German Shepherd Dog Forum:
Full of questions!

Hello! Lexi, Ruben and I are new here, but this looked like a great place to ask some questions! Let me give you a little background on the dogs so you understand why I am asking! Lexi was my first dog, and she would bend over backwards to please humans. Ruben on the other hand is my second dog, and training him is really a challenge for me. He is crate trained, and potty trained (6 mo). But, we are having a lot of problems with him barking, and whining when he wants something. Usually what I do is put a toy in the cage, and then ignore him until he is quiet. But, even with this treatment, the barking is getting louder, and louder. Soooo, what should I try next? We have been doing the above treatment since July. I almost think he just doesn't like to ever be away from us. Even ouside, he sticks to your side :), but, I know THAT is not a bad thing! I am also wondering, I saw someone on the boards asked about ears awhile back. Ruben does have one ear that stands up great. The other one has a curvy tip, and at other times doesn't stand up at all, and my husband can't stand it. Personally, I think it is cute. It did go through a stage where it stood up pretty good most of the time. WHy would that change, and what can I do about it? Any help would be much appreciated on both things! Thanks so mcuh!

Hi There I read your message with interest because first I am an obedience Instructor in Brisbane Australia and second I have a three year old male GSD who likes to demand my time. When I hang my washing out he cries and barks so it got to the point where I lock him up to and when he is quiet I reward him with a titbit, with your dog when he barks and whines you give him a toy (oh boy your dog says) I carry on like this and I get rewarded. I know it is hard to ignore any dog when they bark and whine but you are not helping yourself or your dog all you are doing is rewarding him for bad behaviour. Put him in his crate in a room and close the door and ignore him if he is quiet then reward him with a treat. If you would like to email me my address is the following: lincoln_valerie@hotmail.com

maybe you should try playing a radio when the dog is in the crate especially "MPR" or a talk radio