My introduction

[SKelt83]

Hello,

I was introduced to this site on Reddit. I have had 6 GSDs throughout my entire life, everything from pets to working K9s. My last GSD, Kalispell, was an incredible breed representative in every way, she is the sable dog in my banner.

Thunder is the black GSD in my avatar, currently in his teenage phase and needing a lot of base level work, he was trained as a working K9 but rejected due to not having Malinois drive.

We are located in Michigan, USA, I am happy to help anyone that thinks they could benefit from my experiences.

 

[Andre]

Hi SKelt, welcome to the forum!
Your banner is a great photo. Dogs love the snow! I really love sables.

Thunder is a handsome boy too. How old is he? @MyDogBitz has a 9 month old right now. I am wondering if they are around the same age. Are you in the force of some kind or just managed to get Thunder because he didn't make it through the program?

Thank you for being open to sharing your knowledge and experiences, we have members of all different skill sets who will be grateful for the help.

 

[SKelt83]

Hello Andre,

Thunder is 16 months old. Our breeder trains dogs for the US government and police forces, the puppies he identified that don't have the necessary skills get sold to families.

Thunder went through training for patrol work and explosives detection. The agencies did not feel he had high enough drive for their needs, so the breeder kept him. When we contacted the breeder about another puppy, he introduced us to Thunder. The main issues we currently work through with Thunder are resource guarding and general anxiety. He is usually very well behaved for his age, but very possessive of his kennel and anything in it. The only aggression he shows outside of that area, is when dogs pull towards us on walks or am unknown person comes into our property. Both situations are carefully monitored and we work to de-escalate him.

 

[Andre]

Hello Andre,

Thunder is 16 months old. Our breeder trains dogs for the US government and police forces, the puppies he identified that don't have the necessary skills get sold to families.

Thunder went through training for patrol work and explosives detection. The agencies did not feel he had high enough drive for their needs, so the breeder kept him. When we contacted the breeder about another puppy, he introduced us to Thunder. The main issues we currently work through with Thunder are resource guarding and general anxiety. He is usually very well behaved for his age, but very possessive of his kennel and anything in it. The only aggression he shows outside of that area, is when dogs pull towards us on walks or am unknown person comes into our property. Both situations are carefully monitored and we work to de-escalate him.

Oh alright, that's cool that the breeder works with the government and police. Did you get him as a puppy?

Sounds like you are well-versed with the breed. Great to have more knowledgeable people around. Looking forward to following along with your journey with Thunder.

I myself am still learning and preparing for my puppy in the spring.

 

[MyDogBitz]

Hello Andre,

Thunder is 16 months old. Our breeder trains dogs for the US government and police forces, the puppies he identified that don't have the necessary skills get sold to families.

Thunder went through training for patrol work and explosives detection. The agencies did not feel he had high enough drive for their needs, so the breeder kept him. When we contacted the breeder about another puppy, he introduced us to Thunder. The main issues we currently work through with Thunder are resource guarding and general anxiety. He is usually very well behaved for his age, but very possessive of his kennel and anything in it. The only aggression he shows outside of that area, is when dogs pull towards us on walks or am unknown person comes into our property. Both situations are carefully monitored and we work to de-escalate him.

Hi Skelt83,

Have you introduced the dog to structured play? This will definitely help fix the resource guarding.

You can teach an "out" command and a "leave it" command. You'll also be able to "let the dog win" so he can fulfill that need to possess and guard. Playing can also help with the anxiety as it will help build the dogs confidence. I've never met a dog that doesn't benefit from play, even if they won't play with you in the beginning. The outcome is worth the effort.

I'm not saying this is the case but a lot of police training directors are old school and they don't believe in allowing the dog to play, posses items and they way they teach an out is very conflicting for the dog.

Anyway, good luck with Thunder!