She's a pound dog, got her when she was already 2. She's totally cool with people, but will pursue another animal with the intention to harm it (killed a rat, bit another dog). Is this natural for German Shepherds and is there anything I can do about it? I thought about getting another dog and just putting a muzzle on her until she calms down. Sound like a plan? She's really strong so it's hard to expose her to other animals out in public.
2007-03-28 12:48:22 · 8 answers · asked by Jason M 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
We tried the PetSmart obedience course, worthless. I don't think doggy style on a motorcycle would work either. Thanks for the suggestion, though.
2007-03-28 12:59:41 · update #1
this is not a natural behavior with GSD's.it more than likely stemmed from lack of socialization around other animals and when she was put in with other animals (pound) it wasn't a positive experience for her.
I would wait if I were you on getting another dog until your GSD shows appropriate behavior around other animals...your just asking for trouble with that one....and you are right about petsmart it is worthless!....you are past the point of basic obedience right now and you need to look into a special class offered by a certified trainer it is called shy/reactive dog class. they will work wth you to look for the signals that she is exhibiting before she goes into a full fledged attack and help you redirect that energy in a positive way. the classes are usually small (8 max) and they put up a fence between the dogs to give them security and each week if the dog is doing well the move the fences closer together so they are in closer contact with other animals. they teach you not only to look for signals, but also how to get the dog to focus just on you and ignore anything else. it is a great class! usually cost about $160 for 8 weeks. we did this with our GSD when he was a pup because he didn't get full socialization and it really has helped...he is 18 months old now and we continue to go over the reactive training to keep it fresh in his mind all the time. oh, I just wanted to add that it isn't just for young dogs either, we had many older dogs in the class and they did beautifully. hope this helps you somewhat!
2007-03-29 02:46:41 · answer #1 · answered by julie's_GSD_kirby 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is not natural for german shepards. Thats a stereotype. A muzzle is deffinately a good idea, also try a chain collar only when you have her on a leash, if its used properly it can be a big help to you in controlling her DO NOT leave that collar on her all the time.Because she is from the pound her problem is probally because of a lack of socialization when she was a puppy. I am also agreeing with the girl who posted first, take her to a obedience class, but you should probally give the instructor a heads up, on her aggression so instructor can be prepared. I am happy you realize you have a problem and are going to try and fix it instead of just bringing the dog back to the pound. Good luck!
2007-03-28 20:01:27 · answer #2 · answered by lauren 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
DO NOT GET ANOTHER DOG!!! This is not natural for any dog. I would talk to a veterinary behaviorist, they would best be able to deal with this type of situation. By the way, certain muzzles can kill your dog. With some types of muzzles dogs can not pant, with is how they stay cool. If they can't pant then they can overheat and die. Basket muzzles a lot more humane, a dog can pant with them, they can take treats, greyhounds race in them. If you are around other animals I would put the basket muzzle on! I would also get her treatment for this right away!
2007-03-28 19:56:25 · answer #3 · answered by Melinda E 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its not normal for german shepherds. is not normal for any dogs. but when she was a puppy she was never around other dogs. so you need to do it now... asas. get her a gental lead at the pets store. it will help out so much with pulling on the lead as well it works like a charm. its not a musel its fits like a harned on a horse. then take her everywhere whith the gental lead you can hold her back so she will not bit any other dogs.
good luck
2007-03-28 19:57:57 · answer #4 · answered by charlie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If she is that bad with other dogs. Then maybe a private trainer that comes to your home can help you and her until you can trust her out with other dogs.
I really dont think a obedience class with other dogs is going to do it for you right now.
2007-03-28 19:55:43 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Golden gal♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
she was probably neglected b4 she was saved by the pound. its gonna take some time for her to get used to other animals and to get her to stop her actions as a mean dog u kinda have to start off by keeping her used to ppl then gradually start w/ other animals b/c putting a muzzle on her is not goin to stop her from being mean. like start w/ one dog maybe another german shepard male preferably and let them get used to each other but b4 u totally let them go at each other go ahead and put a muzzle on her and let them sniff each other out until she realizes that the other dog is not going to hurt her then try and take the muzzle off it might work but like i said start w/ one then work your way up slowly but surely. hope this helps.
2007-03-28 20:01:02 · answer #6 · answered by sec_cogley 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
bring it to obedience class biring it to doggy classes so ti can learn to get along or it jsut doesnt get alond with dogs hope i helped
2007-03-28 19:51:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Check out the website below: it's dog's forum ... they should answer your question ... Just register for free ...
http://www.i-love-dogs.com/forums/
Good luck to you.
2007-03-28 20:00:37 · answer #8 · answered by ♥ FairLady ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