help! dog aggresive - Page 3

without going into a tirade on why dog parks are a lousy idea, the way to control aggression (of any kind) is through obedience.  i believe some others have already mentioned this.  but if a dog is aggressive toward people, other dogs, the handler, food aggressive etc........if the dog is corrected or punished in connection with these things it is only going to aggravate the problem.  something he doesn't like already and then is punished because of it as well.  if the dog is displaying aggression, an obedience command is in order.  that way if the dog fails to sit, lie down, come or whatever he is then corrected for disobedience instead of aggression.  bottom line - punishing aggression only causes it to be stronger.

pjp

Amen, ziegenfarm. You say it well. About using obedience to deal with aggression.

Keep most dogs, not just shepherds, out of dog parks. Especially small town dog parks. 

A four years old German Shepherd male is in his "best age". If he has got some drive and temperament, he won´t accept other males - they are rivals. Younger dogs he wants to dominate - that´s normal behavior.

A dog playing with his favorite toy won´t play with others at all, he will defend his toy.

If he were aggressive, he would injure other dogs. For me he is a totally normal German Shepherd. 

If he is up to date on his shots, I wouldn´t mind walking him in a dog park, doing some obedience, but always on leash.

You should be able to find some females similar in size and strength he can play with - almost every dog loves to play - give him a chance, but in a secure area, where is enough room for the dogs to run and play, but no other dogs around.  

 Susie

I must agree with many previous posts.  Your dog is not equipped for dog parks.  Based upon your description, he clearly has a quick trigger into fight drive with a strong streak of pack dominance as well.  This makes can make a great working dog but can be a difficult pet.

The fact that he responds to commands on leash and does not lock onto another dog on leash is a good thing. There are more than a few GSDs that could care less about other dogs.  They don't want to get to know other dogs or play with them.  Their focus is on you.  In my book, that is how it should be.

Best of luck in managing your dog's genetics and modifying your lifestyle.