Hi, today I got 2 gsd females,they are german working lines,and they are 9 months old sisters,very bonded to each other.while the man took Drew out of the car she would not let me near her and barked and growled.I had her owner put her in a kennel,Cammy came out and was scared but let me pet her,I put her in a differant kennel.after the old owners left.I went and got out cammy walked her around and before long she was sitting in my lap and kissing me.After I put her up.
I went to get DrewI first talked to her then went in her kennel ,she barked and showed teeth,I went in and just talked to her,she finnaly came to me,even jumped on me,let me pet her.I took her out on the leash,and let her see her sister for a min then walked her around soon she too,when I sat down she was sitting on me and kissing me and wanting to play,good so far right?I went in the house for about an hour and came out to feed(I have other gsds and a Rott}oh I did put the two back together and I stayed with them for about an hour just talking and petting them.(I think this was a big mistake putting them together}as I came to the kennel with food in hand they were both showing teeth and barking
I talked to them the whole time went into the kennel placed thier food down.Drew got between the door and me,growling all teeth,hair up, even Cammy was groweling.I sat down and I finaly got Cammy to come to me and as soon as she sat in my lap,and was being petted Drew wanted to be petted(which I did not)but all the time I was talking to them.I was finaly able to get up and go to the door(oh I might add I kept Cammy between me and Drew)all the time talking to them,and before I left the kennel I did pet Drew and talk to her.After I finished feeding,I went back to them and sat outside and talked to them Drew of course barked and showed teeth,
I know it will take time and I'm sure I need to get them away from each other,I was thinking of bringing Drew in the house and Crating her, so she see me more and it would be easier to work with her.Any other advice?I have never had a pup this young do this as Drew has done.She will come out of this right? Thanks pnpgsd

It sounds like to me that both of these dogs have some big issues. Cammy sounds a bit better than Drew. They are showing sharp nerves. The question is whether it is fear based. Were either of these dogs hackled or tail tucked? What did you purchase these dog for? Are they going to be pets, sport or breeding animals? This is something I think your really going to need to work on. You really need to separate them and work with them individually. They don't get anything unless it's from your hand- food, toys, a pat on the head or whatever it is it. Just remember the genetic base for these dogs are there no matter how much covering up you do and in stressul situations could resort back to that behavior.

I hope you didn't purchase them for breeding! They sound pretty messed up, and so young, too. I think it's possible that you may be able to bring them out of it as house pets, but I wouldn't even take the chance breeding them.

Quote: "I have other gsds and a rott".

How many dogs do you have? What are they used for and what are your intentions for these two new females?

Karmen has raised good points. You must keep these dogs seperate and obedience train them individually. I'd like to hear your response to my first set of questions before I comment any further.

I'll give my unprofessional opinion since you're females seem to be doing similar things my male did right after I brought him home. My male does not show teeth or growl when I enter his kennel anymore. My first thoughts are that you might be dealing with a RANK female if there is such a thing. I know males can be RANK but I don't know if it applies to a bitch. It may have nothing to do with gender. You have to ask the experts on this board.

My feeling is also this. Drew seems to be the DOMINANT bitch so she will more than likely try to take it to you (TRY YOU) until you assert yourself as the pack leader. This is going to take time and lots of patience. Yeilding a heavy hand is not the answer. Drew has probably been use to being the pack leader when it comes to protecting her littermate so she will naturally be protective of her sister. Again my opinion.

You said and I quote: I talked to them the whole time went into the kennel placed thier food down.Drew got between the door and me,growling all teeth,hair up, even Cammy was groweling.

My male showed teeth right after I laid down his food dish in his kennel for a short period of time right after I got him. I wouldn't worry about her showing teeth too much when you enter the kennel because I believe the agression is food related. I think if she was going to bite you she already would have. She may be use to showing this type of display to get people to leave her food alone. Once you lay her food down GO! Don't try and make small talk or stay in the kennel. Once the food is gone she might and should have a different attitude towards you entering the kennel. Maybe not, at least not right away. As far as keeping Cammy inbetween you and Drew I don't think that will help if Drew decided to go after you. In fact it might bring on Cammy's pack instinct and both dogs would be on you. Remember these dogs are probably very close and they are NEW to you. It's going to take time. You also mentioned something about Drew jumping on you or jumping up on you. This could be a sign of her trying to dominate you also. I have always found that you can control any dominance type problems with giving a command like down or foose. (sp) But you cannot show any fear and you have to remain calm and confident. You're dog will pick up on this. If she is well trained she should be thinking about complying with the command and take her mind off of trying to dominate you. On the other hand don't expect the two dogs to just get up and do everything 100% for you until you have established the bond. I think you have alot of work to do as anyone does when acquiring a new dog. I hope this helps. Without seeing the dog it is hard to speculate. Good luck!

I don't know if you are looking at fear based aggression or not. Again you need the experts. I just say that if she is not tucking her tail she just might be socially agressive.

Hello All thank you for your input.These two girls have always been together and Drew was the dominat dog out of 9,Of the nine pups born,4 were kept and Drew was head bitch.Drew and her sister were not socialized at all.They have only known three people.the man woman and thier 12yr old girl.They are barely leash broke.
And yes these girls are for breeding,and I don't Think there is any thing genticly wrong with them.(not yet anyway}As I said I know it will take alot of time and patience(I have both}
The rott belongs to my son,but I do care for her so shes mine too.The other Gsds are breedig stock,I have co-bred and co-owned show dogs, go to my site and look.And I also bred one of Indianas top search and rescue dogs,He was no.1 2 years ago.I have trained for search and rescue,ob,and the conformation show ring as well as handle up until 6 years ago,until some very nasty people poisioned all of my dogs &a horse(except two who pulled through)
I asked advice because to me,this is not normal behavior,I have been doing this for almost 15yrs and have NEVER had a dog do this.
yes her hair was up yesterday,but not today,and her tail was never tucked.today she groweled and barked but was slowly wagging her tail.And they both do alot of whinning(I think it is stress}When Drew jumped up on me I let her know fast I didn't like it and pushed her off with a firm Off!
Today I went in to feed and she barked and ran for the dog house and did not come out until I left the kennel,I sat beside the kennel,and talked to them as they ate,and they didn't pay me any mind,when they were done.I came back out with a treat and called them Cammy came and got a treat,Drew went to the dog house and I just sat there,finaly Drew came out got a treat.I just want to do right by them seeing I have never had a dog be so dominant this young.And I have never had a fear biter,what I have read on some of the Q&A page she could turn into one and
would like to control it as soon as possible(then of course breeding would be out of the question}I hope this has answered everyones
questions and given you more back ground.(which I should have done in the frist place.Thank you All pnpgsd

Nice website - you also breed Boston Terriers - that's quite a range!

thank you my hubby was raised with the bostons and I the Shepherds,I like gsd better
but don't tell him!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />