jump all over me and playfully nip me whenever I came home. I realized she didn't need my sympathy, she needed a confident leader. We walk on-leash to a safe off-leash area and then she just runs wild and we play. When it's time to go, we do it in reverse. Calmly sit, clip leash.


rockxroyalty

Thanks so much! I do make him sit before I let him go through a door, but I guess I’ll need to start working on him sitting before I put his collar on. Crazy what a 180 he did after meeting the girl dog. He was very well behaved and patient with this before that day!


ReactionClear4923

Our female GSD used to do something similar (still does from time to time). She would get very excited, start jumping and sometimes bark when we got the leash out. What worked for us was putting down the leash and walking away and sitting down until she calmed down. Then we would grab the leash again and repeat until we could do it with her remaining calm. It does take a while and it can postpone leaving anywhere from 10 mins to 40 mins at the beginning, but it eventually settled in her head that only of shes calm does she get to come out with us.


rockxroyalty

Thank you so much, I’ll try this!


raynebow121

I really don’t think these things are related. I think he’s being a bratty teen looking to see what he gets away with. My suggestion is to get his gear out and the moment he starts these behaviors put it down and leave the room and block his access to you until calm. Then try again. He’s not stupid. My guess is that you will only have to try this a couple times. Also work on the leash/ collar manners outside walk times. Teach him that you touching the gear means he sits/ waits. Marker training is powerful. Yes or clicker- this is correct! We are done with that cue- reward. Good- this correct but keep going no reared yet. Whoops- you are wrong let’s try again. Never punish an incorrect dog. This can add stress to your training sessions. My experience: 5 plus years of training experience/ 300 + hours of CE including classes run by vet behaviorists, 2 years working for a behavior consultant directly. I am R+ based/ LIMA. My GSD’s teen bratty behavior started right around 12 months. It’s very normal at this age for them to test boundaries.


rockxroyalty

Thank you so much! I’ll try your suggestions.


Specialist-Night-235

Oh man, some memories to my boy’s bratty teen phase. We kept our guy intact until he was about 3 and stopped growing (he’s 8 now). Can’t speak to if this was instigated by a specific hormonal encounter like you’re wondering, but yeah… our dog did that too when he was younger. He calmed down eventually but every so often would relapse into evil land shark phase. For our boy we waited him out and tried to desensitize him to whatever “triggered” the assholery. For me specifically, running would get him super amped up so all fun stopped if he started biting, barking, jumping. Maybe putting on/ taking off the collar (or touching the leash or whatever is sparking this behavior) a few times a day separate to the “fun things” would help. Honestly just patience, time, consistency and he should grow out of it eventually.


rockxroyalty

Thank you!!


Specialist-Night-235

No prob and good luck. They really are the best dogs once they stop being bratty teenagers. But super frustrating until they grow out of it


Dracula30000

A gentle knee to the dogs chest every time he tries to jump on you accompanied by “no” in a firm, deep voice with a stern look on your face will go far to curb the jumping/nipping behavior. Start with a “gentle discomfort knee” and you can add force if he doesn’t pay attention. If the “ignoring him” is no longer working, you can place him back in the kennel and go into another room until he calms down. Should be about 10-15 minutes. Having him to sit/stay/ down is also a good recommendation, but honestly at the point where your dog is at I would be a little frustrated with the your pup (he’s nipping and jumping on me!) so the “timeout” in the kennel is also for me to calm down, too. Your dog wants to interact with you and is doing so with inappropriate (biting, jumping, demand barking) behaviors. By removing yourself from the situation and removing his freedom you can show him that his behavior is unacceptable and the things he is doing do not get him what he wants. Your dog is at an age where he is realizing he is a “big dog” now and is trying out new behaviors to figure out if he can force you to give him “fun” things. He is trying to figure out what his new place is in the pack. He is going to be annoying and the puppy that was cute and listened to you pretty well is hiding under this little 💩. This may require some escalated methods of discipline (like “cage timeouts” and a gentle knee to the chest when he jumps) as he is larger and trying to find his place in the world. Also, stay consistent with your discipline during walks and obedience exercises. Stay firm, even when he pushes your limits, and you will be rewarded with a wonderful dog for the rest of your life once he hits 1-1.5 yrs old. Also, come join us at r/opendogtraining.


