stranger aggression

[TrinaAnn]

Hello, I am new GSD owner, by dog's choice.


I am working on Meagan's stranger aggression. If we go out and about, she is fine. She is good with other dogs, got to watch her with small dogs, as she does not know her strength and tends to trample them with big legs. LOL.

If strange men come to the house, she will bark and growl at them from the window, only men though. After a few minutes of an intense smelling session she is ok and goes lay down, keeping a good eye on them for ten to 15 minutes. I know that if I don't do something, this might get worse as times goes on.

She is about 8-9 months now, so she is still a puppy, I've found her about month ago in my backyard. I think who ever had her before, probably hit her. I say this because one day I found her on my bed, I don't let her on furniture and yelled for her to get down. She flinched like I was going to hit her and ran to hide behind the couch cowering. Broke my heart, I coxed her out and gave her a good belly rub, but it was so sad. I am thinking that her previous owner was a male that hit her as a young puppy, and now she has some Human male aggression.

I've contacted a trainer, but is there anything I can do in the meantime?

[debbiebrown]

your on the right track finding a behviorist/trainer, with their guidence you can work on these issues........it will take time and slow progression, never pushing past the comfort zone.........with the right help you should be able to get to a better place.....best of luck!

[PaddyD]

So good of you to take her in and give her a good home.
Her actions at the door and her subsequent calming down won't necessarily escalate.
You are there to make sure of that. My dog has done that since she was a pup (now 2+) and is always OK when the person comes into the house.
She may just be a sensitive dog and yelling is not necessary. Doesn't mean she was mistreated. I see this so often: someone rescues a pup and they always assume the dog was beaten when it is just a sensitive or weak-nerved dog.
Build her confidence with fun, play and socialization.
And thanks again for providing a loving home.

[TrinaAnn]

Originally Posted by PaddyD

So good of you to take her in and give her a good home.
Her actions at the door and her subsequent calming down won't necessarily escalate.
You are there to make sure of that. My dog has done that since she was a pup (now 2+) and is always OK when the person comes into the house.
She may just be a sensitive dog and yelling is not necessary. Doesn't mean she was mistreated. I see this so often: someone rescues a pup and they always assume the dog was beaten when it is just a sensitive or weak-nerved dog.
Build her confidence with fun, play and socialization.
And thanks again for providing a loving home.

OH good, I mean I kind of like her warning us to people being outside as I do live out in the Michigan wild. I never leave her alone with anyone, except my hubby.

She Is the perfect dog, I mean she doesn't get startled and lets my kids climb all over her.. She just lays there and loves it and gets belly rubs and loved on. We got plenty of that in this house, but I am still going to get some advice from the trainer, this is my first dog, and honestly have no clue on how to be a good owner. I will try my best though!

[KZoppa]

Originally Posted by PaddyD

So good of you to take her in and give her a good home.
Her actions at the door and her subsequent calming down won't necessarily escalate.
You are there to make sure of that. My dog has done that since she was a pup (now 2+) and is always OK when the person comes into the house.
She may just be a sensitive dog and yelling is not necessary. Doesn't mean she was mistreated. I see this so often: someone rescues a pup and they always assume the dog was beaten when it is just a sensitive or weak-nerved dog.
Build her confidence with fun, play and socialization.
And thanks again for providing a loving home.

this is sooooo true.

[TrinaAnn]

Originally Posted by debbiebrown

your on the right track finding a behviorist/trainer, with their guidence you can work on these issues........it will take time and slow progression, never pushing past the comfort zone.........with the right help you should be able to get to a better place.....best of luck!

thanks Debbie, we will get there! I have to say, German Shepherds have to be the smartest dog I ever known. I sometimes think she knows what I about to do, before I do. LOL

I like that she goes and checks on everyone in different rooms, so cute..