What did she do to the puppy? - Page 1

Not beating around the bush - she's become violent over the past month or so. Not constantly, no pattern to it - but enough that she's beginning to scare me. Basic storyline - we started her in an obedience class in March. It was a series of five private lessons. We were not impressed with the class or the trainer at all. She was a lovely woman, but the classes basically consisted of walking Georgia around on a leash. We did a sit-stay on the leash, a "come" command - but that was basically it. At the same time, though, she was doing great with house-training (no mistakes at all after about 14 weeks - except once when she had diarreha). Basically, the problem is when she's around other people. I don't know if she gets scared or if she's jusy waaaayy protective or what, but she goes crazy whenever anyone else is around (she is perfectly calm when it is just me and Chad). It's not even with strangers - she sees my family members practically every day and still goes crazy whenever they pull into our driveway. She eventually calms down, but only after alienating everyone first. It's getting to where we dread people coming over. Recently, though, she's been getting more and more violent in her actions. A few days ago, we were outside playing with her and this little boy was walking up along the road a few hundred yards from the house. She took off after him and by the time Chad got to her she was barking and growling and baring her teeth as she was lunging at him. She didn't bite him or anything, but it was still really scary for us - and the little boy. Tonight, we went and picked up Chad's younger brother from school and brought him home with us. I opened the door and she just ran out and attacked him. She jumped on him and bit his leg (no broken skin or anything, but enough to really shake all of us up a great deal). I don't know what we've done wrong. I know she hasn't yet been in a good obedience class yet - we're starting a new one in September that has come highly recommended. But is that what's causing these violent tendencies? She gets plenty of attention - probably too much, in fact. We have tried to take her out in public - to parks, etc. - ever since we got her but her barking/lunging (even though she's on the leash) gets so out of control she scares people, which makes taking her out very uncomfortable for us. We love her so much - and she's so wonderful when it's just us and her. She's affectionate and playful - she's learned so much. She loves to play ball and can catch a frisbee in her mouth. We even taught her to ring a bell we put by the door to let us know when she needs to go out. The thought of having to get rid of her terrifies me but you have to understand that we just cannot have this behavior - especially with a new baby on the way. Now here are the facts This is a first time owner. The dog has not been to a real obedience class and will be one this NOV. Dog comes from Shepherds that are therapy dogs. Puppy was picked up at 8 weeks of age. Dog is not spayed (will be at one year of age). Is this the typical new owner not knowing how to properly correct the dogs behavior or just bad genetics Thanks Barbara

also if this matters she was out of a litter of 7. I had a puppy come to me for training out of that litter and did the puppy socialization class with me this includes outings to schools, parks, and walks and ect.., she was also here for her simple obedience - sit stay here and was very eager to please. She was so good that she earned her CGC award. I just called the owner of the dogs and asked her if she had any problems with the puppies and she said no she even kept one for herself and is a sweetheart. I personally know due to I have help train her a couple times in obedience.

Hi EKvonEarnhardt.. First of all at this moment in time this dog is a danger. You seriously need to get the dog to a proper obedience school where they will show you how to correct this behaviour. This will not be genectics this will all come down to the handling of the dog. The dog maybe very defensive.. I dont personally know the dog. The dog is only 12 months old there is room for a change so i would advise you to do this as soon as.. Otherwise your dog may bite and this time BREAK the skin and cause serious damage. Best of luck in the future If you want to ask any other questions : Lewishartley2@hotmail.co.uk

Barbara, Your post is a little confusing. It took me a couple of minutes to realize you're talking about another's puppy. Yes?

I personally feel that the dog is ALPHA over the family. They are in the early 20s and have no clue on how to train the dog and she is running them over. . I just wrote her back and asked how does she correct her if she was growling? Most mistakes by new owners are that they try to calm the dog with petting. This is just making things worse. NOT having her in obedience was her first mistake. She signed a contract stating she would have her in a puppy class but fail to do so, now she has to go though this. Anyone know a good trainer in VA or WV (know it is one of the two)

THIS IS NOT my puppy.

IM SORRY IT WAS JUST CONFUSING...Any how this goes for the owner of the puppy

I did not mean it like that SORRY I have been training obedience for over 8 years now and I know that obedience has a lot to do on how the dog acts. This is why I tell people get in to a puppy class at a early age. That and Socialization is my other thing, Why do people think these are not important? it just a pet . I guess now they will.

What exactly is the dogs backround?Can you let us know about her pedigree? This dog maybe to high drive and not meant to be a pet for these people. Christopher

Ekvon, you hit the nail on the head. I don't think that this is an obedience issue but one of dominance. This pup is very confused as to who is pack leader and so is trying to fill that roll. I went through the same thing with my dog when I went through surgery and could not physically fulfill the pack leader roll for several months and it took a long time to recover that position. I don't like using an e-collar but this is an extreme case and her behavior must be stopped before she seriously injures someone so the collar may be appropriate here. She must learn that teeth on people is NEVER appropriate. If you would like to e-mail me I can in fact also recommend an excellent trainer in VA. Best of luck David