7 year old female GSD VERY dog aggressive..

Buzzooka Joe · 10-04-2011, 11:44 AM

She is not aggressive if we are walking on a leash, because she knows I will give her a tug when she starts to growl or pay any attention to another neighborhood dog.

She does great with the one dog she was raised with, but other than that I have to keep her on a leash when any dog is near. I would like to be able to let her run free in the backyard, off a leash (when I'm out there) and not be worried that she's going to go looking for a fight.

Is there any way I can change this behavior? I talked to a trainer in my area and he said she is too old to change the behavior... is that true?

sashadog · 10-18-2011, 01:28 PM

If she is truly aggressive, IMO, she is never going to be a social, friendly dog. I DO believe however that it is possible to teach her to ignore the other dogs, just like it sounds like you've done on the leash. I would find a new trainer that is willing to work with you on this issue without discouraging you. Definitely keep safety in mind however and NEVER put her in a position to fail at this since it could cost her and you dearly.

All of this of course depends on the level of her aggression and focus on the other dogs. The situations where she can be off leash with you will depend a lot on her ability to focus on you with the distractions in the environment.

Jax08 · 10-18-2011, 01:34 PM

Fence your yard so no other dog can get in and she can't get out. We don't know why she is aggressive but the bottom line is that she is.

Our youngest boxer is fine with our older boxer who she grew up with. She will attack any strange dog immediately. She will also start fights with my GSD who is a year younger than her.

Just build a fence. You can get welded wire fencing that isn't to expensive at Tractor Supply.

10-04-2011, 11:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
Buzzooka Joe New Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 9	7 year old female GSD VERY dog aggressive.. She is not aggressive if we are walking on a leash, because she knows I will give her a tug when she starts to growl or pay any attention to another neighborhood dog. She does great with the one dog she was raised with, but other than that I have to keep her on a leash when any dog is near. I would like to be able to let her run free in the backyard, off a leash (when I'm out there) and not be worried that she's going to go looking for a fight. Is there any way I can change this behavior? I talked to a trainer in my area and he said she is too old to change the behavior... is that true?

10-18-2011, 01:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
sashadog Master Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 569	If she is truly aggressive, IMO, she is never going to be a social, friendly dog. I DO believe however that it is possible to teach her to ignore the other dogs, just like it sounds like you've done on the leash. I would find a new trainer that is willing to work with you on this issue without discouraging you. Definitely keep safety in mind however and NEVER put her in a position to fail at this since it could cost her and you dearly. All of this of course depends on the level of her aggression and focus on the other dogs. The situations where she can be off leash with you will depend a lot on her ability to focus on you with the distractions in the environment. Last edited by sashadog; 10-18-2011 at 01:33 PM.

10-18-2011, 01:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jax08 Crowned Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NNE PA Posts: 14,314	Fence your yard so no other dog can get in and she can't get out. We don't know why she is aggressive but the bottom line is that she is. Our youngest boxer is fine with our older boxer who she grew up with. She will attack any strange dog immediately. She will also start fights with my GSD who is a year younger than her. Just build a fence. You can get welded wire fencing that isn't to expensive at Tractor Supply.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
German Shepherd Advertisement