Hi everyone - i'm new here and i'm after some advice
I have a 10 month GSD who is fine with other dogs off lead and will bark at other dogs when he is on lead.  If we are in a pub garden and other dogs are there he goes mad - very loud and snappy!!!
He is also very territorial and won't let my neighbours/friends dogs come into the garden
Can anyone offer advice in how best to deal with this?

I think i posted this in another topic or section - still trying to figure out the workings of this site - sorry!!!

Sounds as though he is quite insecure. Have you gone to training classes with him so he can meet with other dogs and people and learn how to behave in different situations?
Alot of dogs behave differently when on the lead as they feel they need to protect you. My Dogs are not aggressive on the lead but will bark sometimes at other dogs but off the lead they are relaxed.
In the their own garden is a different thing as thats their own territory and alot of dogs wouldn't like other dogs coming into their space.
If i have a friend round with a dog we always walk the dogs together first before going into my garden, this seems to make a difference with mine but your dog may just feel that he needs to protect you and his garden from anyone who comes in.
All dogs are different like people, one of my dogs will accept anyone or dog in our house or garden infact nothing seems to bother him.
I'm sure your get some good advice soon from someone who owns the same breed as you but i would suggest that your dog thinks he's in charge rather than you being top dog, so lots of training to re-enforce who's in charge should help and try to stay relaxed when he's on the lead as they pick up how your feeling.
If your out walking on the lead and see another dog coming try to keep his attention with a treat or toy and reward if he stay quiet, or turn and walk the other way for a few steps and reward if he's good again.   

He has been in training classes since 12 weeks - two different classes so he meets different dogs - one class he is quite reserved and the other he reacts bad on the lead.
With regards to the garden i tried the walking first and he starts to gets agressive close to the garden - maybe you're right  he thinks he's top dog but i do all the right exercises to enforce i'm in charge so perhaps i just have to keep doing it!!
When getting to the garden do you reckon its best to let them both off the lead at the same time even if he's being agressive or let off only one of them to begin with ?
Thanks

I'm not sure i'd want to let either of the dogs off in the garden at the moment if your dog is getting aggressive as soon as he thinks he's nearly home, you could end up in a fight and that could spoil your training so far.
It may be worth speaking to a behavourist about the way your dog is behaving first and maybe get them to come to your house and see how your dog reacts.
Have you spoken to the trainer about this at classes? they may have some advice. certain breeds of dogs can be very territorial about where they live even if they are fine out on walks,if you push things you may make things alot worst.      
Is this other dog a bitch or male? because if it's male then that could be harder.
Really think best to get someone to come to your house and give advice, the last thing you want to a dog fight if it all went wrong.

the other dog is a bitch -and yes it makes sense to get someone in - thanks

Try these organisations, they should be helpful as they both have to keep up with their professional development;

http://www.apdt.co.uk/

http://www.apbc.org.uk/

Hth :)
Be careful about getting in someone from say the local paper as anyone can call themselves a behaviourist or trainer
without having much experience.

Lindsay
x

> He has been in training classes since 12 weeks - two different classes so he meets different dogs - one class he is quite reserved and the other he reacts bad on the lead.
>

What does the trainer do when your dog is reacting badly in class? He may be going through that terrible stage when his hormones kick in and he feels out of sorts with the whole world. I have always said testosterone should be a banned substance LOL
Have you thought of taking him to a GSD only club? They are used to dealing with shepherds and will usually be able to offer sound advice.

There are I believe some good GSd only clubs out there :) but many seem to be stuck in old dominance based methods ...
Problem is you can't always tell what they are like.

Lindsay
x

thanks everyone!!
one puppy class is mixed dogs where he is snappy and the other is a GSD class and he is reserved but definately getting more sure of himself
maybe its just a case of him being insecure and thats something i'll have to keep working on

I only have questions here I'm afraid.  Consider why your dog is'snappy' in the mixed group: is there any difference in the owners/dogs/trainers etc that could be unsettling your dog or yourself?
Your dog will meet all sorts of dogs in life so he will need to be socialised with all sorts, as will you.  Try to keep calm and have the confidence to avoid badly behaved dogs that could be 'setting off' yours - it could help him learn to be a leader in the end. 
Also have a look at Turrid Rugrass' site particular 'calming signals for dogs' - sorry can't give you the link my PC is on its last legs and takes forever to switch screens and find links.  IME calmness works a treat in any situation -human or animal. 
Wish I could practice it all the time LOL

Hi
the class where he is snappy he is on the lead the whole class - whereas the other class he is kept in check by the other dogs - they won't be bullied (if you know what i mean)
I'll have a look at the site you mentioned - thanks