Children & possesive GSD

wrigley20 · #1 31-08-11, 07:58 PM

Hi all.

I have 3 girls, and our 7 month old GSD gets quite possesive, and will start barking if either I or the wife go to give the girls a cuddle, or even reprimanding them.

Is this the norm for GSD?

The barking does not progress into anything sinister at the moment, but would like some pointers has to whether this is the norm, and the best way of tackling it.

Many thanks.

Zak · #2 31-08-11, 08:13 PM

Hi,

I think it's perfectly normal, I am going through exactly the same thing with ours at the moment, if he is not the one getting the love he kicks off.

We are just ignoring it and not making any fuss of him until he has gone quiet and stopped, if you give them love when they bark you are just re-enforcing the undesired behaviour.

That's all we are doing though.

wrigley20 · #3 31-08-11, 08:22 PM

OK thanks Zac.

RainbowLass · #4 31-08-11, 08:22 PM

Its a trait of the breed i'm afraid but it needs nipped in the bud with the kids i think.

Rogue has been ok with our 6 year old so far, but if me and Mike want to get a bit silly then we put her in the other room, he HAS been nipped on the bum for tickling me and it HURTS! lol!

I'm not sure but it could be a pack order thing... Rogue is ok with us fussing cait, gently, but anyone else fussing her when we're out on walks needs to be 'vetted' first!

We call her 'the enforcer' but she needs to know that you can be ok with the children. Make a clear 'NO' command and keep going, and if your doggie takes exception then just move her into another room so that she knows the behaviour is un-acceptable. They are not daft, he/she will learn eventually!

jesterjenn · #5 01-09-11, 09:19 AM

It may be a trait as the GSD is very protective, but IMO this should be discouraged and not allowed AT ALL!

Anyone can approach my family, I expect my dogs to allow it (unless obviously if the person comes in an unfriendly way, then I know they'd protect us, but that is the ONLY time I'd allow protection behaviour).

I have an 11 month old baby and this was a worry of mine, but I have made sure the dogs know that he's my problem and not theirs if that makes sense.

If my dogs were doing this when I went to "fuss" my child, I'd immediately take them out of the room (or put them on their beds - they know this as a "done something wrong" place). Either that, or before you "fuss" your child, but them in a sit/down stay and make them watch that when you give affection, the child isn't going to be harmed by you.

LOVEGSD · #6 01-09-11, 11:16 AM

I wouldn't be happy about this behaviour either, I agree with Jesterjenn it needs nipping in the bud.

I would ask for your dog to go to their bed and then when calm call him/her out of the bed and reward.

wrigley20 · #7 01-09-11, 07:17 PM

OK great advice, and we most definately intend to nip this in the bud.

I will update on progress, many thanks.

jesterjenn · #8 11-10-11, 08:52 AM

How is the progress going with this? Hope all is well!

wrigley20 · #9 12-10-11, 09:08 AM

Hi Jen,

Olli seems to have got the message that when we interact with the girls, we pose no threat. He now understands that when we play and cuddle the girls is previous reaction of barking is unacceptable.

He is now very weary of strangers when we are out walking; not such a bad thing I suppose.

daddy day care · #10 31-12-11, 03:25 PM

I think a lot of breeds will act in the same way unless it's made clear that they can't.

My Daughter used to love capitalising on this with our border collie cross. She would punch me and tell the dog that I was picking on her

Even though she knew that I was in charge the dog would bark at me and mouth my hand. Didn't matter how many times she was told "no" and "down" she would repeat the behaviour. Never hurt me just shouted at me. Daft dog never did work out that I wasn't the aggressor

If my daughter tries this with the GSD then it won't be the dog in a crate believe me

Andy