4-5yo GSD Female w/ High Dog Aggresion - Prey - Pack Drives - Page 3

Slamdunc pretty much summed it up as to what needs to happen. Thanks Slamdunc for mention of the prong because I thought of that and now get why not a good idea.

I'm totally baffled though by the OP comment about the wife being a trainer but not a behaviourist. That goes hand in hand imo so to be one without the other leaves me

I did rescue for 9 years with some pretty aggressive dogs. As soon as they decided they wanted to be the boss, I was on them. I'm going to be honest and tell you that it takes commitment and time. If you dont have plenty of either than you need to consider other options. And just so you know, high toy drive does NOT mean high aggression.

I would be looking for a trainer in your area that has experience with aggression. Wait too long to correct this and she will have bit someone or worse killed a dog!

Your right SlamDunc, My mistake!  Had to leave the computer & when I returned I continued reading & missed the words "to get to another dog".  I thought the problem was just general pulling on a walk.  I would not use a prong or any other physical correction for dog aggression. 

 I would suggest that they use a lot of counterconditioning with gradual exposure to a non-reactive dog in a controlled situation before taking walks where the dog is exposed to any strange dogs.  You might never be able to fix this problem.  She is probably never going to be completely safe around other dogs; but with continuous training & vigilance to keep her out of certain situations you can control her with obedience.  She needs motivational training & bonding first, then you can use corrections for disobedience to commands.  But, this is serious business that needs complete commitment, knowledge & time.  There's no quick fix.  I might be completely wrong about this dog....some dogs appear aggressive when they're really just creampuffs & will fold like a house of cards.  Some dogs are a completely different story.  Very serious stuff...

This dog has learned a lot at 4yo.  Whether her growling is based on fear or dominance, the growling is a warning.  Yes, growling leads to biting if the warning isn't heeded.  If the dog learns if she growls, she's corrected, then she'll stop growling & start biting without the growl.  Especially a gsd that has other aggression problems it sounds as if she'll bite--it's good she growls instead of biting immediately.  Once she crosses the line of actually biting a person it gets much more serious.  Be Careful!  She needs calm, consistent training with lots of play & bonding with her owner.  I agree with the leash on her at all times in the house but not to correct her but to pull her out of her "safe place" where she's most likely to be defensive.  Pull her towards you moving backward, acting happy & encouoraging motivating her to come to you (have a treat or another better toy).

e c street, that would be a good idea to watch Ceasar Milan, if we could see the enire methods he uses.  What you need to realize is that we only get to see what they want us to see on that program, and programs like it. Its what we DON'T see that makes the difference in the dog's behavior and the final results.

Just a thought!