[Anthony8858]

Even from the beginning, she was staring at them and giving them the stink eye.
I would've corrected the staring before it escalated into charging.

In addition, everyone was nervous, the atmosphere was highly charged, and she felt it and mirrored it back to you.

But seriously, were she my dog, she would be in a crate when people are over. I know you don't want to do this, and I know you want a different answer, but it's the only good one I've got.

I normally correct as soon as she becomes fixated. In this case, I wanted to show her actions in the video.

 

[Sunflowers]

Never allow anyone to put their hand out when the dog is being tense and stiff. That is playing with fire.
I would also disagree with talking to this dog in a squeaky voice. I am actually not a fan of talking to any dog with a high-pitched squeaky voice. Prey is what makes a squeaky voice.
When someone they need to respect talks to them in a high pitched voice, I feel that it confuses and agitates the dog.
I like to use a low tone with dogs. It calms them.

 

[Anthony8858]

Have you worked with a trainer with EXPERIENCE with reactivity like behaviours?

No. I honestly don't think there's a single trainer anywhere near me. Either a Petco, or some dog park person, that calls themselves a trainer.

 

[Anthony8858]

Never allow anyone to put their hand out when the dog is being tense and stiff. That is playing with fire.
I would also disagree with talking to this dog in a squeaky voice. I am actually not a fan of talking to any dog with a high-pitched squeaky voice. Prey is what makes a squeaky voice.
When someone they need to respect talks to them in a high pitched voice, I feel that it confuses and agitates the dog.
I like to use a low tone with dogs. It calms them.

NO ONE can talk in a squeaky voice around this dog. If you make a squeaky sound, or a little whine, she will perk up and find you.

 

[onyx'girl]

It isn't about 'understanding the breed' but understanding her limitations because of her temperament.
I have a dog that cannot be around young kids, crate is a given.
To re-home my dog.... would be to the rainbow bridge, because she would be a liability without proper management.

And you do understand Kira, you know what/who she is and that she does have some limitations as a 'family' dog. Many GSD's are the same, they aren't for everyone for sure.

 

[Anthony8858]

I'm honestly at crossroads.

I DO crate her. I refuse to KEEP her in a crate. I have kids. They're unpredictable, and will show up with after-school friends. I can't be on guard 24 hours a day.

I'm a nervous wreck that my teenage daughter will come home with a friend after school, and have a problem. I believe Kira will bite someone walking in with her.

Catch-22:
I leave for work at 8am, Wife and kids, same time. Kids start to roll in about 2pm.

Kira is loose all that time. She sits by her front window, and bothers no one. I'd hate to crate her when no one is home, because I'm afraid of who may walk in with my children.
It's a nightmare for me right now.
This dog is such a part of my family, this conversation is ripping my insides out.

 

[LifeofRiley]

I'm approaching a point where maybe Kira shouldn't be here. I feel bad for her too. This is a bad house for her. She needs someone that truly understands the breed. I don't.

Hi Anthony,

I obviously don't know you beyond your posts here. But, at the same time, I feel like I know you due to having read your posts : ) You are a GREAT owner and I feel it is so sad that you think that somehow someone else can provide a better life for Kira.

Yes, you need to manage her reactivity to guests. There are A LOT of strategies you can use to accomplish that.... crating, de-sensitizing, etc...

You have a young dog. She can still learn what is appropriate and what is not in regards to guests. Do not give up on her!!!!

Also, don't forget all the things that she does WELL. It is easy to focus on one problematic issue and forget all the other areas where you find joy in your companion!!!!

Take care,
Anne

 

[Sunflowers]

I think it can be managed. Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. Is it possible to have your daughter come in, crate the dog, throw in some yummy treats in there, and then lead her friends into the house?
When people come over, I like to leave Hans in and expen that is in our bedroom. He has quiet time, and people don't have to worry about a scary German Shepherd around.

 

[Rei]

Never allow anyone to put their hand out when the dog is being tense and stiff. That is playing with fire.
I would also disagree with talking to this dog in a squeaky voice. I am actually not a fan of talking to any dog with a high-pitched squeaky voice. Prey is what makes a squeaky voice.
When someone they need to respect talks to them in a high pitched voice, I feel that it confuses and agitates the dog.
I like to use a low tone with dogs. It calms them.

Well, I wasn't recommending that to Anthony but rather providing an example where I gave the dog something else to do other than fixate. If I were on the couch next to my dog, I would speak in a low voice to ask him to watch me or calm down.

When we practice his recall, I typically use a higher pitched/happier voice, and I ask my guest to imitate that. I do this knowing that my dog is only acting in excitement, and if the guest bothered to reach out, Trent would have just given out kisses and full body wiggles (the aloofness came with age!). The only issue I was working past was the barking and charging that scared my guests.

