Growling

You can find a trainer here:
www.apdt.com
www.clickertraining.com
If you would like to see some videos of a dog trained with positive methods, go here: www.clickertrainusa.com

I must say I am a bit astonished myself that your first response would have been to smack your dog.  If that is the case, and you have a terrier, you may want to buy some kevlar gloves. [sm=uhoh.gif]  At any rate, physical violence usually produces one of two things - a dog that doesn't like you or trust you, or an aggressive dog.  I'm sure you don't want either, so please stop hitting.  Get the dog on a leash and buy an Easy Walk Harness that fits him.  To see one, go to www.premierpet.com.  They have a search function, so you can find a store that sells them.

I'm thinking that the OP is not in North America since s/he calls the yard the garden.......
 
Anne?  Is the Easy Walk available in other countries?

DON'T HIT! RUN!!!!!!

  LOL!

  Just kidding.

  Seriously though DON'T HIT! The very BEST way to discipline your dog, especially if they are aggressive it to talk doggy!

  Grab him by the scruff of his neck and give him a good shake! That says in doggy lingo, mama is MAD!

  Another good one is to do dominance play.

  What you do is roll the dog over grab their throat, hold them on the ground and GROWL! Look them in the eye and keep them pinned there until they give in! this is saying, 'I'm da boss! You WILL bow down to me! OR! I might rip your throat out!'


  I have done this with my dogs and they know I am bigger and tuffer!

  Just speak doggy!

  Shoot I even take Sasha's ruff into my MOUTH and bite down while growling at her! She lays still and gives in, that means, 'I respect you mama! Aint no way am I gonna tick you off!'

[sm=banghead002.gif] You're kidding, right Siana?  If not, that is the least helpful advice I've seen posted here in a long time, and a good way to get bitten. 

In regard to the post by Siana, PLEASE don't do any of these things unless you want to loose your face.
 
I have had many a litter through my doors and momma dogs DO NOT scruff their young.  Why this keeps being repeated as gospel is beyond me, but in my experience, it does not happen.  Momma may discipline with a gentle nose nudge but normally all it takes is "the look".
 
Dominance play?  This is a take off on the infamous "alpha roll" and probably even more dangerous.  For you AND the dog.
 
 Shoot I even take Sasha's ruff into my MOUTH and bite down while growling at her! She lays still and gives in, that means, 'I respect you mama! Aint no way am I gonna tick you off!'
 
[color=#000000]Actually, I suspect that Shasa is completely terrified of you at that point because you are acting in a totally irrational way.[/color]
[color=#000000][/color] 
[color=#000000]I don't NEED to be bigger and tougher than my six german shepherds.  They LIKE to please me because I am their BENEVOLENT leader.  And, I must be doing something right since FIVE now have earned their Canine Good Citizen awards..........

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The Easy Walk is available from some retailers online, so I guess it depends what country you are in, and whether any of them will ship one to where you happen to be.

Grab him by the scruff of his neck and give him a good shake!

 
Yeah, do that, at least it's a step up from smacking him.  [sm=no%20no%20smiley.gif]

Please don't follow Siana's suggestions.  They're a good way to get bitten in the face, and will do absolutely nothing to rehabilitate your relationship with your dog.  Your dog will only continue to see you as an erratic, scary, aggressive force in his life and things will not get better for you.  Please try a positive approach, and focus on rewarding your dog for good behavior, not punishing him or trying to prove that you can physically dominate him.  If you are aggressive with him, how can you expect him to be gentle with you? 
 
You *can* develop a positive relationship with a dog that is fun for both of you, and where training is fun rather than scary (for you or for the dog).  It is really worth it, and you and the dog will both be happier and more secure. 

