What is meant by "civil aggression"? - Page 2

My younger gsd would no doubt bite without anyone wearing equipment if she felt they were a threat. She also will not allow herself to be touched by anyone not known and trusted to her. She will not lunge at bark growling and snarling and will walk quietly at heel in public but I would not trust her to not bite if anyone startled her except for children which she adores and considers not in the people and gaurding thing. Any ideas on how to better handle her or help her learn to tone it down some? If someone trespassed into our yard she would in no doubt tell them that is a no no in extreme predudice. All of the above is natural to this dog she has not been encouraged in the least to take these veiws ever in her life. Personally she is too protection orintated for my tastes.

IMO- Sharpness is a by product of fear. There are varying degrees, the worse being the dog that growls and snaps at it's own shadow. Sharp dogs can be worked, but I would never fully trust them. Civil is the dogs willingnes to work in a defense rather than prey. This gives the dog the ability to work without equipment and a lot of movement. A civil dog, in most cases, is also able to work in prey and tends to be a fairly strong dog. Sometimes too strong for beginners. These are not absolutes, but rather concepts.