I skimmed, but wanted to throw something out there - Do not ever say 'she did it for no reason at all.' You wouldn't go to a foreign country and think they're stupid or mentally insane because you can't understand what they're saying, would you? The same goes for your dog. Just because YOU don't know what she's saying doesn't make it her fault.

I am so sorry you are dealing with these issues, especially with a baby on the way! I am not a professional, all my 'dog learning' is pretty much the steep learning curve I started climbing when I adopted Jethro and Skipper. I am feeling outraged on your behalf, for the very bad combination of advice you have received for caring for your dog. I don't fault you, you have tried to follow the advice of professionals and did not know any better. If I were you, I would completely wipe the slate clean and start over, as if you have adopted this dog last week and you are going to get the best help for her. The previous owners, the owners you used to be, got very bad advice and inadvertently screwed up this beautiful dog. Now you are committed to setting it right and giving this dog a fresh start in life.

One thing I would do is sit down and write letters to the Vet and to PetSmart, expressing your anger at the incompetence of the care your received. This should go on record because there are other dogs and new owners who are going to suffer the same way you are, and it has to stop.

The second thing I would do is contact the local rescue facilities and find out who they recommend for private training for an aggressive, OCD dog. I recommend meeting with at least three trainers and get their opinions on what your dog needs. At the same time, watch them with your dog. Be a close observer of their body language and the attitude they take toward your dog. Does it feel good to you? Guidance, discipline and corrections are not punishments. You want to see your dog interested in engaging with this person.

After each assessment session, which I would videotape, I would post the video for discussion here, and get feed back from the professionals and seasoned dog handlers and trainers on this site. They will be able to give you insight into the trainer's methods and your dog's responses that you, yourself, won't be able to see.

One last thing (I promise!): the OCD is a problem that is going to come up when your dog is alone, scared, bored, etc (depending on what is causing it to recur). I wondered if you could put a cone on your pup when she is crated, so at least she can't get at her poor tail. Others know better than I about this.

I have a crate spinning, people nipping, high drive GSD myself. She is a working dog. I have worked through it through constant obedience, NILF approach, much exercise, and doing my best to keep the people around her safe while working through her issues. In the past 3 months, she has gotten 95% better. The crate spinning has stopped all together, and she will only lunge at people that are running, or when in a very high stimulation situation.

I think you have some great advice already. You need professional help with the behavior issues. You need to see what a proper correction is, and understand when / if it is needed.

I would like to second the tread mill idea. Fama does between 30 minutes and 60 minutes at a time, sometimes 2 times a day (depending on our work load). I would recommend utilizing a trainer for the first session or 2.

I would also second the muzzle. Purchase a really good muzzle, such as the wire basket or police muzzle. They are meant to be comfortable for extended periods. Fama can work for several hours in her muzzle with no problems. Proper training is again required.

Good luck!

I had mentoned a treadmill in one of my early posts.

FWIW.....

I use a treadmill with my adult dogs. I would be very careful about using a treadmill with a 1 year old dog. I would walk her on one working up to 15- 20 minutes a 2-3 times a day over a few day to a week. I would NOT run her on it. Growth plates don't close until about 2 years of age on a GSD. You can damage her skelletal system running her or even trotting her for extended times on the treadmill. Obviously running her on the sidewalk or road is even worse for her. Most of her work should be on grass.

Anne, thanks for the information. I have never heard about not running a young dog on a treadmill, or on hard surfaces. This is common practice in the military and I will look into it further. If you have links to share to help shed some light on the subject, could you please post them in the new topic I have created on the subject.

Thanks!

David

See
http://leerburg.com/webboard/thread.php?topic_id=31396&page=1



Edited by Connie Sutherland (11/29/2011 09:41 AM)
Edit reason: add URL

I have seen exactly the behavior Joseph is describing, i.e. petting the dog and then getting bit when the petting hand is withdrawn.

I believe this behavior is pack structure problem in that the dog believes he is in charge and is attempting to control the situation, i.e. "No, you're not done petting me yet! Get your hand back here and continue!"

You have a dangerous dog situation here - A LIABILITY - and for your own physical (AND FISCAL) protection you must treat it as such. This dog should not be allowed to come into contact with any strangers that you don't trust, or basically anyone who might sue you WHEN they get bit.

You definately need a behaviorist. In the meantime, muzzle the dog when in contact with strangers. YOU introduce the dog to the "stranger" ON LEASH and allow the "stranger" to pet the dog. BEFORE the "stranger" is done petting the dog, tell the dog "we're done" and then YOU lead the dog away from the "stranger." This way, YOU are controlling the situation, NOT the dog, and NOT the stranger. In this instance, when I refer to "stranger", I'm talking about someone you trust who's trying to help you rehabilitate the dog.

FOLLOW ALL PREVIOUS GUIDANCE as provided in previous posts with respect to pack structure and exercise.

This is not your run-of-the-mill dog problem. This is a serious situation. Save yourself pain heed the advice being provided.

See this post here: http://leerburg.com/webboard/thread.php?topic_id=31396&page=1#350267

(moved)

Just a thought, when looking for a way to mentally tire your dog, I found that when my little basket case gets to track in the morning, she will spend several blessedly quiet hours contentedly napping in her crate. She does get time to run like the lunatic she is also, but having to settle down and sniff out her breakfast seems to be a great way to spend quality, quiet, thinking time with her. I take her down the road to the park and set up some scent pads (she's only 8 months old). I know she enjoys it because she launches herself out of the truck when she sees the flag.
I don't know, I was just thinking that this might be a way for your wife to interact with her when it is difficult for her to move quickly with that big ol' baby belly interfering.
With Paige and Zeva, I just make 3 scent pads each, stand to one side with a loose leash and occassionally tell them 'Good, sook (or however you spell it). I toss treats in the pads when they run low. I hardly have to move at all, the dogs do all the real work.

If I were having the issues you all are, I would start with the behavorist, get the pack structure routine going, get an exhustive exercise program in place, than see about tracking or some other 'thinking' games.

Best wishes!