Any dog psychologists in the house? - Page 2

You wrote: "She is crated in the garage with view to the entire front yard and many people have came in unannounced and she never barks until I am there in front of her.I am really starting to detest this dog and would'nt keep her if it was'nt for my DH likes her." Interesting choice of screen names, from someone who's "starting to detest" their dog. Perhaps, since it sounds like the dog lives primarily in her crate in the garage, she doesn't consider anything but her crate to be *her* territory, so she sees no reason to 'guard' it. I have to agree with Dkiah--better to place the dog in a home where she'll be appreciated for who she IS, and not shunned for who she's not, and get yourself an electronic sentry instead. The dog deserves far better than this.

"She is crated in the garage" "she never barks until I am there in front of her" If you are keeping her crated all the time, this is her home, this is what she will protect and bark for. Have her anwser the door with you. Let her lose in the house with you, she will adjust and learn on her own. It would help to develop a bond with her. I would appreciate her,so would my neighbors. I have a yapper at home. My male has trained my female to bark at eveything, just so he can look at me and say "it's not me, it's her". When I get her retrained to cool it, He takes back over the job and retraines her, once she takes it back over, He is quite again and so innocent. The problem is he barks at the right time, she barks at everything. He is not concerned about timing, just as long as 1 of them is doing it, preferably her, he likes his time off work.

LisaGSD --- obviuosly your comments have aroused people's emotions -- -- we know that a dog and it's behavior is 50% genetic and 50% environmental -- if this helps -- i understand your outlook -- i have had GSDs short of expectations -- but remember our GSDs love us not for who we are but also for what they know we can become to them , as we humans are so much more flawed than they are -- therefore your GSD is the best in the world ... because ... it is your GSD -- that said -- let me say that the breeding of GSDs is very much amiss --- people will get offended by this comment ... but my rebutle is : read the breed standard ![ this to especially the show people ], does not mean only structure and appearnece but also the INNATE BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES -- some behaviors are learned and others can be taught -- BUT you cannot make a person nor a dog what it is not !! they love us unconditionally ,. therefore i suggest as human we do so back to others /our dogs in like -- now -- i have seen countless GSDs that lack the STANDARD behavioral traits due to horible breeding [ and IMO exrememly poor breeding at that} - -- your dog appears to be lacking guarding instincts , which is different than protective instinct !! -- i admittantly have stated that a GSD that does not bark upon the arrival of an unknown is a disgrace -- yes a disgrace -- [ i know some will be offended] BUT it is a WATCHFUL , GUARDING and sometimes a protective BREED !! even a terrier alerts !! and if you don't think so then , or desrire that then don't own them or breed them !!, --moreover this is the problem i see day in and day out with the GSD -- genetically a very low stress level or tolerance -- again READ your STANDARD -- they are to be amiable , aloof , regal in appearnece and filled with COURAGE -- yes COURAGE -- or is the standard just a bunch of meaningless words ?? now on the other side --i have seen some very nice GSD bred well but the owner has created a DEPENDENCY problem [ or other problems ]-- just like a child that must hold onto mommy -- many people raise their dogs to be insecure , they don't build self esteem or confidence -- then again look at many of the children around us --- any wonder ?why would their dogs be different ?? -- bottom line i think most of what your stating goes directly to the breeding but you also have either a positve or negative impact on your dog's behavior

ALPHAPUP, You have to be one of the most level headed persons on this messageboard. OOPS, don't let your head swell. No in all seriousness, you really hit the nail on the head with your comment. We need to look in the mirrors to see what is causing most of the problems arising with the GSD's of today.

immyjay -- my wish is that the GSD fare well -- IMO it is the best all round dog in the entire world -- i have trained countless breeds for differmnt purposes -- the GSD has it all and with utmost proficiency --- it scent discriminates /tracks /guards/prtoects/ is agile / is loyal and a great companion etc etc -- BUT i have found that those that are the most in tuned with this breed have also done the most damage to it in the sense of what the GSD should be in RE to the STANDARD , all in the name of business -- to me the GSDF is my friend and partner , it is not a commodity nor a way for me to pave a livlihood through exploitation !! so ther IMO lies the downfall of the breed like so many others -- addtionally -- there are many people that want a GSD but truely do not understand the BREED and do not have the skill or knowledge in refernece to it - the result ruin the dog . -- so there lies a dilemna : experience/environment vs. genetics , to the demise of the GSD. but also for the record i have met a good number of breeders that believe and strive to breed only the best and a great number people that truely are the most wonderful owner any dog cvould have

Thank You ALPHAPUP I totally agree,and besides I don't think theres anything wrong with not loving every dog you own.I don't think there is anyone on this board that can say every dog they own is perfect in every way and has NEVER done anything to shame or disapoint them.This is what I was trying to say.If anyone says that every dog they own is a perfect example of the breed they are lying.There are no perfect person or animal in this world.But all I meant was expecting a simple thing like barking at strangers and not getting any response out of this dog has been very disheartening,a terrier or chihuahua could do the job easily.What has happened to our breed?

Lisa, I am confused. A few months ago I believe you asked about the size of your puppy bitch, you thought she was too small. Now you are talking about a 4 years old adult and she is your only dog? In another post you talked as if you are an experience GSD person and now you ask a question that sounds like it is from a person who has never owned another dog in her entire life. What's up?

Let me explain if I may.Since that "small puppy"I aquired and resold as a pet,I have in a short time bought several more GDS's,two are breeding females(and were already when purchased) and three males.I do not claim to know everything as most will probably agree when dealing with dogs you learn something new every day.Then there are some that believe they know everything.I am just trying to understand my dog's unusual behavior and hope it is not passed on to her offspring.Both her parents are Schutzhund 3 titled and OFA approved,so this is very surprising to me that she is so nonchalant.

Let me explain if I may.Since that "small puppy"I aquired and resold as a pet,I have in a short time bought several more GDS's,two are breeding females(and were already when purchased) and three males.I do not claim to know everything as most will probably agree when dealing with dogs you learn something new every day.Then there are some that believe they know everything.I am just trying to understand my dog's unusual behavior and hope it is not passed on to her offspring.Both her parents are Schutzhund 3 titled and OFA approved,so this is very surprising to me that she is so nonchalant.Blitzen you are really on the ball.I am impressed.I have owned and worked with many dogs in my life as a 15 year groomer,vet assistant and now hobby breeder,stay at home mom.Thank you.Do you think I'm missing something I should see in this dog please let me know,I am clueless.

Lisa, May I ask - 1. How much time this dog spends in her crate in the garage? 2. What interaction she has with you and any other members of your family and around the home generally? 3. What is her purpose or role with you and your family? (Hopefully, you will be completely honest and not merely say what you think people would 'like' to hear, as this will not help us to help you or your dog). Thank you, Vixen