First of, I am new here, and learning my way around this site. I am 28, I have two human children, boys ages 9 months and three years. I have three dogs, a three year old german shorthaired pointer, a newly aquired 7 month old German shepherd dog, and a year old pug. I know, very interesting combination. All three are males, all are neutered except for my GSD. I just aquired my GSD a little over a month ago. He came from a family that did not socialize him at all, pretty much just raised him outside for the first five months of his life. Smoke (GSD) is a gorgeous boy and the love of my life. He is definately a momas boy. The second day that he was home with me, He did the whole submission pee thing with my husband, and even bit him once when hubby tried to crate him. We attributed that to him being new, and scared. I had my DH ignore him for a long time, had him prepare food, and not force himself on SMoke. Smoke finally came around and now loves my husband. Well this past weekend, smoke went to the neighbors, which she works at a vets office, so we could cut his nail. Well He did everything in his power to bite her as well. I have also at another point, narrowly able to keep him from lunging and attacking the sattelite worker. Needless to say I am very concerned about his behavior. I know that I need to socialize him more, but I am terrified that he will hurt someone. especially if he feels threatened, or if he thinks I am threatened. He is a wonderful dog and I want to do whatever I can to make sure he becomes an asset to the breed. I also want to be a responsible dog owner. Especially since I own a breed that already has a bad rep with uneducated people. Which is all that is around here. Sorry this is so long, I just wanted to cover everything.

Christina, people on the board like to see paragraphs. Seriously. It makes it much easier to read.

Secondly, very cool name for your GSD. I'm going to have to seriously consider that name if I can talk my sig other into a second GSD. Smoke. I love it.

Thirdly, I'm sorry I can't be of any help on the lunging, attacking aspect of your post but I do wish you well and want to welcome you to the board.

Good luck with Smoke . I know many people here can help you with your questions.

Judy

It sounds like you have really good instincts and insight with regards to what is going on with the GSD. Hopefully, his issue is environmental not genetic. If so & since he is so young, there is a good chance you can nip this problem in the bud. As you probably are aware, he is adjusting to his new home and is still a little flipped out about it. I think you having your husband prepare & feed the dog was very smart. If he is to be a pet, not a working dog I would suggest you look into a good trainer (NOT PETCO/PETSMART type). I think at this point it would be a good idea to begin both private and group lessons (group for the socialization). This is also a great way to both bond & build confidence for you and the dog. Also, you will feel less aprehensive in a more controlled environment, which will allow you to relax & learn to read the dog & train him accordingly. Finally, a tired dog is easier to handle! If you have a fenced backyard, I suggest you throw the ball for him before you walk him to get "the kinks" out.

LOL! Paragraphs it will be! A fenced yard is a no, but we have acreage. We do throw the ball ALOT, and also I have horses, So smoke gets to run by the fourwheeler in the afternoons. I know some people think thats bad, but he is NOT a car chaser. He doesnt run behind, or in front of, but right beside me. So he gets LOTS of exercise.

Also, another thing stumping me about him is that he is easier to handle OFF leash. I do know that is bad. I have an awesome trainer close by, but finding the time to get there is a problem. Baby sitting doesnt come often when you have two small boys!

However, I cant let this problem go untreated. I am also worried that his behavior is genetic. He is not the best bred specimen. First off, he has those very light tan eyes, he is a blue, and his patellas are already bad. But I still love him and want to do whatever is best for him. At the same time I am just praying that his behavior is enviromental.

First off, you might want to reconsider labeling him a fear biter. I feel that has a permanence attached to it, like from a genetic nervous temperament. He is probably biting out of fear, but that's different to me, as in his situation he wasn't socialized so he is basically afraid because of little to no contact with people. That's something that can be fixed. So I'd give training and corrections a chance before saying it's genetic.

Secondly, he's only 7 months old. So it's even more fixable. Taking him around people but not close to them will help neutralize him to their presence. As time goes by, you'll need to judge when he is able to get closer to people. The lunging can be corrected with a pop on a prong collar. You just have to keep him on leash and under control anytime someone is near.

Clipping the nails - no dog really likes that, even the mellow ones. They learn to put up with it. So I wouldn't take that incident as any real conclusive evidence that he's a fear biter.

Have you read the excellent articles on this website? There are tons of training articles and all sorts of Q&A's on all sorts of topics. Including how to fit prong collars, how they're used, etc.

Thanks for the input.I have been going thru articles and have found many helpful things so far. I am getting really excited that I have found so much detailed information. I have a good friend to thank for directing me to this site.

Now my newest question is, How do I take him out and public, and where do I take him? There are no parks where I live. THe only place I would be able to take him is to the local feed store, which leads to my second question, How do I keep people from rushing up to him? and on the same note, what about the people that freak out over the site of a german shepherd?

I know I am full of dumb questions, but I have to learn somehow. So I really appreciate your patience with ignorant little me.

You should get the leerburg dvd dealing with aggressive dogs.
It will help you with learn how to control the dog and feel more confident, he can sense that you not affraid of him.
Also you have that who is the leader of the pack problem,the video cover that subject.
I have 4 gsds, when I have a new dog I muzzle him if he needs to
go to the vet or meet other dogs. I take it off when I feel he will be good. You have to feed him treats out of the muzzle for about 1 week before you can put it in him without him freaking out.
Carry hotdogs to give to people to feed him is the next step.
First just have them throw the food to him and over time him will think everybody has food and like people better.
Walk him around a shopping mall, anywhere there are people.
Stay at least 10 feet away from people, don't be afraid to tell them you are a dog trainer, please stay away. Over time walk the dogs closer and closer to strangers, always use a prong collar he will grow to be strong..
I could go on forever. But if you want this is a start.

Good luck,
Laurie

I think you are right with the pack leader thing, I am in no way afraid of him, but he sees his mommy as a pushover. Heck so do my own kids. <sigh>

another problem with smoke is that I cant travel far with him, and the closest mall is over an hour away, did I mention he gets really bad car sick? even on a short ride. <sigh>

I must really love my furbabies!!

I have a 7 month old girl shepherd, she is going into the fear thing too. She loves people in the house but outside she is afraid. A friend of mine hire a State Police K-9 trainer to go to her house and train the dogs.
He says I have to get her out around people and other dogs. Her agressive behavior is all a act. How about the neighbors sitting in their yard while you walk by them. Or even take her to a friends house, anybody new.
I still like the leerburg video on aggressive behavior the best,
all dogs act different, some need food to keep there attention,
others need the prong collar and food. If nothing else works I have seen schutzhund trainer and pet trainers use electronic collars to control behavior.. just don't give up.
It took me 2 years to get a friends collie to stop barking at other dogs and strangers, but Tell him NO before He starts to bark , read his behavior, if he barks give him a good jerk with the prong collar level 20.... hard as possible. If he is good give him a 1 inch piece to hotdog and tell him what a good dog he is.....
Good Luck,,

Laurie

Thanks for the advice. There are lots of things I am adressing with him at one time here, and its just getting a bit overwhelming. But we are both still hanging in there.