Acceptable Levels of Aggression

[Samba]

Interesting definition. There would only be dog to dog aggression?

[ayoitzrimz]

I'm good with a B or C - although for the B types its the Breeder's responsibility to do their best to home the puppies correctly (example if the parents are both around B the breeder should obviously be careful where they place their puppies).

I would take a B or C myself. Obviously A is not a well bred or well socialized dog and D is not really a german shepherd. I'm not asking for a man-eater here (because I know I might get flamed for this) but I don't want a social butterfly either - if I did I probably wouldn't get a GSD.

B's for working homes, C's for pet homes and A's should be carefully managed and D's pose no risk and you can still love them to death and have them return that love - just don't breed them lol

[GSDElsa]

Originally Posted by Zahnburg

This is a poor definition of "aggression" in this context.

Agreed. Not interesting. Just bad.

[GSDElsa]

Originally Posted by pfitzpa1

Stupid question IMO. No level of aggression is acceptable unless handler or family are under threat, or aggression is 100% controllable.
I would expect a gsd to put their life on the line to protect me and my family, whatever it took.

So aggression across species line is only "aggression" per your definition if your family is being protected?

[Lucy Dog]

Originally Posted by codmaster

A is never acceptable in a GSD. What use it it having a dog that you can't have anywhere in public with the over aggression?

"A" probably isn't meant for a dog that's ever put in social situations. This sounds more like a watchdog type dog. A recent thread comes to mind.

[VonKromeHaus]

Originally Posted by GSDElsa

As a spinoff of another thread, what do you personally find acceptable levels of aggression in a dog? I'll say give 2 answers...one for "pet" homes and one for people with working dogs.

A. Unapprocable by strangers, is very sharp, and is known to bite unprovoked. But dog is in sport home that is carefully managed, including having be vetted at home.

While A is unacceptable to me for breeding purposes and pet owning purposes. I would own a dog like that as long as I felt I could safely manage them, however, the dog would never be bred and would never be given a chance to act out. Plus the dog would never be rehomed. So while I find it unacceptable, in the right hands the dog could be managed.

B. In a working home with an experienced handler. Dog is very strong and is managed easily by current handler, but would probably take over to potentially negative consequences with a "weaker" handler.

I find B completely appropiate and would own/have one that is like this. He is very friendly though but given the chance, he will take advantage of someone. I trust him 110% with anyone though, a strong dog doesn't mean an aggressive dog.

C. Does not matter who handles the dog and how the dog acts doing protection work...dog should be aloof, friendly with who they know, but not put in any uncomfortable situations.

I find this definition to be appropiate for pet owners and anyone else. This is IMHO closest to the breed standard.

D. Do should have minimal overall aggression--could get by in SchH in prey, and is a social butterfly with any and all individuals.

My male is a social butterfly but is protective and has proven that he would protect me in a threatening situation. I think that it is not "proper" GSD temperament as they are supposed to be somewhat aloof.

It depends on the individual dog and the way their individual temperament is IMHO. I think that the GSD is supposed to have a certain level of natural aggression.

Too many people hear the word aggression and FREAK out that it means you have a killer dog who eats small children and mauls grandmas. Aggression is part of a dog, good, bad and sometimes ugly.

[Good_Karma]

I think I have a B dog, and I am not an experienced handler. But we are making it work, and I am learning a lot. I think Niko would have done better in a more experienced home. In the future I would love a D dog, but I agree that a D dog is not a good representation of what the GSD is supposed to be. And I don't know how common C dogs are, but if anyone knows where I can find one, send me a PM!!