The member who posted her concern regarding construction in her home prompted me to ask your advise regarding a similar situation. I have a gsd mix - 98 lbs. and 5 years old. There have been several issues along the way but I have been determined to keep working with him. For instance, we can now go on walks and he does not get into a frenzy every time he sees another dog. He still barks in the car but will stop when I say "None" and he is polite with people outside of his territory.
My concern is when people come to my house. When people come over he either has to be crated or is placed outside. Not many friends even want to come now even if he is in the crate.
My son lives in another state so does not get to come see me that often. In the past, I had been taking Riley outside and letting my son walk around with him and then we would come into the house. This seemed to work and Riley would eventually relax (I also have 3 other dogs). About six months ago, he came to help me do some things and said, "lets get the stuff done and then we will play with the dogs." When we finished, he started to go out back and I said let me go first. I took a leash and was walking back to the back door with Riley when Imy son appeared. at the door. Riley went nuts - lunging, growling, etc., and caught my son on the leg with a nip. By that time Riley had escalated so there was no way to calm him so I told my son to go back in the house and go out in the front yard. I then brought Riley out front and there was no more issue with my son being there. My son did decide he would not stay for the night!
Another incident arose when my son came again. This time, he brought his golden retriever who is the most social dog in the world. The absolute minute he laid eyes on my son and his dog, he charged - bearing teeth, etc. Thank goodness, I had a prong collar on him. I took Riley back in the house. And I am sure both times, Riley thinks he had run off the "bad thing" from his territory.
I can live with crating when people come over, etc., but my main concern is what if something were to happen to me that I needed medical attention and EMS needed to get in my house. I live alone.
I have contacted three trainers and discussed this situation. Two of the trainers said they didn't want to deal with a situation like that. The last one said he would have to have a $1200 downpayment with an additional $600 at the end of training. That is not in my budget!
While I truly appreciate the protection Riley offers (he has foiled a breakin at my house), I am at a loss as to how to handle this situation.
Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
T. Ellison
Mom to Riley, Anna, Christopher and Dickens
