Hi,
We have a 6 y/o, neutered male, German Shorthaired Pointer that we got through the GSP rescue about 3 months ago. He is a very sweet dog, good temperment, very loving and obedient. He was a stray (lost from a hunting party) but he shows no signs of any type of abuse and was well trained to 'sit, stay, shake, come'. I take him frequently to the off-leash park and he plays well with other dogs and is friendly, yet somewhat shy around people. People can pet him and he's fine, a little aloof. Doesn't go around looking for attention but accepts it with no problem. He has, however, shown some agressiveness when on a leash and someone approches him from the front with their hands out to pet him. I just warn people that he is unpredictable and not to pet him.

The problem is when we have visitors come into our home... He becomes very agressive, showing his teeth, lunging and snapping. Very ugly; a side of him that's hard to understand.

We've taken him to a behavioralist, and of course he was very cunning and as sweet as could be (the meeting wasn't on his turf). She gave us excellent advise, ie crating him, and slowly trying to introduce him to visitors; keeping his prong collar and leash on when he's out of his crate, and correcting him when he gets nasty, etc. We're trying this, but it is very upsetting to see him so freaked out and out of control. We typically just leave him in his crate and he will settle down, but is very uncomfortable with the whole scene.

As he is 6, is this just the way he will always be? ..or should we continue to work with him. He is also very fearful of thunder and lightning; shakes uncontrollably and hides his head under the bed or sofa. The rescue gave us velarian root to give him.

He seems to be such a happy dog, except for this fear he seems to have with weather and 'home invaders'. Any thoughts??
Thanks,
Linda Hopkins
Wisconsin

I'd seriously consider getting the/a behaviorist to your home. It's hard to assess a fearful dog's chances for rehab (for me, anyway) even in person; on the internet it's not feasible.

Meanwhile, I'd be very sure that I was not reinforcing fearful behavior with soothing words, caresses, etc.; I'd be sure I was calm and matter-of-fact in every instance of fear.

I think what I would do is crate him in advance whenever people are coming, not allow him to be touched by strangers, and get the behaviorist to your home.

JMO, and not universal at all, many fearful pet dogs can be rehabilitated.

Also JMO is that motivational training can be an aid to confidence and bonding.

This has come up before here, and I know several members of this forum have worked successfully with fearful dogs. I think you will get more suggestions.