Try to make short and fairly clear. Daughter got grand daughter a 2 yr olg GSD for 10 th b-day. From what I heard was fairly timid when brought home. Now gets along well with family and they tell me loves kids. Went over to visit Sunday, dog barked very defensively at me. I stayed calm and nuetral and was not scared so don't think he senced any fear. We went into house still barking at me. GD took him outside to show me how he plays with her. He then started coming up to barking and hitting me than started to nip at me. I have my ideas what to do and should probably met him first outside but anyway what are some of your ideas? from my short encounter with him I see him as not very confidentand somewhat timid. I think if I would have run from him I would have gotten a front teath bite. I am almost worried for them not that he would harm any of them but someone else as they know little about dogs and have had him out front off leash etc. All the things that could leed to an accident. Also daughter very stubborn and does not take any advice very well. Is American showline dog.

Mitch,
Unless I misunderstand your relating of the meeting with the dog, it doesn't sound like a timid dog at all.
A timid dog will not front up, nip or try and push around an adult human that doesn't show any waivering.

One of us is mistaken in our reading.
Randy

What was the dog's body language like, and how did you respond?

When he was left at new home he coward and would not go near anyone. With me his hackles were up tail very low to almost tucked, not up or bent. He would not look at my eyes oor up to my face but I tried to give no eye contact as well. I just stood still and was hoping he would except me after a while. They say this was the first person he carried on like this to. They have only had him for about 3 weeks. As I said I tried to be nuetral not at all submissive or challenging to him.

Mitch,
I'm still having a difficult time with how it's all gone down, (shrug) could be I'm just dense. What does stand out for me though is the 3 weeks you're speaking about. NOT a very long time, what is the structure for this dog like in his new home. Your description rised a couple of red flags for me.


If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

Mitch

Trusting your assesment of the dog. I would give my Grand daughter a late Bday Present the Pack strucker DVD and Basic dog obedence. Also remember they have had this dog for a very short time so his temperment can change as he get acustom to his new pack. That might be what you experenced in the introduction sence they said they had not experenced this behavorer. You said your daughter doesnt like advice remember your fighting points.
1. Aint her dog.

Michael, a little off topic, but would you please fix (make much smaller) your sig pic? It's causing forum members to have to scroll way right in any thread you post to.

Thanks!

I see nothing but red flags as he has free run of house sleeps on beds if he wants. They do not know how to discipline him. Perfect example of when barking at me gave him the Justice, it's ok and attention. I will talk to the man who gave him to them, my daughters boss. He is a doctor and wife says she thinks he worked with dogs in the military. They think the dog is great. I will also talk to her sugnificant other and let him know of some problems that are likely to occur with the way they are going to let him live. They see our dogs who have run of house freely but earned and are still put up when needed. Mal is always crated when not working Maybe I will get that vidio and also let them watch the dominant dog vidio I already have and let them see what can happen. anyway thanks but still would like to hear what any of you would try.

 Quote: Mitch Kuta

Perfect example of when barking at me gave him the Justice, it's ok and attention. .... I will also talk to her sugnificant other and let him know of some problems that are likely to occur with the way they are going to let him live.

I'd probably explain that they are heading for possible danger for their 10-year-old child.

Mitch

I didnt realize it was as bad as that from your first post. How to get your daughter to listen to you. Is that what you wanted to know?

I would still start with trying to teach my granddaughter how to raise a dog. Have her and her dog over for the weekend. Give her a dog crate. Order some videos of Eds and probly Cesars also. I preffer Eds videos but I have to say he can be alittle on the dull side. Cesar is hot right now she might watch the whole video I have trouble watching all of Eds DVDs.

With your daughter I personaly would just speak the truth and hold nothing back tell them what you think. If that doesnt work let them know you will testifie against them when he bits someone.