Need dog advice

[Josh123]

Ok so I went and bought an 8 month old German Shepherd (Bo) from a cop and his family yesterday and he acted great around me and my roommate. I got him here to the house and today I invited my mom over to see him and when she walked in he started smelling her then started growling and barking at her. She has big dogs and said that Bo scares her and thinks I should give him back.

So I called the cop up and he thinks Bo is needing time to re-adjust and get more comfortable around his new owners. Bo is only 8 months old and is already huge and I am worried I have made a mistake taking him now.

Update 1:

It's been about 5 days and I have Bo enrolled in an obedience class at Petsmart for this Sunday. It is a 6 week class and we will meet once a week, and I have been working on his leash training and the basic commands. So far we can go on walks and not run into any problems other then him trying to drift into my leg. I have been keeping him in my room throughout the day and let him out to play with him at lunch and after work. I also scheduled an appointment to have him neutered on July 9th. He has met a few other people but still needs work on socializing and hopfully with the help of the Petsmart trainers he will get better.

I think after him going crazy the second day it really freaked me out and I jumped to conclusions way to fast. I think with more work and love Bo will become a great dog.

Camera Pic 1

Camera Pic 2

Update 2:

I took him to Petsmart yesterday and he was perfectly fine until we got in the room with the other dogs. The trainer and I talked a little after class and she said it is mainly him being scared and uneasy since it's something he is completely new to and suggested I get him neutered come back and see if he is better. She also said that only having him for a week is still a short time and he needs time to know that I have things under control.

 

[olds]

Take the dog back. It'll be better for both of you.

 

[xanis]

I'm no dog expert but I'm inclined to believe what the cop said. I would say give it some more time and then make a decision.

 

[isekii]

You should watch the Dog Whisperer

 

[Capt Caveman]

Did the dog stop barking/growling at your mother after a while? Can you tell if the dog was being outright aggressive or showing fear aggression? Have you taken the dog for a walk to see how he reacts to strangers(male and female)?

It is early and the dog was probably freaked out and needs time to adjust. Wait another day or two, have your mother come over again to see how Bo's reaction will be.

 

[bctbct]

Most animals need time to adjust. He probably smells your moms pets or maybe she had a bag of weed on her.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: bctbct
Most animals need time to adjust. He probably smells your moms pets or maybe she had a bag of weed on her.

:laugh: Does your mom have a record?

 

[Siddhartha]

I would give the dog more than a day or two to get use to a new environment.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Originally posted by: isekii
You should watch the Dog Whisperer

A good idea. OP, what did you do when the dog acted up? Did you just yell, say no etc? You should have forced the dog to submit to your mother then and there. If you have no idea of proper discipline, you should either learn or realize dog ownership is not for you.

 

[Flammable]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: bctbct
Most animals need time to adjust. He probably smells your moms pets or maybe she had a bag of weed on her.

:laugh: Does your mom have a record?

ROFL

 

[Josh123]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer

Originally posted by: isekii
You should watch the Dog Whisperer

A good idea. OP, what did you do when the dog acted up? Did you just yell, say no etc? You should have forced the dog to submit to your mother then and there. If you have no idea of proper discipline, you should either learn or realize dog ownership is not for you.

Well my mom got really scared so I grabbed Bo and dragged him away and she went outside. The day I brought him home our neighbor was outside and he didn't react bad towards her.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer

Originally posted by: isekii
You should watch the Dog Whisperer

A good idea. OP, what did you do when the dog acted up? Did you just yell, say no etc? You should have forced the dog to submit to your mother then and there. If you have no idea of proper discipline, you should either learn or realize dog ownership is not for you.

God, too many people watch the Dog Whisperer and think they have a clue.

If the dog was trying to be an alpha, that might be a good solution. However, if the dog was showing fear aggression, that would only make the situation worse. The dog would need to be shown that there's nothing to fear and reward him for proper behavior.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: Josh123

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer

Originally posted by: isekii
You should watch the Dog Whisperer

A good idea. OP, what did you do when the dog acted up? Did you just yell, say no etc? You should have forced the dog to submit to your mother then and there. If you have no idea of proper discipline, you should either learn or realize dog ownership is not for you.

Well my mom got really scared so I grabbed Bo and dragged him away and she went outside. The day I brought him home our neighbor was outside and he didn't react bad towards her.

I would have your mom meet the dog outside and see how he reacts.

 

[Josh123]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: Josh123

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer

Originally posted by: isekii
You should watch the Dog Whisperer

A good idea. OP, what did you do when the dog acted up? Did you just yell, say no etc? You should have forced the dog to submit to your mother then and there. If you have no idea of proper discipline, you should either learn or realize dog ownership is not for you.

Well my mom got really scared so I grabbed Bo and dragged him away and she went outside. The day I brought him home our neighbor was outside and he didn't react bad towards her.

I would have your mom meet the dog outside and see how he reacts.

Ya, I was kinda thinking he was trying to be protective of the house.

 

[1sikbITCH]

Originally posted by: Josh123
Ok so I went and bought an 8 month old German Shepherd (Bo) from a cop and his family yesterday and he acted great around me and my roommate. I got him here to the house and today I invited my mom over to see him and when she walked in he started smelling her then started growling and barking at her. She has big dogs and said that Bo scares her and thinks I should give him back.

