Help with german shepherd?

Question

I just rescued a german shepherd from a shelter 2 months ago. He was malnourished (bones and skin), with ear infections and wouldn't play. Now he is like a bear, happy and healthy, playful, an truly incredible and smart dog except for one problem: he is aggressive toward all people except for one neighbor and trainer (and myself). He will bark aggressively at anyone coming close 7feet for some reason. If they're further away-fine.He doesn't get along with other animals either. I need real help, trainer helps a little but dog does the same thing except less, he skips it every once in a while. Except this, he learned every other commands in no time, he got housetrained in like a week, he is the sweetest cuddly dog inside that never barks when in the house. Please help, anyone...?
(when he barks, he barks aggressively as if he would bite if he wasn't muzzled)

Answer 1

Sounds like the training is working just not as fast as you'd like.
GSDs are naturally mistrustful dogs.You don't say how old you think the dog is or if it was abused but given the fact that these dogs are very protective as well as mistrustful you're just going to have to keep doing what you're doing to socialize the dog and don't let up on him.He'll come around but you are always going to have to be on guard.
I have 2 males who act the same way when a strange person or dog gets too close to what they know is theirs.That's their job.They hate it when people try to force themselves on them.
For now try taking him on walks where you know you won't run into so many people or dogs.When someone approaches you make the dog sit next to you quietly until they pass.If they look as tho they're going to reach for the dog or stop to talk tell them the dog is not good with others so please do not look into his face,try to touch him or talk to him.You're working on training him and you appreciate the chance they've given you to show the dog that not everyone is a threat.Then walk away.
Keep your voice light and calm at all times.If you're excited the dog is excited.If you're calm then so is the dog.Up till now I'm thinking you're probably raising your voice when trying to control the dog.Never give into the temptation to yell at him cos he thinks you're barking and acting viscious too.
These dogs need alot of exercise every day {a good 5 mile run}so take him for several long walks.Keep him tired and he'll be less likely to act aggressive as he won't have the ambition or energy to cause a problem.But don't think for a second that will stop him if he feels threatened or sees there's a threat to you because he will take care of buisness to the best of his ability.So always be on guard and try to avoid anything you feel could be a potentially bad situation like a bunch of unruly kids playing or other aggressive dogs.
If your dog gets into a fight with another one you're going to have to break it up with a leash in one hand.
You're going to have alot of discouraging moments but don't let it get you down.Just try,try,try again.The more you get him out in public and the more situations you put him in the faster he'll come around.
My 2 are very well behaved in public but they will not tolerate a stranger trying to handle them and neither will I.

Answer 2

First off, good for you for taking this dog into your home and caring for him. Once this problem has been fixed he will be the best dog.
You need to stop this behavior before it gets any worse or he gets any bigger (if he isn't full grown). I have 2 Rottweilers and understand these naturally protective breeds.
But, when people see your dog they see it as a representative of the breed. Just because one person saw one dog be aggressive suddendly the whole breed are man eaters. This isn't the case. Every dog is different.
Maybe something happened in his past that made him insecure with strangers. And maybe that is his problem. He is insecure. You need to be the dominate one in your relationship with the dog. Specially a German Shephard. Given the chance they will rule your home. But, if handled correctly, can be the best dog you ever owned.
When he sees another person, watch his behavior. Watch when his ears prick up and he becomes 'locked' into watching that person or dog. Dogs will do this prior to lunging and barking at people or dogs. Correct the dog then, before they bark and lunge when you can't control them. Corrcect them with a stren voice and tug at the leash. Stren, not violent. You said he picked up basic commands easily, he should get this easily as well.
All he needs are rules. Let him know you don't want or like that behavior. Remember, he just wants to please you.
If anything, seek a behaviorist. But definatly do somthing about this behavior. Its normal to be protective and weary of strangers, but not aggressive when there isn't a need for it. You don't want to end in a law suit and a dead dog.
Hope this helps.

Answer 3

He is a rescue and whatever happened to him in the past won't be forgotten immediately, just keep working with your trainer and for the time being keep him muzzled. He should get over his fears at some point so keep givin him the love. My Pittbull used to get aggressive towards people I'd invite over, I fixed it by telling the people to ignore her and let her sniff em out, and she hasn't growled at anyone since, it's a time thing with lots of persistent training and good praise it won't be long before all that goes a long way.

Answer 4

I am a vet tech, and this is something that we see in our office all the time. We have had GREAT luck referring people to a nationwide organization called Barkbusters.
( www.barkbusters.com ) They are skilled in the training of aggressive dogs, among other things, and best of all they come right to your house to train your dog where he is most comfortable at. I would definitely reccommend giving them a try! Everyone we have referred there swears by them!

Answer 5

He's traumatized. Take him on long walks in places there's no one else. Be sure to have doggie biscuits to praise him when when you scold him against charging others.
Find, if you can, other dogs he can play with.
Get something he can tear up for fun, like some rawhide bone or the like, and wrestle with him with it. He's got to take it out on something, best not human flesh.

Answer 6

you might try going to see an actual animal behaviorist, not a trainer. they might be able to help more. german shepherds are naturally very protective of their owners, but it's bad if it's to the point of aggressiveness.

Answer 7

Do you ever watch Cesar Millan? He has confronted a lot of dogs with this same issue. Here is the link to his webpage:
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/ and http://www9.nationalgeographic.com/channel/dogwhisperer/index.html
With hard work and dedication you can correct this behavior and he will be the "perfect" dog.

Answer 8

Its nothing to really worry about, I have the same thing with my female german shepard.