dog-behavior.net-clients opinions of phone counseling help

1. PRE-COUNSELING EMAIL (the problem) Dear Tanya My name is Rob, I just purchased a phone session and I am awaiting your call. I have some concern about my 8 month old male puppy (not neutered) Samson. We are his original owners from the age of 8 weeks. Samson is a King Shepherd, which is basically a German Shepherd on Steroids! He is currently 100 Ibs and 27 inches at the shoulder ... and growing. I got Samson through a breeder of Champion Shepherds, and met both mother and father of Samson. Both his parents were HUGE - Dad was 145 Ibs, Mom was 110 Ibs. and had great temperments and very affectionate and piayful. Samson is an extremely affectionate, playful and loving dog. I have a wife and 5 year old daughter, and he has never been aggressive to either one. As per our vet's advice, When he was very small (4months and under) we made sure to practice a technique called dominance down. So as to establish the pecking order in the family, and show him we run the roost. Samson is well behaved and trained. He will listen when instructed, and is on all accounts a great dog. I Love Him to Death ... ( my wife thinks I'M OBSESSIVE COMPLUSIVE) Our problem is when we have guests to our home or when Samson is approached by a stranger while walking him. He is a different dog. He will bark, growl and lunge. He would pin all incoming guests in a corner of our home if would let him. I will always leash him as guests approach. When he starts to bark and growl,l will always show my disapproval and will bark out Samson, NO ... he will then calm down. But, If the person reaches out to pet him he will snap at them Not to actualIy bite, but more a way to say keep your distance. If I am reading his body language correctly, He seems to be acting more out fear and discomfort than anger or aggression. He will usually return to his normaI playful, loving self in about 15 minutes with these peopIe. But this past weekend, it seemed to take longer because I am so on edge. I am frantic that he will bite. Because of his imposing size, I feel we owe it to our guests to safe guard them so maybe I am standing over him to much and not letting him get comfortable. My wife took him to the vet maybe 2 months ago, and with in 2 minutes the vet said that Samson was a fear biter. I think that was premature to'say, but I don't know? I spoke to the breeder and she advised me that Samson's temperment is probably the issue and to force him to lay down when guests arrive and when he barks force him down again. He will then learn. I feel we did a great job socializing him, He went and still goes everywhere with us. He never met a dog he didn't like ... plays with them all...big or small. It's just people. I am awaiting your expertise. I will do what it takes to have a well adjusted dog. I would like to arrange the call after 6 pm, so my wife and I could be on the call. Thanks Rob

POST-COUNSELING EMAIL (the opinion) Tanya, This is Rob DiGregorio, my wife and I spoke to you about 1 112 months ago. We are the owners of Samson, the German Shepherd who was aggressive when guests came to our home. Well I wanted to follow up with you on your advice. It seems you were RIGHT ON THE MONEY. Samson is virtually a different dog now. Instead of placing all the attention on him when people come over, we leave him in the yard ( he can see us through the sliding door) people come in, sit down, CARRY ON ABOUT THERE BUSINESS ... not paying him any mind .. But he is watching us the whole time. After about 10 to 15 minutes, we let him in, no one pays him any attention ... he sniffs around and he's fine. No barking, no jumping, no nothing ... within 5 minutes anyone can pet him. We let people know before they come in, to leave him alone .... and if he doesn't want you to pet him .. .DON'T. So things couldn't be better ... Samson also seems to like it better this way. Thank you so much ... Rob

2. PRE-COUNSELING EMAIL (the problem) I recently adopted a approx. 2 year old lab that was a rescue dog, running in pack and in bad condition. It has spent 10 days at the vet and I have brought him home and tried to introduce him to my border collie and cat, but it appears th at he is aggressive with both of my animals. How is the best way to introduce this new pet and protect my older pets? I am considering a soft muzzle on the lab because of his size and ability to inflict serious injury or death on the smaller housepets. Help!

POST-COUNSELING EMAll (the opinion) Dear Tanya, Thanks so much for the advice. We have gotten the two dogs together - newcomer and family pet, and so far, so good. The lab just enjoys being with people and he sorta' ignores the other dog, they come together to me for attention but so far, no jealous behavior.

3. PRE-COUNSELING EMAIL (the problem) I really liked your site, and am very glad I f und someplace where I can ask a question. I have a 2 year old female lab mix. About 3 months ago she was fixed. She was raised in a house with an adult male husky. I have recently seperated with the owner of the husky and we are living with my parents with the only other animal a cat which she was also raised with. The last couple of months on 5 separate occasions she has shown aggression towards 2 male strangers that were in neighbors yards, my sister & brother-n-Iaw, and my 80 year old female neighbor. Although she has always come to me when I called her - in these instances she has ignored me and even moved away from me. Although she has not made an attempt to bite, just barked, growled, and snarled with her hair~standing on end. This has concerned me. Michelle

POST-COUNSElING EMAlL (the opinion) Tanya, I would like to thank you for the great advice you gave me concerning my dog. We quickly put in to practice everything you told me and the results have been great. Between spending more time with her and letting you know anytime she attempts to bark at people, she has seemed to become her old lovable self again. It has now been over six weeks since she has shown any aggression towards anyone. Although I don't think I will ever completely let my guard down again as far as she is concerned when strangers are around, I do feel she has iimproved greatly. And I do make it a point now of telling new peopIe to our house that she is a wary of strangers and th at they make sure to give her time to adjust to them before petting her. Once again thanks for the advice. It has made things completely better. Michelle