So I called the cop up and he thinks Bo is needing time to re-adjust and get more comfortable around his new owners. Bo is only 8 months old and is already huge and I am worried I have made a mistake taking him now.

I raise German Shepherds and have had the same experience you are having now.

You need to understand something about your dog. He is a pack animal. He has just been brought into a new pack. He is trying to find his place in the pack. He is also a born protector. His job as he understands it is to protect his pack and his environment.

He has just been thrust into a brand new house with brand new people to protect. He is trying to determine his place in the pack. He obviously is starting to think he is in charge of your pack, and that is why he is growling at your mom.

If your dog does not respect and to some extent fear you, that dog will rule your house and challenge everyone who comes over. You must become the pack leader. He will think he is doing his job because you never told him what his job is. If you cannot handle the dog, you need to realize you made a mistake and find someone with the time and patience to teach the dog.

My advice is to find a reputable trainer in your area and spend a few Saturdays at obedience school learning how to train your dog. It will make ALL the difference.

 

[Gothgar]

Originally posted by: Josh123

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: Josh123

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer

Originally posted by: isekii
You should watch the Dog Whisperer

A good idea. OP, what did you do when the dog acted up? Did you just yell, say no etc? You should have forced the dog to submit to your mother then and there. If you have no idea of proper discipline, you should either learn or realize dog ownership is not for you.

Well my mom got really scared so I grabbed Bo and dragged him away and she went outside. The day I brought him home our neighbor was outside and he didn't react bad towards her.

I would have your mom meet the dog outside and see how he reacts.

Ya, I was kinda thinking he was trying to be protective of the house.

this reminds me of that episode of south park where they try all the nanies on Cartman, and all of them end up killing themselves or something, then they bring in the dog whisperer, omfg that shit is sooooooo funny

here it is, watch if you haven't seen it yet, and have a sense of humor Text

 

[IGBT]

..big dogs are a litigation hazard. check your home owner insurance. they have serious exclusions on home owner policy concerning big dogs.

 

[potato28]

Originally posted by: 1sikbITCH

Originally posted by: Josh123
Ok so I went and bought an 8 month old German Shepherd (Bo) from a cop and his family yesterday and he acted great around me and my roommate. I got him here to the house and today I invited my mom over to see him and when she walked in he started smelling her then started growling and barking at her. She has big dogs and said that Bo scares her and thinks I should give him back.

So I called the cop up and he thinks Bo is needing time to re-adjust and get more comfortable around his new owners. Bo is only 8 months old and is already huge and I am worried I have made a mistake taking him now.

I raise German Shepherds and have had the same experience you are having now.

You need to understand something about your dog. He is a pack animal. He has just been brought into a new pack. He is trying to find his place in the pack. He is also a born protector. His job as he understands it is to protect his pack and his environment.

He has just been thrust into a brand new house with brand new people to protect. He is trying to determine his place in the pack. He obviously is starting to think he is in charge of your pack, and that is why he is growling at your mom.

If your dog does not respect and to some extent fear you, that dog will rule your house and challenge everyone who comes over. You must become the pack leader. He will think he is doing his job because you never told him what his job is. If you cannot handle the dog, you need to realize you made a mistake and find someone with the time and patience to teach the dog.

My advice is to find a reputable trainer in your area and spend a few Saturdays at obedience school learning how to train your dog. It will make ALL the difference.

Win. Or read a few books on dog training, but don't go to overboard on it.

 

[imported_Baloo]

Originally posted by: isekii
You should watch the Dog Whisperer

ditto

 

[imported_Baloo]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
...

If the dog was trying to be an alpha, that might be a good solution. However, if the dog was showing fear aggression, that would only make the situation worse. The dog would need to be shown that there's nothing to fear and reward him for proper behavior.

You should watch the dog whisperer.

 

[Josh123]

I think I'm going to contact the owner again and ask if he will take him back. I really don't think it's going to work out.

 

[slsmnaz]

2 days and you're going to return the dog? Sounds like you need to get a goldfish or something that requires no effort on your part. Ridiculous

 

[George P Burdell]

Originally posted by: slsmnaz
2 days and you're going to return the dog? Sounds like you need to get a goldfish or something that requires no effort on your part. Ridiculous

Agreed. Did you not think before getting the dog?

 

[Josh123]

Originally posted by: slsmnaz
2 days and you're going to return the dog? Sounds like you need to get a goldfish or something that requires no effort on your part. Ridiculous

I admit it was my mistake. I know german shepherds are very protective dogs but no one can come over or anything with Bo.

I don't want to risk him getting loose and hurting someone.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: Baloo

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
...

If the dog was trying to be an alpha, that might be a good solution. However, if the dog was showing fear aggression, that would only make the situation worse. The dog would need to be shown that there's nothing to fear and reward him for proper behavior.

You should watch the dog whisperer.

I have but obviously you don't and/or don't own a dog. Ever watch the episode with the dog on the cattle ranch? His techniques didn't work and he gave up.

And do you think they show all the times his techniques don't work? Guess what, people wouldn't watch.

As I mentioned already, every situation is a different and trying to make a dog submit when it's showing fear aggression is just going to make the dog even worse.