[LuvShepherds]

I actually dont want to fight with anyone. Nobody is taking abuse from anyone, it's a GSD thread online. I don't believe in trainers for day to day life activities that 99% of dogs develop on their own with loving, active families like us. I got the dog from a backyard breeder who clearly has genetic issues taking place from aggressive parents. Who's fault is that? Mine. Advice isn't "get a trainer" I want to know who's DEALT with these issues. Not throwing thousands at someone who won't fix my issues.

You got a dog with questionable genetics. No one is arguing with you about that. You obviously don’t want advice or suggestions but the very people you are discounting are the ones who have dealt with aggression and saved their dogs. If you don’t want to deal with it, then give up the dog. But don’t say trainers won’t fix your issues. If you were even the slightest bit polite to someone like bearshandler, you would get a solution from him or from Jax or several others who posted. If you shut down dialogue, you won’t get any help. If you want to share your general location, we could find you a decent trainer who could train you. The solution is not board and train for the dog it’s training for you to become a competent handler. You have a fearful dog who you said makes you nervous about what she’s going to do. It is your behavior that is allowing her to act on her nerves. As her owner, it is your responsibility to show her a different way to behave.

 

[Sabis mom]

I am ok with being the bad guy. I will say this to my dying breath, kids are my line in the sand. ANY dog that shows aggression toward a child needs to go. Never mind a breed that is supposed to adore children. I can put up with a dog preferring to not interact, but nothing more.
IF this dog has been evaluated, IF this is aggression and not misunderstood excitement/frustration, take her out for a cheeseburger and say good bye.
Zero tolerance for that behavior.

 

[wolfy dog]

Sabi, agreed. I would love to know what a good evaluator would advice, not some random back yard trainer so the OP would know how to proceed in finding the best home, maybe with the help of a club if the dog is considered sane. A very common nick name for this age is Land Shark for good reason. Mine were eye openers to a whole new world of dog training. But mine came from a good breeder with great support from them.
OP: please answer the following questions so we can help you hopefully: Who is the breeder, have you contacted them, where are you located? I understand you may be at work and don't have time to answer but at least you owe it to her to give us information since you came here for answers.

 

[volumedown]

I've read your other posts too and imo your dog just sounds like a normal German Shepherd. You just don't know how to handle her. Veterinarians are not trainers like other posters have stated and they favor positive only tactics that are useless when it comes to German Shepherds. When these force free trainers can't handle simple aggression they resort to drugs. This is becoming a real problem...the blind leading the blind.

No german shepherd I've ever seen, from puppy to retired K9 acts like she does. Thanks though.

 

[volumedown]

I am ok with being the bad guy. I will say this to my dying breath, kids are my line in the sand. ANY dog that shows aggression toward a child needs to go. Never mind a breed that is supposed to adore children. I can put up with a dog preferring to not interact, but nothing more.
IF this dog has been evaluated, IF this is aggression and not misunderstood excitement/frustration, take her out for a cheeseburger and say good bye.
Zero tolerance for that behavior.

Exactly what my thoughts are. This is not misunderstood excitement. German Shepherds are outstanding family dogs. Any one that ive come across has been stern and aware, but ok in almost any situation.

 

[volumedown]

I thought he said he couldn’t afford one.

I can't afford room and board, or thousands on multiple weekly time frames. Not many I know can.

 

[volumedown]

Sabi, agreed. I would love to know what a good evaluator would advice, not some random back yard trainer so the OP would know how to proceed in finding the best hoe, maybe with the help of a club if the dog is considered sane. A very common nick name for this age is Land Shark for good reason. Mine were eye openers to a whole new world of dog training. But mine came from a good breeder with great support from them.
OP: please answer the following questions so we can help you hopefully: Who is the breeder, have you contacted them, where are you located? I understand you may be at work and don't have time to answer but at least you owe it to her to give us information since you came here for answers.

This was a backyard breeder from the Dallas area. I have since relocated to West Virginia. There unfortunately no such thing to contact them it wasn't that type of transaction. But I got her at 8 weeks old.

 

[volumedown]

That was my first thought. In the past, I was the only trainer in this area who would take dogs with a bite history as none of the others wanted to since all they do is clicker and treat training. OP, please have her evaluated by someone who has extensive experience with GSDs. I realize that I haven't seen her. But vets often don't do well with difficult dogs as most are not trained in behavior. Have you contacted the breeder? What is the situation there; their dogs etc? Rescues are also leery of taking on these dogs because most are not able to handle them and don't want the responsibility. I don't know if this pup can be saved but I do get the feeling that not many knowledgeable people have taken a look at her. OP, this is meant with respect. I understand your dilemma. But please, do not let her go to a farm where she can "run loose" as Jax said. It's the best way to create an accident and she will have to be killed. I hope you get some clear answers soon and that you are not in a hurry to put her down. Where are you located?

