[moz205]

Originally Posted by brodster

I knew my bitch at 20 months (she was a late bloomer mentally) was ready when on a late night I was on a lwalk through my neighbourhood park and there was a group of rowdy teens approaching. They were yelling and shoving each other, probably drunk and acting like baboons (don't most teenage lads?) She was very silent (stopped panting and walked a little larger), not pulling on the lead, but when a couple of them came close to us she lunged with a very deep growl. She didnt bark once at them.

I had 2 dogs, one Rottie and one GS that would've done the same thing. They both were ill bred and had issues and could never be trusted. I don't think this is a good thing at all. You're dog took the lead and made the decision, not you- the supposed leader. There is no law against anyone of any age to act stupid or like baboons. There is no law as to how close someone can come to you, therefore, this is not a reason to have a dog attack. Your dog is a liability in reacting this way. Trust me, been there twice.
Since I am the owner of family pets I do not pretend to know about sleaves, protection training etc. I am sure there will be others more well versed in this area. I totally appreciate schutz etc and admire the work tremendously. Thankfully, Buddy has never lunged but has done his puffy chest when a drunk approached us one night. He just followed my direction of leave it and kept heeling at my side. When the guy started asking questions, I stopped and Buddy sat right at my side watching every move he made. This guy was a local drunk teen but Bud never lunged, growled or showed aggression. There was no physical threat to either of us. Being drunk, stupid and stumbling too close to anyone is not a reason for attack- heck been there myself!
For me, that's the dog I want. Hopefully, we won't ever be put to the test but you can be sure I'll be defending my guy.