Mr. Nash,

Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.

Friends it is. Had to do with with too much or too little coffee.

Mike

Mr. VanCamp,

I think it has to do with my writing style or choice of words. I am a contentious jerk - or so I'm told.

I have little problem with an aggressive dog. What I have a problem with is an untrained aggressive dog, or worse, an untrained handler with an aggressive dog.

I have two GSDs, at the moment, and their aggressiveness has not been trained out of them. They have been trained, though.

I think the average dog owner with an aggressive dog is ill-prepared to manage it. I have more respect for the dog than the person in many situations - and that is a sad commentary.

My four children were raised with GSDs. Never worried about them in the yard or when they took the dog for a walk. Something about a 100 lb. GSD, in the first instance. But the dogs were trained, and the children were trained.

I do not worry about anyone breaking in to the house, and don't even lock the doors. Something about two GSDs.

I think we agree more than disagree. But I do think too many people get a dog - a GSD, for example - because they think they bought a protector. They ignore their taining responsibility and end up with a potential problem. That kind of owner does not need an aggressive dog.

And so it goes...

In all fairness to Blitz, he was only doing what most dogs would do under similar circumstances,
whether motivated by territorial aggression, or merely surprise- a stranger enters the place unannounced and then backs away from the barking dog- even a skittish dog would do the same. IMO,
not locking the door was the mistake made. Had the workman knocked first, the dog would have been under control.

Rob, the idea I'm trying to get across to my dog is motivationally-inspired in the sense that he's allowed his freedom if he behaves. It would be impractical to have eveyone feed him treats because I really want him to just ignore them. If he feels a great affinity with a certain person he's more than welcome to give them a friendy hello, but those are his two options. He would like to introduce another where he'd be able to bark and maybe jump on people he for whatever reason doesn't like-that's not gonna happen, lol.
He has to learn this if he wants to continue to be allowed at the shop. Either that or spend 9 hours every day cooped up with the cat, LOL.
And I'll try to be nice but I can't make you
any promises <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Cynthia

What kind of shop do you work in/own? Obviously I don't know what your duties are, and I am sure you are doing what's most feasable for you. But I was just trying to clarify what the difference was between the two terms. Both motivation and compulsion have there place in training, with the latter used mostly for proofing, after the dog has learned the behavior you want thru motivation
IMO. Nothing is etched in stone, all dogs are different and so the training must be plyable for individual dogs.

If you want PM me with more details on what kind of conditions your training in, I may have some suggestions for you. But I doubt it, you seem more versed in dog training than myself.

And I agree blitz was just being a dog. That is why I was wondering why Eddie wanted to punish him for being a dog. Around here where I live certain areas are culling the deer herds protesters say killing the deer, in a sense yes. But the truth is they are thinning the herd.Thats why it is important to have the right context/frame of mind of what you are doing. Even if the workman had knocked, blitz still would have bolted for the door. From the sound of things I doubt he would have been under control, Ever tried to answer a door with a frantic gsd trying to get around you to see who's there? Mine do they are just faster than me, But I can call them back and put them in a sit, then answer the door. Makes life alot easier <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Rob, I do appreciate your clarification of
techniques and in theory I understand the difference...unfortunately it seems the more I think, the less I know, lol. As in, really I'm using compulsion, right? After all, the dog is being punished by being tied down...but the fact that he has complete freedom would motivate him not to misbehave? I guess I'm using 'consequence'
methods, lol...I'm a screenprinter, so my hands are always busy and as a result my dog must obey verbal commands pronto. He's been excellent so far
and I'm attributing this recent behavior to his age, the sassy little punk, lol.

I was giving Eddie the benefit of doubt over the control at the door issue. That's got to be in the top 10 of what to teach your pup. Probably in the top 3, housebreaking and biting issues right
up there too...definitely a challenge. I opted to teach my dog "Move", that is-the door isn't opening until you're behind me. That along with
"Quiet" solves most of my problems, lol.

I hear ya about the deer. I moved to the beautiful
county and now I'm absolutely petrified to drive at dawn or dusk- the amount of car accidents due
to the deer are unreal here. The people who think
it's cruel to cull them obviously don't think about the natural predators that no longer exist.
Or the loss of habitat and inevitable starvation.

