Please Help!! My GS is growling and snapping at my Fiancé, don't know what to do

[Chris Smith]

Hello I'm Chris, a first time owner but I grew up with Shepard's, my parents always had one, sometimes two GS D's.
My dogs name is Max and he is 8 years old, I took ownership of him about 4 months ago when my mom passed. I've know Max since he was a puppy, living relatively close to my mom I would frequently take him out running and what not so I was a regular part of his life. The Transition was going really well until he started showing aggressive behavior toward my fiancé . He will growl and show teeth if she tries to correct him, sometimes he won't even let her pet or get near him. He has been like that from day one. Conversely he can be very loving toward her and then has his moments when he just growls. Never has bitten her, but intimidates her. Trying to show authority. She does everything for him, from ball, to walks, walks to the park and play time, feeds him, cleans his water bowl several times a day. She loves him! He is starting to scare her and myself with his behavior what should I do? We absolutely love Max. Thanks for any help on the matter.
regards,
Chris

[cta]

maybe bring him to your vet. see if there are any underlying health issues that are causing this erratic behavior that you may not know about.

[KSdogowner]

Originally Posted by Chris Smith

8 years old, I took ownership of him about 4 months ago when my mom passed. cleans his water bowl several times a day. She loves him! He is starting to scare her and myself with his behavior what should I do? We absolutely love Max. Thanks for any help on the matter.regards,Chris

First, I am sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Do you know if Max had exhibited this behavior toward others while in your mom's care? If this is a sudden change there is good reason to suspect some sort of medical issue. I agree with the prior suggestion to have him checked out by a Vet.

[onyx'girl]

My sympathy in the loss of your mom.
Start with NILIF and have your fiance do so as well(vet check/thyroid is good place to start with the medical, but do not over vaccinate!)

[Chris Smith]

Thanks everyone, I did have a full work up on him when I took ownership (urine, blood, and stool samples) the vet gave him a clean bill of health. I am going to call the Vet tomorrow and explain the situation maybe they overlooked something or it's a new development. Thanks for the replies and the Link, I'll do whatever it takes.

Do you know if Max had exhibited this behavior toward others while in your mom's care?

Not at all, thats why I'm so confused by his behavior. I would visit at least once a week. All the neighbors/kids love Max, he has always been a super friendly dog. However I did have him groomed recently and the groomer said he displayed the same type of behavior toward her but thats the only other time I've seen or heard him act like this. I dunno.

[Lixx]

Assuming the vet finds nothing I would have your fiance sign up with a trainer and work on some of these issues. If it's just her, she should be the one who works with him.

[PaddyD]

You took him 4 months ago. The honeymoon period is over. Maybe he is trying to establish his own ground rules? I assume that you step in and correct him when he shows aggression towards fiance'. You and fiance' have to show a unified front and dog knows he is third.

[carmspack]

hi . Very sorry to hear about your mom .

To me it sounds like the dog says jump and your fiance says how high . She loves the dog and does everything for him , catering to his needs, entertaining and amusing him . What does the dog do for her . What does the dog do for you. Devise some rules , which show the dog that you are to be respected , both you and your fiance. You are not push overs and you are not divided.
He wants to eat? Well make him work for it . Do a brisk obedience exercise first , even if it is only 5 minutes -- and then he has earned the food. Walk to the park, have the dog walking attentively and mannerly , not distracted by every dog or person , not sniffing around . Dog goes on your walk , not you on his.
Play ball . Deliver the ball to hand . Maybe ask a sit or down or something.

When you are relaxing , the dog comes to you when he has been invited , and he goes to his space , which can be a floor mat just feet away when you ask him to . He has to respect your personal space.
Growling or teeth , he needs a clear , consistent signal that this is totally not tolerated.
Carmen

[BowWowMeow]

You need to specifically ask the vet for a thyroid check.

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by carmspack

hi . Very sorry to hear about your mom .

To me it sounds like the dog says jump and your fiance says how high . She loves the dog and does everything for him , catering to his needs, entertaining and amusing him . What does the dog do for her . What does the dog do for you. Devise some rules , which show the dog that you are to be respected , both you and your fiance. You are not push overs and you are not divided.
He wants to eat? Well make him work for it . Do a brisk obedience exercise first , even if it is only 5 minutes -- and then he has earned the food. Walk to the park, have the dog walking attentively and mannerly , not distracted by every dog or person , not sniffing around . Dog goes on your walk , not you on his.
Play ball . Deliver the ball to hand . Maybe ask a sit or down or something.

When you are relaxing , the dog comes to you when he has been invited , and he goes to his space , which can be a floor mat just feet away when you ask him to . He has to respect your personal space.
Growling or teeth , he needs a clear , consistent signal that this is totally not tolerated.
Carmen

Ditto! But you might also need to have a pro trainer/behaviorist come to your house for an in-home evaluation with your fiance as well.