I'm not recommending this as a solution for Kira, because Anthony's already said that she will move to put her mouth on a visitor's arm if given the chance. I don't think having her off leash and running from person to person is a good idea at all. But if she is going to be in the room, she should have something else to serve as a distraction.

 

[Anthony8858]

Hi Anthony,

I obviously don't know you beyond your posts here. But, at the same time, I feel like I know you due to having read your posts : ) You are a GREAT owner and I feel it is so sad that you think that somehow someone else can provide a better life for Kira.

Yes, you need to manage her reactivity to guests. There are A LOT of strategies you can use to accomplish that.... crating, de-sensitizing, etc...

You have a young dog. She can still learn what is appropriate and what is not in regards to guests. Do not give up on her!!!!

Also, don't forget all the things that she does WELL. It is easy to focus on one problematic issue and forget all the other areas where you find joy in your companion!!!!

Take care,
Anne

Anne, thank you.
I have friends with GSD, and they don't go through this. It's a combination of having a reactive dog, in a house with raucous children. My house is always laughter and giggling kids of all ages. Kira happens to be sensitive to heightened states. This was evident a long time ago. I just didn't know how to apply the advice given to me. I was overwhelmed and always confused.

 

[Verivus]

Where do you live? Maybe someone can recommend a good behaviorist/trainer in your area.

 

[GatorDog]

My Aiden is also not the greatest around children. The high pitched noises and quick flailing movements just freak him out. It takes management, patience, and training, but it is not impossible. I don't want you to think Kira doesn't belong with you, because I do believe she does. I just think its time to alter the living situation to make everyone safer and more comfortable. She's an adult now.

Kira is an obedient dog. When she starts to stare at people like that, I would correct her. If it means putting her away in a crate in the other room, then so be it. I usually give Aiden a verbal "no" if I see him eyeballing anything in a way that I'm not comfortable with. He is always locked away with younger children in the house. I don't believe now that he would seek out and go after a child, but I don't want to risk a child stumbling over him by accident and setting him off.

Put her in a part of the house with gates and explain to your children that Kira is not to be approached by anyone other than immediate family in that house. No guests. If they are too young to respect that rule (I'm not sure of their ages), then building a kennel with a little doghouse outside is a great option for keeping everyone safe just while you're at work. That way she can have some area to stretch her legs and roam a bit, but still be safely contained and comfortable. There are some absolutely beautiful kennels out there if you've got the money for it.

Amish Bulk Bin Hopper Dumpster Container 4000 LBS Capacity Fork Lift Operation items in PaDutchBuilders store on eBay!

Also, I know I'm probably close to 3 hours or so from you, but if you ever feel like making the drive up, my training club would love to have you. Maybe give you some insight to her reactivity and maybe she'd like to channel some energy into IPO. You never know..

 

[Rei]

Anthony, I just asked a friend/respected acquaintance about reactive dogs and she strongly advised a Control Unleashed class, or at least reading the book.

Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog: Leslie McDevitt: 9781892694171: Amazon.com: Books

Welcome to Dogwise.com

 

[Capone22]

I happen to think your a great owner who is trying very hard to help kira be as happy as she can be. I don't feel sorry for her at all. I feel sorry for dogs left outside with no human interaction. You obviously were doing the video to get help. And a trainer will want to see it too, I'm sure. I would try to get someone experienced in to help you.


Sent from Petguide.com Free App

 

[onyx'girl]

CU helped me to manage my reactive dog. I was lucky to be able to take a class based on the book. Still we have limitations. I accept my dog for who she is and who she'll never be.
I just try never, ever to set her up to fail.

 

[RocketDog]

Oh Anthony. You are a brave soul. I don't have a lot of advice for you but I can tell you what I did, even with a dog that doesn't not seem to have a reactive bone (towards people) in his body.

From the very beginning I was very careful in his interactions with my kids and their friends. As you know, I have 3 teens too, ages 13-17. We have kids constantly coming and going, and I swear we always have several extra for the weekend (I should really hang a shingle out on my doorstep, "The Martin Home for Wayward Children" but that's another thread). I am ALWAYS with the dog around the kids. Even now--I absolutely never allow them or their friends to play or handle him alone. RARELY, if it is a kid I've known for years, and it's just them and my two more savvy ones, and I know this is a dog-savvy kid who RESPECTS my rules, I will allow them to play outside if he's out there, but this is a very recent development, as he's approaching two.

