Looking for true social aggression and protective instinct - Page 2

dixie:

                What do you call Social aggression? Could you give a example? Some times what one may call social aggression another may be thinkng in a complete different frame of mind. Alot of people misunderstand aggression, period. It may help to point you in the right direction. 1 must be very careful what they ask for because you may get what you ask for.

I sincerely hope that you are experienced enough to train and constantly supervise the dog that you describe. I own a GSD that likely fits your description and it's an enormous responsibility. The questions that Beetree asked will likely be asked by any potential breeder so you may want to consider reflecting on them privately. Best of luck if you obtain what you are looking for.

I'm looking for a dog from a breeder that understands and recognizes social agression as a trait that a GSD should have and that keeps that in mind when considering their breeding program. I believe a dog with social agression vs fear/reactivity/ as its commonly mistaken for, is a more stable, reliable dog. I believe they are more clear minded in situations when they are required to react aggresivily and certainly are less stressed about it. 

And that is what I want because I believe thats a large part of a great GSD that seems harder and harder to come by. 

To me social aggression is a dog that doesn't tolerate other people or dogs interfering in his space and is not afraid to make this known.  I see it as more proactive than a dog that sharp and reactive because he is pressured into fight or flight.  A dog with strong social aggression will probably be telling you to back the eff off before you even know he's there and try to provoke him.

Dixie,

Wish you all success in pursuing what you need and look for. Just to clarify one thing, the questions beetree asked, the answers to them would give better understanding of what your needs are and how experienced you are etc plus people understand the terms you used as we here use certain words but do not agree on a universal meaning for each of them, like aggression, protection, civil drive etc etc, I'm sure she wasn't meaning to be a smart.. as you thought.

Ibrahim

I share VKGSDs understanding of social aggression. I'm still unclear why this is a trait that some folks would actively seek out.

Mike Diehl and Nate Harves are excellent breeders and can provide you with what you are seeking.

Thank you Gustav.

Hmm.  My understanding of the term 'social aggression' is a bit different than VKGSD's and laura's--I would expect a dog with 'true' social aggression to comport him- or herself with a level of confidence, aloofness, steadiness, power and control that the animal is able to claim his or her 'space' without having to become actively demonstrative about it.  These dogs are not hard to recognize--they aren't throwing themselves at gates or fences challenging anyone who passes by, but they will watch you, assess your measure, and decide whether you bear further observation or if you're of no consequence to their life or resources.

I do agree with those who have suggested Mike Diehl and Nate Harves as contacts for what the OP is seeking; either one would likely have what you're looking for, or know where to find it if they don't happen to have a suitable dog at the time you're ready for one.

All so very interesting.