How to passify an aggressive German Shepard?

Windsor342ci · 18-12-2011, 11:55 PM

Hi guys,

Well in about 5 week I will be married and my Mrs. and I will be moving into our 1st place together.
I have my 7 mth old Boxer who is mine and my partners 4+ yr old German Shepard (Shepard still at the Mrs. parents house) who will be staying with us.

I love her dog as its a very protective dog for both property and persons. Though today for the 1st time ever, I tried to pat him alone and he tried to bite me, lucky I got away in time, when I told my mother in law too be what happened Im assuming she thought I was being a big girl and told me to come with her around the back and she'll guard him. As she was patting him, she told me to have another try and before I even touched him he went for another bite. Again I felt his teeth but managed to get may hand away quick enough before he could get a good grip.

Now im stuck in a jam, this dog has proven to me what I already know and is protective an perfect for my property, but how the hell do I get him to relax with me and not get maulled at the same time??

Has anyone had any experience in such situations and if so how did you get everyone loving???

Thanks in advance.

**ebxr8240** · 19-12-2011, 12:08 AM

Nothing a big T bone streak won't cure...
Let them smell your hand before patting them..
The back of your hand so you can pull away and
too much to bite on..
Calling him by his name ..

JC · 19-12-2011, 12:11 AM

If you become his regular feeder, you will become trusted to him. How does he get on with your boxer?

Windsor342ci · 19-12-2011, 12:12 AM

They have never met before

svo347 · 19-12-2011, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRYHSV

They have never met before

That will be interesting mate. It will take time but eventually he will come around. Our rottie took time with my flatmate but came good. Mind you I did my best not to leave them alone together for at least 2mths..

**Mechan1k** · 19-12-2011, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svo347

That will be interesting mate. It will take time but eventually he will come around. Our rottie took time with my flatmate but came good. Mind you I did my best not to leave them alone together for at least 2mths..

Was the same when i first started going out with my (now) wife. Their family Rottie was very protective ... and it took a good 3-4 months before i could actually go into the back yard on my own with him.

It takes time.

And its going to be interesting to put the 2 dogs together as well ... seeing as the Boxer will be playful and the Shepard may not be too keen on a hyper-active style dog.

We had a Rottie and a Jack Russel ... and they were OK for a little bit ... but the Rottie got sick of the Jack running around like a maniac ... luckily we were on property and could separate the 2 though.

b2tf · 19-12-2011, 12:32 AM

If the Shepherd's not yours he sees you as a bit of a threat and thats what you need to fix. My Shepherd will always be 'my' dog - he has no issues with the other half but he always listens to me first over her. Its just the way they are, the loyalty will always be there. I am lucky that we have taught our shepherd together, but as above he does relate to me a lot quicker than the mrs. There is no problem between them but if i go outside he is always much happier to see me where if she is outside he will not spend much time with her.

Have your mrs come with you when you spend time with the dog, if the dog sees her as having no issue with you it shouldnt have one either. It will take time so dont rush it and dont intimidate it, I'd start by just being there when she pats the dog etc then eventually move on to patting it yourself. Take your time and let it really work you out.

As for the Boxer - you both have to be there and you should ideally let the dogs get used to each other on their own terms. Neutral ground would be good too - maybe do it at the new place that neither of them know.

**Mechan1k** · 19-12-2011, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b2tf

As for the Boxer - you both have to be there and you should ideally let the dogs get used to each other on their own terms. Neutral ground would be good too - maybe do it at the new place that neither of them know.

This ^^^^^^^

XB GS 351 Coupe · 19-12-2011, 12:37 AM

Good luck with the Boxer and Shepherd they are mortal enemies, and will generally fight to the death with the shepherd winning, but you might be lucky and they will get on!

**cs123** · 19-12-2011, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRYHSV

Im assuming she thought I was being a big girl and told me to come with her around the back and she'll guard him. As she was patting him, she told me to have another try and before I even touched him he went for another bite. Again I felt his teeth but managed to get may hand away quick enough before he could get a good grip.

Your mother in law may have a point. The dog's now worked out the pecking order. I'd suggest you don't try again until you get the dog on your turf, then establish that you're in charge. Get a check chain and do some onleash work with it if you know how. If not, take it to some obedience classes and get some confidence handling the dog.

