2 Male GSD's - Page 1

I am somewhat new to this site,  but with all the info I see on here, I will be a regular from here on out.  I have 2 Blk/Rd male GSD's.  Ozzy just turned 2 yrs old and Yogi just turned 1.  When I first purchased Ozzy,  the breeder told me that 2 males wouldnt get along and would be aggressive towards each other.  Well,  after having Ozzy for a year,  I decided to get another male (from the same breeder).  Of course Ozzy was alittle territorial at first during the first introduction, but after about 15 minutes or so,  they are 2 peas in a pod.  They both are house dogs -- where they have their own sleeping pillows and own eating area.  They go out in our large back yard and will play all day long.  Both are very playful and watchful of our kids.  With all of this said,  should I expect them to start fighting and being aggressive towards each other as the age (as the breeder said would happen)?  Does anyone else have 2 older male Shepherds that have had this issue .. or not?

Well at least they are not littermates :). Yeah you can almost bet on it, sooner or later they will fight and when that happens don't get in between unless you have something heavy by your side and you fell comfortable you can restraint them. Many people find out the hard way that they can't handle it. :) First of all you will start getting troubles (most likely) around 2-5 years, that's when the dominance issue will come out. There is always a chance that one of your male will feel fine in the role of alpha while the other of subordinate (don't happen that often) if that happens than you will never see them fighting. Nevertheless I don't suggest letting them play without each other over extended period of times without any kind of supervision (you might find one of your dog hurt one day). Other than that learn to read your dogs you will know by closely observing them when the dominance issue start coming out. Good luck :)

GSD's absolutely CHANGE when they are 2-3 years of age. They do get more territorial and dominant, depending on the situation. I hope that this good situation continues, just be aware, that it might not. It doesn't mean they're enemies if they fight, just normal dominace stuff, one will need to establish it.

Well Ozzy is neutered -- and Yogi will be soon......will that make a difference?  I got Ozzy neutered about 6 months because he was very aggressive towards other dogs or anyone he seen while walking on the leash.  Since then,  he is the perfect dog.  Now,  Yogi is totally laid back.  He is finally getting to the point where he loves chasing the ball......while Ozzy is the total athletic one (although Yogi is getting better).  Hopefully I wont run into any issues.  I feel totally comfy if I had to get in between them.  They know that I am the Alpha......and my kids are in charge.  Training is an everyday ----- and although they are powerful dogs,  I have maintained control and respect from them.  Thanks for the feedback,  I will watch for any changes in the future....so I can make adjustments as needed.  Once again, thanks!

Oki your last statement told me how much you know about dog fighting you are more likely not to be able to handle them. Especially your kids and I hope you will never put them in the situation. No neutering them doesn’t change anything for some dogs. Did you ever handle a 90 LBS male trying to rip your face away? I don't think so, so making statement like you are totally comfy, makes me thing you don't respect your dogs, because if you would you would know that animals even the loving one can get totally nasty in a second, especially when they are in a fight mode. I am 6'2 and I wouldn't feel comfy.

Animal in a fight do not think, many times it will not recognize and can refocus it's negative energy even on his owner within a second. So don't feel too comfortable during confrontation like that. Especially since your dog sounds like a fear bitter from what you described.

Why would you buy a second dog from a breeder that already sold you a fear biter?

I see where you are coming from.  I guess I should have worded my statements differently.  First,  I would NEVER put my kids in that situation.  When making that statement,  I was meaning that I have my kids involved while I train.  They will give the commands that I give so they know too that they are senior to them.  When we walk into the house,  the dogs must sit and wait until EVERYONE walks in first......then they come in when commanded to.  Ozzy is not a "fear bitter".  He has never bitten anyone....period!  Before getting him neutered,  he would do all that aggressive barking,  but once we approached a person,  he would allow them to pet him. So, maybe I didnt describe that well enough either.  I do have quit a bit experience with basic training and how to get the respect from your dog.  I have trained my sisters 130lb Rott -- which they couldnt control on a leash.  Not saying that I am superman --- and I would never get between 2 dogs that I didnt know.....but,  if they ever got out of control with each other.....I do feel pretty positive that I could seperate them.  Would I come out without a scratch?  Prob not............but these dogs didnt just come from some backyard breeder.  The breeder has been breeding for over 20 years/ W. German bloodlines.  He didnt just sale me the dogs.........I went through about an 1 1/2 hour interview with him ---- which he learned that I have been around Shepherds before and have been training for over 15 yrs.  Hopefully this clears up some -- and I worded things alittle diff/better.  Once again,  thanks for the feedback -- truly appreciated!

I wish you all the best just keep your eyes open, that's my point, and don't feel too comfortable, being pro active stops all issues from hapening before they happen. In my opinion is easier to control, create good habist, than to correct.

SOUTH CAROLINA PRIDE,Hello and welcome to this GSD board.Yes ,I do own 2 male GSD's BOTH unneutered and that live in the house with me.One is 4 and the other just turned 5.I personally NEVER,NEVER leave them alone together unsupervised.They are the best of friends BUT they are still dogs with pack mentality.When i go out ,I do different things with them so that I avoid a possible blood bath.I will only tell you that no matter how good they get along ,YOU should always be present with them IF they are together because a fight could break out at a seconds notice and with NO apperent reason.Just exercize common sense and take all the necessary procautions and you should be ok.Hope this helps and good luck with your boys.

By the way the might fight over something like a toy :) both of them want the same one at the same time and forget it they will go balistic :) lol