Here's chip, new arrival....
Discussion
9 months old, great pedigree, failed his police aptitude on aggression....Huuuuge GSD, problem is, he's half trained, incredibly intelligent. 
Wonderful personality, strong as an ox, he's already snapped one halter and extendable lead. He's off to be castrated on Friday, then training for him (and me!) Anyway, here he is.
Any GSD experts, advice gratefully recieved.
Wonderful personality, strong as an ox, he's already snapped one halter and extendable lead. He's off to be castrated on Friday, then training for him (and me!) Anyway, here he is.
Any GSD experts, advice gratefully recieved.
He looks so sweet.
With GSDs (and most dogs IMHO) the best way to train them is for them to enjoy it. So they get a reward when they do as they are told. And encouragement. He will want to please you (though he looks like he's pretty pleased with himself on the couch!) however in my view he should also know you are in charge, which is subtle in doggy terms.
At least you know he's not too aggressive....
Oh, what socialisation have they done with him? Now would be a good time to get him meeting friendly dogs - note here FRIENDLY ONLY. A dog which may or may not be aggressive is to be avoided at this formative time IMHO to prevent him being nervous aggressive.
With GSDs (and most dogs IMHO) the best way to train them is for them to enjoy it. So they get a reward when they do as they are told. And encouragement. He will want to please you (though he looks like he's pretty pleased with himself on the couch!) however in my view he should also know you are in charge, which is subtle in doggy terms.
At least you know he's not too aggressive....
Oh, what socialisation have they done with him? Now would be a good time to get him meeting friendly dogs - note here FRIENDLY ONLY. A dog which may or may not be aggressive is to be avoided at this formative time IMHO to prevent him being nervous aggressive.
Thanks for the info Jas, we're off to training classes on Thursday, as I'm sure he has been taught to heel, but currently pulls like a train. He's very friendly with other dogs probably too exuberant at the moment, he needs to chill a little.
The sofa incident, was a one off, he's been informed that isn't the place for him
Becks, he's being castrated to mellow him out a little, we don't intend to stud him, and he is very dominant and testosteroned right up, so consulting various people, it's the best idea.
Off for another walk in a bit.
The sofa incident, was a one off, he's been informed that isn't the place for him
Becks, he's being castrated to mellow him out a little, we don't intend to stud him, and he is very dominant and testosteroned right up, so consulting various people, it's the best idea.
Off for another walk in a bit.
.... Nice oneHe looks amazing, hopefully the neutering will settle things. Sounds like you've got good advice. I know that the teenage phase can cause issues but they will grow out of them so neutering can be wrong at this time so I was just checking :-).
I think he's a dog that has definitely fallen on his feet
I think he's a dog that has definitely fallen on his feet
Simpo Two said:
I took it to read that he failed because he was TOO aggressive... but may be wrong.
Last time I spoke to a military dog handler there was no such thing as too aggressive. If the intruder got f***ed up that was his lookout, the handler would drag the dog off when he got there!! However OP if he's already friendly that's a good start. Can I suggest (I am a nervous nelly but I've seen all too often what is the result) you go along to the training class without the dog for the first week - you can see how they are with the dogs and whether the dogs are friendly or not.
Also, I would encourage you to feed him a raw diet (called BARF) as that can help him as well. Can I also suggest when you feed that you do so initially with your hands in the bowl with the food and he eats around it. Then after a week or two you start with your hand in the bowl and then remove it and put it back in. Just gets him used to not guarding his food (though if he's quite soft chances are he's not going to be dominant in that respect and will let you anyways). BUT to my mind you should always be able to take something from the dog's mouth (just in case he grabs something he shouldn't).
Thank you for the replies folks, he's coming along well. Having spoken to his previous handler, he revealed chip was very intelligent, agile but wasn't very good in taking 'criminals' down by the arm and biting them. He looks the part but lacks the killer instinct which is great for us.
Mind you, so far he sits on command, lies flat on demand, barks to order when you hold your hand up, then stops when you drop it. He also wees on the run (probably used to tracking) .
Secret weapon as revealed by handler, praise and chopped up asda cheap sausages!!
Eating wise, absolutely fine, no issues, also he doesn't chew the furniture, and fine wandering round the house.
His only snag is his love to be friendly to other dogs and pulling. Training starts on a one to one tomorrow and all considering he's a very lovely dog with a fantastic personality. And yes, he looks like a complete thug :-)
Mind you, so far he sits on command, lies flat on demand, barks to order when you hold your hand up, then stops when you drop it. He also wees on the run (probably used to tracking) .
Secret weapon as revealed by handler, praise and chopped up asda cheap sausages!!
Eating wise, absolutely fine, no issues, also he doesn't chew the furniture, and fine wandering round the house.
His only snag is his love to be friendly to other dogs and pulling. Training starts on a one to one tomorrow and all considering he's a very lovely dog with a fantastic personality. And yes, he looks like a complete thug :-)
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