6 month gsd showing aggression towards other dogs - Page 1

Hi, 

I just got a 6 month old GSD. I already have a 2 years old GSD as well. 

Both the dogs are fine with each other and are good friends, however my new pup is overly agressive towards other dogs whenever i take him out for a walk. These other dogs are pretty calm and dont respond to his barks however they loose patience if he tries to bite them. Im guessing my pup has not been proporly socialzed by his previous owners. How do i fix this issue?

How much training experience do you have? If not alot then I would recommend a trainer to help you and the dog. The dog needs alot of socialization and needs to be reminded who the boss is without him turning his aggression on you or someone else because he is frustrated. How much exercise does he get other than "go for a walk"?

Barb

Heyyy...thanks for your reply...really need help....

I dont have much training experience...the problem is im in Pakistan...and there arent many professional trainers here...so im all we have :)...theres another dog in the house they play pretty much every day ... long walk in the evening...its 40 degrees here so pretty hot...

should i be trying to introduce him to other dogs? or should i wait till he is used to the location and other people since hes only been around for a week?...he is not agressive to people though...not yet atleast.....

There is plenty of free help available online.  Do some research on google or you tube.  you can do it.  I would recommend an e collar but first YOU have to learn to use it.  There are plenty of videos and traning books available if can not find a trainer there.  Goodluck!  

so iv been reading up...theres alot of different positions on how to socialize him...i think im going to take it slow...take him out on regular walks..meet new people (he seems ok with all that) and then when hes really really tired ill try to introduce him to a couple of very calm dogs in the neighbourhood...lets see how he reacts...

will keep you guys updated...in the meanwhile..if you have any constructive tips..do let me know!!

Welcome to life with a teenage dog...  between now and 10 months he's going to be figuring out who he is as an adult male Shepherd.  Increasing socialization (group training classes especially) would benefit both of you.  Getting his focus on something other than the strange dogs (especially if it's you) would do great.  Generally it's a combination of insecurity (false bravado to keep other dogs from knowing they're scared) and adult hormones kicking in.  Be firm, but positive in your training, and give him time each day to experience something interesting.

What do you do when he aggresses? You need to correct him as soon as he stiffens up or gets that intent look. However, since you just got him, if you correct too hard you might up his aggression and he may turn on you. Only you or somone that knows dogs and can observe you with the dog can tell you the appropriate level. Generally, you want the lowest level of correction that gets compliance. BUT before you can corect fairly the dog neds to know what you want. You need to make sure he kñows the command leave it or, at least, no. Of course if you say no and deliver a correction he will learn whatever he was doing is not ok. He needs to learn how to focus, so you need to teach him the look command and play focus games so you can get him to look at you when there is a distraction. Whatever you do you have to make it clear that his unwarranted aggression is not allowed in your pack. Each time he does this and you not respond you are reinforcing bad behavior. .

ok thanks guys..uv been alot of help.....so last couple of days iv tried to tire him out extensively and then introduce him to a neighbours dog...he seems to be a little more calm around the dog if hes been running a while...

if he starts tensing up..i try petting him and talking to him in a calm voice...if he growls or starts barking i yank at his collar and shout out no...the number of times he starts growling is going down so im happy...today he allowed the other dog to come close and lick his but...however after a 4/5 seconds he lost it again...i might have tried it too soon...maybe ill try backing off a bit. :P

thanks alot guys...something seems to be working!

I  am not a trainer, so anyone correct me if I'm wrong, but I was told NOT to pet them if they start posturing toward another dog. You need to be the leader. Act like it's not big deal and keep moving.

With my pup, she does the same thing, barks at other dogs. In my training class, they just have us take the collar and turn the dog away from the other dog, as soon they make eye contact and start to zone in on the other dog.
Letting them meet when they are in that excited state rewards that behaviour. So if I am stuck in one place (such as training class) where I can't walk her away, I firmly, but calmly, turn her and don't let her look at the other dog, until you see her relax. I don't talk to her, I don't pet her. If I'm out walking, I might pop the collar to get her focus back on me, and keep going. If she's relaxed about the other dog, then she is allowed to greet it.

Honestly it is a very common thing and normal at that age, shepherds are a more umm...attitude kind of dog. He is young still figuring himself out and to boot now he has hormones coursing through him he never had to deal with before. He probably feels badass at home but the world is a big place and when he is out there figures he will just show how tough he is out of a slight insecurity or on the other end need to show the other dogs he is top dog. Either way it is a fairly easy thing to correct and get over but I would advise to find people who understand your breed, not all dogs are the same and honestly unless they know shepherds I would likely go hmmm. See if there are any Schutzhund clubs or other working dog clubs in your area and let them see it in person.

As it has been said already though the time to correct is not after the dog has gone off but as you see the intensity begin before he even hackles if you can. You want to redirect the brain before it gets engaged, it is less stressful on the dog and lets the dog more easily recognize why it is being corrected.