Protective behavior - Page 2

Thanks for the contribution EchoMeadows, It really may be a way! to start from the base, looking for the kind of temperament I want, protective. In fact many people miss those dogs, I was talking with a friend in a Show here in Brazil and he was just saying that! Where are those dogs who really defended his owner and his properties? So thats a goal to keep in mind.

I think that most of us are describing the true GSD that most people really want as a companion with normally pleasant demeanor, but ready to "light up" to protect and serve his/her humans. I don't think these dogs are so rare, it's just that no one seems to purposely breed a nice, level-headed GSD whose sole purpose in life is to be a faithful companion to its owner, and remain respectful of non-threatening humans. Not necessarily the special purpose dogs produced for the intent of going for the highest working title or conformation show title, etc. Those dogs and their breeders and owners certainly have their place in this world. Just the type of dog who fufills the image and the legend of a GSD. Bob-O

I agree, Bob-O, and I'd also add that many, maybe most, GSD's would rise to the occasion if challenged. Some are just never challenged so they never need to show that side of their personality. You could have literally knocked me down with a feather when Dylan reacted to that guy carrying a knife. Who could know?

Jose, I grew up with a sweet, VERY protective, female GSD. Now that I'm an adult and able to care for a dog full time, my husband and I knew that another GSD was the one for us. So, we bought a male, show-line, GSD puppy from a good breeder with import, V rated, Schutzhund dogs. At first he was a shy puppy - never wanted to approach people. I have socialized him every day since he was 7 weeks old. Now, when we are walking or at the park or visiting friends, he is the sweetest, goofiest dog on the whole world. I mean, a precious dog (yes, I'm biased). Now, I hurt my back recently and I knew that a contractor was coming over to measure for some work we're having done to our home. I heard the knock and yelled for him to come in - once I realized that the dog was on the floor I JUMPED up to run for the door. But, the guy came in, and Ben, my 75 pound, SIX MONTH old puppy, came completely unglued! He RACED for this guy and cornered him and would not let him out. I mean, this dog was viciously barking - no growling - at this guy not more than an inch away from him and we were both scared to death. I got ahold of his collar and pulled him back so the guy could get out of the corner and get outside. He let him move past but was still barking like a mad dog the whole time. It took a long time to calm him down after that, he even went and checked every room in our home looking for someone else. He's always been aggressive and barked at people near the house. But, when we're outside, he's an angel. Even familly members, we have to take him out in the front yard to meet people before they come into our house - or he just loses it. He's still a baby and we're in obedience classes, so maybe he will get better at letting people come in when we say it's ok. Never the less, I feel pretty safe these days :) Here's a picture of him @ 5 months old (I'm such a proud mommy) http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/470542.html

My working lines has very intense drive...on demand. He is nevertheless a fine house dog. In fact, he has not destroyed anything in the house compared to my other dogs. I take him anywhere I go, out on the streets and around other people, and can get him to lie down in close quarters with them without becoming afraid or bothered. If walking out in the dark, though, and I ask him to watch someone, he WILL watch them with that spark in his eye that unnerves me sometimes. I've also had him go from being quiet and sleepy-eyed to lunging at the end of the leash after someone snuck up behind me at night and talked aggressively to me. I take great care in making sure he never takes a situation falsely, because I have no doubt he can hurt someone if I let my guard down. IMHO you should look at the parents of the dog to see if theirs is the type of temperament you want. You should also go to a breeder who knows what he or she is producing based on the lines he or she is using. Not just someone who randomly mixes dogs up in the hopes of getting something in-between.