Hello, We have adopted about 6 months ago a Black GSD (VonFalconer lines) from a breeder who had rescued him and was also just beginning a GSD breeding program. She was a siberian husky breeder and that was how i met her. Well my brother who is only 23 was supposed to be his owner and trainer, but ended up getting a job and moving away after a few months. The dog is trained in both German and English, but since my brother moved away he no longer listens to any of us. He has obvious been taught bite work as when the gardener came one day, the dog decided that this person was bad and proceded to open the kitchen door and fly out the front door and take him down. He has the rolling bark they talk about in police dogs and protects his house strongly. He knows how to open every closed door he runs into and is easily bored. He plays all day long with our siberian puppy. They are 4 months apart. He acts sad and his only joy is going to the dog park twice a day. We cannot take him on walks because he tries to attack anyone that walks by us. I was wondering if there is a way to find him a new home where he can be used in working, he seems to have good herding instincts, and was taught some search work. I dont think he would be a good therapy assistance dog due to the barking or attempting to attack strangers.

Julia - Sounds like a dog that needs some training and guidance, it seems that he may be too much for your family. Is there any GSD rescue center near you? Or you could post in the news papers that you have a GSD for sale.

Some of the traits you mentioned doesn't have to be from a working dog background a lot of GSD show these type traits. Intelligent and protective enough that he can open the door/patio door and exist or enter.

My dog can open my patio door to the amazement of friends, 1st I let them read articles of protection dogs that watch there owner being attacked outside the patio door, growling but can't get in. They say what good is a dog if he outside, I call my dog to the (unlocked) patio door then tell them to push me on the couch and act like they are attacking me. He stands up and paws the door open, uses his nose to slide it back and he in and they are out the front door, and he's right behind them, their eyes wide and amazed. My dog going by this forum has Germany show dog back ground and really is too long for make conformation, he is a misfit. But he's a 100% of what a GSD should be in my opinion.

So your dog may not be a working dog bred either, what kind of paper work do you have for the dog, do you know who the Sire and Dame is? Most of the dog people here would want to know that.

He sounds like a good dog maybe, could be showing signs of weak nerves wanting to attack
for no reasons, though. Acting aggressive like that is not always a good thing. The dog would needs to be evaluated in person, call a Pro trainer. Some will look at the dog free, they may even take him off your hands if he test good or if you explain your situation. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Julia, First thing I would do is contact the breeder. If you can't contact the breeder then contact the breeder that had 'rescued' the dog. If you contact a rescue that will be the first thing they ask you to do anyway. I can tell you that most 'rescues' won't touch this dog. Some have contacts in the working dog world and will give referrals if the dog passes some basic tests.

I doubt the dog is "trained" as much as you say only being a year old. Especially if you have had him for the last 6 months. All of the 'training' you mentioned would be a bit much for a six month old pup's brain to absorb.

well we dont actually know how old he is, when we got him they said he was 6 months old, but he had all his grown up teeth, and doesnt' seem to have grown but a small bit. So maybe he is actually 2 years old. Anyways, true many of his behaviors are just GSD traits. I would love to find him a good home where the master who knows how to train a dog properly, where we do not.

oh yes and we did have a professional trainer come and he evaluated him to be territorial agressive. He said he could be trained but it would cost us $100 a week for 8 weeks. Mostly we do not have the discipline to keep up the rigorous training needed to keep this dog behaving properly. Our siberian is my first dog and he is trained in basic and does just fine. They are both on a schedule though so as not to have them in anticipation of food or excercise. Okay thanks.

Julia - After that evaluation I'd advertise in the news paper that you have for sale a 1-2yr. old black GSD from VonFalconer line. I'd add that no small kids or small animals other then maybe another dog be present.

State that a strong person not neccessary a man, but a person interesting in dog training, should apply. Because panty hose wearing Deanne or Lee/Reanee/Eastwood... could get more out of this dog then I, a 6'3 man. It's know how, not gender in this field of training.

Usually by the time I call a ad like that the dogs gone.

Now you need to decided on a price. What did the trainer say about the dog's worth? Other what it would cost to train him.

I think Don is asking the right questions. I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains where there are a lot of von Falconer dogs, and have seen them in action in our Schutzhund club, as well. IMO (and that of my trainer), they tend to be spooky/nervy, and from my (admittedly limited) experience, I wouldn't recommend them as a working or sport dog. YMMV.

But an evaluation is definitely in order. If you are in the Bay Area, PM me and I'll put you in contact with my trainer if you want--he'll give you straight answers.

Brandi wrote - I wouldn't put this dog in the news paper. Your asking for an accendent waiting to happen. The dog could just end up in the shelter and be put down cause he bit someone.

My reply - Brandi you have to admit that any form of re-establishing a home for this dog could result in a bite or aggression toward the new handler unless precaution is taken.

If you interview the person buying the dog, ask questions like.

Ask if they have a fence area, a crate or kennel? Tell them that this dog will need a strong handler.

What is your intention for this dog?

Have they ever worked with a working dog before?

What dog training activities were they involved in?

Are they familar with VonFalconer line of dogs?

Ask the trainer if he can place the dog?

Contact the breeder would be one way to handle this maybe they could replace him. But being the 2nd or 3rd person to handle and as old as the dog is the breeder may not.