April 22, 2011
I have a 16 month old male Shepherd with whom I have inadvertently caused a big problem.
Full Question:
I have a 16 month old male Shepherd with whom I have inadvertently caused a big problem. When he was young he had hardly any interest in food and I tried everything to get him to eat, including teasing him that our other dog was, "going to get his food." I realize now how big a mistake that was. My question is, what can I do to undo the damage? To give you a little background, I am not an inexperienced dog trainer. I've raised many dogs, including two Dobermans that are well rounded, likable dogs and I used to show my Golden in obedience and took many first places with her on her way to her CDX. This GSD is a wonderful dog in every other way. I have spent much time with him, socializing, training and exercising him daily. He has never been allowed to go through a gate or door without me telling him it is ok. His stay is solid, his recall is great. He is a very nicely trained, very confident dog. He has never been people aggressive but just recently he had two incidents where he fought with another adult male dog. The latest waswith a Dalmatian that happened to be going for the same pile of horse poop that he was going for that someone was flinging. (We horse camp). He left a gash under the Dal's eye. After we separated them, I was on him and was able to hold his head to the ground until he gave in and would not hold my gaze. It was a frightening experience for all involved. The other incident was different. A friend has a Heeler that likes to bite the balls of other
intact males. My guy remembered this and went after him. All involved thought this was a justified reaction but when my GSD fights he is out for blood. I feel like an idiot for having contributed to such a problem with the food thing. Of course first thought is to have him neutered but what else can I do to nip this fighting thing in the bud? I had previously, extensively surfed your sight and instantly thought that maybe you would have an answer for me. I bought two of your tapes and enjoyed and learned from them both. Do you have
any suggestions For this problem? I am willing to use a shock collar and I am capable of giving a "10" correction.
Thanks,
Dennise
![Ed](https://leerburg.com/Photos/articles/authors/edfrawley.jpg)
![Ed](https://leerburg.com/Photos/articles/authors/edfrawley.jpg)
The solution to this problem is a simple one - just keep this dog away from other dogs. I am sorry but I do not agree that dogs that do not live together should run together. I would NEVER EVER consider allowing my dog to be near strange dogs. There is No reason on earth for this. It is asking for a fight - as you have already found out.
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