I am not sure where to start, but every now and then my GSD, Timber, becomes very aggressive toward strangers who visit me.
Timber is approaching two years of age and is an un-neutered male. He is a working line European bred dog, now about 92 pounds.
When he was younger, the dog would chase bikers and joggers, and based in part on advice from this board, those issues were resolved.
He is well socalized having met all the neighbors, attending numerous festivals and dog events, etc. He plays well with other dogs, and just loves the people he knows.
The concern is when a stranger visits Timber at times he becomes extremely aggressive. As some of you know I am involved with rescue, so let me give you a few examples.
I have had three different rescue folks visit. The home inspection went great, and Timber's behavior was perfect. However, in the case of the latter visitors Timber was very aggressive, and you could tell, that despite treats, these people and Timber were just not going to get along.
Another example, my father is 90 years old, and he rents to a woman that helps provide for his care. She is very nice, but Timber has absolutely no time for her. I have tried to get them to bond a bit, but last week while she was walking to her car Timber grabbed her by the jacket and only released upon my command.
I did hire a well known behavior specialist, and her conclusion was that Timber's number 1 job is to protect you, and given that your dad is old and fragile perhaps he also protects him. So her advice was I should not put Timber in situations in which he had cause to protect either myself or my dad.
The one problem I have with the advice is Timber has been fine with certain strangers, and very aggressive toward others.
Any suggestions on how to change his behavior would be appreciated.
Timber is approaching two years of age and is an un-neutered male. He is a working line European bred dog, now about 92 pounds.
When he was younger, the dog would chase bikers and joggers, and based in part on advice from this board, those issues were resolved.
He is well socalized having met all the neighbors, attending numerous festivals and dog events, etc. He plays well with other dogs, and just loves the people he knows.
The concern is when a stranger visits Timber at times he becomes extremely aggressive. As some of you know I am involved with rescue, so let me give you a few examples.
I have had three different rescue folks visit. The home inspection went great, and Timber's behavior was perfect. However, in the case of the latter visitors Timber was very aggressive, and you could tell, that despite treats, these people and Timber were just not going to get along.
Another example, my father is 90 years old, and he rents to a woman that helps provide for his care. She is very nice, but Timber has absolutely no time for her. I have tried to get them to bond a bit, but last week while she was walking to her car Timber grabbed her by the jacket and only released upon my command.
I did hire a well known behavior specialist, and her conclusion was that Timber's number 1 job is to protect you, and given that your dad is old and fragile perhaps he also protects him. So her advice was I should not put Timber in situations in which he had cause to protect either myself or my dad.
The one problem I have with the advice is Timber has been fine with certain strangers, and very aggressive toward others.
Any suggestions on how to change his behavior would be appreciated.