Training for my German Shepherd - Page 2

So if a roofer comes out and says that your roof needs to be replaced after YOU call him, you are going to get a new roof from someone else?

Where does one get the idea that this poster knows nothing about dogs?  I'll take him at his word that the dog runs and hides.

A month is long enough for a confident dog to feel at home. 
I too think he bought a lemon for a guard dog. 

I think this is either a joke or the OP knows very little. Someone with some knowledge would probably realize its a lemon and someone with lots of knowledge would have never bought the lemon. My puppy I have now, I got at 11 weeks. Picked it up from the airport, brought it home and within the hour, it was on the fence barking at the neighbor. This isn't a puppy. It's a dog. Indifference is one thing but running scared is another.

Sellers can spin a good line, he may have been duped, but he knows now.  I still think he is reading the dog right, which is why he is here. 

I agree with you Don btw. 

I think PL said a month isn't long enough, that I disagree with.  If the dog was going to alert, he'd be doing it by now.


 

No, no! I agree with you!

LOL, ok, good!

I say give the dog a month as well but other factors have to be conseidered.
How much time does the owenr spend time with the dog?
Has the dog had any traumatic experences?
Bloodlines?
How is the dog when you are out in public?
Did the owner see the dog work before they purchased it?
Has the owner contacted the previous owner to see what could be the issue?
Has the dog lived with one owner and in one house its whole life?

Again a month should be enough time but then again every dog is different and we all have learned that you work on the dog's schedule and not yours.

To the OP, I suggest contacting the previous owner and voicing your concerns.  The dog has to feel like this new strange house is now theirs.  Try somee scenarios with the dog when soemone comes to the door.  This time make sure the crate door is closed when you do this.

Have people ing the doorbell or knock and have the dog on a leash and go to the door everytime.
Work some scenarios at home so the dog can get comfortable and feel like it is protecting its house.  Scenario like someone trying to come in the backyard or something.

I took him to the vet today and he is actually 90 lbs not 120.  Yes, I am starting to think he is a lemon also.  But I ask the vet and she said it is to early to tell, he needs to feel like it is his territory before he will become defensive.  And also I am new to this so I appreciate all the imput.  Thanks

BKY2003 - relax and enjoy your dog, do some research and find a good trainer in your area who can help you work with your dog.

If you think he is a Lemon you will inadvertently make him believe he is a Lemon. Just let him be a dog for a while.

Kim

A two year old GSD that runs and hides from people has some serious insecurity issues. I don't care if the dog has been there for a month or a day. Time will not correct this behavior. The best you can hope for is to spend a lot of time bonding, socializing and rehabilitating the dog. Then maybe you can teach the dog to be a "watch dog". Where the dog learns to bark at strangers who come near your property. I would never expect any more than that. Sorry, but it would be a miracle if this dog actually ever defended it's territory or it's owner. Jim