This is a wonderful forum and this is my first time posting. Here is my situation.

Our 'little precious' is a two year old dalmatian. A breed I would never have choosen but it was one of those 'he choose us' situations.

We live far out in the country and about a week and a half ago...about a 4-5 yr old GS just shows up at our gate (no doubt dumped) and instead of just wandering through she camps out there for two days. At first we couldn't get near her but as soon as we'd go back in the house, she'd be back at her spot by the gate. Strangest thing we have seen in 22 yrs at this location. Finally we lured her down to the house whereupon she immediately latched on to my retired husband and has stuck like glue.

At first she was very agressive towards my dalmatian (male) but now has accepted him 98%. On occasion she will growl or snarl at him when he comes near my husband but not every time. She's very sweet and otherwise doesn't exhibit true alpha behavior. She's never shown any agression to a person though we've had people over. Our children are all grown. My question is...how tough should we be on the snarling and what should the correction be? My husband is clearly the alpha in the eyes of both dogs.
Thanks for any thoughts...
Beckie

Beckie,
First question here. Has the stray been taken to a Vet for an exam yet? Is the stray intact?

Once she has been checked for any medical conditions that could cause her pain and grouchiness, why not have your husband try some clicker training with her? When she knows what to do in the situation she won't have to worry about what to do or trying to take care of it.

it's much easier to substitute a different behavior. In my limited experience a lot of GSDs (esp. dogs from questionable backgrounds or show line mixes) have nerve problems and the easiest way to get them to quit worrying is to tell them what to do (obedience).

The answers to these questions are yes, she has been to the vet; the only problems he found were some small bumps on her back which we are treating with a topical cream. They don't seem to be at all painful. And she is spayed.

I'm sorry please tell me what clicker training is. I'm familiar with basic obedience training and it appears she has had some. And yes, she is getting less grouchy as she gets less worried, it's just sad. I really like her and would love to have her stay..but I am nervous about taking any chances with by dalm.
Beckie

Hi Beckie,
To anserw your question clicker training is a type of obediance training. You can buy one at just about any pet store. While doing this type of trainng you have a bunch of hot dogs, or any kind of treat just as long as it's not hard, you tell the dog a command,sit, clik the cliker and give the dog the reward, treat. You can carry it all over the house with you, if she dose something good, sit or maybe lay, click it and say good girl, good sit. But make sure every time you say the command and remember the treats. This training method is pretty fast depending on the dog, good luck <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Angela

Thanks Angela, I'll check out the clicker training.

I am very curious about the way this dog showed up at my house.

Would someone be willing to take the time to explain this behavior to me? It was just really interesting.

We live about a half mile from the nearest house at the end of a dirt road. If the dog was dumped on this road, why wouldn't it just go a house closeby? And lets say it did wander another half mile down the road to our house. Why would it dig itself a nest next to the gate post (some 300 yards from the house) and spend two almost three days just observing our home? I've been around a few dogs in my lifetime but I thought this was really unusual. What sort of instinct was it following?

Beckie

Any thoughts?

hi,
I'd say someone dumped her at or somewhat near your house. She dug that nest most likely in hopes that her so called owner would return for her. Dogs dig "nests" as homes, a safe shelter if you will. It's warm and keeps them out of too much trouble. She was most likely observing the behavior of your other dog, and also yu and your husband. The reason why she is so protective of your husband when the other dog aproaches is becauseshe is trying to protect him, repay him for his kindness if you will. I hope this anserws your questions.
Angela

Thanks Angela, I think you're absolutely right. She is getting along better and better every day with my dalmatian.

Hopefully we will be one big happy family soon!

Thanks again-