Do I need to give up?

[Stella's Mom]

Originally Posted by Lucy Dog

When you walk her... are you using a prong collar? If you are, are you sure it's on her correctly? A prong would probably help control the pulling a lot. Forget the e-collar... that doesn't seem right for this specific dog since she should never be off leash in public anyways.

I wouldn't put a dog down because she doesn't like other dogs. Who cares if the dog can't play with outside dogs? The only friends these dogs need is their own pack and you say she's great in the house.

The same goes for people on walks. When people ask to pet her, just say no. She's not comfortable with it, so just don't allow it. There's no need to risk someone getting nipped or bit.

Manage the dog. Control who she goes up to and who goes up to her. Don't put her in situations where she's allowed to make her own decision - YOU make the decisions for her.

Your advice seems right on the money. The only other issue is their grandchildren when they visit them in their house.

[doggiedad]

you got her at 7 weeks old so there was plenty
of time to socialize her. put her away when
quest are visiting. put a muzzle on her when
you're out in public.

Originally Posted by dianefbarfield

She was not socialized, came from a bad situation. She was only 7 weeks old when we got her but there had been mistreatment in the kennels. She was terrified of water because hoses had been sprayed into the cages to clean them, etc. she is so sweet with us and family and adults. I am terrified that she will hurt a child.

[Stevenzachsmom]

I know you got two different opinions on the muzzle. I second using the muzzle. My GSD was DA so I always muzzled her on walks. Not only did the muzzle prohibit my dog from biting, it scared people away. Though she had no people aggression whatsoever, people didn't know that. No one ever asked to pet the muzzled GSD. Matter of fact, they crossed to the other side of the street.

Introduce it to your dog slowly. Make it something positive. Even if it does cause stress, better that then the dog bite someone. She will recover from the stress. She will be PTS if she bites. Then the decision will be taken out of your hands.

I agree to consult a good behaviorist. Worse case, if you are unable to handle the dog, she should be PTS. If you cannot guarantee the safety of children in general and your grandchildren in particular euthing. is the most responsible thing to do.

I understand how difficult this must be for you and am so sorry. I truly wish you all the best.

[JakodaCD OA]

I agree with the majority of suggestions above

Masi is not fond of kids in public. I"m certainly not blaming the 'kid' in your incident, but a kid charging up into a dogs space can definately make a fearful dog react negatively.. just wanted you to see it from the dogs point of view.

I am all for a muzzle, and getting the dog used to one at home first, is a good idea. Mine doesn't need one in public, but I sure put one on her when at the vets office, she is petrified of my vet in her office (but if she comes to my house she's her best bud") I have a muzzle on her there, just for safety all around...I have found the muzzle actually chills her out, seems to take the decision out of her hands and she's actually calmer with one on..

I also have this for Masi


Since she would prefer to be just left alone out in busy public areas..

I hope you can work on things,

[holland]

If you introduce the muzzle-you can do it gradually by putting treats into it so she puts her muzzle into it and then just gradually work up to it-then she does not associate the muzzle as a bad thing -a behaviorist can break it down into steps

[dianefbarfield]

There are so many wonderful suggestions here and so much support. I wanted to answer each one separately and I will but for now, please accept this group message.
I have searched and cannot find a dog trainer in my area..I live in very, very south Ga. near Tallahassee, Fl. and the only ones listed seem to be the Pet Smart kind of things which don't work very well.
My email is www.dianefbarfield@gmail.com and I would appreciate you sending any names/info for trainers to that address. We can drive of course but I was trying to find something that was within a day-trip distance for our first consultation. I thought there was a trainer in Tifton but I can't find any info on her.
Until then we will continue to try all of the fabulous things you all suggest. Lizzie is so goofy and sweet to us. She is a clown and still clumsy and funny...yesterday she got her collar caught in her teeth somehow and she looked like a kid with braces...we got it off quickly but "only Lizzie". I will be happy if we can get her to ignore kids and other dogs.

[CarrieJ]

I got late to this, and just wanted to wish you the best.
Keep looking for a behaviorist type of trainer. One that deals in fear aggression/reactivity. I know my boss has driven to San Francisco before (60 miles) and Santa Cruz (30 miles but an awful over the mountain drive) to do private training before.
I'd also like to add that I'd be leery of using an e-collar just on the fact that if your sense of timing is not good; your dog can actually make the association of people and a correction. Did that make sense?
I'd only use on if I had to for stuff like counter surfing, etc.

I'd also like to join the chorus of people who've said, "NO, don't pet her"
Remember, many GSDs are not the same tempraments as Goldens or Labs. They are aloof of strangers, (even the ones that aren't fearful) not gregarious, "PET ME! PET ME!" just by nature and breed characteristic.

Good luck! Alice and I are pulling for you.

*apologies for temprament....I believe I misspelled it, can't find my dictionary right now*