That's exactly what I said about them But they do look much better for training as giving treats through other muzzles is very difficult, I'll be getting one.

I agree with everything said so far. As an owner of GSDs, I believe Eva needs professional help right now. Not in a few weeks, months or years time when your Dad accepts there is a problem.

You mentioned that he is concerned about the cost of things. Maybe you could point out to him that should Eva seriously hurt another dog, he could end up with a vets bill for several hundred pounds that he will have to pay whether he likes it or not.

Also, if Eva has tried to bite another dog owner, she's at risk of being seized and pts if someone chooses to take things further.

I'm sure your Dad realises that GSDs already have a bad reputation and by not training her or getting advice from a trainer and/or behaviourist, he is allowing his dog to display all the negative behaviours that the vast majority of the general public believe GSDs display anyway.

Do you think your Dad would accept advice from someone else? generally, we all listen to other people but when it's close friends or family who are trying to advise us, we don't pay much attention. When a completel stranger tells us something, particularly if it's the same and what has already been said, we tend to sit up and listen more closely.
I'm thinking tha maybe you could show this thread to your Dad. If he can see that we are all advising training and professional helpf or Eva, maybe he will be more likely to consider it.

Also, you coudl point out the advantageds of training ie a calmer dog generally, better exercised (easier to deal with when out), more obedient etc. Does your Dad stimulate Eva mentally at home? Does he play games with her? He can play hide and seek (GSDs love it) or do scentwork with her. He could throw a ball for her up and down the garden and turn this game of fetch into retrieve training. He could make his own mini-agility course with things he has in the garden, shed, house, attic etc. At least this way, some of her excess energy will be used up.

I hope he will get help for Eva. It would be a shame if she had to be rehomed and it would do nothiong for her behaviour. Although, if your Dad isn't prepared to make an effort, then it's in Eva's best interests for her to be in a home with people who can deal with her unruly behaviour and set her straight with an ongoing training programme.

Some great ideas there Stumpywop, she does have constant use of his fairly large back garden, the patio doors are open pretty much all year round, he plays catch with her as do his very frequent visitors but we could all be a bit more imaginative.

I spoke to him about this thread and he does seem to responding to some of the ideas so maybe it's beginning to hit home.

re, the dog owner.
dad thinks it was his own fault for sticking his hand in her face straight after retrieving his own dog.

Maybe so - but it makes no difference. At the end of the day, Eva was out in public and tried to bite. I wouldn't consider her dangerous but others would, particularly because she's a GSD.

Your Dad needs to be able to "read" her when out and about and if he can't, she should be muzzled if likely to come into contact with other dogs or people; at least foer the time being until she's socialised properly and better trained.

I'm glad he seems to be considering what many of us have said though and I hope it all works out for Eva.

Oh, cheers, couldn't get on that website yesterday. I'd much prefer to use one of those muzzles, I know Rupert can remove the one we currently have although he doesn't bother doing so any more.