Quote: Sarah Ward

Most of my dogs have been rescues - including my current GSD, who was dumped in a shelter at only 14 months old by his third owner - and in my experience what helps such dogs get over their confusion and sadness not indulgence but firm establishment of pack order, structure and training. I wouldn't write Abbie off yet, but the fact that she's challenging you now means you have work to do on this, and fast. There's tons of good information on this site on establishing pack order and dealing with dominant dogs, as well as basic obedience training - I recommend you start reading it, as well as get the professional advice .....

I couldn't have said it better.

Feeling safe with a strong pack leader and knowing the position in the pack is number one for a dog who has been shipped around.

You did come to the right place.

Hey Sue,

Hah! Connie beat me to it. Just wanted to add that my current rescue GSD was a complete dink for the first couple of months and took a lot of work, but he turned out great. It can be done - don't think "failure", think "do what it takes", including getting help if you need it.

Hi Sarah,

Yes I have had Abbie for 6 months and she already knows basic obedience. Her foster Mom thinks I should be reinforcing the basic obedience again and with a prong collar and basket muzzle (just in case). She also suggested letting Abbie out of her crate after the others so she knows that I will let her out when I choose to let her out. She goes potty in a separate kennel run and can not be with the others running free. She told me to ignore her for awhile which I've been trying to do. For now I'm doing this until my husband gets home from a trip and we will decide if Abbie needs to go. One crazy little thought.....she seemed to really get worse after her vet app. and rabies shot? Any thoughts on this? Sue Ann

 Quote: sue waseen

One crazy little thought.....she seemed to really get worse after her vet app. and rabies shot? Any thoughts on this? Sue Ann

You may want to read this...
Leerburg article on Vaccinosis

and possibly this...
Thyroid Dysfunction and Behavioral Changes

I don't have time this morning, but you could also Google "rabies miasm".

Katie



Edited by Katie O'Connor (05/03/2008 06:35 AM)
Edit reason: add search for rabies miasm

Hi Sue Ann,
Thanks for the clarification. I'm not sure what the person who fostered Abbie means by "ignoring her for a while". Ignoring a pushy dog's demands to be petted or played with (you do that when you choose, not when the dog wants) is one thing, but IMO ignoring (rather than immediately correcting) inappropriate behavior such as growling is a very bad idea. The advice about putting a muzzle on the dog and reworking her in basic obedience using a prong collar I think is good.

I'm with Katie - I don't think your observation that this got much worse after a rabies shot is crazy at all. Was there any sign of this behavior at all before Abbie was vaccinated?

Sue Ann,
How much exercise is Abbie getting? How much time does she spend in her crate?

Hi Sarah,

Abbie gets good excercise by running after the 4-wheeler with us in the woods. We also walk alot on trails in the woods. She only spends about a total of 3 hours a day in the crate while I go to drive a school bus. All three sleep in their crates at nite. She was pretty aggressive last nite and after she was put in, she attacked the door. I walked away because talking to her seemed to make it worse. I have to be honest that it scared me to see her act that way. If she knows that now then I guess there is really no hope for us to work together.

Abbie was begining to show signs of aggression a couple of months ago by slightly growling and pushing the other dogs around, but never to me. She slowly started to do it to me while I crated her recently and I would say"quit it"! I started to throw treats in her crate to help distract her when I would shut the door and that seemed to help until the rabies shot about 3 weeks ago. She went downhill fast and became a dog I didn't know. When she is out of the crate, she is still aggresive with me when I make her sit or call her to come. She growls. She never did that before. But the last couple of days....things are bad. She does drool a little since the shot. Maybe or maybe not this has anything to do with it. I don't feel able to deal with this since I am too gentle personality wise and I'm sure at this point Abbie needs special help or needs to be put down. Sue Ann

Sue Ann,
I think you are right - what you are describing sounds more serious than a dog getting uppity and testing the boundaries. This needs professional evaluation. Please keep us posted.

Sue,
I for one, don't like the sound of the elevated agression after the rabies vac. And if I suspected a reaction, well truthfully, I wouldn't know what to do but wait it out and see if she comes out of it. Is there anything else that can be done? Anyone know?
Have you done a thyroid check yet?
I note that you don't mention any 'work' the dogs are put through, like anything structured, just exercise. Which is good, don't get me wrong, but GSD's need a mental workout as well.

And you're right, passive isn't going to cut it. So if you want to help this dog, start reading the links Connie and others turned you on to and steel yourself for the task at hand.

No quitters here.
Randy

Ps.
Help from a pro is also probably in the cards.

Edited by randy allen (05/03/2008 05:51 PM)
Edit reason: PS