Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior

RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Post By Mia (Guest Post) (11/11/2008) Hi. I don't know how old this thread of discussion is, but I need to say something very important. There is NO way you can compare the senseless, manic aggression of pit bulls with the behaviour of German shepherds. In my country, pit bulls are regularly in the news for mauling and killing people. Not so German shepherds. Pit bulls are a terrible breed and, I believe, illegal in some countries. On the other hand, German shepherds are intelligent, protective and respond beautifully to a relationship of trust, bonding, consistency in training and positive reinforcement. Mentioning 'pit bull' and 'German shepherd' in the same context is completely misinformed. The two breeds are worlds apart. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Post By Ruth (Guest Post) (11/10/2008) I rescued a male German Sheppard one year ago. It is my understanding that someone found him wandering, crying and shaking during a terrible storm. It is obvious he had been traveling for some time, because the vet suggested flies had been eating on the tips of his ears and he weighed only 72 LBS, his pads and claws were rough and split and he was covered in fleas and ticks. I do not have his medical history or any personal information about him. I do not even know his age. He used to get along well with other dogs, but now when a dog or people step on my property or come to the door, he becomes very aggressive and barks like a crazy dog until I stop him. It is obvious that he had been very well trained as he is very obedient when he receives a command from me. He was quite timid when I first got him as I assumed it was because he had just been neutered? He sometimes nips on heels, ankles and tushes when guests are visiting. Also, he acts as the pack leader near the children, so I now put him away whenever we have visitors. Is there any way I can get my GS to stop his aggressive behavior? He is wonderful and extremely protective of me. I love him so much! Please help! Thanks! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Post By E.B. (Guest Post) (11/03/2008) I wrote on 2/29/08 regarding my German Shepherd, Caesar. About how he would become aggressive whenever he grabbed something. Well I spent even more time with him and he is now a very obedient and loving pet. Yet he tends to be a bit overprotective when it comes to kids, if a stranger approaches he won't attack but will stand in front of the kids and growl at the stranger. Caesar has mellowed very much. I love my dog. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Post by jess_admin (748) | (11/03/2008) Profile | Blog! | Contact (submitted via email) Hi, Does your GSD still dislike strangers coming into your house? Were you able to train him to stop. Our 8 month old GSD also dislikes strangers and we are also in the process of training. Is there hope? Thank you! Debbie Report Spam or Abuse RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Post by sfj (3) | (04/13/2008) Contact Your dog is in the right place. He sounds like a great candidate for police training or personal protection training. Some animals don't acclimate very well to new and strange places. Your daughter should have never grabbed the dog's collar and you should tell her not to ever do that again to any dog. Once your dog sensed that his pack leader was weak and fearful, your dog 'used' that to his advantage. HE became the pack leader. I'm happy that he is in great hands. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Post by Stngray (81) | (04/09/2008) Contact A dog doesn't become aggressive on his own. He becomes aggressive because he has not received proper exercise, stimulation, attention, etc. One has to be a responsible dog owner before acquiring any pet, especially a powerful dog like a German Shepherd. I have a one year old female, and her needs are the priority in my household. She gets attention and exercise every single day without fail, and she has been well socialized with other dogs and people since the age of 8 weeks. She lives with two other dogs and they also receive attention and exercise every day. I don't believe a dog cannot be rehabilitated unless it's been trained as a fighting dog. A pet that has turned aggressive can be retrained and can become a good and submissive pet, even an aggressive German Shepherd, etc. It is utterly foolish to not spay or neuter a dog no matter how much you would like to duplicate said dog. A careless or lazy pet owner is asking for trouble and they will surely get it and a good dog will be the one to pay the price. It's so sad to hear of a dog turning aggressive. German Shepherd are super bright and can be stubborn. They will sometimes test you like a child. Good luck! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Post By Damarion (Guest Post) (04/09/2008) I have trained now aggressive dogs for 30 years, and what I'm reading doesn't sound to me that he is hopeless. The dog attacked you, cause he was confused, different place different people, and for that k9 trainer to say to pull on on leash, that's just plain nuts. He was asking for that attack to happen if he was so prof. he would of never asked you to do that. That dog has a future, he still can be helped and you are doing the right thing, not putting him down. I will e-mail you my info, I will take a look at the dog. Your dog looks beautiful, he looks very well kept up, you did a great job with him, sorry you had to suffer for someone else's mistake. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Post by KimmyLynn (100) | (04/09/2008) Blog! | Contact This anmal has turned on you and your child! Why would you wanna give it a chance to do it again or make it a more serious injury. I am sorry, I do speak first hand. I forgot to mention in my other post we lived on a farm and the way we met our neighbors is we had gone bike riding. My son was 5, yes 5, at the time when all of a sudden a pack of these peoples pit bulls ran out and started to lunge at my son. I was doing everything in my power to get that dog to come towards me. I will never forget that feeling, as he grabbed onto my sons leg and tried to pull him off his bike. The feeling of fear and imagine as I am standing there begging and screaming for help, the owner comes out andIi have to plead for help. My son's leg was a mess puncture wounds everywhere. I don't wanna ever think what would have happened, if he grabbed him off the bike. This dog was literally attached as we were trying to ride away wouldn't let go now as I am standing there. Their children, 3 of them under 5, are telling me how this dog attacked his sister and bit her in her head and face and how he bit the other lil boy in the leg. I was outraged. I asked how can you keep dogs like that when you have children and he's attacked them! I have a dog and if it ever did that it would be gone period. Believe me I became aware of the dog warden real well. I was on a mission to get these dogs taken away and then the other one. I made sure was put down. We went through a lot of aggravation. They are lucky I never sued them for the trauma and scars! Anyone who keeps an aggressive dog better be prepared for what comes your way, and until you live through it, with your child or a loved one, don't preach to me about never too late! One day it just might be too late! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Post by KimmyLynn (100) | (04/09/2008) Blog! | Contact I love animals as much as the next animal lover but I think if he is that aggressive and has turned on you and your family, what's gonna happen if it bites a kid or another person or gets out? Just yesterday my kids friend's dog Sadie, bit another animal a small yorkie, tearing into its flesh. It is part Shepard. The same dog who 2 months ago, when I came to door to get my son, bit me through my jeans and tore a gash in my leg. I still have a gaping hole that is healing, I think these people are nuts. They have kids there all the time, and this dog is a loose cannon. I think there is only so much you can do, and if a trainer is telling you that you should listen. It's tough believe me when we made our big move we had to put our 2 border collies up for adoption. Finding a good home was like saying I had to choose between my kids, but we had to do it. You don't forget but it does get easier! tThis is a lawsuit waiting to happen! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Post by junebug_000 (67) | (04/08/2008) Profile | Contact Make sure he is neutered first of all and then talk to your vet about medication to put the dog on for aggressive behavior and then maybe the trainers can even have a look at your dog. No trainer wants to lose a limb to train a dog. If not find a "veterinary behaviorist". They will know the combination of medical and physical therapy to help your dog improve if that is possible. Report Spam or Abuse Request: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Post by Laurel_admin (522) | (04/08/2008) Contact I have a concern about sudden aggression my 17 month old German Shepherd has begun showing. I have a total of 3 German Shepherd in the house. We also have a 3 1/2 year old male and a 17 month old female. They are all fixed. His aggression has mainly been showing towards people outside our family coming to our home. Any suggestions? Vaughn from Holton, KS Answers: RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Buy a choke collar and a leather leash. Begin training him to understand the command "no" right away. This is easy - just set a dish of his food on the floor and with him on the leash walk past it. When he pulls in the direction of the food give the leash a very sharp tug and in a loud, disapproving voice say "NO!" Keep walking while doing this. Using a choke collar gives a brief but uncomfortable tug on the dogs neck. Your dog probably wants to please you so by adding a disapproving "No" it is double reinforcement. Use this method when guests come. Tell your dog that the person (people) are okay (don't use sentences - use one word commands. If the dog approaches the guest quietly tell the dog "Good dog". If he lunges, growls, jumps, etc. at the guest yank sharply on the leash and use the word "NO" at the same time. Do these things consistently and your dog should show remarkable progress in a short amount of time. Look for a dog training class to enroll in. If the behavior continues have the dog seen by a vet. If the dog is male consider neutering him. I don't know if I can describe the correct way to put a choke collar on and it is important. Thread the chain through one end. Put your wrist through the opening and if the remaining chain forms a "U" shape slide it over the dogs head. If the remaining chain is in a straight line turn the chain around and do the wrist check again. If the chain is put on backwards it can lock and choke your dog to death. Never leave a choke collar on an unattended dog for the same reason. (10/08/2007) By Reenie RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Negative training is no longer acceptable. It's old old news. All training should be positive & a pleasant/bonding experience for dog & human. Dogs should have fun learning, & be rewarded for correct actions. Why would they want to please someone being mean to them? Why would they like you for it? We have discussed this many times. If you do a search in thrifty fun you'll find lots of info. (10/09/2007) By Me RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior The choke collar should be worn in the "P" position. "P" for perfect. Dog should be to your left at side when placing a choke collar and using/instructing. When you are looking face to face with your dog the choke should hang as a "P" The leash is in your right hand and you use short quick pulls in a side ways motion. Use leash at a small distance for control and correction. You are teaching your dog that his behavior is unacceptable. Go to www.unclematty.com for a clear instruction. Never use a choke collar if you don't know how. You could hurt your dog and make the behavior