"Aggression"

[Liesje]

Has this become a "bad" word? I keep reading people saying that GSDs are not or should not be "aggressive". What is wrong with a clear-headed dog with a proper threshold that has strong active aggression? I thought this was part of the breed.

[Girth]

Originally Posted by Liesje

Has this become a "bad" word? I keep reading people saying that GSDs are not or should not be "aggressive". What is wrong with a clear-headed dog with a proper threshold that has strong active aggression? I thought this was part of the breed.

I think a better term might be "vicious" I don't mind an aggressive dog but one that is vicious is different. Maybe there is a fine line between those two concepts.

[LaRen616]

I am confused by this question, but then again I am easily confused.

I am merely a pet owner, not a trainer, not a competitor.

I dont think GSD's should have toy/food/people aggression. I wouldn't want a dog like that.

Now if you mean a dog that is aggressive while doing SchH, as in he/she has alot of drive, comes out very strong and excels at the sport then I think aggression is great.

Just for the record I know nothing.

[Cassidy's Mom]

Perhaps there's a basic misunderstanding of the word. Compounding that may be the distinction between "a clear-headed dog with a proper threshold that has strong active aggression", and dogs with weak nerve exhibiting inappropriate aggression - too few of the former and too many of the latter?

[gagsd]

Originally Posted by Cassidy's Mom

Perhaps there's a basic misunderstanding of the word. Compounding that may be the distinction between "a clear-headed dog with a proper threshold that has strong active aggression", and dogs with weak nerve exhibiting inappropriate aggression - too few of the former and too many of the latter?

That really seems to be it, I think.

It is kind of like hearing the term "compulsion" and many of us get a very ugly picture in our mind. Not a picture based on the actual definition.

IMO, a German Shepherd without aggression is like a Labrador who can't swim.

[Zoeys mom]

I think the aggression you describe is great, but without that high threshold and clear head you have a hot mess,lol My hot mess is laying next to me

[Liesje]

Originally Posted by gagsd

IMO, a German Shepherd without aggression is like a Labrador who can't swim.

Yeah, that's kind of how I feel.

IMO we should not speak about our breed based on the worst case scenario (ex. a fear reactive biter), but how the breed REALLY should be, and I don't see why a GSD would *not* possess aggression?....

[Lilie]

Would the difference be aggression that can be controlled?

[Liesje]

I don't know, I mean it seems like now we're not just talking about aggression but all these other factors, breed traits, drives, thresholds. I just think at the most basic level, the GSD breed *should* possess aggression. I don't know that I'd want to "control" the aggression because it would come out when it's warranted and I'd probably be grateful for it!

[crisp]

Originally Posted by Liesje

IMO we should not speak about our breed based on the worst case scenario (ex. a fear reactive biter), but how the breed REALLY should be, and I don't see why a GSD would *not* possess aggression?....

I agree, but, as usuall, its important to consider the audience. In a controlled setting of a GSD Forum, sure, the term has a unique meaning, and even here it is often misused/misunderstood. Now consider, the general public...hearing 'GSD has aggression' probably invokes images of a snarling dog jumping the fence and trying to eat their children.