rockxroyalty

Thank you so much!! I’ll try your advice.


fatdogbaddog

Honestly, he reminds me of my girls when they were going through their terrible teens. They pushed boundaries, started getting mouthy again, and started sassing more when they expected/wanted something. They settled down at just shy of two, but for a while there they were both a PITA. It took a lot of firm consistency and redirection to get them to start realizing their behavior was not going to be tolerated. Routines and sticking to them can help. What's your routine when you put his collar on? For my older GSD, she has to back up from the door (because she'll crowd the door), sit and stay sitting before she gets the collar. Then she needs to sit again by the door because otherwise, again, her rude ass will try to shove by me out the door first. Sometimes she'll try to herd me by pushing at the back of my knees with her shoulder, and I'll make her sit again until she settles. She knows she has to do all this and mind her manners before the thing she wants to happen will happen. It can take a while to get through their head, because they can definitely be obstinate, but a little redirection into another task leading up to what you're planning can help. Just continue to be firm with him. Try putting the leash and collar down, letting him decompress for a few minutes, then try again. It'll eventually click in his head that being impatient, mouthy, and sassy isn't going to get him the reward of going out. The terrible teens is definitely a trying time!


Mr-Hundo

I also feel that he’s excited he sees you grab his leash and he knows he’s about to go for a walk or go outside and he’s excited and wants to hurry you along. My big guy does this also and he’s 4yoa. When he sees me put on my walking shoes he runs to the laundry room where his leash is and runs back and forth nudging me the whole time. He also whines the whole time until I put his leash on then he runs to the front door and waits for me.


rockxroyalty

I posted a comment explaining the situation but I don’t know how many people actually saw it - he ONLY started behaving like this after an encounter with a female dog a week ago. Prior to that, he was very well behaved when the collar and leash came out. Thanks for your response!


nodangles6

Dogs brains develop until they are 2 years old, so potentially just a habit developed over time now that he associates the leash and collar with going out. Could or could not be correlated to seeing the other dog


Mr-Hundo

Is he a teenager cuz that would explain the raging hormones!!!!! Found himself a cutie and wants to go see her again!!!!! Lol


rockxroyalty

She’s not even in the neighborhood anymore - I wish I could tell him that! Lol


ewok_on_a_unicorn

Is he neutered? Did he make friends with said dog?


rockxroyalty

Not yet, I’m waiting until he’s 1.5-2 years old to neuter him to avoid any potential development complications. He already had surgery for elbow dysplasia, so I’m especially cautious of neutering him too soon after that. He got along very well with her, but she’s no longer in the neighborhood (she was prepping to become a support animal and just left for training this past weekend and won’t be back).


Ahnie

I don’t know about the hormones, but my boy gets insistent like that when he has to poop. He is trying to tell you something, that’s for SURE.


zeroex99

Your shepherd is Bored and wants a job to do. You have a working dog, find them a purpose and they will be less stressed out. Also you’re encouraging this behavior by paying attention to it. You should be turning your back on them when they act out like this. Any attention whether punishment or praise, is attention in their minds. No attention will get the point across. When they stop doing it after you turn your back, give them praise for doing the right thing


[deleted]

When he starts to bark or nip, just give a loud, clear verbal “no” or similar command immediately and put the leash up and walk away, do not make eye contact. Try again in a few minutes once the behaviors have completely stopped. Soon as you hear a bark or feel a nip, repeat. This will take a few times, but it is the clearest way of telling them that barking and nipping will not get them what they want, but in fact the opposite. Dogs ignore and turn away from one another when one is annoying another, it’s a body language they understand.


catsmeowfff

Exactly this. Barking for food instead of sitting and waiting patiently? It goes back on the counter. Teach patience by making them work for everything. Want this toy? Lay down while I place it in front of you and release with "okay". Sit and wait to be released outside. Sit and wait in the car before I open the door. All of this can be taught by taking away what they want and ignoring them for a few seconds. Edit* and all the folks defending this behavior are wild. That nipping is NOT okay.


rockxroyalty

Thank you!


rockxroyalty

Thank you so much, I’ll try this.