Update - Ever since moving into the new house (moved in for real now) things have gotten worse. I'm not sure if its the new environment or what. Another family is living with us temporarily so there are a lot of changes going on. I don't think he's adjusting well. I'm somewhat worried, especially since I'm away on business 4 days out of 7, so Blitz is with my brother and father who don't seem to understand control. I've given explicit orders not to encourage his protective side and if anything to discourage any protective behaviour.

Again today as I let him out of the car he sees a group of strangers (more tradesman) walking in and out of the house (I didn't notice them). He bolts after them barking and growling, lunging at one of them before I can stop him. Fortunately he didn't bite, just scared the shit out of the guy. Whats wore is I was not able to call him off intially but once I got back into eye contact range with him he disengaged. Much too late though.

Anyways I'm very worried, it seems he's becoming extremeley territorial and showing aggression to anyone who walks through the door (except family). Although he does seem to snap at some people he knows and if they show fear he gets worse. Growl first ask questions later seems to be the new motto. I'm definately starting to worry about his nerves, definately starting to think about some professional help if I can find someone, also thinking about neutering him. Was hoping to wait till he was 2 years old but he seems to be getting
more aggressive by the day.

From what I can tell his aggression seems 100% territorial. As if he views any stranger who is in or around the house as a threat. The sound of a door opening, doorbell or knock set him off again territorial based it seems.

 Quote:

So blitz is with my brother and father who don't seem to understand control

 Quote:

APPARENTLY NEITHER DO YOU EDDIE!

You KNOW other houses are still being built so construction crews are still around, You KNOW how your dog is. You KNOW you should have leashed him before getting out of the car. You KNOW You have to get a prong collar and or a muzzle and learn how to use them. You KNOW you should be sifting thru the old post searching out the knowledge you need instead of posting updates about a problem you've done nothing to correct. You KNOW you should get the basic dog obedience disc, if not Leerburgs atleast somebodies. You KNOW your dog has to learn the command NO Oh I just thought of a training manual you could get Eddie, it is called 'No Means No' I forget the name of the author But it might do you some good. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Maybe you could search the old posts to find out what others thought of it. Maybe deep inside you KNOW blitz would be better off with someone else who will help him be all he can be. And that would be a well trained ambassador of the canine world.

Eddie please don't take this the wrong way, but have you ever thought about raising worms, they sell the kits in the sporting department at K-mart

I KNOW, I KNOW, this has gone on way to long. I was just trying to help, but what do I KNOW

Rob how was that post supposed to help other than being insulting and mean what does it accomplish. A good rule of thumb is if you would not say it to the persons face then do not write it. I doubt very seriously that you would have talked to Eddie in person liked you did to him on the board. If you would act like that in person it is time for you to switch to decaf.

Eddie it sounds like the above post are correct you have a serious obedience problem with your dog. I know you are thinking but I have obedience trained him, unfortunately it sounds like you need more. Rob is right there are tons of info on this site. Go to the articles section on this site and you will find info that will help you diagnose your problem. Also go to the Video and DVD section and pull out the old cerdit card and buy and WATCH (several times) AT LEAST the basic dog obedience video.

I have read and watched about every dog training video on the market. Ed's is the best by far. You might also want to invest in a prong collar and e-collar.

I would be careful on the search function. The advice on this board is sometimes great and sometimes not. It should be doggy bootcamp for a while at your house.

Good luck,

Eddie, another thing to try , do NOT let the dog run loose, period. Unless he is behind a fence in the yard (if you have one) ALWAYS have at the least a drag line/leash on him (you can correct inappropriate behavior immediately) and stop a threat. A muzzle may also be something to think about. The obedience is a must. This is a great site to find info, as is Mr. Leerburg's site. He has a lot of info on aggressive behavior. To me, the dog is confused, afraid(?), and acting out. The dog needs stability, and a regular schedule.

Another thing to remember is the dogs age. He is in the teenage years and starting to mature. Hormones are raging. If you are not going to breed, neuter him ASAP.

Maybe another option for leaving the dog with relatives that can't understand the situation is boarding him out with a pro/trainer(??) for awhile.

Good luck, be careful.

Theresa Greene

Thanks for the great advice Rob you sack of ****.
You seem to be missing the point here boy genius, this type of behaviour is brand new for the dog and as a result its brand new for me to deal with.

Moron.

Anyways Ed's video is coming home soon and everyone who handles the dog is going to sit down and watch it. Also been getting him used to his crate, he seems to be okay with it.