Gaining Confidence--Fear Aggression

[Dieselpup]

Caterine01's earlier post has me thinking about my 19 week old GSD (sorry it's not Rottie-related). Perhaps you could help me here, though.

My Shepherd pup is showing defininte fear aggression towards people in particular--barking, hackles up, etc. How can I curb this. I now realize that I purchased a "weak nerved" puppy.

I was hoping that I could raise a stable, balanced shepherd much the way I raised Busta, my now 13 month old boy (he's my Rottie).

Is there anythng I can do to curb this?

Just to give you a bit of background on Cody (the shepherd). When I first got her she was scared of everything, including my shadow at night! She was afraid of laundry hanging on the line, too! She's no longer scared of that and has a quick recovery rate after a scare (she'll go up to the object very soon after and sniff it).

She's still very clingy to me. She'll cry and scream and sratch down the door if I'm on the opposited side of it. Consequently, I have to either take her into the bathroom with me, or crate her. In the car when I take my Rottie and her out for a walk, she'll scream down the place when I leave her in the car to walk/train the Rottie (she'll eventually settle down). I can't walk the two dogs at once as both need a great deal more training.

Cody's crate trained, and will not cry in there unless she needs to go potty.

Sorry this is a long post and it's not even non-Rottie related, but I realize that there are a lot of very experienced owners on this forum, many of whom have owned other powerful breeds. Also, thanks to this board, I raised Busta, my first Rottie boy, who has a sweet temperament, and I'm VERY proud of him (although he ran out of the ring

Debbie

[AngelBunny]

If you've spent any time at all here at RDN, you surely must have read postings about the folly of getting another dog when you already have a young dog. With a 13 mo old Rottie, you surely qualify as one of those people with a young dog. Did you not think of taking this advice? Did you not read that this is a slow maturing breed and that your Busta is still a puppy who won't be mature, mentally or physically, until he's about 3 yo?

Furthermore, if you've spent anytime at all here, you must have read many postings about the wisdom of going to a good breeder. I find it difficult to believe that a good breeder would have sold you the puppy you now own--"When I first got her she was scared of everything,..."

You are going to have your work cut out for yourself. Your GSD is going to require so much work, there's a good chance Busta will get lost in the shuffle, since he's not a special needs child.

Since you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, there is nothing you can do to "curb" your GSD's weak nerves. You will never make her self-confident and assured. With much positive reinforcement, you'll be able to get her to tolerate situations that now make her uncomfortable, but because her nerves are weak to begin with, she'll never be a completely dependable dog.

My advice is to return the GSD to wherever you got her and concentrate on your Busta. He is your first priority.

[Dieselpup]

AngelBunny. I have read the postings about getting another dog with a young dog, and yes, I am aware that Rotts a slow to mature. So, I was well aware of what I was getting into.

As a matter of fact, I'm training both dogs and both go to group obedience class and the Rottie gets additional private lessons.

Perhaps I went against my better judgement and posted a non-Rottweiler question on this board.

Anyway, I will not be returning my "sow's ear." Thank you very much

[thenewpup]

Originally Posted by Dieselpup

Caterine01's earlier post has me thinking about my 19 week old GSD (sorry it's not Rottie-related). Perhaps you could help me here, though.

My Shepherd pup is showing defininte fear aggression towards people in particular--barking, hackles up, etc. How can I curb this. I now realize that I purchased a "weak nerved" puppy.

I was hoping that I could raise a stable, balanced shepherd much the way I raised Busta, my now 13 month old boy (he's my Rottie).

Is there anythng I can do to curb this?

Just to give you a bit of background on Cody (the shepherd). When I first got her she was scared of everything, including my shadow at night! She was afraid of laundry hanging on the line, too! She's no longer scared of that and has a quick recovery rate after a scare (she'll go up to the object very soon after and sniff it).

She's still very clingy to me. She'll cry and scream and sratch down the door if I'm on the opposited side of it. Consequently, I have to either take her into the bathroom with me, or crate her. In the car when I take my Rottie and her out for a walk, she'll scream down the place when I leave her in the car to walk/train the Rottie (she'll eventually settle down). I can't walk the two dogs at once as both need a great deal more training.

Cody's crate trained, and will not cry in there unless she needs to go potty.

Sorry this is a long post and it's not even non-Rottie related, but I realize that there are a lot of very experienced owners on this forum, many of whom have owned other powerful breeds. Also, thanks to this board, I raised Busta, my first Rottie boy, who has a sweet temperament, and I'm VERY proud of him (although he ran out of the ring

Debbie

Though it is frowned upon, it is possible to raise two or more dogs in the same household. However, because your GSD has "weak nerves," try to avoid having this dog out with any other dog. At least until training is complete.

Crate the other dogs, while this dog is out. This will help her to "settle down" and learn to trust you. With soft dogs like this, it is best to create a routine and religiously adhere to it. Dogs with better temperaments can handle change, but not this dog. Always keep that in mind.

This GSD needs to be around you and away from any other dog. She can smell them and know of them, but you need to keep the other dogs away. Start playing movies or video games in the background for most of the day. Slowly set up a routine of going for walks. Gradually socialize her to people you trust. Avoid strangers until she adjusts to a group of people you are comfortable with.

Practice NILIF religiously with this dog. Babying her may leave her feeling more insecure. If you're not worried about something, then it will pass on to her. Be fair and consistent. This will create the stable environment she needs.

True this GSD will never be a grand dog, but surely pet quality can be achieved.

Do a search on training weak-temperament dogs like this. I would start with rehabilitating abused dogs as something to google. You have a lot of work cut out for you. I wouldn't recommend getting another dog for a very long time.