Newbie needs help with territorial 6 month old female - Page 1

My female won't let my 11 yr old daughter and 8 yr old son on the couch or next to the TV remote control.  Especially when I'm in the room.  Also, my wife went to give me a kiss goodbye and the pup ran up in between us and growled at my wife.  She gets territorial around her crate as well.  Although I would love to entertain this behavior - lol, I have to modify it.  She growls and goes to nip my kids but hasn't bitten.  I just dont want any accidents.  The pup is not allowed on the couch but was allowed up to 3 months old.  It appears she's too attached to me as I am the main caretaker of the pup.  I think she's identified me as the alpha, she (being the pup) number two and my wife and kids below her in the heirachy.  A little background, the pup is a working dog with several generations of titled parentage.  Also, we have spoiled this pup.  She gets alot of love and attention from everyone.  Shes a good dog and I realize this is her instincts kicking in.  I feel bad for my kids, especially my son who wishes we had our old shepherd back ( I had to put her down at 12 yrs old).   

What are some strategies I can employ to modify this behavior and make is more harmonious situation?  Please let me know.

Thanks,

Turk (Chris)

Consult a good professional trainer. She is obviously dominant and you should be glad, this is the way gsds are supposed to be. So you now have to channel her energy towards the correct way. Dont do any training with her yourself unless you are 100 percent sure you know what you are doing . A mistake at this stage could set her back a long way and take months even years to correct.
Good luck!

With children involved in the equation you need a professional trainer from your area who can actually be there and see the situation.  Sit down with your family and decide what you want with this dog (ie are you going to do Schutzhund, agility, herding, etc) and then discuss these long term goals with the trainer.

Your immediate goal should be to make sure you can trust her around your children and wife, using your long term goals to work with the trainer on how to get from point A to C.

Sounds like you have several problems not just one.
What training have you done at this point?

Why did you want a working line dog, what are your plans for this dog?

What have you done so far in the way of corrections for this behavior?



Moons.

If your dog is making all of the calls then I doubt she looks at you as the leader.

I'm in training with the breeder - 10 week course.  some protection, obiedience etc..  So far so good.  I do correct/redirect the pup in different situations.  I'm not sure what to do in this situation.  I can call the breeder but I try to do things myself as well.  When I don't know what to do I do nothing as to not make the wrong correction.  This behavior just started.  Thanks.

The problem is that the dog has no leader. You failed at it so the dog takes his natural position as alpha and decides what should be done. You need to regain your status as a alpha, especially when children are involved, dog should be tough that it is below your children and not equal or as you showed dominant. If my dog would behave this way towards any member of my pack he/she would get such a strong correction that she would feel like her life is coming to the end. You need to consult professional, if you come here for help is obvious that who ever your train with, dose not know squat, as this would not arise in the first place. Since you said you training with your breeder it's obvious that he/she didn't picked up that you didn't assume the role of a leader and for that I would doubt her/his ability as a trainer. Dominance can become an issue and if not corrected it can create serious problems for you, the dog and your pack. Re think your strategy.

"When I don't know what to do I do nothing as to not make the wrong correction." at times no action can be worst than wrong action. When a dog shows dominant behavior and you choose to step aside (or do nothing) you re assure the dog in correctness of his action, as well you teach the dog he is the dominant and can do what the hell he pleases.

snajper69 - can you be specific - how would you correct in these types of situations?

 Quit spoiling this dog!!!  You have given her permission to take control.  

Go to this link and read the whole thing.  Then, get to work.

http://www.thepawsitivepooch.com/images/NILIF.pdf