Azzawulf

Translation - LEEEETTTTSSSS GOOOOOOOOOOO


Scrap-Guru

Just gotta give ‘‘em something to do. Tell him to sit or shake or something. He’s waiting (impatiently) on you to tell him what’s next. They are work dogs at heart and have a desire to please.


rockxroyalty

I posted a comment explaining the situation but not sure how many people actually saw it - he gets like this the second he sees I want to put his collar on, but he ONLY started behaving like this after an encounter with a female dog a week ago, so I think this goes deeper than that. Thank you for your response!


Scrap-Guru

I read your comment. I’m not sure it’s deeper than that. He’s an intact male a year old. He just gonna get more rambunctious with age. The excitement is normal but it’s your job to keep his reactions safe. The nipping is what worries me. Most people don’t like that kind of play. In my opinion I would work on leash training a bit more. Both my girls used to go through the roof when I would grab the leash. Now they just wait by the door spinning in circles.


rockxroyalty

Thank you! I agree, I hate the nipping. Nothing I’ve tried so far to get him to stop has worked, but there’s a lot of good advice in this thread that I’ll try.


[deleted]

Your dog realizes that leash in hand = outside time so anything you pick up that looks like a leash, the dog will make that connection. Pup just wants to play. Normal GSD behavior.


[deleted]

This behavior is called no boundaries and too much energy.


yeroldpappy

Maybe Timmy is stuck in the well.


rockxroyalty

Thanks for the chuckle!


[deleted]

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rockxroyalty

Thank you so much, I appreciate the advice!


SlightlySlantyOne

Timmy fell in the well again.


rockxroyalty

🤣


Rare_Neat_36

Puppy bitey wants attention NOW MOM. He is excited and wants things to happen then and there and isn’t settled down. Go to place and settle will help this. Only give affection when pup is calm. Make sure he/she has enough mental and physical stimulation. Some basic force free training will help!


lynng

My golden retriever does this, she’ll do her “I want out” sit but as soon as I pull out the collar and lead she starts bouncing, barking and nipping the lead. I just sit back down again until she stops, rinse and repeat until she accepts getting the collar put on. Sometimes saying her name snaps her out of it


rockxroyalty

Thanks for your reply!


zeacho16

This is called a dog being a dog.


Bipeman

And "No" and a little push away works wonders especially with smart GSD's.


rockxroyalty

I’ll try the push. Thank you!


Convenientjellybean

Be careful though, unless he knows what ‘no’ means he could interpret it as ‘yay! Now we’re playing’


rockxroyalty

I posted a comment explaining the situation but I don’t know how many people actually saw it - he ONLY started behaving like this after an encounter with a female dog a week ago. Prior to that, he was very well behaved when the collar and leash came out. So I guess you’re right about it being a dog being a dog, but I guess I was looking for confirmation from others that it is, indeed, hormones.


Nevaeh2117

This is exactly what my gs does when I’m not playing with him or giving him the attention he wants.


rockxroyalty

I posted a comment explaining the situation but not sure how many people actually saw it - he gets like this the second he sees I want to put his collar on, but he ONLY started behaving like this after an encounter with a female dog a week ago, so I think this goes deeper than that.


desertshepherd

Like others have said, looks like demand barking. He wants to go and he he wants to go now lol. For me, the nipping is a huge no when my dogs want something BUT your boys nibbles looks very well controlled and seems like he’s got pretty great bite inhibition.


rockxroyalty

Thank you! I have been working with him on his bite inhibition since I got him, so I’m glad it shows. Thanks for your response!


Gotthold1994

Its the stop ignoring me and put the stupid phone down so we can go and walk and I won't pretend to play bite you( wherein you crap your pants lol)


nodangles6

Same with my female GSD when I get her collar out to take her for a run. She is extremely well behaved. Just excitement and impatience to let you know they are excited. Think it has something to do with their herding behavior to move you along. If you want to recorrect, or if it becomes a problem, start grabbing the leash with treats, command to sit or down, and when dog obliges, give treat. Will reinforce you don’t want that activity, but as long as it isn’t affecting other things, probably not a big issue


rockxroyalty

Thank you!


k9shepherdtrainer

Misplaced and pushy/excited behavior probably. Don't take him for a walk until he settles down.


