Advice needed for socialising GSD.

GV9297 · #1 10-03-10, 12:51 PM

I adopted my now 2yr old male GSD from a rescue charity straight from the previous owners home.I have had him 7 months. He was very skinny and had obviously been chained up as he had no muscle in his legs. He did not have a collar or lead and it was obvious when I first took him out that this was very new experience to him. At first he was quite placid and I could take him anywhere and he was great with other people. He now however seems to be getting worse with other people and has started barking and lunging at people and not only at other dogs which I was expecting as it was very obvious to me that he has had no socialisation with other dogs. I have enlisted the help of a trainer and although he is improving in the session he reverts back to his old self when I take him out on my own.

He gets excercised at least twice a day, usually more but I cannot let him off lead as he cannot be trusted. He is starting to make me nervous now when we are out which will not help him. I would be grateful for any advice.

LOVEGSD · #2 10-03-10, 12:56 PM

Hello and welcome

Congrats on rescueing your lad, sounds like he's not had the best start in life.

It can take rescue dogs a few months to really settle in and it sounds like he has and a few of his issues are showing up. There are plenty of people on here with rescue dogs so I'm sure they'll be happy to advise.

I will say though that GSD's are very sensitive so he will be picking up on your fear when you're out, which is bringing out his guarding side. Great to hear you are seeking help and advice from a trainer, could your trainer come out with you on your walks perhaps to show you where you may be going wrong?

GV9297 · #3 10-03-10, 01:03 PM

Hiya

Thanks for replying (my boy is Diesel too!) The trainer has come out with me and she says its going to be a slow process as he is afraid of everything! I just cannot see an end to it at the moment. I have him booked in to be neutered - do you think that will help?

GSD-Jay · #4 10-03-10, 01:23 PM

It wont necessarily help no. There are cases of people claiming it calmed their pet down and cases of the opposite. I think at his age, it is unlikely to make a big difference as he is sexually mature now anyway. It sounds like he may be fear barking due to a lack of confidence (insecurity), and therefore his defence against this is to bark and put his barriers up.

I think with time it will get better. Do not try and correct this barking with check chains or punishment but instead continue to reward good and wanted behaviour and give him lots of verbal praise. You want to build as much confidence as you can. Best of luck.

GV9297 · #5 10-03-10, 01:30 PM

He has a training seession tomorrow (first one since Xmas) so that will be fun! He doesn't respond to treats but loves his tennis ball - I think that is the only time I have his full attention is when I have the ball. I long for the day when I can enjoy a walk with him!

LOVEGSD · #6 10-03-10, 01:39 PM

Great name choice!! :-)

It will definitely be a long road but you will get there, he just needs to understand that strangers and other dogs are not out to get him or you.

If he's ball focused then this is great, you need to use this when out and about. Try to get his focus on the ball before something like a stranger or dog comes along and as Jay said reward all good behaviour with loads of fuss and play.

Castration may be something you want to do in the future, it certainly helped my lad be less confrontational with other males along with training, castration is not a quick fix for aggression issues.

Good luck and keep us updated, we're all be happy to support you if you need to vent, cry or yell with joy..lol
xx

Kissy1921 · #7 10-03-10, 01:49 PM

Well done on the rescue. Our girl is 20 mths, we got her from rescue too and she was exactly the same to begin with. We have had her just over 4 weeks now and she is getting better all the time, its just a confidence thing.

Once he bonds with you, and he will, he will become easier, but this has to be nipped in the bud fast because everytime he does it its reinforcing bad behaviour.

I cant stress the point enough, socialise, socialise, socialise, and I know it is hard but try not to be nervous cos your boy will pick up on this and that will also make him nervous and start the barking off. Try to be calm, confident and assure him with praise or treats at first when he is doing things right. If he becomes a pain, barking and lunging, dont shout or get angry with him (not saying you do but some do), he will just pick this up as you joining in and it will make him worse.

The main thing here is to watch for his body language and signs as to when he is going to 'have a nasty on' i call it lol, correcting him while he is doing it is too late, try to get his attention before he does it, and stop him going thru with it. Then tell him he has been a good boy, and lots of praise. Once you have got to know your boy more you will learn his signs.

Get some 'play' training done with him, maybe find a favourite toy and get him to respond to you, the idea is to make him think that you are more important and much more fun than anything or anybody else, and to focus his attention on you and the toy, then try using that to distract his attention while out, along with the treats etc.

Its hard work at first, but worth the results with the xtra time and effort, and you will find you will have a lovely dog. Maybe he is better behaved for the trainer cos he is more confident than you? These GSD's are very clever and pick up your feelings, and suss out what they may be able to get away with pretty damn fast lol .............. dont take any crap from him, and welcome to the world of hairy hooligans lol

Good luck xxx

GV9297 · #8 10-03-10, 01:59 PM

Thanks for your support - I have to say I feel better already knowing that I'm not the only one with a dog problem or should I say problem dog! I love him to bits anyway!

So its out for a walk now (with muzzle and long lead) and lets see how he does tomorrow!

I cannot take any credit for his name by the way, he came with it!

Gail x

#9 10-03-10, 03:06 PM

Well done on rescueing your new friend,..its not always the easy option, but rewarding when it comes together,.,.and it will,.. but you may need patience.

If he has had a bad life before, and he suddenly finds himself is a loveing home he may well want to protect the person giving that love, GS `s are very fast to form a strong bond, so follow the advice already given, either check the `barking lunge` before it happens, [ knowing when is important],..or dont check him for it all all,.. just the times when he is good

.... and let us know how you get on please,.. and of course you have support

GV9297 · #10 11-03-10, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GV9297

I adopted my now 2yr old male GSD from a rescue charity straight from the previous owners home.I have had him 7 months. He was very skinny and had obviously been chained up as he had no muscle in his legs. He did not have a collar or lead and it was obvious when I first took him out that this was very new experience to him. At first he was quite placid and I could take him anywhere and he was great with other people. He now however seems to be getting worse with other people and has started barking and lunging at people and not only at other dogs which I was expecting as it was very obvious to me that he has had no socialisation with other dogs. I have enlisted the help of a trainer and although he is improving in the session he reverts back to his old self when I take him out on my own.

He gets excercised at least twice a day, usually more but I cannot let him off lead as he cannot be trusted. He is starting to make me nervous now when we are out which will not help him. I would be grateful for any advice.

Oh dear - its official - Diesel is not any better and the trainer has decided to refer him to a behaviourist! My partner is so upset as we have spent many hours with him practising the excercises and training tips she gave us and trying to build his confidence. I keep telling him we are no substitutes for other dogs and thats what he needs exposure too - eventually anyway.

I am quite happy for him to be referred and although I know it will be costly its what he needs. I feel so sorry for him not able to meet and run around with other dogs I hope I never meet his original owners!

As I live in the west country the trainer has referred me to Angela Stockdale via a local behaviourist who works with her.

I will lt you know how he (and us!) get on. I will also post some pics just to show that he's lovely really!