onset of cocking leg=onset of aggressive behavior? - Page 2

Shepherd woman, it is hard to pinpoint the cause of  animal agressision. Was he socialized? What type of training are you involved with? Suggest hiring a trainer for a few sessions. They will determine if he is suitable for classes. If not you need to work with him. GSD are protective. Animal agression in the broad sense very difficult to advise online. Good Luck

Ryan, yes he has been socialized every day of his life.  He has been in dog obedience since he was 12 weeks old.  He did puppy, beginner, advanced and now does hobby/advanced agility.  He goes everywhere that I go, every single day.  He has been around other dog every day.  He has been going to nursing homes since he was 4 months old, and he has a great temperament and people just love him.  He only has begun this one issue of going after strange dogs that get into his space as my instructor calls it!  This dog is more socialized than any dog that I know! lol.  He is so loveable toward people and dogs that he knows.  It's the new ones he now has a problem with.  He recieved his CGC at 6 months and had no problem then with the meet and greet, I have no idea why all of the sudden he has changed.  Other than he's not neutered and is a teenager in disquise, lol.

Good to know you have done the prelimainary work. I Have had GSDs for almost 40 years. I am not sure what type of training you have initiated. There are arguably 8 reasons for agression depending on who you talk to. I have had 16 week male pups growl at any dogs that come near me. At one year they are maturing and dog agression, or leash handling is not unusual. I walk my males without leash in hand. This is after they are properly trained. Without seeing you dog in action I can only offer generic tips. First you must be the center of the dogs attention. This should have been taught to you and I am asuming it has. You can carry cheese with you and as you approach other dogs let him know its not ok to bark or lunge. Pivot between yourself and the dog and get his attention. If he disregards your efforts a correction is in order. Cheese or smelly treats will help divert his attention from another dog. Feed him bits as you approach other dogs. This should keep his attention on you. If he complies reward him verbaly as well as with treats. This is OB 101. I am of the old school and use a prong collar and a strong disaproving voice. Yelling is never required. My wife uses a harness and is able to handle the most high driven dog once I have him trained. Go to Leerberg site, they have some great video training DVDs available. First I would go to the local GSD club or ScH club (if one nearby) and get your dog evaluated. This is not an uncommon problem and can be corrected provided your dog has a sound temperment. Shelters are full of 1-2 year old GSDs as people give up and blame the dog. Keep at it. If it is dettermined that your dogs temperment is aggresive then you need to go to step B. Keep us posted.