Fear aggression / protectiveness ?

[LindaM]

Originally Posted by stillalsations2me

I think what people mean by training Beki is basic training not trying to introduce strangers. If you tell the dog down she lies down, if you tell her to stay she stays no ifs or buts when this is 100% she knows you are in control and hopefully she should not feel the need to protect you unnecessarily

If I were you bearing in mind she is young and you have had her since a pup I would work on basic training in your home and garden when you can get out and I would insist on making her do 'sits' and 'stays' for a couple of mins each and then build up slowly. I would keep calm and not at all agitated but just 'gently' insist so it as 'non confrontational' as possible - but do it with a gentle but 'mean it' authority. That's what I do with Lukey. I am only a beginner but I do find this helps.

I would then make sure all members of your family (assuming children are old enough) can do the same.

I am sure you will make progress because you want to

Linda

[Beki]

Originally Posted by stillalsations2me

I think what people mean by training Beki is basic training not trying to introduce strangers. If you tell the dog down she lies down, if you tell her to stay she stays no ifs or buts when this is 100% she knows you are in control and hopefully she should not feel the need to protect you unnecessarily

I do understand that. Just wanted to warn about classes as my girl did the same at the same age and we where at classes and it deepened berry issues she is now 3 and still a work in progress

[doolittle1489]

I am quite experienced with GS, Ellie being the 5th in our family. We have had an animal behavourist in, who diagnosed her as having a fear aggression, however we believe it is a protection response. We are starting to be a bit more firm with her now, and we are working on her training recall response. We were asked not to come back to our training classes until Ellie saw an animal behavioust who advised not to go back to classes until we could get her under more control! She is food motivated, however this is not enough when she has spotted a person or a dog who are definately more interesting to her! If you have any tips on getting them to concentrate /focus more on you that would be great!

[kadeshi]

my bruja is at the awkward age 15 months.so dog aggresion is happening.think its fear aggresion.so ive sighned us both up for training school.i explained to the instructor and shes fine with us going,as she is only holdind small classes(4 other dogs).and thinks it would probbly help the situation,if other dogs were around but distant from us.

[Moobli]

It could be resource guarding (ie guarding you) or it could be fear aggression. Was she socialised well as a puppy? When did this behaviour start? What do you do when she barks at strangers?

Personally, I would initially seek the help of a reputable behaviourist who will be able to diagnose what the triggers are to make your dog act in this way. Only through knowing WHY she is doing it will you be able to work on a cure.

However, as Jen points out, working on her basic training and letting her know that you are in charge will definitely help.