Help please

[HiddenWolf]

I have some questions about my German shepherd. She is usually very calm around me, my family, and our other dogs. But when we took her to get her vaccinated along with the other three dogs at the vet. Zena was very temperamental and when a dog would get to close to me or my mom she would snap. She growled, snarled, and even started snapping at the one dog. Near the end of the trip after the long wait, she almost bit this bulldog terrier and she had to get muzzled along with this pit bull near us.

When introduced to new people she usually will growl and hide and go through any obstacle to get away from that person. But when you have your back turned, she usually will try to nip at your butt.

Even when she knows the person she will still act the same way, even around my moms friends she has seen before.

Do you know anyway to stop this behavior?

[CarrieJ]

Offhand, it sounds like resource guarding with something a little fear based in there as well.
I'd probably look into a trainer that works with lifestyle or NILF/structure training. With the back side nipping/biting that's not a confident dog.
Some people may say it's herding; but if she's actively trying to avoid or flee the "new" person...that's more fear based.
Remember all animals are fight or flight...some will go faster into the fight if flight is not an option.
Work on your leadership role (NILF) to show her that she does not need to make those decisions. Watch the tone of voice when working these issues...some people create excitement or use positive tone when dealing with these things.
Resource guarding with herding breeds is pretty common. They don't want to share their owners. (for lack of better terminology) That's where getting a good trainer/behaviorist that deals in NILF or Structure training can help out here. Your dog will be much happier for it.
The vet's office can be a scary place for dogs so that may be an issue there.
Possibly stop by just for a "friendly visit" get a snack weighed and leave. Lots of praise for calm behavior.

You may have to slowly expose her to different sights, smells, people. Remember that movie...What About Bob?

"Baby steps to the door..."


There are some great people here with good ideas to build confidence in your dog and yourself as the handler.

[sagelfn]

Find a behaviorist now before your dog does bite someone and you get sued and have to put her down. Make sure you always have control of her around people and dogs, keep a muzzle handy.

She sounds very fearful.

[Deuce]

What does her breeding look like? I see you're from PA, where did you get her?

[DolphinGirl]

This is fear aggression. Find a professional behaviorist and work on it. How old is your GSD?

[Whiteshepherds]

Until you can get some help I'd suggest buying a muzzle for Zena so when she's out in public you won't have to worry about a biting mishap.

[hunterisgreat]

Originally Posted by DolphinGirl

This is fear aggression. Find a professional behaviorist and work on it. How old is your GSD?

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