January 20, 2014
My dog sometimes jumps up on my grandchildren for no reason. What should I do about this behavior?
Full Question:
Came across your website while searching for help with regards to my 3 year old GSD. He's a well-bred, German line GSD, very high drive. He's very good with people but not so much with other dogs (only certain ones it seems). I deal with this by avoiding other dogs. However, my big problem, that I don't know how to handle, is his interaction with my 6 and 8 year old grandchildren. They live out of state, so we only see them a few times a year. He has NEVER shown any signs of biting or growling at the kids, but many times he will just go to them, stand on his hind legs and put his front paws on their shoulders. This is without them doing anything to him, at times not even paying attention to him. He will also exhibit this type of behavior when they're sitting on the couch. Other times, he's more than happy to play with them while they hide the ball for him to seek, or play with him. And he also just plain ignores them at times. When he does jump on them, I firmly scold him and rem [email cut off] 
Ed's Answer:
I bred working bloodline GSDs (from Germany) for 32-33 years. Several hundred litters. I was also a K9 handler for 10 years. I am 66.
I only say this so you understand where I am coming from.
You have a serious problem and don’t seem to be aware of it. Here is what happens when people ignore dominance in their dogs. These photos were all sent to me by people like yourself.
The solution is to manage your dog. I recently produced a short video on Management for one of our recent newsletters. It’s free to watch if you can watch streaming video on your computer. I suggest you watch it. Good management is just as important as good obedience training when it comes to living with a dog.
Bottom line is this dog should have a dog kennel or a dog crate. He should NEVER be allowed around children unless he is on-leash both in the house and outside. Getting to the point of scolding the dog is too late. That only means you screwed up.
If you chose to ignore this advice I would ask you to send me photos when you have accidents, because your going to have them unless you change the way you live with this dog.
I give you credit for searching the internet for a solution. If I have offended I apologize, but you need a wake up call.
Regards,
Ed Frawley
I only say this so you understand where I am coming from.
You have a serious problem and don’t seem to be aware of it. Here is what happens when people ignore dominance in their dogs. These photos were all sent to me by people like yourself.
The solution is to manage your dog. I recently produced a short video on Management for one of our recent newsletters. It’s free to watch if you can watch streaming video on your computer. I suggest you watch it. Good management is just as important as good obedience training when it comes to living with a dog.
Bottom line is this dog should have a dog kennel or a dog crate. He should NEVER be allowed around children unless he is on-leash both in the house and outside. Getting to the point of scolding the dog is too late. That only means you screwed up.
If you chose to ignore this advice I would ask you to send me photos when you have accidents, because your going to have them unless you change the way you live with this dog.
I give you credit for searching the internet for a solution. If I have offended I apologize, but you need a wake up call.
Regards,
Ed Frawley
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