Been past many dog parks. Seldom see a GSD there. Been in GSD’s for some 60+
years and never taken one to a dog park.
What is behind this behavior? GSD genes. They are used for protection and
guarding because they own the landscape around them. They will protect you to
the death and that is a good thing, or without control, it is a bad thing.
Love your dog and forget the dog parks. Just my opinion. I am sure it is not
everyone’s.
Dave
From: showgsd-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:showgsd-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On ;
Behalf Of Lissy Currie
Sent: Sunday, September 18, 2016 2:04 PM
To: S howlist <ShowGSD-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Question about unusual aggression in my dog
I rarely post on the list but have learned lots by reading it.Yesterday I had
problems with some aggression with my nearly 6 year old intact female,
Sunshine. We were at a large local county park and the other dog is a neutered
male about 3 years old (I think) who is a Shepherd/Husky cross. He was a
shelter dog who has been adopted by a veteran who is training him to be a
service dog. He's normally a nice dog and a bit on timid side. He owner takes
him everywhere and is very attached to him. My 2 dogs (my other dog, Molly, is
7 1/2 yr old spayed female) have been in groups where this other dog has also
been so my dogs know him somewhat
Here in Cheyenne some people started a FaceBook group for People who have and
or love German Shepherds. Doesn't matter whether purebred, cross, got as
puppies or shelter. Group is a mix of all of these. This past Spring some of us
started meeting up at large parks. We get the dogs out in big field and let
them be off leash. Generally do do very well together, partly by walking and
keeping them moving. Usually 8-12 dogs and 4-8 owners. Some owners whose dogs
love to fetch toys or balls bring those items. Sunshine often would join the
group chasing the balls or toys but never try to get item. These meetups are
sometimes planned ahead , other times are more "last minute". Yesterday was
planned in afternoon with only about 4 owners interested. I got there 1st with
my 2 girls. Then the veteran arrived and soon Sunshine went after him and
attacked and Molly soon joined. My 2 were acting like a pack. Later found out
they broke skin a little. I put Sunshine on leash when I could get her. Molly
then ignored the male dog. Later another owner showed up with her 2 dogs which
are intact male and intact female who loves the game of fetch. I tried letting
Sunshine off leash so she could exercise. When ball thrown Sunshine would
chase as she's done many times before but yesterday snapped at or bite female
in butt. Sunshine has never done this before.
I'm wondering what's behind this behavior and how to deal with it. My first
guess might be hormones. Since Sunshine had her 2nd litter late in 2013, she
has come in heat 3X per year (not the usual 2X). She was last in heat in July
so I would expect her in Nov. if she stays with the 3X per year. Normally I see
her get a little more testy with my older dog who puts here in her place just
before she comes into heat. Haven't seen that recently at home. She usually
blows her coat shortly before coming into heat - not blowing coat now. Any
other ideas??? I'm wondering if I should just get her spayed. I kind of
wanted to breed her one more time but would have to want until Spring. If
hormones are becoming more of a problem, perhaps I should just go ahead and get
her spayed. Any thoughts or advice???
Thanks,
Lissy Currie
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