I understand vets aren't "behavior experts" but multiple people I've talked to and saw her in person all told me the same thing without knowing eachother. That's pretty evident to me something is in fact off here. I am located in West Virginia. I am ALL for keeping her but her reactions towards kids is what truly scares me here. That is a line that can not be crossed. And I meant by someone who has a wide open area for her. Not just cut loose.

 

[Bknmaizey]

We live four houses down from an aggressive GSD. And we’re in the city so four houses = 100 ft so we see that dog often. It’s owners are an older couple, no kids, one other dog. The dog is aggressive to people and dogs other than for the owners and the other dog in the home. They don’t let the dog interact with anyone or anything out on walks, let people know proactively he’s aggressive and apologize profusely for the behavior. My only point is there are people out there who will provide a loving home and have the right environment and capacity/tolerance to do so. He’s a rescue and they knew what they were getting into.

Maybe you’re right that there’s no hope and maybe where you live there aren’t any options or a good way to explore them. But I think everyone on this thread would like to know you’re exhausting all options because we care about the dog getting a fair shake. That’s why people keep asking for your general location (to help you find options) or for video to see if they can pick up on something you might be missing. I know you don’t want advice. This isn’t advice - it’s just a comment about why you’re getting feedback. All of us are here for a reason which is that we have a strong affinity for this breed of dog and we all know the investment of time, energy and effort required for it to pay off. It seems you’ve certainly learned some lessons from this experience. Maybe, there are a few more lessons still to be learned. Not advice. Just a thought.

 

[volumedown]

Video of this 6 month old female GSD in "moderately aggressive" situation possible?

You got a dog with questionable genetics. No one is arguing with you about that. You obviously don’t want advice or suggestions but the very people you are discounting are the ones who have dealt with aggression and saved their dogs. If you don’t want to deal with it, then give up the dog. But don’t say trainers won’t fix your issues. If you were even the slightest bit polite to someone like bearshandler, you would get a solution from him or from Jax or several others who posted. If you shut down dialogue, you won’t get any help. If you want to share your general location, we could find you a decent trainer who could train you. The solution is not board and train for the dog it’s training for you to become a competent handler. You have a fearful dog who you said makes you nervous about what she’s going to do. It is your behavior that is allowing her to act on her nerves. As her owner, it is your responsibility to show her a different way to behave.

The problem is here, you guys think these dogs can all be fixed. I have been around these dogs my entire life. I've owned several up until the day they died. Dogs do have issues that can't be fixed. Truth is, Ava isn't right. And that's okay I've accepted it. I am trying to figure out options for her.

 

[volumedown]

We live four houses down from an aggressive GSD. And we’re in the city so four houses = 100 ft so we see that dog often. It’s owners are an older couple, no kids, one other dog. The dog is aggressive to people and dogs other than for the owners and the other dog in the home. They don’t let the dog interact with anyone or anything out on walks, let people know proactively he’s aggressive and apologize profusely for the behavior. My only point is there are people out there who will provide a loving home and have the right environment and capacity/tolerance to do so. He’s a rescue and they knew what they were getting into.

Maybe you’re right that there’s no hope and maybe where you live there aren’t any options or a good way to explore them. But I think everyone on this thread would like to know you’re exhausting all options because we care about the dog getting a fair shake. That’s why people keep asking for your general location (to help you find options) or for video to see if they can pick up on something you might be missing. I know you don’t want advice. This isn’t advice - it’s just a comment about why you’re getting feedback. All of us are here for a reason which is that we have a strong affinity for this breed of dog and we all know the investment of time, energy and effort required for it to pay off. It seems you’ve certainly learned some lessons from this experience. Maybe, there are a few more lessons still to be learned. Not advice. Just a thought.

I have provided my location several times. I know there are options for her, but with my child and other kids she's becoming to be not an option for me. It's completely selfish of me to keep a dog I KNOW would attack and permanently damage a child for the rest of its life. That's not an option to me.

 

[volumedown]

Video of this 6 month old female GSD in "moderately aggressive" situation possible?

I'd love to get one. I try to avoid her and kids now at all times for fear of getting loose. She acts moderately okay somedays with adults and I'm able redirect her attention immediately, and then others she acts like she's never seen a person before.

