I’m Bella’s mom. I’ll admit it. I was just so happy to see Bella but at the same time I knew it wasn’t going to be good. It breaks my heart that she is so scared and I have been the biggest contributor to this situation. I can’t wait to see how she progresses. She’s young and I hope there is time to change … for her and myself. Thank you! I have a different perspective now, Bella’s perspective.

"A four-wheeler that never gets dirty? Get a Prius and bichon." Classic. Smart. Funny. And right on the money!

"Get a bichon and quit pretending" lol, Stonnie xD

Telling it like it is, that's why I watch you, Stonnie! Too many owners are learning about their dogs' breed tendencies after the "bad" behaviors start.

Yesterday someone yelled at me for walking down the sidewalk with my dog.Her dog was inside her fence and was very reactivate and aggressive. I've socialized my dog (pit bull) to the point other dogs are not a threat to him. Confidence is the key. Nice work.

"save that drama for your mama" lol/no name is like Jesus - loved it.

I adopted my doberman a year and a half ago from the shelter. He growled at everything, lunged, barked, etc. I basically had to do all of the socialization he should've gotten as a puppy: positive exposure to people with hats, people with noisy keys, people with bags, people with umbrellas, people with disabilities, etc. He knew sit and loose leash walking but it's like he was never taken out to see the world or played with. It's been a long journey. He's not protecting me; he just has no idea what to do...I have to show him things aren't threats. I've definitely noticed that dobermans are a status breed. People are attracted to them because they're cool and/or they want a protection dog, and then they're surprised when the dog has major issues from lack of training and socialization. Unfortunately, he's recently had major behavioral changes, like a regression, but I've moved and his new vet is taking my concerns seriously (don't get me started on his previous vet). Turns out, multiple liver enzyme levels are twice as high as they should be! He has an ultrasound in a couple weeks. Some liver conditions can affect the brain, and they're also common in dobermans. I'm hoping this is treatable but I just have to wait for answers.

Spot on Uncle Stonnie! Under socialized dogs are an issue with all breeds. It just comes out differently with their traits. Under socialized labs will have its paws on your house guest once they get through the door. Under socialized GSD won’t let your house guest get out of their car. It’s all about socialization, exercise and confidence. Keep telling it to us straight.

Stonnie is by far one of, if not the most honest and straight forward dog trainers in the world. I have been watching and taking Dog Training courses for years and have found his methods of socializing dogs to be the most effective and stress free method to date. Personally i mix his dog training philosophy with Michael Ellis obedience and k9 Sport methods and have been seeing tremendous results with my 5 month old Colby PitBull. Thanks for all the great content Stonnie.

This is going to be a good series, and please DO show the progression. I know someone with one of these types of dogs, and my impression is, it lives in a crate for the most part. And, it can't be trusted around other than "it's people".

Tall mug of fresh brewed coffee, nice chair, grassy field, and a good dog.... This video started out as a near version of my personal heaven. :)

We love our Malinois but had NO IDEA what we were getting ourselves into!!! We read about their energy and personalities but you just don’t know until you own one and see for yourself. After thousands of dollars worth of training later, he is a civil, loving dog! He is a great dog with unmatched energy! A three- mile run is just a warm up for him... no kidding 😂

Stonnie. I have raised several GSDs. Well-bred GSDs are as happy and confident as your labs. It seems to me that GSDs are more naturally suspicious of strangers. They also tend to have a more dominant predisposition. If you don't provide leadership, than they feel that they must take charge for the sake of the pack. My best GSD is very friendly toward everyone who acts friendly, including other dogs. But if another dog tries to mount her or growls at her, she will let them know to stop, because that is rude. If a person comes upon us out of the blue in a seemingly aggressive manner, she will stop and focus on them. She is not afraid. She is very confident. She is also very friendly, loving, and attached to me. The major differences that I see between a good GSD and a good lab is that the GSD is much more suspicious and more dominant. Unfortunately, suspicious dogs that aren't' socialized early are overwhelmed by all the perceived threats, and turn into scared dogs like Bella. Your techniques seem ideal for improving Bella's confidence. Keep up the great effort. Thank you for sharing!