worse. Uncle Matty can show you a positive loving approach. I totally recommend his training! Jennifer Ca (10/09/2007) By jjager RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior We had a "70 lb pit bull terrier" grow up with our children. That was the sweetest, kindest dog we have ever owned. BUT HE began becoming aggressive to persons that came to our house or got close to the children. WHAT I LEARNED from that experience was to know inside me that animals (as my NC grandma said) can "sense things" better then we can about another persons behavior, perhaps they are thinking of harming us. SOMETHING for you to think about it was for me anyway. (10/09/2007) By Paula Jo in Mebane, NC RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior Check with your property insurance company to make sure the dog is covered. Many insurance companies will not insure German shepherds and other so-called aggressive breeds. I've been through a dog-bite situation (3 bites, same shepherd). Most people like dogs and do not want a dog put down, but your insurance company may give you a simple choice: your insurance or your dog. Once the dog has bitten, your rates, if you can get insurance, will be very high. (10/11/2007) By Jantoo RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior I can't believe someone has recommended using a choker and not just any choker but a CHAIN choker to train your German Shepherd! Please do not take his advice as this could not only cause a serious injury to your dog but in fact make him worse. May I suggest a Halti head collar, this is a kind alternative giving you control and a no risk of injury to your dog! This works on the same principle as a horse's head collar - if you guide the head, the body will surely follow. On a large intelligent powerful dog like the German Shepherd this will help you I could place a bet on this, you still have to spend time in training him correctly and the method I use with all my German Shepherds is to be repetitive, you can't take their guarding protective nature out of them and it would be wrong to try and do so but you can be one step ahead of them. Like I said these dogs are extremely intelligent and sometimes their teenage behavior can result from just being plain bored, make sure you spend time not just exercising him physically but mentally too and you will have a happy well adjusted member of the family. I will check from time to time to see if you reply to this or in fact anyone else does and I hope this helps if there is anything else please do not hesitate to ask (10/21/2007) By Yvonne RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior The dog needs exercise and socialization. Exercise needs to be DAILY significant walks, adding a backpack can be helpful if needed. If you have the space, setting up an agility or obstacle course for the dogs (yes, this advice applies to ALL of them) and "training them would be helpful as well. YOU have to establish dominance, they have to believe it's your house and you own them. Right now, the young guy thinks he's the leader and protecting you and your family. Also if you can get help from some friends, have him on a leash while they knock on the door and enter (many times) it is IMPERATIVE YOU control all the dogs during this event training whenever it occurs. Leash them if needed but YOU must control the situation and don't stop until you do and demonstrate that; otherwise you're sending the wrong message if you give up. Doesn't matter if it takes hours, you MUST get him (and the others) to submit to your authority, this applies to the other family members as well. You need to be firm and display a calm and assertive manner, not angry, not mean. I suggest you check out Cesar Milan's book(s) and website http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/ (11/06/2007) By StevieRoy RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior I have a GSD who will be 4yrs old this June. My trouble with Caesar is that he destroys things in the house, and if I or any family member tries to take it away from him he lunges and even tries to bite. I have sent my dog to two weeks at doggie boot camp, I even had a retired k-9 police officer train Caesar, but nothing seems to work. I never had any trouble with my other dogs. I love Caesar dearly and refuse to give up on him. I can barely walk him, because he drags me all over creation, especially when he sees our neighbors dogs. Everyone in our small town thinks he's insane. Please help! I tried contacting Caesar Milan to no avail. I've had Caesar since he was 3 1/2 weeks old. He was very obedient until he was 2 yrs. old and became very bold. Don't get me wrong Caesar is very loving and protective it's only when he grabs something he shouldn't have, that he gets NASTY! I appreciate any advice I can get. Thanks, E.B. (02/29/2008) By E.B. RE: Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior German Shepherds are very intelligent and will try to be in charge if they see even a slight opportunity. From early puppy age you need to establish that you are the authority figure (top dog). Like Caesar says "Calm Assertive." It's not too late. Make him sit before you give him anything just to show your authority, his food, his treat, etc. I usually try to bring my puppy around many dogs and people when they are young in order to socialize them so they won't be dangerous. Try one-on-one time with your dog, training him to do what you want with a treat as a reward. Positive reinforcement works very well. They love hearing that they are a "good dog." Your German Shep. is stronger than you. It's foolish to try to hold him back at the door and let a stranger inside if you think he is dangerous as he can cause serious damage to the stranger if you can't control him. Contact your vet and tell him what is going on with the dog. He should have good suggestions for you. He sees every kind of dog. Good luck. I'm probably on my 9th or 10th Shepherd now. It's usually the way the owner is interacting with the dog that causes problems. (03/13/2008) By Stngray Report Spam or Abuse