Just picture a 4 year old running by and a 45 pound GSD going absolutely crazy, and can't for the life of you redirect her attention even with treats in your hand for her to smell and get the attention away. Up on her hind legs, hair straight up viscously barking and growling. Eyes almost completely white. The child not even being near yours or acting sporadic. For that reason ALONE I can't keep her. I will never allow a child to be hurt because I wanted to keep a dog.

 

[Cassidy's Mom]

If she's that dangerous then there aren't "options", there's AN option. You can't keep her - fine. But you can't pass her off to anyone else either, that would be grossly irresponsible.

It sounds like you've already made up your mind, so I'm not sure what you're expecting to get out of this thread, unless it's validation for your decision.

 

[volumedown]

If she's that dangerous then there aren't "options", there's AN option. You can't keep her - fine. But you can't pass her off to anyone else either, that would be grossly irresponsible.

It sounds like you've already made up your mind, so I'm not sure what you're expecting to get out of this thread, unless it's validation for your decision.

Well the first thing I said was this was a vent post.

 

[AE316]

That's a shame, but that can happen with a backyard breeder especially if you didn't meet the parents. It would be different if she was lunging to greet the kids along with tail wagging & barking. My first reaction was perhaps it's fear based, but it seems to be pure aggression. Sad. Not in your control.

 

[Sunflowers]

This was a vent post and a warning about purchasing poorly bred dogs, especially without seeing the parents.

 

[volumedown]

That's a shame, but that can happen with a backyard breeder especially if you didn't meet the parents. It would be different if she was lunging to greet the kids along with tail wagging & barking. My first reaction was perhaps it's fear based, but it seems to be pure aggression. Sad. Not in your control.

No wagging tail or sense of excitement whatsoever. It's 100% aggression towards kids who aren't doing anything or paying her any attention.

 

[Cassidy's Mom]

Most trainers are a waste of money who won't tell you their tactics because it can be used at home for free guy, off with that. I'm not talking about show room trainers or experienced behaviorist either, so no talking bad on them.

I don't know of a single reputable trainer that wouldn't be happy to discuss their training methods with prospective clients. I certainly wouldn't hire one unless I knew what their general training philosophy was, what kind of tools they use (or won't use), what sort of results I can expect and how we would go about getting those results, and a general timeline as long as I put in the work. I'm not sure where you got the idea that this would be a closely guarded secret, or what you mean by "show room trainers". When you hire a trainer, you're SUPPOSED to practice on your own between sessions. In fact, that's a frequent pet peeve, clients who don't follow through and do their homework between sessions. A good trainer isn't training your dog for you, they're teaching YOU to train your dog, they will see things you don't and can problem solve issues because they know more about dog training and behavior than you do, based on their years of experience. (By "you" I don't mean just you personally, I'm referring to any person who hires a trainer. )

Just for the record, you said she was seen by one trainer. You said nothing about said trainer.

Another point for future reference, if you were capable of doing what an experienced trainer is at home you wouldn’t be making this post.

Exactly. We don't know who this trainer is or what their qualifications are. Are they any good? Do they know what they're talking about? Do they have experience with working breeds or just nice pet dogs? No idea. And If everyone could just read about training methods online and then implement them successfully every time, there wouldn't be a need for dog trainers at all, ever, so that's just ridiculous.

I don't believe in trainers for day to day life activities that 99% of dogs develop on their own with loving, active families like us. I got the dog from a backyard breeder who clearly has genetic issues taking place from aggressive parents. Who's fault is that? Mine. Advice isn't "get a trainer" I want to know who's DEALT with these issues. Not throwing thousands at someone who won't fix my issues.

But what if people who have dealt with similar issues did solve them by getting help from an experienced trainer? You've made your opinion about dog trainers pretty clear, you've decided it won't help so you're not even interested in trying. That's your choice, she's your dog so you get to make that decision. But a good trainer isn't necessarily going to cost thousands of dollars. I don't know what the typical hourly rate is in WV, but I've never paid more than $100 a session and I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area where everything is more expensive.

The problem is here, you guys think these dogs can all be fixed.

We don't, though. Not a single person insisted that all dogs can be fixed and many said the exact opposite. The problem is that it's impossible for strangers on the internet to know which is which. Maybe she can be, maybe she can't. I have no idea, and neither does anyone else here. We don't even know how accurately you're reading the situation, or if you're truly capable of doing so.