Love the sense of humor 👊🏼 Nice and RAW. No flash music or big intros to videos. Just Stonnie and his slick haircuts 😉

This will be an interesting adventure to see how this dog adjusts.

Videos like these remind our family why we love and need Uncle Stonnie in our home

Bravo! Exactly what people need to hear!

Yes excited for this series. I have this exact situation with my Catahoula. Thank you Stonnie 🙏

Thank you again, Stonnie, for sharing your knowledge! This is such an important topic that causes real serious issues if people don't heed it. I can't wait to see Bella's progress!

Can't wait to see her progress! Uncle Stonnie is the best!

Thank you for describing this so well and for helping Bella. Look forward to seeing how she's doing.

Really great to see a well explained perspective and explanation of guarding dogs.

Refreshing thank you Stonnie! Looking forward to following you!

Ah man, that's so encouraging! It's hard for me to be confident in training/guiding my dogs the way you present it, as I only have experience with just a few and the majority of real life interactions I observe are not exactly montessori-style. So after a while I start to believe tense and disharmonic man-dog relationships are what it'll mostly come down to. With each of your videos you get me back on track. Thank you, Mr. Dennis!

Thanks for keeping it real!

This is the best video I’ve seen in a long time. This is exactly my dog. You basically described my life and me. My 11 month old dog is also a herding dog living in the big city. Looking forward to your future videos.

I could listen to you speak sense all day long. Brilliant video and I'm watching how this dog gets on. I've got this exact problem with mine. Thank you.

Looking forward to this video thank you

Good stuff Stonnie….thanks. I’ve been following your advice with my new ACD pup.

Thank you Stonnie! I'm just getting into your wonderful channel. Love it sir! Those are some lucky dogs you got there, clients too. If I can achieve a fraction of.what you have going on, I'll consider myself blessed. Keep up the great work, thanks again!

Can’t wait to see the growth of this beautiful girl !!

Love this Stonnie. That’s why we have a black lab! Love all the labs, especially Noname.

You are my rockstar!!! Gonna love this series. Your son is the best.

Stonnie, I love your sense of humor. You hit the nail on a head with this video. I adopted one of those very fearful/ aggressive/ under socialized dogs that got dumped at the city pound by a family who did everything wrong ( or I should say, who did nothing for that pup at all). She was 8 months old and terrified of everything. She is as we checked, Pointer/ Mountain Cur/ Plot with mostly Cur/ Plot personality. I signed up for the group training in town where most people go. It was useless as most dogs in a class were all with issues, trainer had no clue how to handle/ help these reactive dogs and just told us to put barriers between them so they would not see each other. Dogs just end up barking insanely and trainer was getting irritated. Next, I signed her up for boarding with training with skillful trainer that was referred by many people who had working dogs. He is great with her but his human social skills are on a weak side, so I still struggle because I can't quite get him to understand that when my dog gets home she becomes her fearful self again around me because she is not surrounded by stable, confident mentor dogs as at his home. I explained to him that the Covid seemed to reverse her progress because she used to walk with bunch of other dogs from my neighborhood and behaved great. Since Covid, people stay away from others, and I can't get them to walk with us again. My dog became fearful again and now reacts the way this GSD to every dog that approaches her too close and her trainer seems to either not understand my struggle or not know how help me to understand how to fix the problem. That said, I really am looking forward to see progress with this GSD and maybe your way of presentation as well as easy to understand explanation, will help me to help my fearful dog. I so appreciate you sharing with us. I live a country away yet still in US so these on line resources mean world to me. Thank you again.

