Challenges at 3 - Page 1

I remember a topic about the particular dog behavior that makes them go after the one under the bottom of the pile. The weakest link type of response. That even well trained sport dogs can fall into this preprogrammed response. I think I'm seeing this evolve as my pet comes of age. I've seen my gsd "protect" the innocent, but when we exclaimed on this response, it seemed to encourage a more aggressive protection. And maybe not even a protection. Of course I stepped in and gave a verbal correction.

What am I seeing and what should my response be, I hope I explained this well enough.

OK, I'll try to explain better. Eldest son stepped on youngest son, Mojo barked once with meaning.  Other time when youngest son punched elder child, then Mojo gave a bark of protest.  A jogger ran past  the house , across the street today, never ever noticed them before, today bark of warning. He's on his game but if a kid falls down, I don't want him chewing him up.

And this has nothing to do with his temperament, he is a lover.

Any help before I have a problem?

I can see the possibility of something serious happening here if the situation is not corrected.  Two things: The dog obviously feels his position in the pack is higher than it should be. And two: I would recommend more training with the dog. You didnt mention if you competed with the dog (ie schutzhund) which may be a reason why he holds a higher position.  Any dogs that I have in my home for training or rescue dogs that Im taking care of, are not allowed to be around kids of any age if I am not 100% sure that the dog knows his place and would not bite. 

The dog is giving you signs right now that has you concerned or you wouldnt have posted. IMO barking at one of the kids is NOT acceptable and the fact that he was able to get away with it (you didnt mention that you corrected the behavior) may escalate the aggression. He may never bite but there is now the chance he might. Dont take the risk and get more training with him.

I agree with both of Bhaugh's statements. Very well said.

Stacy

Thanks for your comments. No, we don't participate in schutzhund, but I'm beginning to think he might like it!  He is very intuitive with me, or maybe I am too predictable! I think I should also have my youngest do more formal obedience with Mojo, to up his rank? I did give a verbal correction when he barked at the kids, I certainly don't want to encourage this at all. I thought perhaps his age might have something to do with his new boldness, a test? Also, I just thought of something, could he be more vigilant or prone to protect, (if that is what he was reacting to,) because we replaced our windows and all the curtains are off? Could it be he is reacting to being exposed to more outside activity? Just a thought.

Not to change the subject too much, but I do have a training question and need some advice. 
 
There is this dude I meet @ the Ron Paul meetup that for some reason just does not go away. I had one gathering at my place for book signing awhile back so he knows where I live. And just shows up when ever he wants every now and again.

Lately he's been showing up all the time when I'm not home and dropping things off at my back door. I know he does cause he drops things off. (like jokes on paper and stuff) 

I always take the dogs with me when I go places for the most part sometimes I don't, this past Saturday I didn't. If I don't take the dogs with me.. they're @ the house, but because of this dude coming often I figure the best thing I could do is not let the dogs use the dog door and just keep them in the house, period.

Now, I have a problem. He showed up yesterday when I was home and my dogs barked very little and acted like they love this guy. Wagging tails and the whole nine yards. I do not like this.

A couple times he show up when I was around and I (on purpose) would distance him from my dogs at all times, usually putting them in the house right away or in a stall or whateva.

Now I have this problem, how should I go about to remedy this ? I've told dude he can't just show up .. he doesn't listen. He mostly shows up when I'm not home .. strange. Now somehow he brainwashed all my dogs.

What to do ?