Hi All,
We have a 3 yr old neutered male GSD. He is generally very well behaved, he walks to heel well [I rarely use a lead], will come when called and sit etc. On the lead he does pull and always has to be in front on walks but will rarely leave us by more than 20 yds or so.
At home he is the gentlest fun creature, despite his size and power he never uses his teeth or shows any aggression to famly members or visitors. He is very vocal towards strangers at the door and I have little doubt that he would have a go should someone try to get in. He is very protective towards my wife and daughter, if I were to playfight with them he gets upset and jumps up [something he never does normally!] or will come between us. He doesn't attemt to bite me but just looks a bit unhappy and asks me to stop!
However on 3 occasions my dog has nipped people whilst out walking. I have no idea what triggers these situations. He just seems to be unhappy with some people, maybe they get too close? But each time he has given them a nip on the buttocks, its almost a warning from him. These are not full on attacks and he doesn't give a warning growl before he does it. The odd thing is thats its always from behind, when any minor perceived threat is over.
I am extremelely concerned now because it happened again yesterday. My 14 yo daughter had taken him out and he nipped a lady. her husband became very aggressive and threatening and followed my daughter home.
[I haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting this 'gentleman' but we will be having a conversation about his inappropriate behaviour!!]
I would be very grateful for any advice on my dogs behaviour, i know we could muzzle him but I really don't want to!
Best
Dunc
We have a 3 yr old neutered male GSD. He is generally very well behaved, he walks to heel well [I rarely use a lead], will come when called and sit etc. On the lead he does pull and always has to be in front on walks but will rarely leave us by more than 20 yds or so.
At home he is the gentlest fun creature, despite his size and power he never uses his teeth or shows any aggression to famly members or visitors. He is very vocal towards strangers at the door and I have little doubt that he would have a go should someone try to get in. He is very protective towards my wife and daughter, if I were to playfight with them he gets upset and jumps up [something he never does normally!] or will come between us. He doesn't attemt to bite me but just looks a bit unhappy and asks me to stop!
However on 3 occasions my dog has nipped people whilst out walking. I have no idea what triggers these situations. He just seems to be unhappy with some people, maybe they get too close? But each time he has given them a nip on the buttocks, its almost a warning from him. These are not full on attacks and he doesn't give a warning growl before he does it. The odd thing is thats its always from behind, when any minor perceived threat is over.
I am extremelely concerned now because it happened again yesterday. My 14 yo daughter had taken him out and he nipped a lady. her husband became very aggressive and threatening and followed my daughter home.
[I haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting this 'gentleman' but we will be having a conversation about his inappropriate behaviour!!]
I would be very grateful for any advice on my dogs behaviour, i know we could muzzle him but I really don't want to!
Best
Dunc