Some basic obedience training is going to have to be the first step. You boss, he dog.

For large assertive dogs of this type, I really recommend the Cesar Milan Dog Whisperer methods. You can get them on DVD and books if you don't watch his show.

If he is housebroken, it may also help not to leave him in a small crate, but to let him have the run of the house or yard. Sometimes the crate itself can make a large dog panicky or resentful, but they will settle down happily outside it.

He does have basic obedience training. He knows i am the pack leader, but he does not understand that it is okay for the pack leader to go and come back. I do use Cesar Milan's training ways and that is what worked on him. He is almost like a one person dog he does not listen to my husband! He is house broken and altered. I just recently got him his cage and have been working with him on it for about a month, but i had to leave him and he got out of it. I just do not know what to do anymore. I can not leave him out of his cage when i am gone cause he rips everything up!

First of you got him too young, most breeders are saying 8 weeks is best.

I do think you did spoil him to much, as well German Sheps are smart dogs, they need mental stimulation, he needs to do something like agility, dogs who are not mentally stimulated suffer more from anxiety especially the smart breeds of dogs.

Now.. a few other thoughs - the diet, some dogs are hyper sensitive to soy, and food coloring, either ingredient could impact the dog mentally - making it hyper.


As for what to do.. I would do research on seperation anxiety in dogs, and talk to your dog trainer.

I would work on leaving the dog ONLY for seconds and first, then minutes, then hours. Also when you return NEVER make a big deal out of it.

If the dog does escape DO NOT give it any attention - giving the dog attention even telling him "bad dog" is rewarding him for escaping, instead pretend you didnt see him, and stuff, rewarding him with attention ONLY for good deeds.

good luck, its a tough habit to break.

Axle's separation anxiety is likely due to a combination of factors and babying him does contribute to his dependency upon you. How old is your dog? The German Shepherd Dogs I have had in the past tended to be surprisingly timid until they reached maturity at 1-2 years and they do tend to become devoted to one person more so than others.

Providing your dog treats and chews to keep him occupied is a good idea, (anxious dogs are often destructive). It is necessary that you start encouraging independence in your dog by not coddling him if you are still "babying him". He is apparently accustomed to you being there at all times. While you are home, do start daily training exercises to help Axle to learn that when you leave it is only temporary and you will return.

Five minutes prior to leaving, stop giving the dog any attention. Do not have any "good-byes" or petting which will foster his anxiety. No attention whatsoever is best. Simply walk out the door with no fanfare, don't even look at him. Leave for a brief period and return. For the first five minutes upon returning again, give the dog no attention whatsoever. (No talking, no eye contact, no petting). After five minutes, if Axle is calm, (and only when he is calm), then give him attention, (while remaining perfectly calm yourself). Your coming and going should not excite him in any way, which reinforces the separation anxiety. Gradually increase the time you are away to allow the dog to adjust to your leaving and returning.

Axle will slowly learn to feel more secure with you leaving and returning in time. Do this on a daily basis, (even if it is just for a brief period of time), so that your leaving is an ordinary occurrence. Crating him is for his own good. You can also cover the cage on three sides, (simulating a den). Provide a safe chew as well. When you do return, after the five minutes of calm behavior and ignoring the dog, release him only when he is calm. He will eventually associate being calm with "earning" your attention and affection.

Never "pet" Axle or talk to him when he is displaying an anxious frame of mind. It is human nature to try to soothe, coddle, reassure and pet our dogs when they are nervous or stressed. Do keep in mind that with canines, this will have the opposite effect you are hoping for. The attention and affection, while the dog is anxious, is like a reward for that behavior and reinforces it. Axle should eventually start to tolerate you leaving, but if you see no improvement after several weeks, contact a veterinarian to discuss your dog's condition. Good luck and best wishes to you both. -PetCaretaker

Axle is 7 months old. His birthday is October 16th. He follows me wherever i go. He will sit outside the bathroom door and wait for me to come out and then he continues to follow me. I do not really have a problem with him following me, except when i have to leave. I am with him a very good chunk of the day, if not all day sometimes. I play with him in the backyard with my other dogs for hours until hes tired and does not wanna play anymore. Thank you for the answers everybody it does help a lot.

Axle is still very young Papergirl, which is in his favor. With training and desensitization to your coming and going, he should adjust to the separation. Hopefully with age and maturity, he will become more self-assured as you foster his independence. (By the way, I strongly recommend Cesar Millan's training methods. They are humane and effective). -PetCaretaker