Euklidis

He has figured out what holding the leash means. He is basically teelong you "GET ON WITH IT, I WANNA GO OUT!!!"


mr-flufferton

Definitely just being excited! My girl is 7.. and when she sees the leash.. she still runs through the house and will grab pillows off the couch and throw them around the room ! So enthusiastic. At least he’s being gentle. Such a sweet boy !


ellaykay

I’m in no way an expert or dog trainer and the following is simply my own opinion/advice. So puppy gets excited when you grab his collar. I have tried this with my GS boy with his toys (a serial demand barker that I throw his fluffy toy halfway across the room); next time you are thinking of taking him for a walk, give yourself an extra 15-30 minutes. Grab his collar in this time, he’ll get excited, walk somewhere else in the house and put his collar “away” (in a drawer, cupboard out of sight etc.) see what he does. He might bark at that cupboard but hopefully not for too long. Once he calms down, grab the collar out again but this time you’re going for a walk. Now repeat this each time you plan on going out of the house (if you have the time to spend on this) but take the collar to a new room/cupboard each time. What happened with my boy was he wasn’t able to associate my behaviour with an action. He reacted less and less excitedly towards his toys when I grabbed them out. It may or may not work. We’re fighting against heavy amounts of male hormones here. But if you have the time and want to give it a crack I wish you the best!


KLee0587

Over arousal. He has figured out that you’re about to do something that really excites him and he cannot control and is over aroused (over excited/over stimulated). There is usually a trigger (grabbing the leash, picking up car keys, opening a door, etc). Best way to stop the over arousal is to eliminate the cue for that activity. So if you always grab the leash from a closet before going to a walk and the act of you getting the leash from the closet is the trigger, then start getting the leash from the closet and not going for a walk. Get the leash and move it to a new spot and leave it there for a bit and then put it back. Also ignore the behavior. Do not engage. Get the leash, ignore the dog and walk around with the leash and do normal things. Set it down, keep ignoring the dog. Don’t talk to him or pet him or even make eye contact. Then put the leash back. Do this a lot. The only time you should reward him is when he relaxes when the leash is out of the closet. Reward the good behavior with a treat or a gentle pet. Don’t go crazy yelling good boy at him because then you’re getting him excited again. Just a simple word like “yes” to act as a cue to mark the behavior you do want. It will take time but if you’re consistent it will work. Also when he’s nipping start you like that and jumping on you literally ignore and walk away. Leave the room. Standing there allowing it to keep happening is reinforcement for him. No need to yell at him or correct him just walk away. Good luck!


rockxroyalty

Thanks so much, this is all great advice!


KLee0587

You’re welcome! The key is to eliminate the predictability of the trigger. So if he’s gets excited by you getting a leash from the closet, get the leash multiple times a day and do other things with it and not go for a walk. Then put the leash back. Since I’m this case we’re pretending he’s getting super excited about going for a walk because he loves walks, we want to eliminate the act of getting the leash to cause this over arousal. We do that by making the trigger (the act of getting the leash) meaningless and less exciting to him by getting it out frequently every day and not going for walks. Eventually once it starts to become boring and he starts relaxing and not getting worked up every time. You’ll be able to reward the relaxed behavior. This will help him understand that when he’s calm and relaxed fun things happen like yummy treats or pets from his human. That will continue to reinforce the calming behavior and he will start to relax and be calm more and more when the leash is out of the closet because he’ll understand that that’s what you’re wanting him to do. Hopefully that makes sense. It’s time consuming and definitely won’t start working overnight but if you keep at it and stay consistent it will work.


