This is a sequel to my own question last night about my 3-1/2 yr old GSD who is currently experiencing separation anxiety from my wife who he considers his mother and my son who he considers his brother. Any attempt to communicate with him on food comes back with a snarl. But when called to play ball or tug-of-war or for ice-cream, he comes running. I also sometimes doubt that the cooked food he gets to eat is not good to his taste because even when my wife feeds him, he does it with a lot of fuss and not happily.
2006-12-08 15:28:53 · 5 answers · asked by sumit.simlai 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I did not read your question last night. But what concerns me about this is he's snarling at people, which means he thinks hes alpha. I'd suggest reading the dog whisperer book or hire a behaviorist to help you in this area. The reason he's having separation anxiety is because he thinks they are his followers, his pack and he's number one. Think of it this way, a mom loses her kid in the store, she panics and starts running around frantic to find her kid, she finally finds him/her and is so excited and freaks out. Ignore the dog for 5 minutes when anyone comes home, no matter how much he wants attention, and work on dominance, asserting you as #1, practice "nothing in life is free" http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/nilif.pdf
2006-12-08 15:43:46 · answer #1 · answered by Mindy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to agree, GSD are VERY one person dogs and MASSIVE separation anxiety issues. My old dog (we had to give him up) had it so badly that he tore up the carpet in the house. He was outside during the day but our neighbor's dog started jumping our fence so we had to bring him in. Needless to say not good, he ended up nipping at my son when he was born bc he didn't like him. Most of the times however (if you go to a reputable breeder that is breeding certain qualities in their pups) you will find a better pup, ours was a puppy mill pup. Lots of exercise for these mutts and lots of love. Just be prepared that if you are single the person who comes into your house...the dog might take up issue with. Also kids could become a problem if not introduced. Overall very good dogs
2016-03-13 04:57:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't feed your dog human/cooked food. Get it a good qualitt dry kibble and only allow the bowl to be on the ground for a set time (say 5 minutes). If the dog doesn't eat it within that time remove the bowl and only set it out again at the next scheduled meal time. Do not give treats during this training period and be strong willed to not cave and try to feed the dog earlier than usual. As long as the dog is drinking water it'll survive for a long time without solids...eventually when he gets hungry enough he'll eat the food in the time allowed. As for the seperation anxiety try either leaving some toys or blankets that have the scent of your wife/son on it. Easy way to do that is take a couple of his toys and put them in the bed of your wife/son and it'll get it good and scented up. The next day when they have to leave give him the toys from their bed. You may consider crate training the dog so it feels safe in it's den or get another dog to keep it company.
2006-12-08 15:37:32 · answer #3 · answered by smurf 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It actually sounds like this dog has dominance issues, and feels he is the pack leader.
I suggest making him to the "Nothing in Life is Free" program, and have him perform a command such as sit, down, etc prior to him getting his food, getting attention, or going outside.
Revoke furniture priveleges.
Never let him through doors before you.
I also suggest eating something, even just a cracker, and letting him see you eat it before setting his food down for him. Also, before setting his food down, mix it around in his bowl with your hands, which will put your scent on it and emphasize that you are the pack leader, as the pack leader always eats first. Hence, your scent on the food, and you eating the cracker in his presence.
You definately need to get things under control now, and not later. At 3.5 years old, this dog will not "out grow" the behavior. If anything, it will continue and progress if not taken care of immediately.
I suggest basic obedience classes using a trainer who uses positive reinforcement.
Stay away from anyone who tells you to do anything physical like alpha rolling, shaking, pinching paws, etc...because this can and will cause fear and aggression...
Do NOT play tug of war with this dog! He is stronger than you, and every time he wins and gets the tug, he is asserting his dominance over you.
Please get him neutered if he isn't already. This can help with his behavior. Also, if his diet is not complete (they need meat, vegetables,etc) you may want to consider reading the book "Raw Dog Food" by Carina Beth MacDonald to help make his diet more balanced. Or, you can put him on something like http://www.frrco.com/121668 to be sure he is getting quality ingredients and what he needs.
Please visit my website. And if this information and advice helps, please send me an email to let me know. I like to know when my advice actually helps people.
Good luck! And keep in mind that EVERYONE will need to follow the new rules for them to bring about change! Be consistant and patient!
http://www.libertydogtraining.com
2006-12-08 15:41:34 · answer #4 · answered by libertydogtraining 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I never saw your question last night but I think he's just not used to them not being there. It'll take a while for him to get use to them not being there. (That's what it's like with my family's pup)
2006-12-08 15:45:45 · answer #5 · answered by dudet_blue 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well, he is still young he may grow out of it
2006-12-08 15:32:00 · answer #6 · answered by Hollow ✌ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