Sox · 19-12-2011, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cs123

Your mother in law may have a point. The dog's now worked out the pecking order. I'd suggest you don't try again until you get the dog on your turf, then establish that you're in charge. Get a check chain and do some onleash work with it if you know how. If not, take it to some obedience classes and get some confidence handling the dog.

This is the best advice so far.
Proper obedience training in a doggy class works wonders, I would never own another dog without doing at least 1-2 years in a class. It socialises your dog with other dogs and people.
It also gives you the confidence to handle your dog properly.

You both could do it with the Shepard and the Boxer.

Just be mindful that the Shepard is a big dog and can do damage very quickly, you may need professional guidance here.

wrongwaynorris · 19-12-2011, 10:05 AM

A bullet if your'e planning on having kids . You will never breed out these aggressive dogs natural instincts .

Bucknaked · 19-12-2011, 10:23 AM

You need someone like Cesar Milan, the dog whisperer. He'll sort that mongrel pooch out for ya.

unclefarty · 19-12-2011, 11:11 AM

I have to call on people & visit their homes through work quite a lot, I'm invited to the home so I don't just turn up unexpected & I'm often introduced to the homeowners dog.
Quite often the bloody dog gets all protective & growls a bit.
In my line of work it can be a deal breaker if everyone including the pets don't love you.
I was given a tip by a lady who was a dog handler in the RAAF, she suggested that this common behavior is just the dog asserting its pecking order & it is normal pack mentality for a dog just like everyone has already said.
Anyway her tip when introduced to a strange dog was to always pat it under its jaw and if it gave the slightest indication of aggression grab it by the jaw, your in control immediately, it can't bite you, then just go ahead & make friends with it but still only pat it under the jaw, a cheeky dog might still have another crack.
(Its worked for me for quite a few years, the second visit when it's just me & the dog has never been a problem ) I'd never open a gate on a strange dog though & I'm sure it only works because the owner introduces you)

Just as everyone has said, & once you've got old mate to understand he comes down the line from you, you should get him & you to classes together.

Cheers.

**Full Noise** · 19-12-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclefarty

when introduced to a strange dog was to always pat it under its jaw

Preferably with the end of your steel capped boot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclefarty

grab it by the jaw, your in control immediately, it can't bite you

Especially after you’ve broken his jaw with your boot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrongwaynorris

A bullet if you’re planning on having kids . You will never breed out these aggressive dogs natural instincts .

Great advice, can’t disagree with that.

Jim Goose · 19-12-2011, 10:22 AM

If the dog was aggressive he would really let you know about it.
Was the dog barking madly? Growling? or did the dog just go out and try and nip you? Big difference.....

You need to be there with your partner and spend time with the dog, with her there commanding the dog (ie stopping it) from any anti-social behavour.

When patting a dog always let it sniff the back of your hand and always approach it from the front so it can see you, or call it over and pat it. Give the dog treats (have a hand full of dog biccies) and reward the dog for being good and use your "girlie" voice! (good girl!! etc etc).

The more you feed it treats the quicker the dog recognises you as a source of food (other then your hand!).

raised by monkeys · 19-12-2011, 10:34 AM

as mentioned, dogs are pack animals. You and your partner need to be pack leaders. Walking him on a leash with a check chain is definitely on the cards. When he starts to settle down a bit start feeding him, but not giving him the food until he i.e sits and shakes.

csv8 · 19-12-2011, 11:02 AM

give the GermanShepherd Association a ring...http://www.gsdl.info/

Windsor342ci · 19-12-2011, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

give the GermanShepherd Association a ring...http://www.gsdl.info/

Hi guys and thanks for your imput thus far.

CSV8 - thanks for the link mate. Ive been in contact with that organisation and they forwarded a few tips to me aswel.

Cheers again.

DBourne · 19-12-2011, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRYHSV

Hi guys and thanks for your imput thus far.

CSV8 - thanks for the link mate. Ive been in contact with that organisation and they forwarded a few tips to me aswel.

Cheers again.

What advice did they give you?

