9 month old neutered make - showing aggression to men - advice??? - Page 1

 Hi there, can you help me with some solid advice. I have a nine month old GSD male, just neutered. He is a rehomed dog, and we have had him about 3 months. He is a wonderful dog, and great with the children. He came to us with great reports, and is from a good pedigree, a long line of SchH.

He has had a problem with my Dad from day 1, always making a bit of a fuss when they visit, but settling down, my dog clearly doesn't trust him, and my Dad doesn't trust the dog either! Anyway, this behaviour has started manifesting in the street and on walks, growling and barking at men especially.

Finally, today, he growled a low tummy growl at 2 children, and barked at a young boy. I am training him, and he is in his right pack place, but i can not have this behaviour when out. He has to be trustworthy in crowds, and with kids - advice welcome. The lady who rehomed him with me is keen and able to have him back, but we are all in love with this fabulous dog and don't want to give him up without a fight. She feels that he is only going to get worse and i think that she feels we may not be able to control this behaviour, and hence a great dog will be lost thanks to bad training. 

I guess what I'm asking, is what is your experience. Can a big GSD boy with a protective streak a mile wide be taught that a warning bark is ok (at the door etc) and jumping about, hackles raised, and major barking isn't. Can a beginner like me do it? You must all have been beginners once! Any advice/reassurance. 


He is my first GSD, and my first dog in a long time but my husband had a great GSD for 10 years.

Double posting is counter productive, check the other message board.

Very common for a young male at that age.   I suggest you give your dad  yummy treats to give to the dog they are like men, and the way to their hearts are through their stomachs! 

As for when you walk him down the street, I'd correct him -firmly- for any aggression.  He needs to know you are in charge and can handle the situation.    Keep on socializing him like you are, but try to get him to focus on you when out in public and to ignore everyone else.  Keep treats with you, ask him to watch you,  when he does reward.  Some spit food from their mouths to get the dog to focus on their  face. 

He sounds like a great dog, just needs guidance.  Obviously it is always wise to error on the side of caution, and not to let kids run up to him until him feels comfortable.  Alot of dogs are more aggressive on a leash.

the key here is to be firm with him at all times, never let him win.
you have to be the boss and when you are, he will start to listern to you all the time.
i think it is very possible for you and him to turn out fine.
there will be alot of work a head.
i have never had a problem with any of my dogs, but then i expect them to repect me all the time.
just keep working on this and hopefully it will turn out fine.
think postive and dont be afraid of him , never show fear.
hope this helps.

 Thanks so much, sorry about the double posting - newbie inexperience. I am very reassured in your replies. I think i had the fear of God/dog put in me by his re-homer saying that he is only likely to get worse.

I am continuing with consistent firm guidance, and take no nonsense from him. I think he just needs to some more exposure to reinforce the message. My concern is that by loudly and firmly telling him off, and making him sit and settle am i rewarding the behaviour with attention? I have also been adviced to ignore him when he does this, but that just seems counter-intuitive.

Thanks again for any advice offered.