Absolutely wonderful video and so true. There's a big difference between breeding for a confident dog that can handle protection duty and a fearful dog, sadly, once a breed becomes "popular" breeders that don't understand that seem to come out of the woodwork. I'm so glad I found your channel, you've helped me with ideas for "puppy sized adventures" that I wouldn't have thought of for my Doberman pup. She's seven months now and is the most confident, agile and socialized dog I've had yet.

This is a great video. My pup acts just like this. He's a Pyrenees mix from the pound who had a rough first few months of his life. Been working with him for a year to help him overcome his fears and get him socialized.

I never thought of the dog's behavior as it being scared. I will be following the series. Nice work.

Great. Thank you.

ONe of the few honest dog trainers with real insight. Good job Sir.

Thanks for sharing your expertise. Our family has gained quite a bit of knowledge watching your channel. Stay blessed guys.

Absolutely pumped for this! We are working on this with our heeler, the last few months she has gotten nearly perfect for our expectations. Since we are semi rual it's not much of an issue, but there are still a few more kinks to work on when we are in town.

This is one of the best videos you have put out. Get a Prius and a Bouchon. Leave the drama for your mamma. Always so real. Funny Sofie was growling through the whole video. Every single day we get compliments on your work.

Thank you Stoney so much for doing this series. I look forward to seeing the progress. I too am in the position of having a gsd with the same problems. I love my dog and I don't want to have to let him go.

I really enjoy watching your stuff. This is an excellent topic. Thank you

Thank You For The Positive Info

Love it!

Great video. We have a farm in Virginia, pretty big and we live way in the back of it. We have a livestock dog, a German Shepherd, and a German Short haired pointer. We used to have a pitbull but she passed away a few weeks ago. She was the best. My point is I would never have any of these dogs if we didn't live on a farm. They all have jobs and work from sunrise to sunset fitting in naps and play throughout the day. We bring our German Shepherd for regular training with a police K9 trainer. He's just a much happier dog with the regular training. Thanks again for the video. I'm sure you'll do great with Bella. Looking forward to her future videos.

Preach on Uncle Stonie!

I’m sitting in my recliner listening to my mentor, friend Uncle Stonnie. Common sense advice keeping me on an even keel & straight azimuth. ThkQ

Stonnie! I'm so excited to see this! The closest I can get to this is my dogs in the classes I teach. I've managed to get several dogs over their fears but I'd love to learn from you on how to do it. Thanks for doing this series!

Ha, got a spitting image GSD who is also 4.5 months old, in addition to my black lab. Looks EXACTLY like this girl. But her behavior is nothing like it. She is confident, well behaved, a bit suspicious (which is good) but when I give her permission, she goes up to anyone and any dog without fear, anxiety or sign of anxiety - no barking, no biting. But I also put in A LOT of work and her mentor ( my black lab) was doing the REAL training. So, I can say with confidence that a GSD around a well rounded mentor black lab will do the trick :-)

I learn so much for you and your family

Howdy Stonnie, gleaning knowledge nuggets from each and every video. Thanks! Have A Day! ;~)

I watched this when it came out, just watching it now again. I own a GSD and a Malinois, and live on a farm. "Keep that drama for your Mama" love it Stonnie, your awesome. Our dogs have 5 other mentor dogs! No crates. We live in a small house with all of them. Thanks again for the videos Stonnie, super insightful

Awesome video, thanks!!!

Thank you Stonnie for saying it just how it is ! You can see through all the pretentious reasons s people buy certain breeds and how they are so so blind to what it takes to raise a dog and give the fog what it needs . So glad you don't 't dress it up . Love it 😊

Stonnie - I could listen to you speak sense for hours sir. Awesome. You still owe me a lab BTW :)

Seems like Stonnie always has the video I need

Lol, just got back from a mountain hike with my pack, dirty suv, 3 tired retrievers. Sadly I have seen dogs at rescue facilities that come from well intentioned folks that just didn’t understand working and sport breeds when they bought a cool looking dog. They just require a different commitment than other types that might be better suited to a less active lifestyle. I guess they keep a lot of trainers employed too, where’s the owner trainers, smile. Anyway, well said Stonnie.

