Puppy Question German shepherd

[Patiencez]

Zeus has been around kids ,People,Dogs an cats from the first day I brought him home. Loves them all. But does have great fun chasing the cats but doesnt try to hurt them.He hasn't been to dog parks or anything because I live way out in the country. But he has Lots of play time an training in his own yard.
But every time we go out side his hair is always up. an today I was trying to walk him on the road.an he was so very skittish an kept jumping on me an he knows he is not allowed to jump on people.He is not quite 4 months he never barks at anything. is this common or am I doing something wrong?
He loves playing with the other Dogs an doing what puppys do. But it was almost fear.I of course got him for a Guard Dog. But should I worry he will be aggresive out of fear?

[bambee]

German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive and they are banned in some areas. They are highly active and self-assured. However, they can become over-protective of their family and territory, especially if not socialized correctly. An aloof personality makes them approachable, but not inclined to become immediate friends with strangers. German Shepherds are highly obedient and not easily distracted, but due to their strong self-will must be trained by "a firm hand". German Shepherd Dog - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[BoxMeIn21]

Originally Posted by Patiencez

Zeus has been around kids ,People,Dogs an cats from the first day I brought him home. Loves them all. But does have great fun chasing the cats but doesnt try to hurt them.He hasn't been to dog parks or anything because I live way out in the country. But he has Lots of play time an training in his own yard.
But every time we go out side his hair is always up. an today I was trying to walk him on the road.an he was so very skittish an kept jumping on me an he knows he is not allowed to jump on people.He is not quite 4 months he never barks at anything. is this common or am I doing something wrong?
He loves playing with the other Dogs an doing what puppys do. But it was almost fear.I of course got him for a Guard Dog. But should I worry he will be aggresive out of fear?

Your pup is still pretty young, so I would just be proactive about exposing him to as many different situations as you can. Are you sure he wasn't trying to play with you by jumping? What did you do in response?

[Patiencez]

German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive and they are banned in some areas. They are highly active and self-assured. However, they can become over-protective of their family and territory, especially if not socialized correctly. An aloof personality makes them approachable, but not inclined to become immediate friends with strangers. German Shepherds are highly obedient and not easily distracted, but due to their strong self-will must be trained by "a firm hand"

thanks for the link bambee I had German Shepherds growing up.I am very firm with him.I think maybe a trip out of his element might be what he needs.
he is maybe in his comfort zone to much.

Your pup is still pretty young, so I would just be proactive about exposing him to as many different situations as you can. Are you sure he wasn't trying to play with you by jumping? What did you do in response?

No He wasn't trying to play he kept clawing my back.
when he jumps I turn away from him an tell him no.I could tell he was very fearful.I came back because his claws were hurting, he was fine when I started back to the house.I make everyone tell him no when he jumps on them. of course being a puppy thats the one thing he forgets the most.But is really good with all his commands.But maybe he needs out of his safe element an see how he acts.

[sheplovr]

I do not know of any state banning a German Shepherd, they are number 3 in AKC registry.

I breed the imported West show/work lines, very confident pups and dogs, instinctively protective by barking only. Mine do not bite nor go after people, but prey drive they will kill cats, bunnines, etc. I will not punish them for that is normal, smaller things including dogs of some very tiny ones.

They need alot of socilaization of puppy classes when you get one at 9 weeks, then Obedience classes of basic things. Since you have had them before you should have no problem in making a good puppy into a better adult.? I will not sell mine only to people that have them as a family member, can work it, many of mine are doing search n rescue, bomb detecting, etc. But, sound nerves are a must, good temperment and keep them part of the family.

Talk to your dog like it is your child. I keep two inside with me all the time. I am now importing 4 pups of 9 weeks Monday, 3/30. It has been a very expensive venture compared to last year I did 4 two different times, customs is getting ridiculous.

Anyhow, work with the dog alot on walking or heeling properly on a loose lead. Do not use a choker unless necessary, he might fear that if your using one.? I only use those flat chokes on the big males on walks. Keep the pups attention, give a pat on the back and encourage him to continue walking on properly and obediently as you keep his attention for next command. Give some basic commands if he starts to jump, sit few seconds, then procede on. Keep doing this or do a complete turn around if he keeps acting up or pulling you.

[sheplovr]

Here is another good link on raising and training the German Shepherd. Good luck.

Training Your German Shepherd Dog

[Romy]

Originally Posted by Patiencez

Zeus has been around kids ,People,Dogs an cats from the first day I brought him home. Loves them all. But does have great fun chasing the cats but doesnt try to hurt them.He hasn't been to dog parks or anything because I live way out in the country. But he has Lots of play time an training in his own yard.
But every time we go out side his hair is always up. an today I was trying to walk him on the road.an he was so very skittish an kept jumping on me an he knows he is not allowed to jump on people.He is not quite 4 months he never barks at anything. is this common or am I doing something wrong?
He loves playing with the other Dogs an doing what puppys do. But it was almost fear.I of course got him for a Guard Dog. But should I worry he will be aggresive out of fear?

Lots of dogs go through "fear periods" as they develop from puppy to adult, and frankly I've never met a german shepherd who didn't. It could be that your puppy is going through one of these periods, or he could have more of an insecure temperament. The important thing is to do what others have suggested, make sure you continue socializing him and make his experiences positive ones. Teriyaki duck skin worked wonders for me and desensitizing puppies to things they randomly became afraid of (like traffic cones...manhole covers...mailboxes, etc)

[release the hounds]

he needs to be exposed to things and at a lower level. he's afraid and trying to get close to you to feel safe. I'd ignore that behavior, but move away CALMLY from what was causing him that anxiety to an area he's not showing so much stress and do something he likes. Play, tug, pet, some simple OB commands, (maybe not yet if he's not pretty good at doing them, a fearful distraction close by might make it too difficult at this stage, but later when he's ready is good to work on). Make all his experiences good ones when he's out exploring the world.

[Patiencez]

Sheplovr thanks for the link an your Dogs are awesome.
I have always had big Dogs an have always trained them myself.
not a trainer by any means But believe a well trained dog is a happy dog.
have never inflicted pain on my dogs.I don't believe in that.
Have had 2 German Shepherds an 3 Rotties in my life time an all was wonderful Dogs.My Last one was German Shepherd an Rottie Mixed an he was the love of my Life had to have him put down at 14.
I have never seen any of these dogs show aggression unless it was warranted.
Zeus is going to be a Family Dog. But I also know he will Protect me.I will do everything in my power to make him a awesome adult.
Thank all of you for standing up For the breed because they are awesome Dogs.
He Is My Baby I had Just Never seen him Do anything like that before.I will Keep you all Posted.
Thanks

[Patiencez]

Zeus must have been going through a stage,He is doing well heeling on the road now. My Baby is growing up.. He barked at a stranger, who walked up when we was training in the yard.He is Not showing any fear now at all.
I know he has so many stages to go through. He was not overly agressive with the stranger.
Thank all of you For your help an calming my fears.