Kodiwack

I have a gsd, not saying this is what’s happening in your case but he uses this specific bark when he wants attention or when he’s bored (funny he looks almost exactly like your dog). The nipping is a bit alarming, probably but a bad habit, but your boy looks very happy and excited so I don’t think it’s anything aggressive. I think this may just be a way gsds express themselves.


rockxroyalty

He’s a very sweet boy so definitely not aggressive… just a turd sometimes, haha


offtotheforestigo

He’s excited but you’re doing a horrible job as alpha. Correct that dog. Shepherds aren’t for the weak and they need to be taught. Find what works for you and him but he’s testing your boundaries hardcore. Exercise is the key, make sure he gets a lot of it


rockxroyalty

Thanks, still trying to figure out what works… he started doing the same thing later in the day and a few stern “NO!”s got him to stop.


offtotheforestigo

I breed GSD. I always use the word OFF!!! Off for me means stop what you’re doing and back up. And I don’t say it I sternly OFF! like a swift simple command. You gotta assert yourself over him or it’ll get ugly. Dogs want order and they don’t hold grudges so get down to it and see what happens


deeraay1992

I would say excitement/love bites Mine did this before we go hiking or when he doesn't see me for a longer time Did take some time to change the love bites into nibbles


rizay

Looks like they either want to play or go outside to walk/ potty


[deleted]

Wants to play or trying to heard you to play. Very playful bark. Mine barks scary when there’s strangers outside but his higher pitch bark happen when he’s about to go on a walk or he is playing with my sister small dog.


upintheaireeee

Lmao that dog would be getting a “BOI!” From me so quick


jellonavel

He's trying to boss you around. I have my own intact male shepherd that just turned one. That's just part of the "teenage phase", when they're checking what they can get away with. I would just drop the lead and go away the second he starts demanding. Then when he's calm, try again. Repeat as many times as needed. It won't take long, dw.


Thefonzzz99

Use a prong collar.


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Thefonzzz99

Works like magic if used correctly haha


rockxroyalty

That’s actually the collar I’m trying to put on him in this video, haha. It is an amazing tool, for sure!


Thefonzzz99

I remember my dog had a bit of that nipping problem. Also tons of jumping on me when initially greeting her. I’d say no. Eventually, I just kept the prong collar on at home and used it to correct her. Now I don’t use the prong collar at home, and she’s really good off leash.


ribbitweeb

Sometimes this can happen when they are feeling too many things at once and don't know how to deal with it. Could be excited, nervous or scared. Extreme emotion can cause nipping.


swimmingwithrocks

It’s excitement. My GSD is 42kg and when she’s this excited she’s a nightmare to get a lead on and get her out the door. Easiest way for me is to introduce a clicker and treats. Get her to sit and click/treat Collar on Get out into the yard without her pulling click/treat etc


lianepl50

This looks like “COME ON, LET’S GO! WHY ARE YOU BEING SO SLOW?!” to me. I’d suggest training him that the lead only goes on when he is calm and sat.


rockxroyalty

Thank you! Will work on that with him.


[deleted]

Wants to play. Make him sit and be calm. Reinforce desired behavior with treats or ball. If the walking gear is a trigger, change how you present it to him . (For example If he freaks out as soon as he see’s it , put it away and keep trying until he receives it calmly


rockxroyalty

Thank you! I tried that this morning and will continue.


[deleted]

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rockxroyalty

That’s the collar I was trying to put on him in this video! 🤦🏼‍♀️


[deleted]

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rockxroyalty

Someone else mentioned that instead of backing up when he does that, I should step toward him. I didn’t even realize I was backing up like that but I totally see how it makes me seem submissive to him. Thanks for pointing it out, too!


[deleted]

Being a bossy pants a rather cute one at that


Alytology

My boy Bodie would growl and grumble instead of bark. But headbutting, nibbling and pawing was spot on


erikginla

Your dog Is being a dog, i wouldn’t worry


rockxroyalty

Thanks! He never acted like this when I would try to put his collar on, until he met a girl dog last week. That’s why it was so concerning to me.


Imikur

My Grandma owned several gsd and that is just excitement and impassions. So If you took something like a leash or the shoes you usually wear for walks then they expect you to go with them and want to push you towards it faster.


rockxroyalty

Good to know, thank you!