 

[Rabidwolfie]

I've been following this post and this situation is terrible for all involved. But since I can't offer any useful advice that hasn't already been given, I can add a little levity.

Sabi, agreed. I would love to know what a good evaluator would advice, not some random back yard trainer so the OP would know how to proceed in finding the best hoe,

I know you meant best HOME, but I'm going to admit that this made me giggle despite the seriousness of the topic.

 

[volumedown]

I don't know of a single reputable trainer that wouldn't be happy to discuss their training methods with prospective clients. I certainly wouldn't hire one unless I knew what their general training philosophy was, what kind of tools they use (or won't use), what sort of results I can expect and how we would go about getting those results, and a general timeline as long as I put in the work. I'm not sure where you got the idea that this would be a closely guarded secret, or what you mean by "show room trainers". When you hire a trainer, you're SUPPOSED to practice on your own between sessions. In fact, that's a frequent pet peeve, clients who don't follow through and do their homework between sessions. A good trainer isn't training your dog for you, they're teaching YOU to train your dog, they will see things you don't and can problem solve issues because they know more about dog training and behavior than you do, based on their years of experience. (By "you" I don't mean just you personally, I'm referring to any person who hires a trainer. )



Exactly. We don't know who this trainer is or what their qualifications are. Are they any good? Do they know what they're talking about? Do they have experience with working breeds or just nice pet dogs? No idea. And If everyone could just read about training methods online and then implement them successfully every time, there wouldn't be a need for dog trainers at all, ever, so that's just ridiculous.



But what if people who have dealt with similar issues did solve them by getting help from an experienced trainer? You've made your opinion about dog trainers pretty clear, you've decided it won't help so you're not even interested in trying. That's your choice, she's your dog so you get to make that decision. But a good trainer isn't necessarily going to cost thousands of dollars. I don't know what the typical hourly rate is in WV, but I've never paid more than $100 a session and I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area where everything is more expensive.



We don't, though. Not a single person insisted that all dogs can be fixed and many said the exact opposite. The problem is that it's impossible for strangers on the internet to know which is which. Maybe she can be, maybe she can't. I have no idea, and neither does anyone else here. We don't even know how accurately you're reading the situation, or if you're truly capable of doing so.

Around here, it's 175 an hour. That's the cheapest I've seen. That's over 1400 a month if I went t

I don't know of a single reputable trainer that wouldn't be happy to discuss their training methods with prospective clients. I certainly wouldn't hire one unless I knew what their general training philosophy was, what kind of tools they use (or won't use), what sort of results I can expect and how we would go about getting those results, and a general timeline as long as I put in the work. I'm not sure where you got the idea that this would be a closely guarded secret, or what you mean by "show room trainers". When you hire a trainer, you're SUPPOSED to practice on your own between sessions. In fact, that's a frequent pet peeve, clients who don't follow through and do their homework between sessions. A good trainer isn't training your dog for you, they're teaching YOU to train your dog, they will see things you don't and can problem solve issues because they know more about dog training and behavior than you do, based on their years of experience. (By "you" I don't mean just you personally, I'm referring to any person who hires a trainer. )



Exactly. We don't know who this trainer is or what their qualifications are. Are they any good? Do they know what they're talking about? Do they have experience with working breeds or just nice pet dogs? No idea. And If everyone could just read about training methods online and then implement them successfully every time, there wouldn't be a need for dog trainers at all, ever, so that's just ridiculous.



But what if people who have dealt with similar issues did solve them by getting help from an experienced trainer? You've made your opinion about dog trainers pretty clear, you've decided it won't help so you're not even interested in trying. That's your choice, she's your dog so you get to make that decision. But a good trainer isn't necessarily going to cost thousands of dollars. I don't know what the typical hourly rate is in WV, but I've never paid more than $100 a session and I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area where everything is more expensive.



We don't, though. Not a single person insisted that all dogs can be fixed and many said the exact opposite. The problem is that it's impossible for strangers on the internet to know which is which. Maybe she can be, maybe she can't. I have no idea, and neither does anyone else here. We don't even know how accurately you're reading the situation, or if you're truly capable of doing so.

The gernal default is poor training and that's not what's happening here. I've been told numerous times this is typical puppy behavior and it makes me laugh out lound. Typical puppy behavior isn't trying to attack kids for no reason. I'm accurately reading the situation. The food aggression scares my wife to death. This dog won't wag her tail or respond to her name with food infront of her. What if my 3 year old decided to walk to close? That's about as accurate of a reading one can get. It's sad all around.