Welcome, I hope you keep posting your question. Its a complicated question to give a simple anwer to.
If you have not already enroll in a class. Trainig will help build you communicaion with your dog and set bounderies for behavior. Second if you are concerned with how he reacts to other dogs you want to stop the behavior before it gets to the point of an atack
 
Path One:
See another dog--get excited--agression--punishment
Not so good. what he will learn is another dog=bad things
 
what you want is the association other dog= good things fun
This is where it gets a little more complicated as the speed of progression and where you start and other variables depend on your dog and his exact reactions.(this is where a trainer can be immesly helpful)
But the basic premis is to develope a postive relationship
 
Path Two;
see another dog--look at owner--stay in a relaxed state
What you want to prevent is the excited state. Bring his attention back to you and praise for calm relaxed behavior
Good luck hope this helps

Bless you, bless your hearts, glenmar, acesmom, lovemyswissy and spiritdogs!
 
I'm new to the forum. I recently had to say good-bye to my 14½ year old GSD, Daxx. I was, of course, inconsolable for some time. Then I was ready for another dog and opted to bring another GSD pup into our hearts and home. He was 7 weeks old when we got him.
 
His name is Shane and he is a handful! He's 26 lbs. already and fast, curious and clever. But, he's also very, very mouthy - in more ways than one. He complains and barks if he doesn't get his way (I turn my back on him and leave him alone in a safe environment for a couple of minutes when this happens.) He also mouths a lot - he does it gently now since I yelped each time he'd mouth me. But, he starts nipping when he gets excited and that scares me.
 
My question is two-fold. Beside gently crating him for several minutes as a time-out whenever he gets rambunctious is there a way to deal with Shane's "nutsy" behavior? I walk him around our property to give him exercise and play ball with him besides short obedience training. I'm at a loss.
 
Also, Shane finds and picks up rocks in his mouth. I used to be able to extract them from his mouth. Today he bit me when I tried. He also bites pieces of moss from the ground and I don't know how harmful that is. He chews it and, I'm sure, tries to swallow it. Again, efforts to extract create a battle.
 
Please help!
 

I think Glenda will probably agree - he was too young to be removed from his litter, which contributes to mouthiness.  They learn bite inhibition partly from their littermates.  Get him playing with other puppies at a class, or in a neighborly play group - but if he is over 10-12 weeks of age, you may have a rocky start.  That's the optimum socialization period.  You need to get him out, off your property and meeting other dogs, humans, and the outside world.  GSD's become neurotic and overbonded VERY quickly if you don't socialize them extensively.  Go to classes, and keep going, until the dog is an adult!!!
That way, he will meet a lot of different dogs.  And, get him well exercised - that helps with the mouthiness.  One way to keep his mouth off your hands...tuck a treat in your fist.  He will mow on your hand for a while, maybe even chomp a bit - grit your teeth.  Soon, however, he will back off, confused as to why he can't get the treat.  At that very moment, say "easy" and open your hand.  He gets the reward for NOT touching your hand. 
Also, you can yelp when he mouths you, and leave the room (as you have already figured out, GSD's hate being left alone).  If he nips your pant legs, put a door between you (I use the bathroom a lot when I train puppies!)
I'm sure Glenda and Mary NH and others with GSD's will be along to help.

I'm so sorry for your loss.  It's tough, no matter how long we have them.  It's never enough time.
 
I'll be perfectly honest with you....PART of the problem is that you brought home your pup too young.  I keep foster litters until at least 10 weeks (and I foster usually gsds) because they have MUCH to learn from their litters and momma in that time.  Bite inhibition being one of those things.  But, he's there now and you've gotta deal with the issues.
 
When I have pups it's generally a LOT of pups so I'm all to familar with trying to walk across a room with a bunch of little ones attached to my pants!  But, by 11 weeks that should be letting up, at least it always did for me.  And maybe it's easier for me because I always have a bunch and they learn from me AND each other.  If I'm trying to walk I totally ignore the attachments and keep on walking.  If I'm sitting someplace I'll pull up my feet if need be, but usually a simple "eh eh, no bite" followed by the insertion of a toy they CAN chew and "here, this is what you can bite" and then praise for chewing on IT and not me.  When I have pups I have bulging pockets AND a fanny pack full of good stuff for them to chew on, but with just ONE you should be able to fill your pockets and be good to go.
 
