November 20, 2012

My mom’s GSD has a lot of behavioral issues and is teetering on the edge of needing a new home. I’m frustrated with her, can you suggest some specific DVDs?

Full Question:
Hello Ed & Cindy,

I'm writing today regarding my mother's year old spayed female GSD. She was purchased by my 18 year old brother who didn't do groundwork before leaving for college. She is loving & intelligent, but extremely stubborn and dominant. I've never had a dog this frustrating to train. She is teetering on the edge of needing to find a new home because of her behavioral issues.

I'm hoping that you can suggest specific DVDs and articles that are most fitting for her issues.

We've tried correcting all of these with limited success.

Jumping, excessively mouthy, chewing on everything (including furniture), territorial about kennel - has aggressively went after our Boston Terrier several times (prey drive issue?), excessive barking, attempting to jump the 4' fence, too rough with other dogs, including our Lab.

She requires 120% attention 100% of the time. When corrected, jumping/mouthing gets worse as she is misguided about how to please. Thanks in advance for your help!
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
I would start with our groundwork program.

I would recommend the videos Pack Structure for the Family Pet and Dealing with Dominant & Aggressive Dogs.

You may also want to give her an outlet for all of her energy. Marker training is a great way to exercise her MIND as well as her body. You can read about it on our article page.

The Power of Training Dogs with Markers

She needs to first understand what you expect from her, if she hasn't had the proper guidance then she will just behave the way dogs do without proper rules. The groundwork article and pack structure video will be a big help to you.

Good luck!

Cindy Rhodes
User Response:
Hi Cindy,

I just wanted to thank you for your response to my questions. I just had the opportunity to read the groundwork article and will be starting the program with all of the dogs tomorrow. Though the other three are quite well behaved, I feel that they all will benefit from a refresher course. Thanks again, hopefully I will be contacting you again soon with news of a greatly improved dog! 

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