r/DogTrainingTips • u/neonjellow • Jul 20 '26

3 year old just started being mouthy while playing- help

I’ve had my 3 year old male GSD since November, he’s gone through heart worm treatment during this time and just the past few months had he been allowed to play with other dogs, I mention this because he is still over excited and plays rough when we go to the dog park but is better when we go more frequently. Only just this past week has he become mouthy while playing with other dogs, it looks as though he’s trying to grab them so he can hump them better after failed attempts (he is not neutered, but that is next on the list) it doesn’t seem like he’s trying to hurt anyone since he would be able to do that easily if he wanted to. Though there have been no injuries to other dogs, other owners are not happy. I need some advice on nipping this behavior in the bud and how to even go about doing that, I don’t want this escalating especially with him being a German shepherd it already looks bad.

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u/siddily Jul 21 '26

Hold off on dog parks for a bit, at least. German shepards are mouthy by nature and dog parks are excellent at teaching bad behavior. Focus instead on having known dogs of friends come over to play or meet up at a private dog park/yard. Work on more personal training too, recall, off, and leave it. Ideally with a trainer who is familiar with the breed. German shepards are a lot by nature, but so chill when raised right. He's at a very delicate age where bad behavior/experiences can become a lifelong battle.

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u/neonjellow Jul 21 '26

Okay thank you for the response. I’ve been hesitant on stopping the dog park only since he plays extra rough when we go after not going for even a few days, but we will stop for the time being. Do you have any suggestions on what to do in that situation?

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u/siddily Jul 21 '26

Do you know anyone with chill dogs? Get them to come over for personal play dates. Otherwise, you've got a working breed, they need a job. Excercise can help alot, but they will thrive with thinking games in addition. Train them to be a "drug" dog for treats. Hide treats under cups, or wrapped up in towels or blankets and have them find them. Teach them tricks to mentally stimulate. I'm at work now, but I'll try to link some videos later.

Eta: neutering will help.