GERMAN SHEPHERDS

[nomadsoul]

MY 5 YEAR OLD GERMAN SHEPHERD GUINNESS IS EXTREMELLY HYPER AND BARKS ALL THE TIME. HE WAS ABUSED BY HIS FORMER FAMILY AND WE RESCUED HIM FROM THAT ABUSIVE SITUATION 4 YEARS AGO. WE HAVE ANOTHER MALE GSD THAT IS 5 1/2 AND THEY GET ALONG PRETTY GOOD. GUINNESS ACTS ALMOST LIKE HE HAS ADHD. IS THERE ANY FORM OF NATURAL MEDICATION THAT WILL CALM HIM DOWN AND EASE HIS URGE TO BARK ALL THE TIME AT EVERYTHING PEOPLE,DOGS,SQUIRRELLS,I MEAN EVERYTHING. I DONT WANT TO PUT HIM ON DOG VALIUM BUT IF ANYONE KNOWS OF ANY OTHER WAY TO CALM HIM DOWN PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

[katrinika]

There are doggie calmatives - check online for "canine calming aids" or "natural treatment for hyperactivity".  www.drsfostersmith.com has two I have used for dogs who get upset during thunderstorms and travel - they've worked.  I'm sure there are others.  

On a more behavior modification side, there are devices that you can use to alter the behavior over time.  We tried a bark collar and it definitely worked, even after we quit using it (though occasionally we had to return to using it briefly).  Again, www.drsfostersmith.com under "bark control", "behavior control" and "spray correction".  

Even with the collar in place, if there's a really good reason to bark (possum on the back porch) they're going to bark... which I think is a good thing.  

Good luck

[jareds_mommy17]

then really isn't alot out there to help try discipline. he is still in his prime so the hyper is just his way of showing he is happy.