I correct (eh eh, not bite) redirect (to the toy) and then PRAISE for chewing on the right thing.  If someone is particularly persistent, I have no problem stepping over a baby gate or into another room and isolating them from me.  I leave.  I don't use a crate ever as punishment, but if you are calmly and gently placing him in the crate for just a few minutes to calm down it doesn't sound like you are either.
 
Everytime I have  a litter I swear I'm gonna remember how I did it so I can tell folks HOW to teach leave it and drop it, and then I forget to remember.  That *might* be a function of getting older! []  My little ones hear LEAVE IT and DROP IT from such a young age, and by 11 or 12 weeks WILL drop it for me, but they're used to me taking it if need be from an early age so biting has never been an issue for me.  I'm the momma and they WANT to please me so giving up whatever they've got is generally not an issue.....AND I talk to them....I'll tell them "that will HURT you" or whatever.  All that said, Spiritdogs (Anne) is a trainer and I know she's got a good protocol for teaching both.  Actually, I probably do too, but darned if I can give you step by step instructions!
 
And, you've already got the exercise part right...a tired pup is a far less mischieveous pup.  Leave it will help with the rocks and moss, but until you get that firmly installed, control the lead so he can't access those things.  I always carry tons of homemade liver treats when we walk, and make ME the most fascinating creature in the universe.  Can't worry about rocks and stuff cuz I *might* miss what mommy is saying....I talk to them a LOT....and they never know when I might drop a treat, or ask for a sit AND give a treat, so they tend to pay pretty close attention to me.  That's likely to be your key right now, until he gets past this mouthy stage. And he will, so long as you discourage it gently and install a solid leave it and follow up with a drop it command.  Also, make part of each walk a controlled heel...that tires them mentally.
 
Good luck with your new little one.  Now, I've offered suggestions and YOU have to pay the fee by posting pictures! [][]

ORIGINAL: spiritdogs

I think Glenda will probably agree - he was too young to be removed from his litter, which contributes to mouthiness. 

I understand. It's too late now - altho' my husband and I repeatedly inquired of our very reputable breeder if 7 weeks was old enough. She'd assured us it was. {{sigh}}

You need to get him out, off your property and meeting other dogs, humans, and the outside world.  GSD's become neurotic and overbonded VERY quickly if you don't socialize them extensively.

I've been walking him on our property so as not to expose him to sick dogs. But, I pop him in a jogging stroller and take him about to meet new people, children and dogs I know to be well cared for and healthy. I also have been inviting people (neighbors and friends) over to meet him. 

Go to classes, and keep going, until the dog is an adult!!!
That way, he will meet a lot of different dogs.  And, get him well exercised - that helps with the mouthiness.

Okay! I thought he couldn't attend classes until he'd finished his series of shots (he still has two more boosters to go at 13 and 17 weeks of age). 

One way to keep his mouth off your hands...tuck a treat in your fist.  He will mow on your hand for a while, maybe even chomp a bit - grit your teeth.  Soon, however, he will back off, confused as to why he can't get the treat.  At that very moment, say "easy" and open your hand.  He gets the reward for NOT touching your hand. 

I like this and it's something I haven't yet tried! He is gentle about mouthing when he's not overexcited; so, it shouldn't be a painful exercise. 

Also, you can yelp when he mouths you,

I have been doing this since the git-go!

and leave the room (as you have already figured out, GSD's hate being left alone). 

Been doing this, too!
 This overexcited behavior is new - days old, in fact! He has also become defiant, "sassing" me when I tell him no. It's then that I "abandon" him, not returning until he's calmed down.
 
I really appreciate your wise and patient answers! At least I know I'm on the right track.

ORIGINAL: Siana
DON'T HIT! RUN!!!!!!

  LOL!

  Just kidding.

