I have a 2 year old female shepherd, all working lines, very high drives. i had her since she was about 5 months old, she was not really socialized before that but once i got her she was out with people and dogs constantly.

the problem is that recently, i got married. she loves my husband, listens to him very well, is great all around. but when he takes her out and someone wants to pet her, she will almost always growl and possibly snap at whoever it is. when i take her out, she is fine and people can pet her with no problem. sometimes you can tell she's not real happy about, but she allows it, but a lot of the time she'll actually wag her tail and be friendly and go up to the people.

now, i know you'll probably tell me not to let people pet her, but people can be really stupid. a lot of people will walk the other way as soon as they see a "police dog" like her but she is very beautiful and some people do want to pet her (especially if they had a shepherd in the past). or just yesterday, a little boy ran right into her face and then asked "does he bite?" as he reached out to pet her. Most kids don't even ask.

I personally think it's because my husband enjoys the whole macho aspect of having an agressive dog...could that be the reason? he admits he did sort of like it at first, but he corrects her very strongly when she growls and doesn't give her any engouragement.

could anybody give me any insight into why she'd be doing this, and any way to stop the behavior? thanks!

I think you are already on the right track as far as identifying the problem. Your husband.

Sometimes people send very subtle cues to their dog that can trigger unsureness or aggression. Tightening the leash as people approach is a very common mistake that people make resulting in a dog that barks at the approaching person.
Perhaps you are more comfortable with your dog and do not send these messages, since she doesn't behave this way with you. You are probably more relaxed than your husband.

Also, harsh corrections are not necessary and usually only make matters worse. It would be easy enough to tell your dog to sit as people approach. If she breaks the sit in order to bark, correct her for not sitting. This should be done in a calm and matter of fact fashion and not with anger. Don't wait until the people are right in front of you to use the obedience. You see them coming, so tell her to sit before they get there.

Some dogs don't like being petted by strangers. Why their owners insist on putting their dogs in this position is beyond me. Sometimes, this actually creates problems with aggression that would not have happened if people had just taken the time to understand their dog. Not all GSDs are alike. Just because they do not like attention from strangers does not make them bad dogs. In fact, the standard calls for this type of behavior.You stated your dog doesn't really like it. Then don't allow it, it's that simple.

Reading the people that interact with your dog is very important. People that are clearly tentative around her should be avoided. Their hesitant and fearful body language is very disturbing to the dog and will provoke the behavior you mentioned. The people your dog wants to approach are more comfortable with dogs than the ones that she looks uncomfortable or aggressive with.

Lastly, I always tell my clients that it is up to them to protect their dog. One bite and your dog, (and you), are in trouble. If you think people are that stupid, then TELL them what to do around your dog. It is your dog and you need to tell people what YOU will tolerate. The "people are stupid" excuse is pretty weak. No one approaches my dog unless I allow it, period. If you can't be that assertive, then you shouldn't have a GSD out in public. JMO and I hope it helps.

Megan - I agree with what Anne wrote, and I must reinterate that its your responcibility to protect your Puppy/Dog she sounds like a pretty nice puppy.

You need to guide her, so that she understands the proper responce that you want from her.

You and your husband should get together and decided what kind of consistance command or control technique you are going to use to handle this type aggression. Being consisitance helps gives the puppy confident that its doing the right thing.

I would just tell people that no they can't pet my dog, and keep moving. If we were sitting, I'd use the same responce and kneel near her to comfort her and keep the kids and adults away.

I know what you mean about stupid people most think they are the Crocodile hunter and will say "Oh I know dogs, he will let me pet him". These people you have to be firm with, and say "I said No petting".

I remember walking in the park and these three kids (5-7) kept following asking to pet my dogs, I kept walking and they kept following until I left the park. Where were their parents I don't know.

On the flip side I remember letting some kids this size try to pet my nicer GSD puppy years ago. I sat him and they petted him, he like it and jumped up knocking them down and start licking their face. The kids started crying and their parents started bitching and were really upset. So now I say NO petting, you can look but you have to be a family member almost to touch.

BUT usually its "NO YOU CAN"T PET MY DOG!!"

thanks for the replies, my only question is, for schutzhund, dont' they have to accept petting from a frienly stranger? if i don't allow people to pet her, how can i know if she'll be okay then?
she's actually really good with kids, the other day a whole pack of em ran over and was running circles around her and she didn't care, she liked it when one kid pet her. anyway, i guess the problem is mostly with him, i asked if he tightened the leash and he said yes, he did...but he does just tell people not to pet her, it's easier (and safer) all around.
anyway, thanks a lot, and if anyone can answer the question about the schutzhund test, that would be great.

Meghan wrote - thanks for the replies, my only question is, for schutzhund, dont' they have to accept petting from a frienly stranger? if i don't allow people to pet her, how can i know if she'll be okay then?

My reply - I think the point is you decide who you let pet your dog, don't let the stranger put you in jepordy. If it look like it could be a liability then protect your interest, say "No".

A trail judge should be able to inspect your dog and also your vet, but not everybody on the street or in the mall. Not even all your associates/friends.

I let some people and kids pet my dogs but not everybody. My grand kids help walk them. And at Pet Mart sometimes while waiting in line after their annual Pro-cleaning. Someone may ask to pet them and I'll give the ok or at the wife's daycare the kids like to pet dogs, the female loves it the male will kinda wiggle away. So socailize them sure but be discriminating on who you let pet her.

Especially until you get the aggression problem solved, Eventually you can tell her to accept someone that she just barked at or bit the sleeve on. After you can control the dog like this then start letting judges or certain people pet her. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />