Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a GSD that is about 2 ½ yrs old. Since she was a pup she was always scared of just about everything. To this day she is still scared of other animals (except squirrels) noises, other people and you just have to touch the vacuum cleaner and she takes off.
My problem is that she has bitten, mostly at the ankles, and always small kids. When she is outside and she hears the kids playing her hair stands up on the back of her neck, and usually she wants to get back in the house. Recently, 2 young boys moved right next door (and there are a lot of kids in the neighborhood). Even though we have a muzzle on her when she goes out and we put her in a room when people are over I am still afraid that, given the chance, she will bite again. I do not want to take the risk and my wife and kids want to keep her. This has caused a lot of grief in our family. Am I overreacting? I have heard that this is a dangerous combination, a timid, scared, big dog (about 100 lbs). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

>>I have a GSD that is about 2 ½ yrs old. Since she was a pup she was always scared of just about everything. To this day she is still scared of other animals (except squirrels) noises, other people and you just have to touch the vacuum cleaner and she takes off.
>>My problem is that she has bitten, mostly at the ankles, and always small kids. When she is outside and she hears the kids playing her hair stands up on the back of her neck, and usually she wants to get back in the house. Recently, 2 young boys moved right next door (and there are a lot of kids in the neighborhood). Even though we have a muzzle on her when she goes out and we put her in a room when people are over I am still afraid that, given the chance, she will bite again. I do not want to take the risk and my wife and kids want to keep her. This has caused a lot of grief in our family. Am I overreacting? I have heard that this is a dangerous combination, a timid, scared, big dog (about 100 lbs). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

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Get the help of a veterinary behavior specialist to work with the whole family and the dog, so you won't be "the bad guy" here. It sounds like the precautions you are having to take to protect people are likely to make the dog even more dangerous in the long run. Ask your veterinarian to help you find the right expert help. Also, have your wife talk to the pediatrician about this. He or she will likely explain some things mama needs to hear.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

You need to get control over this dog before she really hurts someone. Has she had any ob training? Talking to a behaviorist is a very good idea. This dog needs to know that you are in charge and training will help with that. NILIF (nothing in life is free) is a great way to get your dog to listen, what it means is that your dog has to work for everything, my dogs have to sit before I will put their food dishes on the floor, same as when they go outside, they have to sit and wait until I say it's OK. I am in control of what the dogs can and can not do. Your dog will be much happier if you are the leader. Do you take her for walks? If not it's a great start. Training is something your whole family can do with her. It will take some time and work but if you are all committed you can make this happen. Your dog and family will be so much happier. I wish you the best of luck.