Hi , I have a nearly five year old fear aggressive (on lead ) female spayed lab x GSD , she is 1/4 Gsd and 3/4 lab . She is aggressive if something comes.to.close to.her , she usually is ok.with dogs that in same building as long as they aren't to close which is near her . She lunges , snaps , growls . I have it generally managed with clicker and treats and she is usually ok.but it worries.Me.to.death . Anyone.else have a dog.like.this ?
Hi Bethan and welcome from Hattie 8 years and rescue boy Charlie 5 years. What's your girl's name, have you had her from a puppy, has she always been lead aggressive, do you live in an apartment block, what's she like with other dogs when she's off lead and finally what's her temperament like? Sorry lots of questions but it will give us a better idea about your dog and how to advise you.
Hi Bethan, and welcome from me too. I think Helen (Charlie) has some good questions there. They might help us help you. Have you sought any advice from a trainer or dog behaviour expert? Sometimes it really helps to get someone with doggy behaviour knowledge to actually see your dog interacting. They can give pretty helpful pointers to things as an owner you don't notice. jac
Hi had her since she was 9 weeks old , saw mum.and.other family.dogs at breeders , all very well behaved . On arrival at ours she was greeted by three adult German.shepherd bitches , all.friendly.. She snarled at them !!! She's nearly five now . We live in a three bedroom.semindetached house , and compete in.obedience together . She has been aggressive since she came home.basically is lovely to live with , except sometimes where food is involved with the gsds . She is generally fine.off lead but not on lead except for about two dogs at our club . She gets stressed , lip licking , ears back ,but I've worked hard with a clicker to get her to watch me for a.treat , she's doing.quite well with this . My trainer has years inexperienced and basically we manage her behaviour , she will.tolerate dogs near by just not in her face or too close
I am no expert in behaviour, but sometimes dogs show this "aggressive" behaviour because they are actually very anxious. Would you have the opportunity to speak to a canine behaviourist? They might have more insight rather than "just" a trainer (no disrespect intended there, just an awareness of the fact there are many dog trainers around, but that doesn't make them experts in behaviour).
Hi Bethan, to me it does sound like she is anxious if she is lip licking etc. I agree with Jac a behaviourist could give you some advise on different approaches with your girl rather than just managing her behaviour which must be stressful for you. Is there any way you could meet up for walks with the two dogs at your club that your girl is fine with? she might be less anxious with other dogs around her to build her confidence, just a thought as we did this with our rescue dog Charlie and it really helped him to meet other dogs.
