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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 518
| We have a 3 year old male German Shepherd. We've had him ever since he was weaned. Recently he has become overly aggresive/ protective. He is absolutely amazing with my nieces and nephews, he'll watch them and let them pet him (even though they aren't always the most gentle.) But when strangers come on the yard he gets scary! It is the worst when I am around because I've spent the most time with him so he is kind of "my" dog. He started with only being aggressive to a few of my brothers friends and one of the workers who had played with him too toughly as a pup but now it has extended to people he has grown up around. It is not everyone, and like I said it's mostly only when I'm around but I can't really move out and leave the dog here.
We are thinking that we'll have to put him down before he hurts someone but that's easier said than done!
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 The Vaccinator
Posts: 3810
  
Location: Slipping down the slope of old age. Boo hoo. | If he is not neutered, neuter him. Then Obedience classes. |
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  Fact Checker
Posts: 16572
 
Location: Displaced Iowegian | Make sure your liability (High $$$) insurance is paid up.... |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1035
Location: TN | I would look into the dog whisperer, Cesar Milan. He has some good books and tv shows that might help you learn ways to correct your dog.
I have a doberman/catahoula mix that I rescued as a pup and at around a year old she started getting really aggressive with other dogs - she didn't want them anywhere near me. I studied up on the dog whisperer and started applying some of his methods to her and it changed her world! She realized I was the alpha dog and she had no reason to fuss with the others over me because I was in charge. I know my situation was a little different from yours but I have seen Cesar work with people aggressive and overly protective dogs to help them become happy and calm. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 518
| I should have mentioned that, he was neutered about a month ago- it's calmed him down some.
I never know what to do when he's barking at people (he's on a chain when we know there's company coming over.) He will bark viciously and lunge to the end of the chain but he thinks he is protecting me so I don't know if I should smack him or??
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The Vaccinator
Posts: 3810
Location: Slipping down the slope of old age. Boo hoo. | Do not hit him. Your problem will get worse. I highly recommend obedience school so you can work with a professional to learn to handle him. These dogs have "protect" bred into them.... they need a very confident handler. Putting him on a chain is not an answer for his aggressiveness. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 518
| Delta Cowgirl - 2015-04-26 7:03 PM
Do not hit him. Your problem will get worse. I highly recommend obedience school so you can work with a professional to learn to handle him. These dogs have "protect" bred into them.... they need a very confident handler. Putting him on a chain is not an answer for his aggressiveness.
That's what I thought, not to smack him. I should also say that in the past he has protected me from ppl when he should have. Which probably confuses him so much more! |
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 Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | I think you should find professional help or find someone that knows how to handle these types.. Id not put him down for I dont think its his fault. chaining will only make him more aggressive imho. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | These dogs NEED leadership and good obedience skills. You are the head biatch and he needs to understand that. Instead of putting him on a chain when you have company, which I'm sure you noticed is making his aggression worse, I would put him on a leash with a pinch collar, keep him beside me, and teach him what's acceptable. You have got to be able to call him off and make him stand down or he will end up hurting somebody. If you don't think you can handle him yourself, get the help of a trainer. |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| My heeler cross can be the same way when I'm around. Obedience class did help a lot, and paying attention to her, usually they will show some sign and you have to recognize that. I know if she freezes stiff with her head down, I need to call her to me and make her sit, lay down, shake - whatever, to break her attention from whatever she was focused on. She's a good girl and since I haul alone to a lot of the bigger weekend shows I appreciate her attentiveness.
I think as the hormones fully leave him you'll see a difference, and then I would look into an obedience class to really set you up as his pack leader and who he should be looking to for direction. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 494
| Ive had two GS. They NEED obedience and guidance. I think it is just something to do with the breed. They are made to be protective dog. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | It's bred into this breed to be protectors! he's only doing what he's made to do, that's why they're used for jobs like that. I hope you can get some training help and keep him :) otherwise, check out german shepherd rescues, there are trainers out there who rehab them. Sounds like he's very protective and devoted to you and just wants to keep you safe. |
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Location: Texas | Has attempted to bite someone or does he just seem aggressive because he is protecting you? Our oldest male blue heeler is very protective over me, especially if I'm by myself or it's late at night. It honestly gives me comfort, because I know that he wouldn't let someone hurt me. I don't know if he would bite someone, but the way he growls and barks would make a stranger think he would.
Edited by EqualRanch 2015-04-27 11:57 AM
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | A dog can protect you and still be a good citizen. |
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Holy Fruit Loops!
Posts: 1708
Location: Colorado | Please do NOT chain this dog. It is only adding to his frustration and will make his attitude worse! Find a good trainer Now and get started on obedience. You need to learn how to lead him so that he is comfortable. He needs to learn to listen to you.
Do this NOW for everyone and the dog.
karen |
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Fire Ant Peddler
Posts: 2881
| GS need training as a young dog. The worst thing you can do is tie the dog. They are protective by nature but you have to have control. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 518
| I have no doubt that he would bite someone if he was stressed enough, but only because he would want to protect (even if there was no real threat.)
He is actually a very obedient dog, well mannered both on and off leash and well socialized with other dogs. (aside from the aggresiveness obviously)
He is loose all day, every day (he doesn't go off the propery at all) except for when we know that certain people are coming.
Instead of tying him up I can see that it would be a lot better for him if I had him on a leash (as long as I'm prepared to make sure that I can control him and show him that there's no reason to try and protect us)
Edited by avmalibu 2015-04-27 4:27 PM
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | I have a Siberian Husky that has his own mind about things and is very very protective of his family. My boyfriend and I have been playing and wrestling, and Luca will get between us and put his paw on my bf's arm and give "the look" with a little growl. . . So I have no recommendations, but I wanted to wish you the best of luck with your boy. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 962
| Never chain a dog (pen at home), and never wait until they are mature before you neuter them. The aggression starts about 18 mo. To 2 yo on the bigger breeds and they are protection dogs. Dogs like these, Rotts, Dobermans, Pitts esp., should be neutered with obedience training because of their potential to do damage because of their very nature and size. Good luck but don't take chances with your friends and family. I worked in a Vet clinic and we saw way too many of these kinds of pets that weren't there for a happy ending. |
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