aggressive behaviour to one person 16 month old GSD - Page 3

Fred,

You are confusing being the bad guy with being the alpha male.  Nothing mean about letting a dog know where he stands.  It's actually more cruel to let him take over.  Yes, he senses your fear.  Dogs are very good at body language too.  Sounds like all the babying he has gotten over the last year with his skin condition is what has triggered this behavior.  When you fuss over a dog it makes you appear weak.  Have his leash on his collar, preferably a choke collar or pinch collar.  Watch for him to act up rhen string him up.  You don't have to choke him until he passes out, just make it a good hanging then when you let his front feet hit the ground be ready to roll him over on his side hard and fast and get LOUD!  Hold him by the side of the head so he can't bite you if he tries. Tell him no very firmly, very loudly...doesn't hurt to growl and snarl yourself.  Do not let up until he is looking away and licking his lips.  If you stop before then you could get bit.  Once he gives up leave him alone to think about it.  Don't pet, him don't sweet talk him or try to make up.  Let him think about what just happened.  Don't let the little wife step in and baby him either.  You shouldn't have anymore trouble with him after that.  If you do, act swiftly and lay him down again.  They usually give up very quickly if it comes up again.  Sometimes they want to test the water to make sure you really meant it.  And, if he decides your're the boss but starts growling at other family members, the same treatment.  It's not his place.  He is low dog on the totem.  Once he knows that you are the alpha and he can trust you to protect him and the rest of the pack he will be a happier dog.  It stresses a dog to think he has to run things.  

Good luck with him!  You can do it.
Deb 

sounds like you need a golden.you better take charge and who cares if he likes being strung up>he isnt supposed to like it.you are his bitch right now to put it quite frankly.

I know a bitch when I see it.

Ooooo!  What big impressive words you spew.  You're gonna have to do better than that if you intend to shock me.  Why don't you take your fragile little bitty ego and get lost.  LOSER.

Ah, love!  And here I thought you had forgotten!  Hmmm, seems to me you are fascinated with the whole idea of being "bummed". 

I take my teeth out first, or have you forgotten so soon?

Palerider,

I'd love to continue this little tit for tat but you have failed to keep me entertained with your drivel.  I'm going to go find something that can hold my interest.  You my love, can't even hold water.  Ta Ta.

Deb

Wow, what class act this kid is. ANYWAY.

A good trainer IS a behaviorist, as in, they can use training to modify bad behavior. You've been given some great advice, but applying it from the internet to your dog WILL NOT CUT IT. You need to hightail to the nearest dog trainer who specializes in aggression and damn quick. Don't bother with "boot camp" type training, this is between you and the dog. You need to set up at least weekly training sessions with an experienced professional who can oversee you working the dog and coach you on how to do it right. Oh, and neuter his @ss, asap.  Breeding, schmeeding, you have enough on your plate, I think.
Maybe he doesn't growl at your wife because she isn't afraid to discipline him.

Or maybe he doesn't growl at the wife and kids and neighbours because he feels he is already above them.  The  husband in a male and possibly the dog wants him to know, he (the dog) is the leader of this pack.