Hey.. I am new to this forum. Have a 7 year old gsd female with a very even, solid, confident temperament. We just got a male puppy from a reputable breeder (who is frequently recommended/mentioned on this site) about 10 days ago. He was 9 1/2 weeks when we got him. My vet is very active in the gsd working world and has always owned multiple shepherds. I took him to be checked out a day after we got home... The vet gave him a basic once over - ears, paws, mouth... And he became aggressive at some point when he was being held by the vet tech and examined by the vet (growly and trying to bite -- not normal curiosity, squirmy, mouthy). She told me at that point she was concerned that a puppy that age should NOT show that kind of behavior - squirm to get away, crying, etc. are expected, but not aggression... that should not be in his "playbook" that young. She said that she would not keep him, but that if I did, he would need LOTs of work to counter that basic fear/aggression response.
Since that time, I have taken him up to the vet for socialization (3 hour periods) where he can be handled, given treats, nail trimmed, etc... and he has done much better.. has been totally fine each time with various ppl looking at his teeth, messing with paws and ears, etc. I have also taken him to a highly recommended trainer to get her thoughts (clicker based and dog behaviorist)... She said that aggression was unusual, but she also said she didn't see anything in his behavior (2 sessions) that was worrisome. He seemed not to be overly fearful, that he is willing and motivated learner.
He has been great around the house. He is smart and eager to learn. He has been great when Ive taken him out as well. He obeys, is happy, plays well with my other dog (although can annoy her), is easily redirected, and can play appropriately at my feet without getting into tons of mischief at this point.
However, yesterday my husband was home (I was not there)... and puppy started to go potty on the carpet. My husband spoke loudly and ran over to him (mistake) and tried to pick him up.. at which point puppy reacted similarly to the vet (probably not quite as extreme) but took a fear/aggressive posture and tried to bite/tell him off.
I was 100% leaning toward keeping him because he has so many excellent qualities and he is such a wonderful dog so far... until last night. Now I am wondering if 2 of those episodes in 10 days should be a red flag. This is not the same thing as puppy mouthiness and playing.. it seems defensive and seems as if training can help, but if push comes to shove when he's older, that may be his go-to under stress. Am conflicted bc I love him and bc this breeder has a great reputation.
I would love some of your thoughts/opinions!
Since that time, I have taken him up to the vet for socialization (3 hour periods) where he can be handled, given treats, nail trimmed, etc... and he has done much better.. has been totally fine each time with various ppl looking at his teeth, messing with paws and ears, etc. I have also taken him to a highly recommended trainer to get her thoughts (clicker based and dog behaviorist)... She said that aggression was unusual, but she also said she didn't see anything in his behavior (2 sessions) that was worrisome. He seemed not to be overly fearful, that he is willing and motivated learner.
He has been great around the house. He is smart and eager to learn. He has been great when Ive taken him out as well. He obeys, is happy, plays well with my other dog (although can annoy her), is easily redirected, and can play appropriately at my feet without getting into tons of mischief at this point.
However, yesterday my husband was home (I was not there)... and puppy started to go potty on the carpet. My husband spoke loudly and ran over to him (mistake) and tried to pick him up.. at which point puppy reacted similarly to the vet (probably not quite as extreme) but took a fear/aggressive posture and tried to bite/tell him off.
I was 100% leaning toward keeping him because he has so many excellent qualities and he is such a wonderful dog so far... until last night. Now I am wondering if 2 of those episodes in 10 days should be a red flag. This is not the same thing as puppy mouthiness and playing.. it seems defensive and seems as if training can help, but if push comes to shove when he's older, that may be his go-to under stress. Am conflicted bc I love him and bc this breeder has a great reputation.
I would love some of your thoughts/opinions!