[bphoftiezer]

We have a two year old german shepherd/golden retriever/lab mix that has been such a great dog. In the last six months I've noticed that she has gotten aggressive mainly towards men. I took her to the vet and she was very apprehensive being there and wouldn't let the male vet come close to her for ten minutes. The other night I found out she bit the UPS driver. She hasn't been beat and we got her when she was a pup. I want to help her out and figure out what's triggering her before we have to make some big decisions.. has anyone dealt with this or have any pointers? We have four other dogs she does great with but she refuses to let other dogs near.

 

[Chip Blasiole]

This is a fear/insecurity/temperament issue. Why did you let her show aggression toward the vet for ten minutes? Letting her show aggression is just reinforcing it. What is her obedience? If she shows aggression, correct her with a prong and make her sit.

 

[bphoftiezer]

I didn't let her show aggression that long, I was actively trying to get her to calm down, she's always been a sweet dog so very out of characteristic for her. I don't let her show aggression I definitely try to shut it down right away. I didn't know if anyone had experienced this and what they did to correct it.

 

[tim_s_adams]

When things get to this point, it can be a little dangerous for you to try and solve the problem on your own.

IMHO you need to find a good balanced trainer to help you.

 

[Chip Blasiole]

You said your dog wouldn't let the vet come near her for ten minutes.

 

[bphoftiezer]

kind of what I was thinking

 

[Pytheis]

Wait, so this dog has actually bitten someone? Definitely time for a trainer to come in and to get her muzzle trained. When she was at the vet, were they eventually able to do a full exam and run lab work? I would want to rule out any medical problems first. If she needs to be sedated, fine. She needs to get a good look over and labs from a vet.

 

[Shane'sDad]

I agree with find a balanced trainer--one who knows and has had success with this breed and educating owners....IMO this is way past any ones on-line advice on "how" to fix it.....

 

[bphoftiezer]

Wait, so this dog has actually bitten someone? Definitely time for a trainer to come in and to get her muzzle trained. When she was at the vet, were they eventually able to do a full exam and run lab work? I would want to rule out any medical problems first. If she needs to be sedated, fine. She needs to get a good look over and labs from a vet.

Yeah she was fine after the vet was able to pet her. I just want to help her. she's not a bad dog.
Think finding a trainer will be the best option.

 

[MineAreWorkingline]

Two years of age is when the adult, genetic temperament begins to emerge. Like others have said, get a trainer onboard that is familiar with the breed.

 

[McGloomy]

Agreed with the others. If you can tell your location I'm sure some of us here can recommend a reliable trainer.

 

[davewis]

I have found a good trainer who teaches reactive classes in my area for my reactive dog. They are very helpful. The classes are one on one with an instructor with two classes per week.

After a month of work, today he waited calmly, with tail wagging, while I stood in line at the local farm and fleet to pay for his bag of kibble.

 

[Aly]

Would you describe how you "tried to calm her down?"

 

[LuvShepherds]

You might accidentally reward her aggression toward men by trying to calm her. You need a trainer.

 

[davewis]

Be prepared, the exercises your train recommends might seem insane.... but they can be beneficial to both you and your dog. I have absolutely no regrets investing the time over the last several weeks to have a dog who is well on his way to being happy, obedient, and well adjusted.

He might never cut it in the professional dog world. But he can sit quietly while little kid get off the school bus and then walk safely by them.... and that is really what I needed most from a pet dog living in my area.