[kascha13]

we recently rescued a gsd who was abused. we own a resort and in cases she has shown fear aggression towards kids. she does just fine when we bring her to the guests on a leash. we can let her off the leash and she still does ok. it is when i have my back turned and she sneaks away and approaches guests barking loudly. she has not bitten anyone and always comes when called, but still scares people.
she is a very loving dog but w/ our guests usually staying a week, never get to see that side of her.
any advice on what we can do to help her overcome this???

 

[Skye'sMom]

If she was recently rescued and was abused to boot, it is way too soon for her to be loose.

Concentrate on building the bond with her - take her to classes. Let her learn she can trust you to take care of her so she doesn't have to watch for enemies.

She is probably overwhelmed with the change in homes and so many people. She doesn't know who should be there and who should not.

For both her protection and your guests she should be under control, on leash, or in a safe fenced area (away from guests.) It could be a long time if ever before she will be comfortable around so many strangers.

Don't wait until she bites someone that reminds her of her abuser - control her environment now. It will make her feel more secure while she makes all the adjustments to her wonderful, new life.

 

[kascha13]

hi- thanks for the insight....the only time she really runs loose is early in the morning, as our guests tend to sleep in.
we do have a great bond w/ her, as she comes running to me when scared, but do not know of any classes around here.
she is ok around our guests when w/ us, in fact she seems more interested in playing w/ our other dog and showing off, than paying attention to them.
i agree she is overwhelmed, as we have a new crew of people in every friday- and some also have dogs.
we do keep her cordoned off by our house and take her down to the beach on a leash to try and socialize her.
we will do more of this.... would it help to have kids pet her while on leash w/ us???

 

[GSDOwner2008]

No, only if she is being calm and relaxed should you have people approach and pet her. You want only positive experiences with her encountering people. If you were to do this while she is overwhelmed this could end up doing worse than good.

If you can't take her to classes, then train her yourself! You can do basic obedience with her, and work your way up to harder commands. Training your dog is a great way to bond with them, as is walking them. As she learns to trust you and calms down a bit, then you can work on socializing her.

 

[onyx'girl]

There is a book called "Click to Calm" by Emma Parsons that is great for a fear aggressive or dogs with anxiety issues.

 

[MaggieRoseLee]

I know I'd have containers of treats in every room and with me at all times and handing them out to everyone.

If she starts to learn that everyone seems to have yummy treats FOR HER then she may start getting a little less leery and a whole lot less fearful!

Real treats, not just dry dog biscuits. So if you can find small soft treats they work best. While using this method, CUT BACK ON THE MEAL amounts or she'll be happy and FAT!