Protective GSD issues....

[RainbowLass]

I'm putting this in here because i'm still a fairly new german shepherd owner, and i'm starting to see a small problem with Rugs and how protective she gets when we are out on walks.

She's always been a protective kind of dog... in the house we call her the enforcer! We've tried to socialise her as best we can, with mixed success... she seems to be doggie marmite, other dogs either REALLY like her, or really DON'T and recently we've been playing with a rotty bitch called Lilly who is only a month or two younger than she is. Now, all was fine the past couple of times we have met, but the last time was a bit different.

Lilly is a friendly dog and Rogue has never had a problem with her coming up to us and giving us a fuss until yesterday when she got a bit boisterous and jumped up at me. That was IT for Rogue, the hackles went up and she wouldn't let her anywhere near me again! Lilly's (slightly chavvy) owner didn't quite understand what was going on so we went our separate ways as he didn't want them fighting, and neither did i!

There have been a couple of incidences lately that make me wonder if she is being TOO protective and i was wondering if anyone else has this problem and if it stops them socialising their shep with other dogs??

I knew this was a trait of the breed, i was brought up around them and this is my first shep on my own so i'm learning all the time!

How do i go about dealing with this? I love where we walk and i'd hate to think that i need to keep her on lead when we're out, she loves other dogs most of the time!!

Any advice would be appreciated!

[Zak]

Sorry have no idea, but I am sure someone will be along soon. LOL @ The Enforcer bless x

[RainbowLass]

thanks zak.... loving the batman quote

[loothapub]

Tegan is 7 and a half months old now and is very protective in different ways.

Firstly she acts totally different to when she is out with me to being out with my wife.

She is so much more protective over my wife with me to the point at times she is ridiculous and wont leave her side so much so she is tripping over her

She also has a different reaction to other dogs and although doesnt do anything she has a yap now and again.

Out with me she seems so much more relaxed. We spoke to an expert recently and they stated that it was do with her interpretation of her position in the family pack.

Apparently she see's me as the pack leader, then her, then my wife ???? how true this is i dont really know and i dont read too much into it but apparently this is why she is so much more protective with my wife.

Around the house however is a different matter. She is very protective about her space and again although she wont do anything to anyone except bark she will let us know if anyone is about which is a good thing I think.

If she barks at anyone approaching our house she will normally respond to being told to be quiet.

In response to your question about stopping socialising your dog with other due to the protectiveness. I personally would persevere as withdrawing from the socialising may make things worse. Im not expert tho just my opinion.

or maybe seek some assistance if it starts to get out of hand.

[RainbowLass]

I find that Rogue behaves differently around me than she does around my OH... perhaps you are right and she needs to be relegated in the pack a bit.

Next question, how do i go about doing that?! I thought we had it sorted and rugs knew her place.. she behaves for me, actually i'm the one she usually does tricks for! How do i put her at the bottom of the pile?
Do i get to usurp my OH?

[loothapub]

There are two easy ways of making your alpha status. First, briefly stare at your dog, make eye contact then use the sit command. Only the alpha animal engages in a pattern of staring, and subordinates will always look away. The other technique that you can use is the sit command before feeding, petting, or play, this will help to establish your control.

If you apply this technique to most things Im sure it will help.

I used this from when she was very young and my wife not so much hence the protectiveness I think ?

Before her feed (sit !) at the side of the road (sit) before a treat (sit) looking into her eyes maintaining eye contact all of the time. It really does work.

We crate Tegan and in the early days when she was excited to come out she was still made to sit and be calm before she did come out - still applies now tbh.

Perseverence is the key - its hard work but worth the effort.

My wife was a lot softer with her whereas I was firm but fair (one way of describing it).

Good luck.

[RainbowLass]

thanks loothapub.... i do all of that already!
Nothing in life is free, according to Rogue!
Perhaps though, i can be a bit stricter with her......

I thiiiiink the only difference is in the way we play, Mike my OH will doggy wrestle with Rogue and he ALWAYS wins, even if he has to scruff her and put her on the floor he always wins whereas i just don't do that.

hummmm, tough one but i'll let you know how it goes!
She is a mummy's girl though.... if she finds herself in trouble with her dad its my legs she cowers under, she follows me around EVERYWHERE, i feed her, i walk her, but its him that she listens to.... maybe he has 'the voice!'

[kita]

Originally Posted by RainbowLass

Lilly is a friendly dog and Rogue has never had a problem with her coming up to us and giving us a fuss until yesterday when she got a bit boisterous and jumped up at me. That was IT for Rogue, the hackles went up and she wouldn't let her anywhere near me again! Lilly's (slightly chavvy) owner didn't quite understand what was going on so we went our separate ways as he didn't want them fighting, and neither did i!

What was your response when she did this?

Sue

[LOVEGSD]

Diesel doesn't like dogs jumping up at me, so I always ensure that I control what is going on ie if a dog jumps up I say off and turn away so Diesel can see I am not allowing this. He isn't allowed to jump up so I'm not about to let someone else's do it.

I don't tend to overly fuss any other dog when we first meet until we've walked a few times then Diesel doesn't have a problem.

xx

My shads dislikes all dogs, She was attacked as a pup and goes on the defensive whenever we have to pass another dog. I have never been able to cure her. I used to worry and panic about it but once people are aware not to let their dog rush up to yours you can control it. Make sure you have a treat in your hand when you pass them and only give it if they let the other dog pass 'nicely' She has got better as shes got older and some of the braver dogs even get nose contact now! . I think its something you have to except with a german shepard, they will protect