[thesongdiva]

Our new German Shepherd puppy, Harley, is about four months old. We got her on March 13. She is very energetic and playful, but only seems interested in me or my husband if she thinks she's getting a treat. After we've been absent for awhile, she will run and greet us enthusiastically, but then looses interest. We did a ton of research about German Shepherds before deciding to get one. We got one because of the breed's loyalty to their family (pack). Will Harley eventually realize WE are her pack and be loyal to us? Am I just not patient enough?:confused:

[brazygirl08]

Does she not want to be rubbed? I don't know, maybe she just wanted her independence :) She is a woman lol

[labman]

I tend to see dogs as individuals, not members of a breed. However, there is no denying German Shepherds often are much slower to accept new people. Yes, they are loyal to their pack, but not to the people that carried them away from it. One dramatic example I am familiar with are the ones trained as dog guides. After 16 weeks of training with a trainer and intense bonding, they are issued to what will be their partner to train together for up to 4 weeks. At the end of a week, the Labs and Goldens are focused on their new partner. The Shepherds still look to their trainer. They do become well bonded to their partner, but it takes longer.

A 7-8 week old Shepherd will love anybody dispensing kibble, ear scratches, and belly rubs. If you give her lots of attention, in a few weeks you will be the center of Harley's world.

Be sure and check the sticky starting with https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post251802 for information new dog owners can use. I would change her over to adult chow now as mentioned in the sticky.