german sheperd

[elle.b]

hi all....ive just fostered a white german sheperd who is the nicest,gentlest thing ever! only problem is she barks at every other dog/human we pass whilst out walking. I know she wouldnt hurt anyone but she does appear rather scary! does anyone have any tips on how to stop the barking/aggression?

[carmalee]

Is she deaf?

[elle.b]

No shes definately not deaf!

[saxy_jag]

Old washing up liquid bottle with plain water in it. When she starts, give her a little squirt of it. Keep some treats in your pocket and when she goes past someone or another dog without making a fuss, then reward her.

Alternatively, my girl loves a tennis ball. If I think she's about to get distracted by another dog, then I get in there first and distract her with the ball instead.

[carmalee]

okay then if she's not deaf then it could be a lot of things - including...
a. She's not been socialised properly.
b. She's nervous because she's been attacked or threatened when on a lead.
c. You are nervous.
d. She's just a bit unsure and is 'shooting first and asking questions afterwards'.
So try teaching her to focus on you with a treat and each time you meet another dog, quietly get her attention then feed her the treat - be good if you had a friend with a very reliable dog to do this with then introduce the two on neutral ground off the lead. - Dogs are usually much, much better when they are not on the lead as they don't feel to threatened - the most important thing is for you NOT to expect any problems. Also enlist friends and give them treats to feed the dog - a good way is to have them sitting at a table then you just come up and sit along side a start talking then the friend feeds the treat. Dog is then associating people with a positve experience. Don't rush or push the dog - let us know how you get on

[princess]

I have a 3yr old white german sheperd and she does exactly the same thing i just think thats the way they r, i just leave her 2 it when we r out and just tell people 2 ignore her and then she settles down, most doggy people can tell a barky dog from an aggresive dog but good luck with her they r beautifull dogs.