German shepherd bitch rough play ?

[Ttnella]

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Hi there I'm looking for some help I'm a first time gsd owner with a rescue 4 year old . The problem is she rough plays with other smaller dogs running and biting their necks she has also pinned down two dogs but has never drawn blood . When she is like this I can never get her back on the lead and it looks like I can't control her . We understand that she was not socialised as a pup and had a behaviourist visit who told us to practise recall games with her . I just can't tell if she is playing or being aggressive with the other dogs ? In her last home she was with other cars and smaller dogs who all bullied her . She has never shown aggression to people but does bark when she meets people for the first time but that's it . If anyone has any advice I'd be so grateful

Thanks

 

[lurcherman]

As it's 2017 I will be fairly easy on you,,, so facts are, you first time gsd owner who gets a rescue 4 year old and then the biggest crime you let the dog off lead!!!!!! With rescues you never know there history, you must train before letting unknown dogs off to a possible attack on other peoples dogs, I'm fed up with family's getting dogs and not knowing how to handle them, sorry if you take offence but the best thing is to lead the dog and retrain,,, kind regards.

 

[JoanneF]

I agree with Lurcherman - keep her on a lead or long line until you have trained a reliable recall. If she is showing bad manners with other dogs you will have control. I would be training her to sit and focus on you when there are other dogs around.

 

[Ttnella]

Thanks both for your replies ! No offence taken , we were assured she was good off lead ...however you are right we shouldn't have trusted this information about a rescue . So I'll take on your advice and keep her on lead and carry on with recall training . Thank you both again .

 

[lurcherman]

Glad no offence was taken, my brindle in my avatar was attacked by a offlead dog so at times I'm a bit touchy,, I hope things work out for you..

 

[gypsysmum2]

Try not to get too tense when you see other dogs. This often transfers "down the lead" and makes the dog even more excitable and aggressive. Giver her lots of space from other dogs while you train her to respond to you.

Your best course of action is to find a dog trainer that is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (motto Kind, Fair, and Effective) and book some one to one lessons. He or she will assess your individual dog and your handling skills and help you to get the best out of your relationship with your new dog.

 

[Ttnella]

Thanks gypsymum2 for your advice too , we did have a behaviourist round to the house but I would have preferred something outside to show me what to do . You are all right of course and looking at what I've said it does sound mad ! However I'm committed to bring a responsible dog owner so more training and no more off lead walks . Thanks to you all for taking the time to respond and not give me too much of a hard time !

 

[gypsysmum2]

Off lead walks are fine if you can find a safe place to do them. It would be a shame for her not to have chance to let off steam. Ring your behaviourist up and ask for detailed advice on the problems you are experiencing in the outside world. ( I am assuming the behaviourist was of the modern ilk using reward based methods) They will have met your dog and can give a more informed answer to your questions.

 

[lurcherman]

That's a hard thing thow isn't it gypsy, finding a safe place for offlead for a agressive dog that could harm a innocent dog,, you say it's a shame but for me the dog stays onlead until it's trained , you can still give enough exersize onlead, it's just a bit off extra walking for the owner .

 

[gypsysmum2]

I take your point lurcherman but the mental well being of a dog is often compromised by being on lead all the time. They need to express normal doggy behaviour and that is not always possible when confined to a lead. Dogs feel trapped, if they are restricted from running away, by a lead. This can cause fear to worsen and, therefore, aggressive behaviour to worsen. The whole thing becomes a vicious circle. The dog feels trapped so it barks and lunges at other dogs to make them go away. The other dog goes (or rather is taken) away and the dog feels relief. This makes them perform that behaviour again and again and again. No progress is made.

I am not suggesting letting a dog off lead where other dogs are present if it has no recall at all. Just that finding a safe place for a nervous/aggressive dog to run and just be a dog for twenty minutes or so would do some good. Training can take place and gradually the dog can be integrated into doggy society. A space where no dogs are present is hard to find but would, I think, be beneficial. In some areas you can hire a secure field for training purposes.