Why has our 10month gsd started barking at certain people. She is a very good natured dog but has started barking at some people and will not stop she also growls at them. It is not at everybody just certain ones either male or female. We think she is just scared but how can we stop her from doing this. we do not want people to be frightened of her.
They have a forum that has lots of trainers/behaviourists that will offer you advice and help. It is very friendly and you will get lots of good advice.
i used to breed and show these dogs and have always had them around me. she is bored. this breed are so intelligent they get bored very easily. then they start to chew up things. the growling is her trying to be top dog. she is protecting you. but she must learn that you are top dog, or she will make your life a misery and become unmanagable. take her to doggy training classes. when she is indoors give her her own basket and toys and let her know where you want her to sleep. now is the time to step in. while she is still a puppy. this breed are pups until they are 2yrs old. put her out of the room when you have visitors, wait until they are seated and then let her in. if she growls tellher off and put her out of the room again. she will soon realise that she would rather be inthe room with you, and this should stop her when you are out as well. remeber you are alway the boss.
German Shepherds tend to be bullies if allowed to get away with it. You have got to teach her that you do not need her to protect you, unless you ask for it! You must tell her off is she is barking or growling at people. Try to get the person to stand near to her but not touching her or making eye contact, just close enough for her to be able to sniff them and realise they are not a threat and are also not afraid of her. If she can come into contact with them like this she will probably soon learn people are ok after all. Problem is, if they are afraid of her she will make the most of it, and try to bully them.
i have a cavalier king charles who does te same thing but she is 3 years old,she barks at all teenage boys, men with hats and people on bikes, other dogs that pass our house, the list is long i know, but for everyone else in the world, especially children she is lovely!!