I acquired a 6mth old GSD during lockdown that was unwanted due to biting his owner. He was untrained and unsocialised having only left the house to go to the vets. As there were no training classes open I did the best I could to introduce him to the big wide world and basic training. He learnt quickly and all seemed to be going fine. Then training classes started initially in a field. He was a bit nervous but nothing too bad and was coming on fine. Then we went back into the hall and it has gone bad since then. It is a very calm class with only 2-4 other dogs. He keeps attacking me in the class and the trainer has to take him from me to calm him down. Last week he actually broke the skin on my arm so I resorted to putting a muzzle on him for the remainder of the class. At home he has become more challenging in that he refuses to obey commands that he previously did without a problem and after our walks he refuses to come in except when it’s meal times. I have tried a long lead which works but he gets his legs tangled in it and mine so it’s not that safe! I train him daily using his breakfast. I am not sure what else I can do. Anyone got their dog through this kind of behaviour?
Bless you that does not sound like fun at all. But good for you taking him on. Sometimes it will feel like your going backwards. Think of it like a spiral staircase. It may feel like your covering the same ground but your getting further. What's your trainer say? Slightly worried your now expecting trouble. If you go to the class expecting problems, the chances are you will have problems. What your doing with breakfast is great. I would start that up with every meal. Chris
Thanks for your response. I thought that it was excitement and have been trying to be super calm, but the trainer thinks that he gets bored and he’s just trying to play. Not my idea of play. I don’t want to distract the other dogs but I think I need to think of something to occupy him when it’s not his turn! Think you’re right about training all meals. Just a question of time and energy!
