success story with aggression

[Stevensondrive]

At the 12 month mark Brutus was starting to show aggression to other dogs. The first dog he went after I was concerned but didn't do anything. The second dog he put into the yipping fetal position I sought help here. I contacted a dog trainer we know. She recommended I bring him to her one day a week for doggie day care. And so I did. The first few times his back legs just shook. He finally got comfortable about the 3rd visit and she put him with labs and other friendly dogs. He now is not nervous around other dogs and actually wags his tail.

so there is hope people. Your GSD needs socialization and positive experiences around other dogs/people. He is now 17 months old.

[onyx'girl]

But out of his daycare environment will he be ok? That is where counter conditioning and proofing come in.
Is he more confident now, or just comfortable in the daycare?
I agree, socializing and positive experiences are great, but the dog needs to look to the owner/handler for guidance, and the daycare people aren't going to be with him when he needs them.
I hope you are working with him too, so he sees you as his source of leadership.
Owning a fearful/timid dog is usually life long management, unfortunately.
Good to read you have progress, I hope Brutus continues as he matures!

[KSdogowner]

Congratulations to your success in overcoming this challenge. I know it is a relief when our dogs finally are able to interact with other dogs without fear and aggression.

[fgshepherd]

I am always encouraged when I hear of these great successes!!! Congratulations!

[e.rigby]

I'm glad he's having good daycare experiences; I would still recommend taking him to as many places as you can so you can reward him for positive behavior around dogs you meet while on walks or at the park or in stores (etc etc etc)

[Obelix]

That is awesome congrats! I too have had success with my 7 mo male, my friend lets him play with her well balanced pack of flyball dogs and it has been an amazing education for him. No more barky rude behaviour with other dogs. Dogs are great teachers when they are sound minded. I have been socializing him alot as well. Our CGC classes have left much to be desired however, very disappointed with the so called training.

[Stevensondrive]

oh yeah he sees LOTS of people!!. today we went to the Scheels outdoor store. They allow dogs. Then we went to a local park and went for a 3 mile run. run for me, trot for him. lol. Then the wife wanted to go the the Farmers Market at the fair grounds. We sat and ate dinner outside there. I tied him up to our picnic table. Several people came up and petted him. he showed no nervousness. He was loving the attention. Now he is working on his treat filled Kong ball. I suspect he'll sleep well tonight. lol

needless to say we spend a lot of time together.

GSD's are sooooo awesome!!

[Germanshepherdlova]

That is great. I am glad that your Brutus was able to overcome this!

[PaddyD]

Originally Posted by KSdogowner

Congratulations to your success in overcoming this challenge. I know it is a relief when our dogs finally are able to interact with other dogs without fear and aggression.

What SHE ^^^^^ said.

[smileydog]

Good job working through his problems, I think if you put the time into them GSD's are worth it!!!