Hi, Im new here so I thought I would kind of just 'ease myself in gently' if thats okay.

I would definately seek a training/behavioural specialist with an emphasis on desensitization. Im not sure how the dog training system goes in UK these days but I know in California there are plenty of expensive dog trainers and behaviourists that do the raw basics and nothing more which leaves the dog, after about 4 or 5 weeks doing a perfect 'heel, sit, down, here and stay'...as long as there are no distractions!!

Hope everything works out okay and all involved stay safe.

JUST AN UPDATE having worked on the dogs response to floss for weeks now,and the owner working on the recall and look at me!we went out at the same time today(muzzled of course) there was an initial growl but after that they were fine,met a few other dogs on the way individiual ones were fine kept talking etc etc but groups of noisy running at hers we put on lead as soon as they were spotted and chatted etc and all went very well.but!!!!!having seen for myself just how much the dog pulls!!!!omg!!she needs a bit and bridle!!working on the couple of steps sit turn around etc and she is starting to listen but quite what she is going to do about the pulling i dont know??the sheer strength of the dog is scarey she would pull me over no problem!they have tried a halti b4 to no avail,simialr a choker is there a very good device about???

Several members have had success with the Walkezee harness or the Canny Collar. If you use the DW Search facility you will be able to find and read all the posts relating to them

Hi

Just to say I have had a dog aggressive GSD bitch who was very unpredictable, so please be cautious as sometimes mine would be fine with other dogs and then turn for no reason.

We took her to a behaviourist and did all the pack hierarchy training etc, but she never really improved, so please be cautious, as nervy dogs do take a lot of turning around.

The behaviourist we went to said bitches can be very aggressive with other bitches and fight very badly. It has been known for them to fight until one dies in rare cases where there has been no one to stop the fight. They did say not spaying them is best as it makes them less dominant.

I know the programme 'It's Me or the Dog' on the TV was advertising for problems dogs for the programme and this would probably be free.

I hope this helps, but I would be careful around this dog.

thanks heidi the dog is not allowed out without a muzzle under my insistance!it sems to be a dominance thing as when we were out the gsd kept trying to round floss up and keep in front of her.thanks will look up those gadgets

I feel sorry for the dog. So many people buy dogs without too little thought about the type of dog that would fit in with their lifestyles. If it is too big for her to handle then surely she should have identified that before going on to buy one of the biggest breeds She should have decided on something more suitable for her: a dog she could handle and one that would enjoy living with her and her lifestyle. Take on a dog you should also be aware that they are not inexpensive! Sorry, I have no solutions - but there has already been some sound advice expressed already - as I am no behaviourist but this smacks of lack of common sense.

Good point....I'd agree with you a lot on what you have said here, except that sometimes people buy dogs when they are in a stable relationship (as a couple) and sadly relationships break down. I'm not saying that this has indeed happened to this lass, but if it has, and she is prepared to keep the dog and work with her, then hats off to her. At least she's trying and willing to do everything that she can to help herself and her dog Sadly most other people just get rid Or don't appreciate that there is a problem and don't accept or address the issues JMHO.

Hi Cumbrian Lass Yes I take your point, life can change and that needs to be taken into account. I've just re-read the original post and it says 'new neighbour' rather than 'new dog' so that may be it. Whatever the case I hope for both their sakes they can sort it out.