Would be interested in some feedback on a dog.
"Lady" is not a GSD - she's about a year old, her mother (beagle X heeler), her and 3 siblings were left to fend for themselves. I've read some fear/abuse issues in these guys from early on...the male not so much just no one wants him. :-( One little gal came around very quick - then there's this one.
It took about 2-3 weeks to touch her...this is sitting on the ground hand feeding her kibble to teach her not everyone would hurt her. When I finally laid hands on her she set to screaming as if her life depended on it and was a short step from fear biting - I held her securely but not tight and got her into the enclosed yard. It took about 2 months before she'd come up to me and initiate contact beyond feeding.
Fast forward to now - she's fairly well adjusted inside, she's learned to get along with others, is still fearful but not nearly what she was. We've noticed she's more fearful of men. She's gotten to where she's defensive when my other half comes in - barks and growls even when he comes into the room. He's threatened her for doing it which is NOT helping the situation as it gives her a reason to distrust him. It doesn't matter if she's in a crate or just in the room - she'll react the same way. If he ignores her she'll come up wanting attention and treats.
Last week her sister got her head stuck in a water container and while we were trying to grab and restrain her to get it off Lady ducked in and nipped him. In her mind - sister's panic screaming and scared, threatening person standing over her = she needs help. Of course that isn't excusing it - and it's a situation we've got to get dealt with. There's few people who come visit but she has now learned to get over the fence and come around front...so already is seldom let out without a leash or direct supervision.
She's never been anywhere as far as in public other than her time roaming and was too afraid to do anything. She's also moving up the pack rank - testing who she can back down and who not. This has been mostly real subtle but is happening. She is not yet spayed as with 5 of them (plus one of mine) it's not financially able to do this yet. Even doing just her means no one eats for a month - so when it comes to a surgery for one or all eating for a month I'm picking the latter (no lectures on it will help).
I've pretty much figured she'll be a permanent resident as placing her out is highly unlikely...but would like to lower her stress level. The passive/aggressive stuff is her #1 problem.
"Lady" is not a GSD - she's about a year old, her mother (beagle X heeler), her and 3 siblings were left to fend for themselves. I've read some fear/abuse issues in these guys from early on...the male not so much just no one wants him. :-( One little gal came around very quick - then there's this one.
It took about 2-3 weeks to touch her...this is sitting on the ground hand feeding her kibble to teach her not everyone would hurt her. When I finally laid hands on her she set to screaming as if her life depended on it and was a short step from fear biting - I held her securely but not tight and got her into the enclosed yard. It took about 2 months before she'd come up to me and initiate contact beyond feeding.
Fast forward to now - she's fairly well adjusted inside, she's learned to get along with others, is still fearful but not nearly what she was. We've noticed she's more fearful of men. She's gotten to where she's defensive when my other half comes in - barks and growls even when he comes into the room. He's threatened her for doing it which is NOT helping the situation as it gives her a reason to distrust him. It doesn't matter if she's in a crate or just in the room - she'll react the same way. If he ignores her she'll come up wanting attention and treats.
Last week her sister got her head stuck in a water container and while we were trying to grab and restrain her to get it off Lady ducked in and nipped him. In her mind - sister's panic screaming and scared, threatening person standing over her = she needs help. Of course that isn't excusing it - and it's a situation we've got to get dealt with. There's few people who come visit but she has now learned to get over the fence and come around front...so already is seldom let out without a leash or direct supervision.
She's never been anywhere as far as in public other than her time roaming and was too afraid to do anything. She's also moving up the pack rank - testing who she can back down and who not. This has been mostly real subtle but is happening. She is not yet spayed as with 5 of them (plus one of mine) it's not financially able to do this yet. Even doing just her means no one eats for a month - so when it comes to a surgery for one or all eating for a month I'm picking the latter (no lectures on it will help).
I've pretty much figured she'll be a permanent resident as placing her out is highly unlikely...but would like to lower her stress level. The passive/aggressive stuff is her #1 problem.