He totally bit someone today....

[BGSD]

Originally Posted by selzer

In refering to not taking the dog into public until the aggression is addressed, I think it depends. If the dog is lunging and biting people at random, I would agree. It sounds like this dog did not bite until the guy was actually petting or giving a treat to the dog. Or am I mixing this up with another aggression thread.

Perhaps getting the dog slowly more comfortable around people, without engaging with people, is addressing the problem. In any case, if you wait to take the dog out in public until the dog is cured, forget it, the dog will never be in public again.

He doesn't exhibit any aggressive behavior while outside. But I guess he doesn't like it if strangers pet him. Seems like a fear issue.

[Zisso]

Selzer- I think that was why I was thinking of the vest to aid in keeping people away from the dog when they are out on walks. But I do agree that if it is random lunging & biting, the behavior should probably be addressed. Perhaps a little of both; getting professional help and following what is learned through that as well as using a vest and working at gradually acclimating the dog to being out in public.

BGSD- that's what I thought...I would just not force the dog to accept strangers.

[onyx'girl]

Way back when, the Whole Dog Journal had an article on dog/fear/aggression. There was someone trying to get a kerchief type system going, purple, red, yellow green. If a dog has a certain type scarf on, you know what the personality is(similar to a shelter's eval on the dogs kennel door). Too bad it can't be put into use, but I know it is unreasonable....and too bad people approach dogs if they are in reach. I have two females that have to be managed in public, and I don't allow them in closed quarters where they are overwhelmed..just not fair to them(and so far we have had no bite incidents)

[Ucdcrush]

For trainers in LA, how about OJ Knighten. He knows his way around GSDs, Malinois, Dutchies etc.

[Zisso]

Jane, I just saw that on a thread, I think on the other board. I thought what a nifty idea, and wondered about trying to implement it in Dock Diving. I have seen several dogs there that are pretty bad about strangers, other dogs, etc I know it could be helpful in many situations.

[Liesje]

Originally Posted by selzer

Perhaps getting the dog slowly more comfortable around people, without engaging with people, is addressing the problem. In any case, if you wait to take the dog out in public until the dog is cured, forget it, the dog will never be in public again.

Not true. My Nikon went through a very reactive stage from 6-10 months. He would bark and get himself into a fit so I couldn't just walk him in a quiet neighborhood for several months. I addressed this problem at home between myself and my dog and after 4 months, he passed his CGC and is now the "neutral dog" for other CGC tests and does public events.

[law1558]

Originally Posted by Ucdcrush

For trainers in LA, how about OJ Knighten. He knows his way around GSDs, Malinois, Dutchies etc.

We train with OJ and he's great. He's affiliated with our rescue and he's given all of us (all GSD rescue owners) some great insight to our dog's behaviors.

[Zisso]

I would LOVE to train with OJ Knighten. Even if it was just for a few hours, I think I could learn a few things from the guy!

[martemchik]

How does he react to people coming into your house that he has never seen? Or people that he has known but doesn't see very often? Just wondering if this is a reaction you get from him at all times or just on walks.