I have an 11 year old black lab that I have raised since a puppy and in August we adoped a 3 year old German Shepherd from a couple we knew. My worst nightmare came true yesterday when the GS bite my son's friend. It has and continues to be a nightmare. He had never bitten before so this was unexpected. I could go on and on but to make a long story short I am very confused at the best way to get this dog help. The animal control officer handed him back to us the same night saying he wasn't an aggressive or dangerous dog so he saw no reason to hold him.
Instead of adjusting better to my family the dog seems to be getting more jeoulous of my son and other dog and will growl. I know he is telling everyone it is Mom and Me and everyone else stay away.
He has been going to a day care twice a week and they use a lot of Ceasar Milan's style. Especially putting him on his side and holding him down. The suggested I do this when he growls at my son, which I have. Once the dog gets up he seems better and will go over and lick my son's hand but I am now wondering if all this has made things in the long run worse. They also suggest a pinch collar.
A while before this we had him at basic training which uses the clicker and only positive bahavior. The teacher did not want me to use a pinch collar at all just a martingale harness.
I feel these are two completely different theories on training and am very frustrated. I plan on taking him to the vet asap. He does have a sore foot which may have caused him to snap at this boy.
I would love some advise at which way to turn. We can keep him away from other people but my main concern is my son. I can't take a chance that he will get bitten. But I just can't get rid of my furbaby without trying everything possible.
Instead of adjusting better to my family the dog seems to be getting more jeoulous of my son and other dog and will growl. I know he is telling everyone it is Mom and Me and everyone else stay away.
He has been going to a day care twice a week and they use a lot of Ceasar Milan's style. Especially putting him on his side and holding him down. The suggested I do this when he growls at my son, which I have. Once the dog gets up he seems better and will go over and lick my son's hand but I am now wondering if all this has made things in the long run worse. They also suggest a pinch collar.
A while before this we had him at basic training which uses the clicker and only positive bahavior. The teacher did not want me to use a pinch collar at all just a martingale harness.
I feel these are two completely different theories on training and am very frustrated. I plan on taking him to the vet asap. He does have a sore foot which may have caused him to snap at this boy.
I would love some advise at which way to turn. We can keep him away from other people but my main concern is my son. I can't take a chance that he will get bitten. But I just can't get rid of my furbaby without trying everything possible.