Yes, as I said earlier, do not imagine that just because you are in the same room you could PREVENT the dog inflicting injury on your child should it take it in mind to do so. Not only are they super fast but super strong too. Children have been killed by dogs when in the same room as their parents/siblings.

One 4yr old boy was killed here a couple of years ago in just such circumstances. No one could stop it.

Hi H: I posted my reply before reading your's ... funny we both used the same expression "stir crazy" ... this is EXACTLY what this poor bitch is, it is so sad.

You said:

"Temporarily, your idea of putting her outside is a good one, but sadly, this is how a lot of them end up, shut out and forgotten for hours on end"

This is what happened to Ben - tied up on a running line in the back garden for nigh on 3 years - no walkies, no shelter, just tied up on concrete. No wonder he was a crazy ******* when we took him on! And now we have had to go back to square one again with his grooming because some stupid woman groomer clearly has terrified him being too rough when grooming out his tangles ... even with his muzzle on, he is scarey - he really turned on OH last night when he was trimming the hair between his toes. All the good of my patience over the last 3 years undone, I am mad about it.

Sorry, going off thread there, but without the PM system it's difficult to communicate now!

I agree with everything you have said about the GSD btw

You're spot on. Dogs are quicker than lightening when they go ... snap snap snap in less than a split second, so fast you cannot see it with the human eye ... a GSD's jaws could crush a child's leg bone with one crunch.

It is as we suspected. This dog is extremely under stimulated so is resorting to neurotic behavior to quell her boredom. Like I said, it's time to have a serious talk with your roommate. This cannot go on, it's dangerous for everyone and the dog isn't happy and neither are the residents. A 15 minute walk? That's all?

I understand that you cannot walk the powerful dog that is snatching on the leash, and I suspect that is the same reason she only got a short walk. Hard to walk a dog that won't stop pulling. Very unpleasant.

Getting her to stop doing the circle thing will be very hard if not impossible. He got a 3 year old GSD as his first dog and THIS is how he treats it? Wow, it's clear he didn't do his research at all! Like Helena said, an oldie like my Jade would have been far easier to take on.

If he's not even going to pay for vet visits, then really there is no point in him having the dog. Some way or another he needs to be persuaded to give the dog back or spend some serious time looking into how to properly care for a dog.

You're going to have to take the dog to the vet sometimes, and the dog needs training, exercise, and stimulation. If the dog is growling, that is already VERY BAD because you have a small child and a cat. Drastic measures might have to be taken unfortunately if he won't comply.

Perhaps you could help persuade him with some video of the dog doing all the stuff that she does so that he can understand how severe it is? Or you could refuse to stay with the dog etc. and go elsewhere when he tries to foist his dog on you.

OK, I'm very concerned about this. The dog is circling because of nerves: she's bored and anxious. 'Correcting' this behaviour, by stopping her from circling, will only result in her manifesting different nervous traits, possibly much worse, especially if she is punished for her anxiety. I cannot emphasise this enough. Stopping her forcibly from circling will only make things worse. Please don't do it.

The only fix for this is to relieve her anxiety, probably with more exercise, fun games, training-- but this is NOT your job. You've said that you have no experience with dogs, and this is not your dog; a nervous 3 year old GSD is hardly an ideal first dog to dump on you, no matter how much you care about her.

15 minutes walk a day might be enough for a very elderly greyhound, but a dog like this GSD needs at least two hours a day. It can be broken up, or bits can be replaced with games in the back garden, but a young, intelligent, high energy dog needs exercise. It won't just affect her mental state going stir crazy in the house: it'll affect her bodily health too.

If putting her out in the garden is the only thing you can do, and if she is happier there than circling in the house, then by all means let her out, but as others have said this is not your responsibility. The owner needs to get the message that this dog needs help.

Do you have a smartphone, or can you borrow one or a video camera? If you can get some of her behaviour recorded, you could show that to him, and to any vet or behaviourist or animal worker who came on board. Even if you can't film it, it is worthwhile documenting anything that concerns you in writing. That said, I think it might be worth talking to SPCA people about your situation. I understand you probably don't want to get your roommate in trouble, but they will understand that too and may be able to offer you (and your roommate, if he can get on board) some help and practical suggestions.

My practical suggestion for the nonce is that you should probably invest in a dog gate. They're not too expensive (and on the plus side, will work as an effective toddler gate later on). You can get them from Amazon or from online pet companies. Get the extra tall one: GSDs can jump high. That'll give you a little extra security for your son and maybe its presence will wake up your roommate a bit, as every time he looks at it he'll have to think about why it's there.

You are not overreacting. You are being eminently sensible. I am very sorry you're in this situation but glad you came here. I wish there was more I could do to help you!

Caring for a baby( joyous as that is ) its hard enough without having to be on constant guard,in fear of your child's safety.So sorry you find yourself in this situation,my heart goes out to you and my heart breaks for that poor dog
Whether it's because of illness or anxiety related,this guy is making both the dog's and your life a misery.There is no excuse for it
The decent thing of course,would be for the owner to admit he neither has the time or the inclination to provide his dog with what she needs,be that exercise wise or medically and at least give her a chance to find a loving home.
Can't offer any advice different to what others have already said.Really hope there's a happy ending for this poor girl and for you and your baby(( hugs)).

If you doubt how good GSDs are at 'jumping' some of these pics of the featured Retired Police Dog of the month should demonstrate!

http://pensions4paws.com/tales_of_the_tail_12.html

Any joy yet with the owner of this poor dog? Maybe you might feel brave enough to show him this thread of yours and see his reaction? Hopefully, it could get him motivated in the right direction. Still thinking of how you're coping that's all.

I did share this thread, but it hasn't been read. I did, however, just get lectured that I am not to put the dog in the backyard.
I suggested that the dog get a walk in the morning before they leave, but that's "too hard".
Ugh.
I can't stand to watch her suffer anymore, and I don't think I can force my son to sit in his crib all day until someone comes home to take care of the dog.
I'm going to keep trying, I just don't know what/how at this point.

Thank you so SO much to everyone that's offered advice so far! It means a lot, even if it ends up being for nothing.

I am so sorry you, your child, cat, and this poor dog are in this horrible predicament. Is it at all possible to move from there? I haven't read all the posts yet, but is this GSD gotten from a rescue or breeder?