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Dob

My Puppy think himself as Top Dog (Alpha) ... help

My 3 month old GSD puppy think himself as alpha dog. He obeys me after giving command 2-3 times repeatedly only at the time of feeding, But other all time he tries to fight (puppy fight with us). Doesn't respond to any command, Growl and bite us,. Actually after bringing him to our home he felt in disease, so we loved and cared him as a human baby... Is this is a reason that make him think that he is a alpha dog (?). Please help me what I can do


Asked by Dob on Feb 1st 2012 Tagged alphadog, gsd, puppy, training in Other Behavior & Training
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Toto, CD, RN, CGC

Your dog is a baby!!!! Training at this stage should be merely asking for a sit ONCE prior to feeding him or several times during the day. At most, at three months 3 repetitions is okay, but no more.
This is the time he needs to be exploring his surroundings, going for short walks in the neighborhood for socialization, and learning about housebreaking, etc.
His attention span is MUCH TOO SHORT for repeated commands and major training...he needs time to grow up and mature. It would be like asking a 8 or 9 month old baby to play the piano to expect much more from him.
All training should be fun and yes, rewarded with treats at this time. There is plenty of time to fade out the treats as he matures.
Growling and biting is NORMAL. Read up on puppy bite inhibition for some pointers on that.
Don't forget, he was extremely young when he left his littermates and didn't have time to learn proper bite behaviors from them. It is up to you to teach this now.
Keep it short and rewarding


Toto, CD, RN, CGC answered on 2/2/12. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 2 Report this answer


Squ'mey

I answered your training question earlier. Have you accessed those resources? Never repeat a command..you say it once. He is not being aggressive or dominant..he is a baby. Please research the GSD breed further. They are not for novice owners & I am concerned this is your first dog. If you do not feel you can give this dog what he needs, then please consider giving him up now, while he has a chance..rather than throwing up your hands in despair when he hits adolescence. Too many 1-2 year old gsds end up in shelters because people do not understand their needs.
Short sessions..2-5 minutes max...always positive.


Squ'mey answered on 2/2/12. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


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