german shepherds question?

[muttsRus]

Hi everyone, firts time writer, long time reader.This question is for everyone regarding german shepherds are they usually agressive both salon or mobile? it seems that every time we try to groom them they seem very agitated (we are mobile) and tend to be pretty nervous.in fact we had to raise our prices just to keep them from booking. most dogs do exellent in our van but not them. or is it just my imagination?

[lbboop99]

muttsRus,

I am suprised to hear this. They are actually my favorite breed. I have some GSD regulars and I love them. They do tend to be a "nervous" type of dog though. Maybe that's it, not sure. But I would think with mobile grooming it would be even better because they are in and out when they are done. I know at my shop when they are done and crated they tend to get loud and scratch at the crate. But that's not all of them just some. Maybe some others on this board will have some insight on it for you. Good luck.

[bullylover21]

I personally have never met an aggressive shepard, but I know there are a lot of them out there. Mostly they are nervous and whine (very loudly) for the whole groom. I think if I did come across one that was really agressive I wouldn't do it, unless I had some help ( and a big muzzle!).

[jaeinn]

Bring your anxiety level down

Never had a problem with any. I do 2 brothers they are very strong and one is a little insecure. But they are not aggressive toward me.

I would suggest trying no to be so fearful of them. If you are afraid they will be afraid. Maybe this is a breed you just shouldnt do? That is your call.

Jason

[DAPER DAWG]

I have come across only two agressive shepards. One was a white shepard and he started getting up onto the grooming table and then suddenly changed his mind and turned and started lunging at me. Full teeth showing and trying to back me into the corner and all I had him on was a nylon lead. A girl I worked with tried to get behind him and get the muzzle on and he did the same to her so home he went.

The other was one that was groomed three other times and hyper and on the third time became totally off the wall flailling(sp) around in the tub and trying to bite. For this shepard it was the fact he spent most of his time out in the yard alone. The owners said they were just starting to have trouble at home also. He also was just hitting 2 y/o which is a turning point for lots of dogs.

[Maggy]

I work at a vets office that treats the police dogs for several counties, we also have boarding so we get a lot of shepherds in that board as well

I've found that for the most part these guys are either REALLY good or REALLY bad. They tend to be high strung and nervous, especially the police dogs since they're from working lines and are bred to have that energy.

[Helly]

I think it could be a local population thing, to some extent. I've run into lines of GSDs that are really good, and lines that are really bad. But as a whole they seem to be running more toward the nervous nelly types these days.

The first woman that took me under her wing as a groomer raised GSDs. And the way she explained them was something like this. They're a people oriented breed, and they like to touch and be touched. But they were also bred to work, and to do what they are told. If you don't tell them what to do, they're going to tell you. They'll run roughshod over you if you don't show confidence, and aren't positive in your handling.

GSDs need a leader, even more so than many other breeds. They crave leadership, and it's one of the traits that make them so successful as police dogs, leader dogs, and at herding. They don't just want to be told what to do, they need it. And there's nothing sadder than a GSD who isn't getting any leadership. That's what makes them nervous and unpredictable.

Where does that leave you, in regards to grooming them? Evaluate each dog as an individual. If you are calm and assertive does the dog settle? Does he remain hyper, but show no signs of aggression? If so, I'd give the dog a try. But if he's doesn't settle, and he's overtly aggressive, I'd pass.

[Raggs]

I've never groomed an aggressive GS. I know a breeder who's dog is trained to attack and is also a certified medical alert dog. He can become vicious on command, but his groomer loves him.

[Gracy Rose]

I have two GSD and groom many, I have never heard of them being aggressive in a salon or mobile. We groom many (my hubby is a sheriff and we groom tons of police dogs... we do them for free. If they are an active k9 they use our self serve wash).

[Helly]

I've never groomed an aggressive GS. I know a breeder who's dog is trained to attack and is also a certified medical alert dog. He can become vicious on command, but his groomer loves him.

I've never groomed an aggressive GSD either. I send 'em home.

[muttsRus]

GS

Thanks for the info, maybe our van enviroment makes them feel encaged or traped, I believe some GS owners have no experience training this type of dog or have no clue on their potential, I know they can be extremily smart & obedient. I read that poorly breed or dogs from puppy mills can be very fearful or overly aggressive, so those are probably the ones we get calls about.

[diamienono]

well almost all the sheps around here are NASTY! Very few good ones. but again I live in puppy mill central.

[bell]

We turned few away due to the aggression. One we couldn't get near and when a bather tried, he went after her neck. The ones we can groom are mostly big baby and nervous. I have one G S comes in every 2-3 months since he was 4 months old but he still very nervous every time.

[misscatahoula]

My aunt bred GSDs for many years, and I found her dogs to be very stable-minded and easy to be around. I agree with Helly- it often boils down to the bloodline, proper socialization and training. Most of the shepherds I've groomed have been fine; the exceptions have been very high strung, whiny,and nervous. Shepherds need to know that you are the leader, and if you calmly but firmly let them know what you want from them they are usually very receptive and willing to follow your lead. If one came in with major dominance/aggression problems, I wouldn't groom it, but that goes for any breed.

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

Those that I've groomed have been gentle but nervous.

Tammy in Utah