Erratic behavioral problems w/ 6 month old female - Page 2

this pup is plain and simple trying to take over and dominate you.
rememeber she is at that stage where they are testing the water.
and your correction  are not strong enough.
well atleast she does not think so.

mobjack:  the dog has had blood work, and UAs etc. I did not feel it relevant to list them when hip pain was suggested.  I am sure most ppl don't have specialized tests done without a reason. That is the same reason my vet did not recommend  x rays for a dog showing no signs of pain or abnormality's. My earlier mention of the vet was pointing out, until an earlier post I had not considered the possibility of pain and would consult her vet.

I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question but, I disagree with you.  I firmly believe that she is having behavioral problems (and pending xrays she appears in perfect health) so that would eliminate 'something wrong with the dog"

I have been treating Molly's Obedience and distraction work as her 'job' which, was most likely a mistake. My husband has done wonderful work with teaching his GSD tracking and he is going to show Molly and I the ropes.  I am hopeful this will make her a happier and more stable dog.   

As far as "to much dog for me"  I am sure that numerous ppl here can relate to a difficult dog they had that turned out okay in the end.  The difference between "too much dog" and a "difficult dog" is commitment, time and knowledge.  I have the commitment and time and a experienced GSD trainer.  I have done enough research into working GSDs to know better than to treat it like the various other breeds I had all my life.  So, I ask experienced owners here, purchase relevant videos at Leerburg and buy time with a local trainer to obtain the knowledge. After all, nobody starts this journey knowing it all. Anyway, I have no doubt that with a consistent and educated approach Molly will be an excellent dog. 


As far as my concerns with her doing Sch work. I am not for one second making a broad statement about Sch dogs.  My concern is with my dog and her current problems. I am concerned that she will not be able to (or choose to) know the right and wrong times to show the more aggressive behaviors of Sch.  When we play tug, she is learning that she can win a battle with a person. She is building confidence and drive that will someday be introduced to bite work.  Until I know what is setting her back and correct it. I think it would be unwise to build her confidence in biting ppl.  This is something I will have to discuss with my husband and her trainer.

I could be totally off on that theory... I wont learn anything if I do not ask so, I bounce it off of you guys :)



I appreciate all suggestions, encouragement and critiques  I have recieved.

Bea:  She had such a perfect day today that I am inclined to agree with you.  Molly is much smaller than my husbands GSD so I tend to look at her as not as advanced or ready for the training he is getting. It really never struck me until recently that she s only 2 months younger and that I need to advance her work.  I think the tracking work and the training collar will really help her shine. She is not in bad shape for a 6 month old dog. She does all of the basic commands: sit, stand, lay down, speak, stay and heel on and off the leash. Until her recent aggression we were training to try for her good citizen. So far the hangup is staying with the stranger for 3 min.

CMBV,

The bitework or 'manwork' of Schutzhund should be the ultimate example of control for your dog.

I can completely understand your concern but if done right, under the right sort of training director and with the right philosophy the actual bitework will be the creme de la creme of obedience and control for the 'Schutzhund 'trained' dog.

I know a lot of people see it as an ego thing, how hard and intense can by dog bite, that sort of thing but in the truth is the dog must show his/her owner utter obedience while off leash and in a volatile situation to pass the Schutzhund bitework.

Just something to keep in mind.

I doubt there is anything wrong with your dog (although it is good you have ruled that out).  Keep doing what you are doing, that is spending constructive time together, everyday,  building a bond, training, establishing rules, walking ect....  but, find a trainer who can help you bring out the best in this dog.  She is a lot to handle and a good trainer can take you to the next level and help with aggression.  I have experience with these kinds of dogs and think she will probably need a regular and structured training program for a year or two.  She is probably very smart and energetic with no idea what to do with it all at this age.  She could be a great dog.

I would consider a trainer who has a reputable controlled personal protection course.  Once she is obedience trained and is 1-2 yrs. old a course like this would teach you how to allow her to use her protective instincts and turn what could be a liablity into an asset for you and your family.  You will have to deal with that aggression at some point.  It is in there.  That is how she is wired.  Training is not an option with this kind of dog.  So, save up your money and find a good trainer.  To read about this kind of training check out www.doggytrainer.com   Advanced training link. 

I am glad you are having good days.  Focus on them and spend every waking moment you can interacting and working her.  The first 3 years is the hardest   hang in there.

RLHAR & ForFoxyRoxy:

Wow, thanks!   I had not considered the fact that Molly would really need to prove herself obedience wise before she graduated to the bite work.  I will definitely take your advice on working with her and a professional.    She has had time with a trainer but, nothing as structured as you described. I will read the link you posted and make the appropriate arrangements for current and future training.  

I am currently  planning on having her try tracking and working the obedience everywhere we can to really put a shine on it. Then, when she is older and I have seen what kind of dog she grew into, make a choice as far as Sch.

 If you were training Molly what kind of job would you give her? What would your training include?If you wanted to keep this option open (also considering her current setback) would you do anything different than I just wrote?

Please this is just my opionion. It sounds like you have a good working dog prospect, with a green handler.  A normal pet OB class may help you socialize your dog but really you need a Sch trainer to help with learning how to control a work dog. Sch helps with the bond and make you and your dog a team. A working team out in public and at home. You both will be very happy with the results.
Always,
Cee

There is nothing wrong with your dog.......

You have let her be equal to ALL humans.......

"She loves to crawl into laps"

Not anymore........

Stop that behaviour and you'll notice a marked improvement

You have a nice working dog that will excel in obedience & bitework,

  Remember, she's a dog not a human, some of the cute things they do are not so cute

  Good Luck in learning the ways to properly train a super smart student!
  And when you pick out a club or trainer, make sure they have achieved some titles
 on the dogs they personally own.
        
                           Paula

  Check-out this link, I loved reading "How to be your dog's best friend" and "The Art of Raising A Puppy"

 have you ever heard of "The Monk's of New Skete"?

http://www.newsketemonks.com/ 

This Training collar you keep talking about do you mean a ECollar because if you do then you should put it on your own neck and give it a try.
a Pup her age does not require that sort of correction you cannot beat the Dog by useing force, At the moment the Dog is the Pack Leader of you, No question about that,
You must earn the Dogs respect and that you can do through its stomach No food unless it takes it from your hand anytime is a start. Then NO Pinch collar at her age
Todate Your Pup has had on a Training Collar, which i take to be an E Collar if i am wrong then sorry for that, plus a Pinch Collar If the above is true you are training or controlling the Pup by force and pain, No good at all You need to get your own house in order first, NEVER allow a Dog which shows any aggression to get near your or anyone elses face that is plain stupid, You only fuss the Dog when you want to fuss it Not when the Dog wants you to Fuss it, You only do what you want from the Dog not what the Dog wants you to do but you do nothing that causes stress and pain to a Pup such as you have in the bid to control it, You need to go back to basices with this Pup starting by feeding it from your hand so you gain its trust and it begins to look to you for its needs that way you will win the day not the way you are going now
And as for training in Schutzund when you want to keep a dog in the family then you show yourself to be very inexperinced with Dogs because training the Dog in that does nothing to change it off the working field, In fact you will both benifit by it
Steve1