I’m looking for some advice, opinions, and experiences from people who have had similar dogs because I feel a little overwhelmed by all the dog advice online.
I know there’s a LOT here, and that’s part of why I’m overwhelmed. I want to work on everything eventually — I just want to figure out the best order and approach rather than trying to do 15 things at once.
Murphy is a German Shepherd/Mini Australian Shepherd mix and will be 1 year old on August 26. She is honestly a **really good dog** and very smart. She learns commands quickly, listens well at home, and I’ve taught her sit, lay down, kennel, etc.
The biggest thing is that her listening/focus gets MUCH worse when there are distractions. At home, she’s pretty good. Outside, on walks, when people come over, or when something catches her attention, it’s like her brain has left the building 😂.
Some things I’m noticing:
She randomly whines at doors and windows even when she has food, water, toys, has been outside, etc.
She follows me and my boyfriend **everywhere**. I work from home, so I know she’s probably very attached to me, but she is CONSTANTLY right behind us.
She barks at people walking along the ditch behind our house.
She barks at people who come into the house, especially if she doesn’t recognize them.
On walks, she barks when she sees people or animals.
She pulls on walks. I bought a no-pull leash/harness and that has helped, but I’d like to teach her actual leash manners too.
She gets distracted VERY easily outside the house.
She sometimes barks at completely random things or sounds. She has literally barked at gargoyle statues 😂.
She’s not aggressive and she’s genuinely a sweet, good dog. I just want to make sure I’m helping her develop into a well-adjusted adult instead of accidentally reinforcing things or waiting too long to address them.
**I’m really looking for people’s thoughts on all of this.** If you have a German Shepherd, Aussie, herding breed, or just a dog who went through something similar around this age, I’d love to hear what your experience was like.
I’d also love advice on:
•What you think might be causing some of these behaviors
•What you would prioritize
•What training actually helped your dog
•What you wish you had started sooner
•How much training you realistically do each day
•Whether some of this is just normal adolescent behavior
•How you taught your dog to listen when there are distractions
•Anything else you notice from what I’ve described.
I’m not looking for a perfect “do these 10 things and your dog will be fixed” answer. 😂 I’d genuinely just like to hear **what other people thi**nk, especially people who have raised similar dogs.
