Hates other GSDs!! :(

[MowglisMom]

My Mowgli's aggression has gotten worse, not sure what to do next.

A little back story: Mowgli was born in Panama (Central America) we brought him with us when moved back to the States, but while we were living there we lived with my father in law and his pack of.. for lack of a better word, INSANE dogs. My father in law's Shepherd was really sick with tick fever so the vet there recommended steroids. So his Shepherd was aggressive to begin with but after the steroids would randomly go after Mowgli (who was about 4 months old at the time) When Mowgli was about 5 months old, the Shepherd attacked him, and Mowgli almost lost an eye.


So we got fed up and left but now Mowgli goes nuts everytime another GSD gets too close. His hackles go up, He growls, he snarls, he'll bark and bark and bark. He's also started barking and being aggressive to big dogs in general.

We took him to an obedience training course at Petsmart, he seemed to be getting better, but I took him on a walk today and he went after almost all the big dogs we saw on the walk.

I've tried making him sit and stay while the dog passes (which works sometimes). I've tried positive reinforcement when he passes a dog, and doesn't react. I've tried socializing him more, but it seems to be getting worse (on a side note, he knows his commands and listens.... as long as a large dog does not get too close)

And today, at the end of the walk a few kids came up to pet him, he rolled over on his back to let them rub his belly but when he tried to give the little girl a kiss, she screamed and jumped and he immediately flipped over and his hackles went up and he started barking at her.

I'm at my wits end... ANY suggestions or similar experiences would be MUCH appreciated. I love this dog to bits, and I know he is a sweetie (he thinks he is the mommy to our kitten, carries him around in his mouth and everything), I just don't know how to get him to stop the fear aggression.

Also if you know of any dog trainers in the Monterey, CA area that specialize in dog aggression, that would be great.

Thank you for taking the time to read the rantings of a very concerned mom, lol.

[Gretchen]

I don't know anything about this group, but maybe they have resources for you:

German Shepherd Club of Monterey

I live in Santa Cruz County so this is my resource:

The K-9 Clinic Lance is the owner and he does private lessons.

It sounds like you are doing positive things to improve your dog. We would give our dog treats before, during or after we passed other dogs. It was frustrating but there has been much improvement. Maybe keep a wider distance, like across the street when larger dogs approach. Also ask the Petsmart trainers for ideas, I'm sure they would love to help.

[1sttimeforgsd]

Wishing the best for you and your pup.