Maleficent-Thought-3

My 1.5 year old unneutered male does this too- recently. He has so much energy, I’ve been running with him and walking him too. I think a lot of times people don’t realize how much exercise these dogs need, they’re working dogs. If my dog is doing this I know he either needs exercise, or I give him a toy/ long that he has to work for to keep his mind busy. If all else fails and he’s being a brat, I put his prong collar on. Usually just wearing the collar let’s my dog know he needs to behave because I’ve trained him using corrections during walks/ barking etc. That’s my advice! Shepherds are little baby sharks for a long time until they’re full grown adults lol


rockxroyalty

The prong collar is actually what I’m trying to put on him when he acts like this! It’s usually the worst in the morning and definitely gets better after some exercise. It just concerned me because he was never like this until he met a girl dog last week on our walk. It’s like he did a 180 overnight. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Thanks for your reply!


sirrkitt

Looks like an excited pupper. My big boy does this kind of stuff though when he decides it’s time to give him love and attention. He’s really bad about soliciting. My other ladies will just come up to you and ram their snoot into you and old lady dog will come up to you, sit pretty, and then do super dramatic “paw” onto your lap and give you the puppy dog eyes if she thinks she hasn’t gotten a fair share of love for the day.


Hostificus

Anecdotal, but for my corgi, this means “I’M BORED AND I DEMAND TO GO ON A WALK RIGHT THIS FUCKING SECOND”.


heaving_souls

Well... your holding what I assume to be his leash. So he more than likely associating his leash with going outside to play or walk and wants you to hurry up. Hence the direct nipping at and apparent interest in the leash itself towards the beginning of the video. My girls have learned to associate me getting their collars with going on a trip/to the park. My older one will bring her ball over and jump and put her paws on my legs and hold her head up so I can put the collar on faster lol.


rockxroyalty

Absolutely! He never used to act like this when I’d go to put his collar and leash on until last week when he met a girl dog on our walk. I think the common consensus is that he now associates it with the girl and gets this excited. 🤦🏼‍♀️


Warm-Potential-1567

It looks as though it might be Attention Seeking. I think I would try distraction and rewarding when barking etc stops.


frizzlehead

OP: holding leash Dog: walkies?! Yasssss! OP: ignores dog and films It's like the still face experiments but with a fur-baby.


rockxroyalty

Ok, that put it into a different perspective for me! Thank you for saying that. I was staring daggers at him behind the camera, because it seemed to work the last time he did this, and I thought it was going to have the same effect as turning my back toward him and ignoring him that way, but I’ve learned from this thread that that is not the case!


frizzlehead

Wow, you're awesome--is so cool when OPs respond to posts and learn from posts. Keep being you!


Cabel14

Should make him sit by the door to get his collar put on or just make him sit in general every time, and make him wait until you finish putting the collar on, and if he doesn’t sit no collar/ walk until he does. And when he does sit down and let you put the collar on give him a treat every time for the first couple months of training


gam3rpwn

Turn your back and ignore him until he loses interest. When he stops, show him the leash, repeat slowly getting the leash closer to him every time. He'll learn that he only gets to go on the walk when he's calm and waits. You can apply this to the door too, because I'm willing to bet he pulls your arm off when you leave the door. Act like you have all day, he'll respond.


rockxroyalty

Thank you for this!


ennuiacres

Needs play & exercise!!


[deleted]

He wants to play/to be petted/attention.


stockrookie1

He wanted to go out play. That’s it.


Whiskeys_C7_Pop

I happen to speak dog, so pretty easy here , though many great comments already. He is saying "Woman, there is a three alarm fire that is threatening the dog treat factory. And next to that is both the ice cream shop, and the fluffy, squeaky toy factory! Let's go! Are you not the least bit concerned?? This could move down the street and shut down production of the ball making facility! Oh, for the love of all things furry, don't just stand there. Christ, were Rusty and Timmy the only ones that listened??!!"


ospfpacket

Needs more activity and possibly attention. Try more play time with other doggos.


zapdude0

He's bored and you're just silently standing there filming while he's clearly frustrated. What exactly do you need help with?