Once again stonnie is the best.

You tell em' Stonnie. I personally love your channel and have learned a ton from watching. I have always enjoyed training dogs but I enjoy training them even more since I found your channel and have implemented your techniques. I am currently raising and training my 1 1/2 year old Black Lab that I got at 8 weeks old. I haven't been able to compete with you but I've done pretty well and he is coming along very nicely. Thanks for all you do man!! I hope someday I will get the opportunity to Bring Ruger down to meet you and just say hi in person.

I learn something every time I watch your vids. The explanation as to why some dogs are 'protective' made a lot of sense. ... thanks.

Upgraded 4k camera quality. What a treat! Great vid once again.

Love this!! I own GSDs and this is great ♥️♥️

Stonie is preaching the truth. Stoni has a great energy. Animals pick up on it. His calm,firm leadership is how the dogs respect him. With working dogs. Calm, firm and consistent leadership.

love it ...dude your awesome !!

stonie is the best dog man ive ever came across. no bull just straight up knowledge

Excellent video. This needed to be said loud and clear. These breeds are being bought for the look of having a protection dog without the owner doing any work to make the dog live an actual healthy life.

Stonie, you have the best job in the world , your passionate about it and your info is so informative. I’ve a young 5 month old Mali that is afraid of other dogs approaching, dachshunds included 🙈 but I’m socialising him constantly which is helping , there’s no badness in him. My old Staffordshire bull terrier keeps him in check when he gets a bit too much for the old boy

This makes me feel great about my training and socialization work with my 10 month lab Cosmo the bestest dang boy ever, so friendly.

She looks like one of those poor kids that have been made paranoid by that "stranger danger" silliness. Good video as always Stonnie. You had me gettin' worried about ya. Too many days of radio silence ;)

Pinned by Stonnie Dennis Are you a fan of my training style, but can’t travel to Kentucky to see me in person? No worries! I offer an awesome online dog training course, which includes access to an array of exclusive videos and content, personalized coaching, journaling, and in-depth mentoring and evaluation by yours truly! If you just need some an advice or have a couple questions you need answered, I also offer professional consulting by the hour. Both of these great services can be found here: www.KentuckyCanine.com Thank you all for your remarkable support over the years! I cannot express enough how grateful I am for your appreciation and patronage of this channel, my training style, and my kennel. Always remember, it’s a great day for a puppy-sized adventure!

Great video 🐶

excellent video!

We have a couple of timid Black Lab Girls, thus can't wait to watch the progression with this gorgeous GS in hopes we can learn and make some changes of our own. Our girls lacked socialization when we got them at 3 months old and then we had to continue isolation for medical reasons until they were 6 months old. By the time they got to go to the Dog Park they were so timid that both got attacked almost the minute we went through the gate. It was so traumatizing that eventually after a couple more episodes of this we decided to stay away from People and their Dogs altogether as best we can. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom so that we can hopefully learn to improve and elevate our Companions life to what they deserve.

WELL SAID !

I would like to see this style video with other breeds, hounds, terriers, etc. keep up the great work!

Wise words 🤙

Stonnie, I raise aussies but I rescued 2 german Sheperds running down the highway ,and due to my "heart" condition I grabbed them off the road and put them in my camper. They'd been roaming for a couple weeks and looked rough, I went straight to vet to look for chip. None. Male was around 90lbs. and female about 60 lbs and coming in season. I put them in my new Kennel I'd just bought for my puppies, and it took awhile for me to build them some pens of their own. I ended up getting them fixed and vaccinated. I soon realized that they were a casualty of covid and the german sheperd breeding explosion. When I tried to get them on GSD rescue sites, they were over run with them. that was July 2022, I still have them in 2/23. They were raised and sold during covid. They're coming around for me but I have trouble with the recall. they aren't very food motivated. The good thing is that they're both friendly.

