Aggressive behavior with people

[Alpina]

My dog Alpina is now 20 months.
I take her out everyday and unleash her in a huge parking here she can freely run and enjoy.
But the problem is that everytime she sees someone whether she is on leash or without, she barks heavily and tries to attack the person though she never bit anyone yet. She is always over hyperactive.
What can I do to stop her from barking and scaring people and my neighbors since they now think she is very aggressive but she is really not?

[EchoGSD]

A couple of pieces of advice, since you asked: First: STOP LETTING HER RUN FREELY. It is YOUR JOB to make sure that she is under control -- you cannot do that if she is off leash and at some distance from you. Second: if she is barking at and trying to attack people, she IS aggressive. Don't ignore this or pretend otherwise until she actually does hurt someone; you need to step up and PREVENT her from having access. Do not set her up in an environment or situation where she will end up biting someone. Third: See your vet for a check up, and then GET SOME PROFESSIONAL TRAINING HELP. Find a behaviorist and/or an experienced trainer who is knowledgeable about aggressive dogs and has a good track record for behavior modification. This is not a problem most pet owners can deal with adequately, and a 20 month old German Shepherd who is attacking people is definitely a problem needing to be addressed IMMEDIATELY.

[chicagojosh]

i agree with Echo

[ShenzisMom]

OP clearly is on the fence. Her thread title is 'Aggressive behaviour with people' but states 'What can I do to stop her from barking and scaring people and my neighbors since they now think she is very aggressive but she is really not?'

Go with what Echo said. Look at GSD bites 3 in Vaughan (Toronto Area) this thread. THIS COULD BE YOUR ANIMAL. Do not forget to have the thyroid checked at the vets.

[JustMeLeslie]

I agree with everyone. I have a truly people aggressive dog(Victor). You can't bring these types of dogs into an enviroment where they could bite someone. You should never allow her to run free. Also, if she is going after everyone she sees then yes, she is aggressive. She is a lawsuit waiting to happen if you allow her to run freely.

[paulag1955]

Originally Posted by Alpina

My dog Alpina is now 20 months.
I take her out everyday and unleash her in a huge parking here she can freely run and enjoy.
But the problem is that everytime she sees someone whether she is on leash or without, she barks heavily and tries to attack the person though she never bit anyone yet. She is always over hyperactive.
What can I do to stop her from barking and scaring people and my neighbors since they now think she is very aggressive but she is really not?

Can you describe what you mean when you say she tries to "attack the person?"

[canadianredd]

Barking is not neccessarily aggression. If the dog is barking at strangers they are most likely afraid of them. I would hire a trainer and work on re-introducing the dog to other people. Socializing is very important, and if you can find people to do it the correct way, it can make all the difference.

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by Alpina

My dog Alpina is now 20 months.
I take her out everyday and unleash her in a huge parking here she can freely run and enjoy.
But the problem is that everytime she sees someone whether she is on leash or without, she barks heavily and tries to attack the person though she never bit anyone yet. She is always over hyperactive.
What can I do to stop her from barking and scaring people and my neighbors since they now think she is very aggressive but she is really not?

If she tries to attack, I she is aggressive!

And if that is the case, you need to get a pro trainer post haste! Before she does bite someone and you and her get in real trouble!

[Zoeys mom]

You can't seriously think allowing your dog to run freely is a good idea given her behavior right? She is aggressive and possibly very under socialized, has a thyroid problem, or is genetically predisposed to this behavior. I have a female who is a lot like her and we don't allow her near people because of it.

What do you do when she charges people barking, how was she socialized, has she gone to any training classes, and is she good with any people or just barking at strangers outside?

I would enroll in a beginner OB class with her, make sure your leadership with her is on point, and begin socializing her by just encouraging her not to bark while leashed and being walked

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by Zoeys mom

You can't seriously think allowing your dog to run freely is a good idea given her behavior right? She is aggressive and possibly very under socialized, has a thyroid problem, or is genetically predisposed to this behavior. I have a female who is a lot like her and we don't allow her near people because of it.

What do you do when she charges people barking, how was she socialized, has she gone to any training classes, and is she good with any people or just barking at strangers outside?

I would enroll in a beginner OB class with her, make sure your leadership with her is on point, and begin socializing her by just encouraging her not to bark while leashed and being walked

Ditto about letting your dog run free! if you do continue, I would try to find a GOOD lawyer as it is likely you will need one sooner rather than later.

Also make sure that you mention to whatever obedience class instructor you decide to enter that your dog is people aggresive! many will not want to let you enter the class - there are some classes offered by some organizations for "Growly dogs" that might also be a good choice; but let the instructor know and they can help you choose.