4 year old female showed aggression first time

[genevieverose]

Hello, apologies-long post. Today my 4 year old F GSD lunged and nipped a person away from me. I was and am in shock. Her background: She has been temperment tested twice and passed with flying colors. In fact, one trainer tried to buy her on the spot due to breeding and temperment. She has the temperment to do Shutzhund or be a police dog but also is exceptionally calm and sweet. Which is how we accidently got her; breeder misranked her and sold as family pet. Offered trade later...but we were attached. Anyways, we did a bit of Shutzhund training her first year and she had been taken as a pup to watch but we discontinued for fear it might bring out agression. Since then she has never put a paw wrong...until the last 3 months. I went from being home full time to gone two days and two nights a week and her exercise half of usual. She began anxiety panting, digging and showing signs of terrortorialness about house/car. Talked with vet about anxiety seperation and he suggested car/crate or bring her with. Today I started at new job and they let me bring her and I was sitting in a dark back room sorting files and she was laying behind me when my supervisor came around the corner and reached out towards me. My GSD was up quickly and lunged nippingat her until she moved away (not any bites more like bonked and nipped to herd her away...still scary) and I got up and got her coller. She immediately settled down into a sitz completely calm. I was shocked. And appalled that she took matters into her own "paws". Of course i know I was probably exuding anxiety a my first day, etc...My question is that I have been told I should commit to the shutzhund training or someday my GSDmight make her own decision of what is a threat and I have been told the opposite- shutzhund will make her more agressive. What is the general concensus from those with GSD experience?

[shadow mum]

I'm not that experienced with GSD's but hopefully one of the more knowledgeable members will see your post and be able to help you.

[KZoppa]

It sounds like your dog was not only feeding off your anxiety but may have been overwhelmed with all of the changes recently. Did you introduce your dog to the people at work she might encounter? As far as being your first day, it probably would have been wise to WAIT until you were comfortable at work before bringing your dog in. Even the most balanced dog can become stressed in a new situation.

It doesnt sound like she was truly aggressive just suddenly there is this new person, she doesnt know in this new environment reaching towards her person. I hope your supervisor is a very cool person and doesnt hold this against your dog. Encourage positive interactions between her and your co-workers she would encounter.

As far as schutzhund goes, to my limited knowledge, the sport is meant to show a balanced dog. Also i'm pretty sure it does not increase aggression. if aggression increases, i wouldnt think a dog would be balanced temperment wise.

It really does sound like you moved too fast with too many sudden changes and she's trying to adjust. The anxiety she experiences could very well be due to the sudden changes.

I hope the more experience schutzhund people chime in. I had a response earlier and my laptop battery died so this response isnt as good but i think you get it.

[genevieverose]

Hi! Thank you for your time! I completely agree. I am so used to her being "paw perfect" I forgot to think it through carefully past the GREAT I get to bring my dog phase. They invited her due to my mentioning her separation anxiety- which was kind- and they are open to trying again. Luckily! But I will approach differently

[KZoppa]

Originally Posted by genevieverose

Hi! Thank you for your time! I completely agree. I am so used to her being "paw perfect" I forgot to think it through carefully past the GREAT I get to bring my dog phase. They invited her due to my mentioning her separation anxiety- which was kind- and they are open to trying again. Luckily! But I will approach differently

just make sure you have a ton of yummy treats for her and leave some easily accessible for your co-workers to toss to her or give to her if they're comfortable. Just make sure its not a surprise that she's there lol. I think everything will work out just fine as long as you remember she is a guarding breed and as such, you are her flock. Remember to breath and she'll relax when you are relaxed. Keep us posted on how it works out!