Skittish/ Nervous/ Aggressive Behavior

[RogueRed26]

I honestly don't know what to do. I wish I had more resources in my area (professional behaviorists, trainers, etc). It seems that Texas still has issues with her anxiety around other dogs (she gets wired, playfully excited, pants, drools, stares down the other dog and points with her paw) and shows skittishness when people try to pet her, especially kids. But now, when I touch her on her side or back, she turns around and tries to nip me. She never breaks the skin, but sometimes her teeth do leave temporary marks.

I have been trying to keep her socialized, but she has been the most difficult shepherd I have ever had with regards to training and socializing. I feel like I must have done something wrong. I tried my best during her fear periods, but I can tell it was not a success. How can I go by in fixing these behaviors? I really want a well rounded dog. One day, I plan on having children, and I want to make sure she will be fine with them and others. Can someone please guide me.

I also found out recently that she is terrified of towels. Hanging or swinging, she fears them, almost as if she is going to be punished with one. I have never struck her, so I don't understand the fear. I tried to show it to her as a toy to avoid this fear. She will tug on it a bit, but at times she just runs off startled by it.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

How old is she?

Join the Yahoo shy k9 group for sure. The archives alone are worth it.

I am wondering if she has some pain or discomfort in her side/back? Once that is ruled out, click and shape the touching.

Would sharing her pedigree help those who know that stuff?

[Two]

How old is Texas and how long have you owned her?

Have you seen this video?

‪Dog Training Tutorial - Distractions PART II (Healing Reactivity)‬‏ - YouTube

‪Dog Training Tutorial - Distractions PART II (Healing Reactivity)‬‏ - YouTube

[RogueRed26]

Originally Posted by JeanKBBMMMAAN

How old is she?

Join the Yahoo shy k9 group for sure. The archives alone are worth it.

I am wondering if she has some pain or discomfort in her side/back? Once that is ruled out, click and shape the touching.

Would sharing her pedigree help those who know that stuff?

Texas is 13 months old heading to 14 months.

She was spayed on July 18, 2011. She was seen by a veterinarian on Monday, who said she seemed quite well and spunky. She just needed to take antibiotics to prevent infection. Though, this nipping behavior has been prominent, since she was about 10 months old. Its almost a "don't distract me" or "don't touch me" bite and look.

Her pedigree is not much. She primarily comes from pet lines. I didn't know better then. My next shepherd will definitely be researched and from a reputable breeder.

Texas Lone Star Ranger - German Shepherd Dog

Yesterday, I simply reached out for her on her shoulder and she turned a nipped. Right afterwards, I said "no" and then proceeded to touch her shoulder and mark it with a "good." I would try again later, and she would nip at me again. I honestly felt very frustrated.

[gsdraven]

Have you tried carrying around a toy and redirecting her to that instead? If her mouth is full, she can't nip

Shepherds communicate with their mouths a lot and it sounds like she may be telling you to leave her alone (like bratty teenagers do). Do you do NILIF with her?

[RogueRed26]

Originally Posted by Two

How old is Texas and how long have you owned her?

I have had her since she was 3 to 3 1/2 months old. We started attending obedience classes when she was 4 months old.

The place my family got her from did not really socialize their puppies. When I went for a visit, I could see that the dogs had no focus on the people but one another. They were allowed to just run wild and destroy the yard and patio. At the time, I did see a red flag, but at the same time, there was not much I could do, since my family purchased the puppy already.

[RogueRed26]

Originally Posted by gsdraven

Have you tried carrying around a toy and redirecting her to that instead? If her mouth is full, she can't nip

Shepherds communicate with their mouths a lot and it sounds like she may be telling you to leave her alone (like bratty teenagers do). Do you do NILIF with her?

We actually had a stuffed duck out last night and I was trying to get her to hold onto her duck. Though, when I would reach for her, she would let go and just nip. Yes, I completely feel that way, that she is acting like a bratty teenager. I just hope I can find a solution to stop it.

We do practice NILIF. From toys (she must sit or lay), food (sit and wait), treats (must do tricks), and to go out (must sit and wait).

[PaddyD]

As a pup, my dog was sensitive to being touched. Didn't like being handled. So I just ignored her and handled her as much as I could. I would get down on the floor and pet or give her a mild rub. At first she nipped but I turned it into a game. Over time the nipping decreased and eventually she would come to me just to be handled in any old way. She is still mouthy at 2 but never comes close to biting ... has very good bite control. By the way, I use the EILIF method. She doesn't have to perform to get fed, treats or go out. Her behavior and obedience are excellent.

[RogueRed26]

What I have gotten so far is that I must push for contact, even though she does not like for me to touch her in certain areas. I have also read that pushing her can be counterproductive and only worsen her fearfulness and nipping.

[Management]

I think "pushing" is one thing but it seems to me you have to keep persistent encouragement with the contact and lots of communication/interaction- Rewarding the good behavior. You might not see instant improvement but keep after it.