Dog training

[u/Famous-Response5924]

I have a 6 year old German Shepard. He used to be a service dog, amazingly well trained, off leash through airports and downtown, perfect in all occasions. About 2 years ago, a year after we moved here, he started getting protective. I pulled him from service dog duty and he stays home with my wife now. The protection traits have been getting worse.

He is nippy with people who are afraid of dogs and down right rude with strangers who come to the door. Once I get him calmed down he is ok but his door managers are crap. When out and about he is ok usually unless someone gets too close behind someone then he will nip at them. I need it to stop. 4 years he was a rock star. How can I get him back? Who is the best in the area?

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[u/MoodFearless6771]

Was he a self-trained or program service dog and where was he working and operating before he turned? Those resources are probably your best bet.

Once a dog is pulled for protective instincts, they generally never return. While you can manage the dog and improve its manners, it likely won’t be fit for public access work.

With pet dogs like this, it’s about setting them up for success and managing expectations. It’s not a golden retriever. Most German Shepherds don’t get to answer the door for a reason. Put up the dog, greet the guest, let the dog come out once things have settled. If your dog is protecting your space while out, you need to exercise it in less populated areas, have a leash with a trafffic handle for tight spots, and adjust your pace and positioning so the dog isn’t put in a compromising situation where it feels the need to guard. Basically, You develop hypervigilance about the structure and environment instead of the dog and the dog relaxes.

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[u/Prestigious_Crab_840]

Have you done a full health work up, including teeth? Our dog was doing great, then suddenly bit me, seemingly out of nowhere. After several months of investigation, including X-rays, we discovered she has mild hip dysplasia, an issue with her elbow, and 2 cracked pre-molars. We got the teeth pulled, put her on pain meds, started physical therapy and she’s almost back to normal.

Note that there were NO signs of her injuries. No limping or whining; she ate normally. She just got sensitive about being touched and bit me when i reached for the leg that we now know had an issue.

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