  Seriously though DON'T HIT! The very BEST way to discipline your dog, especially if they are aggressive it to talk doggy!

  Grab him by the scruff of his neck and give him a good shake! That says in doggy lingo, mama is MAD!

  Another good one is to do dominance play.

  What you do is roll the dog over grab their throat, hold them on the ground and GROWL! Look them in the eye and keep them pinned there until they give in! this is saying, 'I'm da boss! You WILL bow down to me! OR! I might rip your throat out!'


  I have done this with my dogs and they know I am bigger and tuffer!

  Just speak doggy!

  Shoot I even take Sasha's ruff into my MOUTH and bite down while growling at her! She lays still and gives in, that means, 'I respect you mama! Aint no way am I gonna tick you off!'

 
I am mama to an intelligent, challenging puppy and there is NO WAY I would do ANY of this to my dog.  As much as Ben respects me, if I tried any of this he'd probably rip my face off, and I'd deserve it.  We recently went through a phase in which he WAS challenging my authority and not obeying commands I know he was capable of.  Rather than risk hurting myself, my dog AND my relationship with him by doing any of the things listed above, I spent 2 weeks making him earn his toys and hand-feeding him.  Problem solved, he settled back in to his rightful place in the pack.  I am not a trainer like Anne, nor do I have Glenda's years of experience, but I am capable of common sense and frankly the use of the above advice terrifies me and goes against everything I would have thought appropriate for dog ownership.
 
My dog is not perfect all the time - heck he can be a little nightmare when he puts his mind to it.  He's a 4 month old Lab puppy and BOY does he act like it.  There have been times when putting him in to a downstay for 2 minutes or shutting him in the bathroom have been absolutely necessary for my sanity and to allow him to calm down. 
 
Dances with Woofs (GREAT screen name BTW) - I have recently been through many of these same issues - my dog is just a little bit older than yours is now.  Glenda and Anne give fantastic advice and I wanted to say that we went through that EXACT overexited phase at that age too.  I think he's just "finding his feet" and gaining in self confidence - certainly I feel that this was the case with Ben.  Perseverance in training, as I am sure you know, will get you both through this.  I survived, you will too!  Good luck, and we want pics!
 
Kate

ORIGINAL: glenmar
I correct (eh eh, not bite) redirect (to the toy) and then PRAISE for chewing on the right thing. 

My husband and I both do that for items (i.e. shoes, furniture). Up until now he's been excellent when told to "leave it", backing off at which time I praise and give him a toy. This, however, doesn't work with the moss & rocks in the back yard (where his pooporium is located). He is deaf to "leave it" and "drop" means "swallow" to him! This is scary!
 

Everytime I have  a litter I swear I'm gonna remember how I did it so I can tell folks HOW to teach leave it and drop it, and then I forget to remember.  That *might* be a function of getting older! [] 

,
 
[8|] I hear ya about the getting older! But, the alternative isn't that good! [] 
 

Spiritdogs (Anne) is a trainer and I know she's got a good protocol for teaching both.  Actually, I probably do too, but darned if I can give you step by step instructions!

I am very appreciative of the advice and directions you've provided and have great respect for your opinion!

Also, make part of each walk a controlled heel...that tires them mentally.

Here's another problem. Shane has been trained to potty by walking unleashed to a spot in our back yard. If it's urgent there's no problem. But, sometimes he just veers off and seeks his favorite distraction: rocks or moss!
 
If I put him on a leash he's so distracted by the leash that he almost never will "go potty"! Shane takes the leash in his mouth and doesn't let go unless and until he is walking so fast or so long that he has to drop it in order to pant. He is relentless about holding that leash (which alarms me!)
 
For walks, I will take along some of his fave treats and make him relinquish the leash for the treat. Am I going to have one very fat GSD???? [8D]

Good luck with your new little one.  Now, I've offered suggestions and YOU have to pay the fee by posting pictures! [][]

Let me give this a try!