Great advise Stonnie! We just got a MalinoisXGSD puppy but I don't drive a 4x4... Had a GSD many years ago and just love their intelligence, not the shedding though. At 8 weeks, she's got a high drive, loves activity, super curious, and gets into everything. My other 5yr. old Maltipoo had never found a way out of our back yard that is a little bigger; this puppy already found two within the week, lol. Luckily, my new fence will be up by end of month.

Hi Stonnie, great series So many folk buy dogs to project their insecurities. In our country the bull type breeds are often bought as "guards" then locked up in yards cause their owners are worried about taking them out.

Great video..

Dear Sir Thanks for bringing this waiting for this sort, Having a working line GSD n suffering myself with Dog, want to learn a lot out of this video

When it comes to selective breeds, in particular working dogs, BREEDING MATTERS. Dogs bred with solid nerves and true to their selectively bred job can only be gotten with properly bred from reputable breeders. I learned this the hard way, a few times. After failed attempts of getting quality bred dogs from reputable breeders, I decided to see the difference with quality bred d9gs and experience handlers. They're on another level of confidence, drive and confirmation.

One of the best, if not THE best dog trainer out there. No doubt Bella is in good hands. My pup (and I) know that for sure!

Spot on video!! I've seen lots of lazy owners fall back on 'that's just the breed' when their dog is out of control and has no manners.

Really looking forward to updates on this pup.

So true..

Love it! Tell it like it is Stonnie👍 Looking forward to seeing the progress with this pup. Jesus loves the Lil doggies 🐕💕

Stonnie would be proud of my work as a trainer. Wish I could meet him someday, doubt it tho, different countries

Great videos! Love from your fans in Idaho (and our 2 black labs)

This was awesome..The honest truth! just LOVE it! really looking forward to see how this girl get the help she needs from Uncle Stonnie . I had to laugh.. My sister and her family has a bichon. Lol..cutes little thing... Exactely what suited their lifestyle :-D

Mr. No Name like Jesus, I love it! Every dog should strive to be a Mr. No Name. This is going to be a great series to follow Stonnie. Looking forward to the progress of this young pup. 👍🏻😎🇨🇦

Hello from France Stonnie! i do like your point of view , the problem with few protection dog's owners in France is the only reason they buy this kind of dog : they buy a dog in a costum ,not a companion ... you are a real DOG TRAINER, i've a lot of respec for your way of thinking ( sorry for my poor vocabulary ) ! Friendly, Raphaël and my little pack ! see you one day i hope so

Love you! I am a German shepherd mum and I know that they are clingy, sensitive dogs. They need to be socialised as much as possible from puppyhood with other dogs and with people and they need company and cuddles . The worst thing you can do to these dogs is leave them on their own to bark at passers by. Hell for them and everyone around them,. The most misunderstood and mistreated breed in my opinion. Thanks for the video. I’ve subscribed.

Thank you! Tell it like it is! My mini schnauzer suffered from some fear aggression. People took it as straight up aggression but he was just scared. With proper trainer and socialization he did a 180. I HATE when people take a shepherd and immediately think it will be a police dog. Our trainer told us that she had never seen a shepherd that wasn’t scared of everything and they often became dangerous.

LOOOOL i love this and the points here entirely. Hilarious because Stonnie you're just speaking plain ole facts about these dogs and the average owner that buys them. Point after point I had to chuckle to myself bc you're just saying the things we've all been thinking or saying ourselves but can't be bothered to take on the trolls that these things might trigger. Preaching to the choir as they say Sir Stonnie. :)

Excellent vid. This applies to dalmatians too. Dals were originally bred as guard dogs; it takes intentional work to help them build confidence. Once a dal feels secure in their environment; there isn't a better breed in the world...in my humble opinion. Ha. It really is a confidence thing w/dals.

As a malinois owner I love GSD too

Such a straight shooter dude, love ya from England :)