As some of you know I have two dogs. One is a 2.5 year old GSD imported from Germany in early August. She is Schh3, KKL1, hips a normal. I live in a rural area and have not been able to find a trainer experienced enough to help me learn how to work with her as I have no experience in this area (although I want to learn).

I also have a 3 year old Sheba Inu that has always shown aggression towards other dogs and has recently turned aggressive on us since the introduction of the new GSD. Almost everyone I have talked to including his vet thought euthanizing might be the only option for this dog since I have 3 small children and he has bitten them twice in the last several months (none recently… but he has not had the opportunity to be around my kids in well over a month.)

I have been studying my heart out since I imported the dog to deal with training issues involving the new GSD dog and the aggression issues involving the Sheba Inu. I visit this board daily and have almost all of ED’s videos plus have read his articles.

I finally found a trainer in Maine that deals with aggressive dogs and also does protection work. I made arrangements for him to evaluate both dogs.

In short… he loves the aggressive dog and is convinced that we can turn his aggression and dominance into positive energy and title him in 6 months. He also said after he is done with the dog he will not be a safety concern around my children. (the dog tried to bite him 3 times during the training with out provocation)

My GSD… he said was a piece of shit and wasn’t worth a dime. He recommended over and over that she should be euthanized even thought this dog has outstanding OB and is not aggressive at all and is genuinely a loyal and Superior dog IMOP. The trainers concern was that the dog would not bite him when he provoked her with a whip and I was told to command her to “pass auf” (I always thought Pass auf was used to tell a dog to guard not bit) She barked but would not bite. I should also mention that when he tried to provoke the dog he was wearing no gear at first and I believe this dog was forced trained to do very specific tasks. For example, when we first got the dog I tried to get her to “bring” a ball a Frisbee… etc… … but she would not bring anything I asked her to “bring” until I order one of ED’s dumbbells and then she acted right on. Knowing my dog… I feel she evaluated the situation and said… no sleeve… no bite.

He said the dog was a coward. After mourning over this since yesterday I emailed him and asked him to put his evaluation and recommendations of the dog in writing so I could go back to the breeder who imported her and see if I can get my money back. He won’t put his evaluation in writing without a second evaluation.

In desperation… I pulled out our bit sleeve we had bought from ED a couple months back, but have not used at all until today because we wanted to be trained first and have spent months trying to find a quality trainer. Today… I just wanted to see for myself what the dog would do. Training or no training… fully a wear of the risks.

As soon as the dog saw the sleeve she was jacked and bit on command. I videoed her and sent the videos to the trainer that had doomed her to death. He called me immediately and said the videos only prove what a piece of shit she is and again recommended euthanizing the dog only now he say he fears for my family safety and I am getting freaked out.

I would like anyone who is interested to watch the videos and give me your feedback. Please bear in mind this was her very first bite since she arrived here in early August and neither I nor my husband have any training beyond Eds articles, videos and this board.

In a perfect world I would have picked an outsider to be the helper… but my husband was all I had, which I agree was probably not the smartest move… but as soon as it was over she was loving on my husband and I saw no evidence that she would turn on either my husband or myself.

I just find it so odd that the aggressive Sheba Inu that has almost assuredly been doomed to death due to his aggression towards animals and people was resurrected by this trainer (even though the dog tried to bit him on 3 occasions during the training)

Yet my GSD that was extremely OB yet reluctant to bite was doomed to death.

Until last night… the only work I have done with the GSD is OB. I have not attempted tracking as I know nothing about tracking and I have not attempted any bite work as I know nothing about bite work. I went to this trainer with the hopes of being trained so I could work with her. That was not an option he gave us since he said my dog was a piece of shit.

Today… Was her first bite. Please tell me what you think of this dog.


http://www.references-etc.com/mov03878.mpg

http://www.references-etc.com/mov03877.mpg

The guy is an idiot. Why waste any emotions over an idiot? I can't see how you should fear for your safety. Go to someone else or drive to a club.

Thank you Jeff!!!! I have been so broken up by his harsh and cruel evaluation of my dog... and I can honestly say this dog was nothing but attentive and OB during the entire evaluation.

So in your opinion... you saw no monster lurking in the videos I posted?

I don't see no monster in that video either, but to recommend someone to put their dog down because she won't bite or a coward is just crazy. I think you should be careful with the other dog that wants to bite for no reason, and not the GS. You should find a club or another trainer.

Thanks Khoi,

We have a Schutzhund trial this weekend I am going to go watch and try to connect with a the members. I have emailed the head of the club 3 times in the last couple months and she has not responded to date.

Living in a rural area doesn't leave many options and I just honestly don't know where to turn. Hopefully the trial this weekend with yield some useful information.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

Julia

None whatsoever. The guy doesn't have a clue

I don't know who this "trainer" you're talking about is, but my guess is that he's an idiot.

I don't know much about protection work. I'm pretty much in the same boat you are as far as experience. But to suggest that a dog needs to be put to sleep after a single evaluation with no BLATANTLY OBVIOUS warning signs (he didn't eat any children did he?) is just absurd. A dog that is outstandingly obiedient is rarely a dog that is beyond rehabilitation, and in your case, you (the person who lives with the dog 7 days a week) don't see any cause for concern. I would definately get a second opinion before I put an ounce of faith in what the first trainer said.

On a side note... if you're really concerned, I'll take him. What a beautiful dog. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Regards,
Ryan

The trainer you went to is most likely a ring or other protection sport trainer....or he could just be a idiot1

From his evaluation of your dog he had nor has no clue about the sport of Schutzhund. You bought a sport dog and that sounds like what she is. I would not waste any time, money or sleep over it. Her titles speak for them selfs. Find a GOOD Sch club and enjoy her that is why you bought her. don't get bent out of shape over one persons commments. He needs to learn how to evaluate a dog. Did he try to sell you one too?
go to the trial and take her and let the judge or training director from the club look at her they have a better understanding of what she is suppose to do and not suppose to do. I would also distance myself from that nut job you took her to to begain with. Chalk it up as a lesson learned.
Where are you located? PM me I can see ifI can help you find a good trainer in your area.

Matt

Julia hi,

maybe you got honest opinion from person that just lacks in 'talking with people' skills...
I don't know why you bought that dog for but those videos don't show nothing. Hell i know dogs that would act like that and that are 'cr**' dogs. I own some <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. But that does not mean they should be euthanised. And yes they have really flashy OB. And are good sport dogs.
Besides, your husband is no helper (no offence).

That trainer could have told you that is one hell of a dog and took your money for working her.

Than again, i might be seriously wrong - as i said, those videos don't show much.

Thank you all for all your feedback. I don't know how I end finding all the nuts cases. I will be attending (as a spectator) the Me Schutzhund trial on Saturday and will make as many contacts as I can. I will find someone with a sound mind and body to help me train her… come hell or high water. She is a great dog… and as sloppy as our bite work was yesterday, (due to our zero inexperience) the dog was having a ball.

I won’t continue with any more bit work because I don’t want her to form bad habits from our lack of experience.

Thanks again for your help. It is so appreciated.

Julia