Some Aggression Questions

[MegansGrace]

I have some questions regarding aggression in general. I don't have a GSD yet, but I recently read through A LOT of the threads in this section and have some questions.

It seems like you can socialize well throughout puppyhood and it's possible to still end up with an aggressive dog. Correct? (I'm kind of disregarding medical problems that cause aggression).

When do you first start to see aggression issues pop up? At a really young age? A year? After that?

Are they seen more in females or males?

Do you think a lot of the aggression issues are training and exercise issues?

My understanding is that GSDs are suppose to aloof, not necessarily aggressive, and not necessarily itching to meet every stranger and dog they meet.

I guess I just want a general understanding of aggression. I own a Lab right now, so obviously he's interested in every thing and every one. That being said, there are certainly people he doesn't like and dogs he doesn't get along with. Recently since we've re-located to a city and live an apartment complex he has become a little leash reactive. We're working on "LAT" with success.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I'm just interested in how you can best "prevent" aggression, if that's even possible. Obviously I understand that if you end up with a dog that does have aggression issues, it's important to manage them.

[Jack's Dad]

Tough questions and at least from my relatively un-educated perspective difficult to give specific answers. For example, when does aggression pop up or start. I have seen it in puppies and I myself had a mixed hound type dog when I was younger that became very dog aggressive around six years old. Generally I would say more likely in the first few years.
I believe it starts with the nerve that comes with the dog. It's genetic make up, it's nerve and temperament. A good solid dog to begin with is the key to avoiding aggression issues. Personally I believe GSD's in particular should be heavily socalized as puppies, to other dogs and people taking care not to overdo with a real young puppy. By that I mean short sessions for a really young pup. Training and puppy classes are important.
Again these are generalizations and others with more experience I hope will chime in.
I'm glad you are thinking about this now because if you wind up with an aggressive dog it's way more difficult to deal with.
If a dog has really bad nerves all the socialization may not help. It certainly won't hurt but may not keep the dog from being aggressive at some point.
These are merely my observations. You will get others.

[Stosh]

Sometimes it's genetic, sometimes fear and I think many times just bad manners that's called aggression