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UKDgirl · Sep 10, 2008, 08:22 AM

Hello everyone, I have 2 dogs one of which is 8 and a german shepherd he is a full pedigree and every time a member of my family attempts to leave the house he goes crazy to the extent of biting. I have had my dog since he was 6 weeks old and he was castrated last year which did make a huge difference but not when we leave the house. Also if people are walking past the house I think he feels threatened as he goes crazy then also. Other than this you couldn't wish to meet a nicer dog. I really do need to calm him down or people are going to stop visiting me!

Rickaroo · Mar 22, 2009, 07:02 PM

My German Shepherd use to go crazy when we left.. she ate more TV remotes than I care to remember and everyday something new was destroyed.. but what we did was right before we were ready to leave we would send her downstairs with a cool treat and sneak out while she was occupied. We noticed that she doesn't get as anxious when she doesn't actually see you leave her behind. It's simple and it won't hurt to try..

Silverfoxkit · Mar 22, 2009, 08:04 PM

It sounds like you have a real dominance issue on your hands. The problem is you are not the boss, your dog is. This can and obviously has, lead to real behavioral problems.
Many people mistake every day signs of dominance as "loving" gestures when in fact your dog is saying "I'M the boss. You need to reassert yourself as "head of the pack".

You are going to want to avoid any form of physical punishment. Getting physical with a dominant dog can make him even more dangerous and intensify his aggression.

One technique I've heard of is to have your dog to work for everything he gets from you. Have your dog obey at least one command such as "sit" or "lay down" before you pet him, give him dinner, put on his leash, throw him a toy or anything else you may do with your dog. If your dog doesn't know any commands or doesn't perform them consistently, you'll first have to teach him, using positive reinforcement techniques, and practice with him daily.

Do not give your dog table scraps.

Don't allow your dog on the furniture or your bed unless you invite them to because this is a privilege reserved for leaders.

Do not let the dog jump up on you.

I would also recommend Caesar Milan's book Be the Pack Leader.

starbuck8 · Mar 22, 2009, 09:58 PM

You are not the packleader in your home. You are letting your dogs take that role. Your dog is feeling anxious when you leave. Sneaking out on him will only enhance his experience of abandonment, and make him more aggressive towards other dogs/children/... or other intruders in general. He feels like he is not only in charge, but he is your guardian! You leave the house, and it is his! Anyone coming close is a threat!

He should have NEVER been taken from his mother and littermates by six weeks of age. This is likely why he is having problems now. He didn't have enough time to be socialized, and cared for by his mother. He now has insecurity issues, coupled with dominance, when you are not around. This is a bad combo.

I agree with Silver. Try reading Cesar Millan's book, and take a look at this video. It may give you a little more understanding about how dogs behave.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...85827312960989