GSD 2 yrs Bitch, good natured obediant, has G/Retriever sister. Both great together.

GSD has started to chase dogs in park and bark and air snap at them, this has just started fairly suddenly with no real reason. GSD is little nervous of other dogs hackles up etc but normally she will sniff and back off back to me - g/r is happy to run around playing with other dogs submissive etc. GSD returns on command but I need to train this out - any thoughts? - thanks

I would undertake a very methodical and systematic approach of not allowing her to run with other dogs. This involves specialized equipment including a leash and collar. And don't hesitate to consult a professional.

 Quote: Rob Bellis

GSD 2 yrs Bitch, good natured obediant, has G/Retriever sister. Both great together.

GSD has started to chase dogs in park and bark and air snap at them, this has just started fairly suddenly with no real reason. GSD is little nervous of other dogs hackles up etc but normally she will sniff and back off back to me - g/r is happy to run around playing with other dogs submissive etc. GSD returns on command but I need to train this out - any thoughts? - thanks

Need a little more info there Rob.

I'm guessing that this is a normal open 'park' in the UK rather than a specific 'dog park'.

My first question - is she on a long line/leash or completely off leash?

Knowing how well the majority of pet owners in the UK train their dogs I'd be staying well away from them.

It sounds as if your GSD is starting to decide how to approach the other dogs, as you as 'Pack Leader' are too far away to intervene. This means she's starting to take charge - bad idea.

If she 'snaps' at another dog, even in self defence, she's the guard breed and will be blamed - and you may end up with Dangerous Dog allegations.

My advice - a long/tracking line. Teagan is NEVER off a long line in parks/fields etc. That way I control how/where she walks and who she meets. It keeps her, and the other dogs, safe, and allows me to correct her behaviour if necessary.

If, God forbid, another dog rushes up and acts aggressively or attacks us, MY dog is under control and on leash - which means it gives me a chance to step in, and she can't be 'dangerously out of control' and get put down if a fight/bite happens.

I've got a couple of different length lines depending on where we're going. I'd recommend getting the same.

Cheers
Rob

thanks Rob - good advice....

Steven - funny guy - huh!

 Quote: steven lepic

I would undertake a very methodical and systematic approach of not allowing her to run with other dogs. This involves specialized equipment including a leash and collar. And don't hesitate to consult a professional.

Hahaha. You totally cracked me up, Steven.

Rob Bellis: I have to agree with Steven and Rob Bruce, there's never a reason for your dog to run with strange dogs that outweighs the potential harm inherent in allowing this behavior.

In fact, if your dog is on leash all the time, and is never allowed to run at all in its whole life, this is better than getting in just ONE dog fight. Work on your pack structure, but no matter how good your pack structure is, you don't put your dog in that kind of situation, where he has the potential to be hurt or to hurt some other dog.

I used to think that my dogs needed a good workout at the dog park every few days to be "happy" -- this simply isn't true. I'm sitting in my office with Macy, she's laying under my desk asleep a foot from me, and I know that she is happier and more comfortable now than she'd ever be at a dog park running and barking. When she needs a workout, I work her. I don't let strange dogs satisfy any of my dogs drives.

Yes, I try to bring levity to these things, Rob. But it is serious, and in all seriousness, I just recieved a call from a woman whose puppy got an ugly wound on it's back from an off leash dog in her nice suburban neighborhood. She called the next day, and was apologetic for wasting my time.

I felt I had to pump her anger up a bit. People take this bad behavior for granted, as if it's normal. I looked on this nice little lab puppy and couldn't help think he'd be the next one to start a fight because of the traumatizing thing he just went through with another dog. I really saw the situation as cyclical that day.

Furthermore, what if your dog started a fight which ended up disabling a service dog with $10,000 worth of training under it's skin?

Or a with blind guy on the other end of the leash?

Or what if your dog says "hi" to the wrong dog and has his ass handed right back to him?

It's serious business. Heed the advice given. I'm glad you're here, and I'm glad you asked.

thanks all for your comments, we don't have dog parks in UK, we have open parks where you may get the odd dog occasionally or open fields where i normally roam....

I obviously agree the safe than sorry philosophy.... i never let my dogs out of my control - leash or e-collar when off leash - my GSD just started doing this and I wondered if any of you experienced GSD owners recognised the symptons... wasn't really looking for basic handling lessons - and I also experence dogs (moreso little ones charging at mine when mine are on leash) it is frustrating annoying and dangerous) so yes i AM AN ADVOCATE OF KEEPING YOUR DOGS UNDER CONTROL.
I am trying to get started in shutz (when I find a club) prior to that I will try to de-sensitise Breeze (GSD) by mixing with known dogs (under control)

anyhows thanks again for your comments

Regards - Rob