I have a two year old GSD who lunges at visitors when they come and go.
The facts are these:
History: Koa was at a puppy mill until he was 7 1/2 months old, then saved by Save A Dog, and we adopted him at 8 months old. Needless to say he had some issues.
Progress: Considering he could not go up stairs when we adopted him, he has done great. Completed basic obedience 1 & 2, agility, and we are starting a rally class this week.
Diagnosis: I took him to my vet, who is a behavior specialist. She came to the conclusion that Koa is showing signs of fear aggression. She suggested that I use a Gentle Leader and follow the "Protocol of Deference" plan. She had an assistance come to practice with me, but I think the assistant kind of went by her own plan. We started outside our house, with her and a neighbor tossing cheese at him when ever he was relaxed. This went on for one month of Sundays. My husband felt it was not doing any good. I really didn't see any change either. So, now I have started having nieghbors come over once a day for about five minutes. The first time he lunged once, the second night twice. My husband came to the conclusion that he has getting mad the cheese was not being thrown fast enough.
I have read up on the Protocol of Deference and I, kind of, understand the concept, but I don't understand how it corrects the dog when he is reactive.
When people come in he lunges at them and when they go to leave, he does the same thing. I keep him on his Gentle Leader and am going to start having people ignore him.
My husband wants me to go to the prong collar, but I don't want to do that unless I have no other option. From all that I have read, that can make a dog with fear aggression worse.
None of my friend will come to visit, and there is just no warning or any way to know what sets him off.
I am at the end of my rope.
I feel like my vet gave the info, but is too busy to walk me through it step by step.
Looking forward to any help you can give me.
Liz & Koa
