Need training help/recommendatons for Dutch shepherd - Page 2

Duderino,
Please tell us how you really feel and don't hold back.  I do agree.

I agree with Micaho and I DO train dogs. I also rescue dogs and I would be asking WHY this dog was never placed after a year. Or if the dog was returned after being placed. Some rescues do not advertise or are poorly located so dogs sit. But MOSt of the time dogs don't get adopted for a reason. Feeling sorry for a dog is not a good reason to adopt it esp if you the adopter do not have the knowledge to handle the dog. I do not adopt to families with children under 12 for this very same reason.  Remember just because YOU think your alpha, doesn't mean its true. It could be your husband.

Now to be realistic a week and a half really isnt a fair amount of time to give the dog time to adjust. I ignore dogs for about 2 weeks or so and gradually interact and engage with them. However I will not tolerate aggression of any kind. Following you around from room to room could be a sign of separation anxiety and I find that highly intelligent female dogs with some domanance issues prone to the behavior. My last two female shepherds had sa and one had it so bad I had to return the dog to the rescue I was fostering for.

My suggestion to you is this. Call the rescue and get more info on the dog. If what you have is what you have, decide for yourself just how much your willing to put into this dog before you start a program with a trainer. I dont know the rescue where you got the dog but I will tell you that rescues lie to place dogs. I see it all the time. If you cant find common ground with the dog, dont feel bad if you have to give her back. While all dogs can be fixed , you may not be the right home for her and she may not be the right dog for you and your family.  I am not of the mindset to try and fit a round into a square. There are so many dogs that need homes some dogs just need more help than the average person can always give.

And before someone makes the comment about intelligent female dogs that don't have SA, I find that female working breed dogs sitting in a rescue seem more prone to this condition. Maybe because the dog wasn't given an outlet for their activity/intelligent level. Lately there has been a rash of dogs with SA that I've come into contact with. The last female was so bad she tried to eat through a wire crate and could not be left alone at all for even 5 minutes without going crazy. Honestly, who will adopt this dog?

I agree with the suggestion to contact T. Floyd or Ron Carter. 

This dog needs to be seen by someone who knows working dogs.  Dutch Shepherds and Belgian Shepherds "smile".  It is a submissive gesture and quite cute at times.  Dog may be smiling or growling.  That changes everything.

Get with a trainer.  Many people can tell you what to do and mean well...but are only going on what you are saying.  Someone else may see something different.

Good Luck.