How do you clam down a very excited puppy?

Question

I started my 4 m/o German shepherd puppy at puppy kindergarden today, and I had no control over him. He was on the edge of his leash pulling, whining and barking at every dog he saw at PetSmart. He pays no attention to my commands and can't even be distracted by treats. He's gentle with other dogs, he just doesn't stop freaking out until he's in their faces. The trainer said that this is pretty normal for shepherds and labs, but seemed annoyed by my loud-mouthed dog. She asked me to bring something to class next time to distract him while she's talking (even though she watched me try to distract him with treats and toys today with no success), but I don't know what to do. None of the other puppies were like this, will he grow out of it or is there something I can do to stop him? He's getting neutered Tuesday because he has some dominance/aggression issues. The vet wanted to do it early because she thinks it will help. Will it help tone down his excitment too?

I see a few people suggesting exercise, but I did try to wear him out prior to class so that he would be more controlable. It didn't work. He seemed tired when I left the house but was crazy again when I got to the pet store.

Answer 1

Wal-mart has these treats (or did) that is like a chocolate for dogs. When he gets so bad to where you can't control him say sit in a very commanding way and wave the treat in front of him.


Hope this helped! Good Luck!

Answer 2

I suggest a personal trainer at this age, no PetSmart training because a) you are not in your own environment meaning your house and b) he is too distracted and the PetSmart people have to be really stern with a German shepherd which I don't really see. You should get a personal trainer that does protection dogs but don't go for the protection just go for basic training. The trainers will be really stern and commanding which is a good for a German Shepherd. You should also get choke chain for now and a pinch collar for when he is older. Though a pinch collar looks like it will hurt your dog it will stop him really well and put him in control. YOU SHOULD get a personal trainer it is very crucial at this point.

Answer 3

The neutering should calm him down some, but not completely.
The best thing to do is exercise him. WEAR HIM OUT before training class. You can do it at home if you're close to PetSmart or get there early & run him up & down the sidewalk. IF it's safe, run him around the parking lot. Then do a walk through in the store, so he'll be used to being around other dogs w/out getting too close to them. Get his "favorite" treat, give it to him ONLY during, training class & when you are doing your/his "homework" I can understand the trainers point of view, they teach several classes per day. If your dog is a huge distraction, she/he can't do their job. Everyone paid as much as you & they deserve to get the training they paid for.
Hope my tips help.

Answer 4

i wish that you could wait till the G/S is at least 6 mo old to neuter because of his bone growth. is sounds like he needs more exercise than he us getting. you might try a halite it is a type of head collar or a pinch collar they do not hurt the dog i have had one on my arm. the neutering may not help the dominance aggression problems it sound like you need to fine a private dog trainer for right now instead of pet-smart till you get his attitude under control.

Answer 5

I am a firm believer in one on one training for dogs...classes are too busy and you don't get to ask all the questions you want to. Also, you should take your puppy for a big walk just prior to training, as this will get rid of excess energy and he will learn better.

Answer 6

all pups are hyper! i hate to even suggest it but if it's absolutely necessary get a muzzle. I've seen some new designs that look much better then the old ones. but dogs are supposed to bark, I'd have to tell the trainer to jump off a cliff.

Answer 7

It looks like the pecking order is off ur hubby is sweet canine (%. chief), she is 2nd in command, and you are the backside score (the chew toy), hitting in basic terms begets aggression and yelling dosent seem to help simply by fact its purely frustration, initiate education her while she jumps up forget approximately approximately her and turn you lower back to her, u do no longer prefer to be a play element. If she bites you or pulls on you save turning your lower back, she would be waiting to earnings it gets her nowhere and that there is not any `pastime` to play. you would be extra dominant via feeding her and teching her new issues including sit down, stay, laydown, canine prefer 3 issues#a million disapline, #2 concistancy'#3 affection. they'd desire to circulate in that order, think of related to the style you have been raised... in case you mom rewarded you whenyou have been undesirable you will learn how to misbehave, while rewarded for stable habit you learn how to act wisely :)

Answer 8

for the first two years of the puppies life it will be more excitable...spaying or neutering wont calm it down much at this time. you have to be the leader. dont want it excited? make it stop as soon as you see any signs of it. dont allow the puppy to walk ahead of you on the leash, tug on the leash and stop if the puppy doesnt seem to be focusing on you. push the pups rear down to sit. keep him in the sitting position until he focuses on you. then you lead again. do this over and over until he is focusing on you. you may have to sit him, make him lay and then turn him on his side...hover over him and gently put you hand near the neck (thumb under jaw finger at back of neck )
when the dog is calm you can sit back and make the dog stay there. if he begins to lift from submission position, shush him and put thumb and gently poke thumb and finger back to his neck for a moment so he goes back to submit position.
you may try this at home several times. when you first greet your dog in the morning...dont greet him or make eye contact for at least the first 5 minutes...dont allow him to jump on you...this is aggressive behavior. when he calms down, then you can greet you dog. dont allow him to bite you, or jump on you at all, ever. Try watching the Dog Whisperer that comes on cable.
It trains people and rehabilitates dogs. good luck

Answer 9

yes, neutering will help.
but he's a puppy! don't 4get that! give him time to settle into this new situation. All these new puppy friends he sees excites him. not a big deal and shouldn't be to the instructor either! TIME!!
good luck

Answer 10

dont worry . you have to be calm yourself. if your not calm he is not calm . you keep going to the classes and do what they tell you and the dog will be wonderfull . but you have to do just as you are told all the time.