Good news to hear the dog is going. I was going to add to the other advice given this little bit, get a muzzle. The dog is not looking to your husband as a leader, he's looking to your husband as beta dog. If your husband tries to correct his behavior at this point, your husband may be injured. He should not try to retrain or correct this dog unless the dog is muzzled. Dog in good basket muzzle = dog that can't bite.
Sounds like the best thing is happening and I sure hope all is well until you say bye bye to him.

OK LADIES - this is a dog training forum not marriage counsellings forum.

Lets remember this.

The fact is some people should not own dogs.

 Quote:

OK LADIES - this is a dog training forum not marriage counsellings forum.

gee, ed, don't you think there are some similarities? --husband training, that is.

just kidding! don't ban me!

We have contacted a behaviorist. She is going to help us through this issue. She said that I am doing all the right things. My husband is the one that needs to step up and change his ways. If the GSD isn't showing any improvement in a hurry, he goes. I have owned well balanced dogs before and have never had an issue like this arise before. I have been around dogs all my life and have NEVER had this happen before so I can't agree with the "some people should not own dogs" comment. Sorry. I came here for help with the GSD issue and I have gotten some great advice. Thanks to everyone that decided to be helpful.

Angela,

If you have decided not to give up on this dog that is good news (for the dog that is ). However, judging from what you described, perhaps there were "other" reasons for the original owner to rehome this dog that they did not disclose to you.

If this behavior has been going on for a long time (before you owned the dog) then expect it to get worse before it gets better. That's not always the case but be mentally ready for it. The dog will not just "agree" to the new rules that you are going to put into place so be sure that part of your training plan involves how you are going to deal with the resistance to your new rules. Keep safety in mind at all times, even after the dog seems to have 'come around'. Don't just hook up a leash and start training, have a Plan A, and a Plan B if something goes wrong with A and a Plan C if...

Owning a dog that has displayed aggression like this is big commitment; even after he has been re-ranked/re-habilitated/re-trained (whatever term you use) you can never drop your guard. That doesn't mean you always have to be afraid of the dog, but you have to respect the animal for what it is.

I agree with your post, Brad...

None of us wants to see a dog who's been done disservice by however many owners destroyed out of hand -- But in this particular case, we're concerned for the safety of their young son in the home & for Angela's protection!

A 110 pound GSD that's been allowed to misbehave for 4 years, wittingly or unwittingly, could do that child & this woman grievous harm at the drop of a hat <:-( What inexperienced person should risk a little boy's life & limb with trial-&-error attempts to help any dog, no matter how potentially "fixable"?

IMHO, this animal should live at an expert's training facility while it's being rehabilitated, or at the very least be securely contained under lock & key in an escape-proof kennel if these folks foolishly insist on keeping it in their home -- But hey, I'm just one of the pet-owning ladies around here...

He is being kept in a crate unless we are working with him. When he is out of crate, he is muzzled, wearing a prong with a short lead, and not near our other dogs or my son. As I stated earlier, one more grumble to me and he is out the door. No ifs, ands or buts!

Best of luck, Angela -- I hope your plan works without any unexpected trips to the hospital or vet.

Safety is my concern too, Candi. I hate to see or hear of people being hurt, especially under avoidable circumstances. However, sometimes reason takes a back seat to desire.

Angela,

I have NO experience in dog aggression. I am posting only to show you a bit of support.

Therefore, this next comment comes more from a good ole 'life experience' kind of place. As with almost anything, if you utilize the right tools and the right professionals, and read/study/absorb all necessary information available to you from respected sources, and you can get that hubby of yours to do a 180 in his perspective/attitude, and the desire to make this work is there for all involved, I believe your chances of success most certainly exist.

And lastly, I wish you much luck because even with all of the above (all the stars in alignment) a little luck on your side couldn't hurt .