My sister and brother-in-law adopted a great dane / lab neutered male as a puppy about one year ago. While both have own dogs before they have not spent a significant time (IMHO) training this dog. Recently, he has began to show signs of territorial aggressiveness.

He has not bitten anyone yet. But he has aggressively charged strangers in the street near the yard. They live in a suburban setting and seem to want to treat the dog as a 'country' or 'farm' dog.

I think they need training as well as the dog. In my opinion, the dog is generally well-mannered and needs structure established so that it does not act in this manner.

I would take him on myself and get him trained professional to correct these wrong doings but I just lost my beloved GSD male and am not ready for this time type of committment.

Before they surrender the dog, I am hoping that someone can suggest a training person or school for them so that the dog can be rehabilitated.

Why is the dog loose outside?



"But he has aggressively charged strangers in the street near the yard."

Connie,

I have already explained to them that the dog must be on leash any time it is outside of their home. Previously, they would let him off leash.

I am frustrated because I do not want to see a good dog put into an even worse situation. I'm 4 hours away so I can't take him on.

I'm extremely frustrated with their lack of committment to training the dog or to obtaining training.

I contacted a local to them Schutzhund club 3 weeks ago requesting a training referral but did not have a reply.

I am also in contact with the local Great Dane rescue org.

Jim, are they willing to admit that they and the dog need training?
If so, for starts you could refer them to this website.
Here are a few links that will be useful:
DVD's to purchase:
Pack Structure for the Family Pet

Basic Obedience

Here are some free e-books that are very helpful also:
Pack Structure for Adult Dogs

Dealing with the Dominant Dog

Lynne,

They are willing to admit that the dog needs training. I provided them with the basic materials from this site but they have not made use of it.

My belief is that they do not have the time or the commitment necessary. I am extremely frustrated at the response.

What do people say, in general, "no bad dogs but lots of bad owners"

My view is that the dog should be removed from their home and adopted or fostered by someone who will provide the required committment to dog ownership.

I unfortunately cannot do it at this time.

I am also trying to find a new home for the dog.

Jim

Jim, kudos to you for trying to help, although it sounds like you may be pounding your head against a wall...
And Jim, I'm so sorry to hear about your GSD...this is the dog you were posting about before?

Lynne,

Thanks for the encouraging words.

Yes, the GSD I lost recently (last Friday) was the same dog I had been posting about before. It was very sudden, 3 weeks from the first real indication of any trouble.

I think I would have been more forceful in my suggestions regarding the great dane mix if I was not dealing with my dog's illness.

I am open to any suggestions regarding the great dane mix. Right now my plan is to either get him trained professional with his current owners or try to place him in a foster situation where he can be trained and then hopefully placed with another family.

I don't want to sound cavaliar about this, I'm far from it, but Jim be realistic it takes two to tango.
If you can't get the owners on board before the boat sails....it just ain't gonna happen.

Randy

Hey Jim - I'm sorry to hear about your GSD
I personally love Great Danes and one is part of our pack. I found in my experience that many Great Dane owner's are very difficult. I haven't figured out why. Many I've worked with are in big time denial, and/or have so many excuses that you can't get a word in at all. I'd have to agree that it takes 2 to tango. If they admit they need help and money is an issue, there are ways to go around it. Then again, I found, most people that aren't willing to invest even a little bit in a dog that's supposed to be part of the family, shouldn't have it in the first place (I understand money is short for many right now, but no one has to really spend a fortune if they are WILLING to learn and change some things). Look at this website. There are SO many articles, they don't cost anything and they would learn a ton from it. The question is, do they really want to do that because it might just be too much work?
I've had to come up with a new rule...if after 3 attempts people with problem dogs still don't even try ANYTHING all, even simple stuff like NOT letting their dog run around to roam and potentially hurt people, then the dog is better of in a new home. The other benefit to that is, a brand new and probably much better relationship could be established even with a dog that has some serious issues, rather than the current owner's trying to change everything the dog is already doing it shouldn't. They'll get frustrated, won't put enough effort in, and at the end they'll probably just dump the dog off at some shelter (don't mean to make that sound bad but I'm sure you guys know what I mean). Even if you were able to offer them some free training right now, I highly doubt they'd listen to any of it, let alone doing any homework. if it's free, it's obviously not worth anything and if it costs money it's not worth it to them. See what I mean?
Boy, I sound like a disgruntled old trainer LOL. Just too many of those type of experiences and putting in the effort, only to get disappointed time and time again. Blah! That's when I appreciate reading these posts (you guys really need to post more often!!!). I'm terribly bored recovering from surgery and would certainly enjoy a good discussion
Hang in there, ok? See if maybe there is a Great Dane Rescue and try maybe one more heart to heart with them. I found the example of "if there were shelters for children, they would be MUCH more crowded then the shelters for dogs". It's just too easy to get rid of the problem dogs, esp. because there are so many in this world and it be easy to pick one without issues, right? However, I found using the example with the children, especially if they have children or grandchildren or whatever, it kind of wakes some people up Maybe worth a try?
Carmen in VA

Hey Randy....maybe a good new approach would be bringing along a screaming, temper tantrum throwing 3 year old....and then tell the people who don't want to invest the time in working with their dogs that we would trade them? I bet they'd rather tango with the dog than a fit throwing toddler?