mika2010 Posted July 14, 2012 Share Posted July 14, 2012 I got a 3 year old cross german shepperd bitch from the sheffield city dog pound about 2 and a half weeks ago and we were taking her a walk and she snapped at a man walking past there was no warning growl just went for him he was'nt hurt but I'm very worried she snapped at my daughter who is 19 years old.I read that this is territorial behaviour could it be trained out of the dog or is it learned behaviour that cant be cured please help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evei Posted July 14, 2012 Share Posted July 14, 2012 I got a 3 year old cross german shepperd bitch from the sheffield city dog pound about 2 and a half weeks ago and we were taking her a walk and she snapped at a man walking past there was no warning growl just went for him he was'nt hurt but I'm very worried she snapped at my daughter who is 19 years old.I read that this is territorial behaviour could it be trained out of the dog or is it learned behaviour that cant be cured please help. It most likely can be trained out but I would get proper advise from a trainer. I know with my rescue dog we put him in a lot of positions which he was maybe not quite ready to deal with. We just did not understand quite how damaged and frightened he was and it was not until the 3-6 week stage that his odd traits became clear. He really had a sheltered life and had learnt to 'shut down' and appear confident when he really was quite scared. Simple things like long grass, traffic, streams, tv and people approaching were all new things to him, so each day was a massive learning curve. Your new dog is most likely trying to work everything out and I'm sure she will come around. A trainer will show you all the tricks to ensure you follow routines that will put her at ease and make her happier. GSD's generally are protective over their people so it is a trait in the breed you have to be aware of and learn to deal with if she is displaying this side of her breed traits. Medusa should be able to give you some good advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CeeCee Posted July 14, 2012 Share Posted July 14, 2012 I got a 3 year old cross german shepperd bitch from the sheffield city dog pound about 2 and a half weeks ago and we were taking her a walk and she snapped at a man walking past there was no warning growl just went for him he was'nt hurt but I'm very worried she snapped at my daughter who is 19 years old.I read that this is territorial behaviour could it be trained out of the dog or is it learned behaviour that cant be cured please help. You will need to train her out of it which is usually a lengthy process but satisfying when you have a happy and contented dog. Unfortunately, that is probably the reason she was in the pound! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kerrangaroo Posted July 14, 2012 Share Posted July 14, 2012 In the meantime it would be worth considering a muzzle to reduce the chances of a bite seeing your dog put back in the pound on a one way ticket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth13 Posted July 14, 2012 Share Posted July 14, 2012 Yes, Medusa would be a good one for this - she works with GSD Rescue and so has a lot of experience with classic shepherd traits (and to me, this sounds like a classic reaction to a GSD who is nervous). I hope you do decide to work with her and not put her in the 'dustbin' of sorts because of this. Too many people think they can get ready-made 'good' dogs. No matter what dog, you have to put the work in.. Be it training, exercise or just general repetitions of things. My Poundie was very nervous too, and nipped me once when grooming him - he was just petrified and shaking like a leaf. He's never since tried to nip me again, and the only time i know we need to be more careful is when big male strangers come onto the property, as this clearly is his biggest scary situation. He's now a very enjoyable dog, goes to the pub and meets lots of strangers, can be brushed nails clipped and washed without even flinching. He's a lovely dog now - for him it was all about being able to trust us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mika2010 Posted July 14, 2012 Author Share Posted July 14, 2012 No I don't want to give up on her I'm clicker training her and it seems to be working I'm going to use it outside for this behavour,Ilove her to bits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mika2010 Posted July 14, 2012 Author Share Posted July 14, 2012 http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u483/Sandra_Whittaker/553908_258613284243621_1870916928_n.jpgHeres a photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mika2010 Posted July 14, 2012 Author Share Posted July 14, 2012 http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u483/Sandra_Whittaker/598896_258107970960819_459720548_n.jpg and another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth13 Posted July 14, 2012 Share Posted July 14, 2012 Oh she's a pretty thing. Glad to hear you'll work with her Trying PM'ing Medusa on here - she's an admin for the site and as said before works with the GSD rescue. She'll be able to give you some good pointers and maybe help with a trainer etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mika2010 Posted July 14, 2012 Author Share Posted July 14, 2012 OK thanks i will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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