What this means is, I took control of every situation with kids (even mine alone in the beginning) and Rocket knew it from the time he was a wee pup. I don't think he ever had to feel that I wasn't there to protect him from anything strange. I am not suggesting that YOU did not do this. Just something to consider, and if you haven't done it, or done it to that degree, it might be a place to back up to and start over. I only allowed brief interactions also. Kept them VERY short, just a minute or two, and then I took Rocket off and played/trained with him, or gave him a bone, or something else. I also blocked off the basement, much to his chagrin. (That's the other side of this coin--he genetically seems to be very into kids. He has always loved them). I knew that kids can inadvertently "teach" dogs/pups things that we don't desire!

Also, how "savvy" dog-wise are your kids? I irritated the crap out of mine with my mantras of how to "behave" and what "not to do" and "do it this way" and etc etc etc. The other advantage is, mine have always had a big dog, so that probably makes a difference. Maybe if you are able to find a reactive class or trainer, it can be a family thing. Doesn't Leslie McDivitt (SP?) "Control Unleased" deal with reactive dogs? Is there DVD's or videos you could watch in the meantime?


There MUST be a good GSD trainer somewhere in that area. I know you've met up with someone from the forum? Do they have any suggestions?

I also agree that she is still young, still pliable to helping learn appropriate venues to release her anxiety. And I do think that she could probably "feel" some tension in that room.

Wish I could offer more, but I guess I can only really offer my support.

 

[Anthony8858]

My Aiden is also not the greatest around children. The high pitched noises and quick flailing movements just freak him out. It takes management, patience, and training, but it is not impossible. I don't want you to think Kira doesn't belong with you, because I do believe she does. I just think its time to alter the living situation to make everyone safer and more comfortable. She's an adult now.

Kira is an obedient dog. When she starts to stare at people like that, I would correct her. If it means putting her away in a crate in the other room, then so be it. I usually give Aiden a verbal "no" if I see him eyeballing anything in a way that I'm not comfortable with. He is always locked away with younger children in the house. I don't believe now that he would seek out and go after a child, but I don't want to risk a child stumbling over him by accident and setting him off.

Put her in a part of the house with gates and explain to your children that Kira is not to be approached by anyone other than immediate family in that house. No guests. If they are too young to respect that rule (I'm not sure of their ages), then building a kennel with a little doghouse outside is a great option for keeping everyone safe just while you're at work. That way she can have some area to stretch her legs and roam a bit, but still be safely contained and comfortable. There are some absolutely beautiful kennels out there if you've got the money for it.

Amish Bulk Bin Hopper Dumpster Container 4000 LBS Capacity Fork Lift Operation items in PaDutchBuilders store on eBay!

Also, I know I'm probably close to 3 hours or so from you, but if you ever feel like making the drive up, my training club would love to have you. Maybe give you some insight to her reactivity and maybe she'd like to channel some energy into IPO. You never know..

I always correct her at the point of her staring. I let it go for the video.

I do have a fenced yard. She goes back there, and she loves it. The problem I have, has more to do with the kids not following protocol. I know they're gonna walk in with their friends, and not pay attention to what I ask of them.

Anthony, I just asked a friend/respected acquaintance about reactive dogs and she strongly advised a Control Unleashed class, or at least reading the book.

Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog: Leslie McDevitt: 9781892694171: Amazon.com: Books

Welcome to Dogwise.com

I ordered the book. It's worth a read.
Thank you.

 

[CeCe]

This is abnormal behavior for a German shepherd. I would contact your nearest shepherd rescue and get their recommendations for the best trainers in your area. It looks like she may need some private training. I think group obedience classes would also be good for her. In the meantime, she should obviously be crated or leashed while guests are in your home. I also recommend the book "Agression in Dogs" by Brenda Aloff. Kira seems like a really great dog and I hope you can help her with her issues.

 

[RocketDog]

I always correct her at the point of her staring. I let it go for the video.

I do have a fenced yard. She goes back there, and she loves it. The problem I have, has more to do with the kids not following protocol. I know they're gonna walk in with their friends, and not pay attention to what I ask of them.




I ordered the book. It's worth a read.
Thank you.

Put the fear of You-know-what into them. This is where being a redhead and the youngest of 5 with older brothers comes in handy. I had one of my oldest daughter's friends say once "It's not Scott that Hallie's boyfriends need to watch out for, it's YOU!" :blush:

You're a New Yorker. I know you can do it.

 

[Anthony8858]

Put the fear of You-know-what into them. This is where being a redhead and the youngest of 5 with older brothers comes in handy. I had one of my oldest daughter's friends say once "It's not Scott that Hallie's boyfriends need to watch out for, it's YOU!" :blush:

You're a New Yorker. I know you can do it.

Honestly, I'm tired. Dogs, kids, work, house, I'm overloaded.

I can't police my family day and night.