I've gone through the posts and my 5 year old GSD rescue still has me stumped, and I really want to help him. I've had him less than a week, but was able to meet the family who surrendered him so I know what they disclosed. I also know they had him on Acepromazine, that their idea of exercise was opening the screen door, he was bullied by a basset hound, and attacked a dog that was in their yard. He was trained at a very reputable facility, but there was little follow up in the home. I have already taken him to a GSD club and done some light obedience with him, he has a good foundation. He has gone from suburban dog to city dog and is anxious in unfamiliar situations, but that is to be expected. However, when he comes in proximity to other dogs his first instinct is to attack. I correct immediately, and then you see he’s fearful. Last night a bulldog puppy on a retractable leash came bounding at him to play and ended up in his mouth. I put everything I had into his prong collar to no avail. It looked like my GSD was ripping the pup’s eye out of his socket, but alas the pup walked away with two scratches and a freaked out owner. What exactly causes this behavior, and how can I change it?

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I correct immediately, and then you see he’s fearful.

what exact behavior are you interpreting as fearful?

He backs off, cowers (from the dog, not me) and acts nervous. The agression appears to be for show.

Rhonda, you've only had him ONE week, right? Follow the routine advised in Ed Frawley's article below!

http://www.leerburg.com/groundwork.htm

Yes ... I just want to handle the situation correctly from the get go. Thanks for the link and reply!

Ronda,
Call Top's in Dog Training, in Grayslake. They are the best in the area at dealing with dog agression. Ask for either John or Lewis. Top's is very GSD savy and does the PSD training for most of northern Illinois. They run an advanced obedience class on thursday nights and I've seen them make great porgress with a number of dogs.

I'm right there with you, Ronda <:-) My son just adopted a 2 year old male Doberman, last Saturday, who'd been in a kennel at Dobie Rescue for one YEAR (he has uncropped ears & an undocked tail, so nobody wanted him)...

Duke is a good dog, but has had NO lessons or socialization of any kind, so my son has his work cut out for him (and my phone bill's going through the roof) -- I've loaded him up with all my Leerburg training DVDs & they're making great progress with Duke's groundwork!

Best of luck with your new GSD <:-)

Jason, funny you mention that. The family that had him took him to TOPS, but didn't do the follow up work. I have transport to Topline every Monday, which is going to have to work for the time being. Like I said, he has a good foundation.