Reaper8 · 19-12-2011, 04:22 PM

was wondering how long it would take before the "use a bullet" bit. have worked with guard dogs a lot and would love to see someone just walk up throw a chocker chain on and give it a good snap will see you in the intensive care ward real quick.most agressive dogs are brought up that way, i had a 60kg rotty male and he was a big dog with a lot of strengh but if he got the ***** with the kids he would walk away and they new not to pester him but jump my fence at night and i would be pickin up pieces in the mornin. my shephard now had been brought up with my kids and wouldnt hurt them. He has to get to know you, your the stranger so have a lot of contact with your mrs around just ignore him he will come and check you out give him some dry food when he do's, will take time but will get there.

Iggypoppin' · 19-12-2011, 04:35 PM

Dunno why anyone would think German shepherds need to be shot around children; have a family friend with some young kids, 3 under 10, and two shepherds and they get along great. Never had any issues at all with the dogs.

raised by monkeys · 19-12-2011, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iggypoppin'

Dunno why anyone would think German shepherds need to be shot around children; have a family friend with some young kids, 3 under 10, and two shepherds and they get along great. Never had any issues at all with the dogs.

I agree. Like kids, its their upbringing. How you interact and treat a dog will depend on its behaviour and temprament. I prefer human cruelty over animal cruelty.

Windsor342ci · 19-12-2011, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

I agree. Like kids, its their upbringing. How you interact and treat a dog will depend on its behaviour and temprament. I prefer human cruelty over animal cruelty.

More often then not, the Human one is much deserved.... But without getting too far off topic and my thread getting closed...

Bumbl3b33 · 19-12-2011, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

I agree. Like kids, its their upbringing. How you interact and treat a dog will depend on its behaviour and temprament. I prefer human cruelty over animal cruelty.

I will not even give a smart **** comment to that statement. Enough said.

raised by monkeys · 19-12-2011, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumbl3b33

I will not even give a smart **** comment to that statement. Enough said.

so instead you will implie one with an un-necessary comment about not making one? Good work

My point is that like kids, and although not born completely a 'blank canvas' (taking into account some genetics which may include an increased likelihood to disease etc) a dog isnt born vicious without a reason, whether that reason is ill natured or intended is not the point, and i dare suggest it wasnt in this case.

If someones kid was naughty, you would look at its parents parenting skills/style. If a dog is nasty you blame the breed? If you look at attachment theory re: children, this theory could be easily transferable to dogs (and other animals), and why not, a lot of basic human behaviour research started with rats inc. positive re-enforcement...

pottery beige · 19-12-2011, 05:47 PM

came across stray rotti.. how cool stuck him in backyard...

rotti went all flipped out.. crazy and territorial...

stuck with crazy dog in backyard...

spent next two weeks rolling good o's out the back door to him...

he came good.... woof...

Auslandau · 19-12-2011, 04:49 PM

There is no hope in hell I would trust a dog that showed any sort of aggression towards me. I wouldn't be damn well living with it thats for sure! Fair enough if it's someone elses dog and your on its property but to have it living with you? Never and certainly would never have kids around them. Just not worth it

raptorv8 · 19-12-2011, 05:03 PM

Check Chains are cruel, never used them and never will.
Agree with offering the back of your hand, feeding the dog, spending time as a group.

Now the biggest problem if im reading this right, is that you are getting married and the in laws are going to be living with you - if thats right you need to be getting advice on that instead of worrying about the dogs.

I know when i first got hitched the last thing id want is the inlaws or any family around in our new space.

MarkAW · 21-12-2011, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raptorv8

Check Chains are cruel, never used them and never will.

Only when used by untrained or stupid people.

For the OP - Never ever pat the back of an aggressive dogs head - placing your hand there is an aggressive move to the dog.

Walking with dog on a correctly fitted check chain ie approximately 50mm of free running slack when fitted, will only work if the owner is with you and makes a point of handing the dog over to you.

But

In the end an aggressive dog is an aggressive dog and its in the hard wiring - which is always reverted to under stress. A green dream may eventually be the kindest outcome for everybody.

I was a senior instructor with Penrith Kennel & Obed. Club and my own dog has obedience titles.