Any help would be appreciated. My 4 year old GSD hates other dogs. When we take her out and she sees another dog she strains at the lead and growls and barks and acts as if she would kill the other dog. Obviously, when off the lead she is all talk! Is there anything anyone can suggest to stop her behaving in this manner, it is embarrassing.

How about using a 'gentle leader' headcollar - it will help you keep more control in these situations, and will reduce her ability to pull and snap. The collar is designed in such a way that it presses on areas behind the ears which relax the dog. It can be really helpful for some dogs - was in our case at least. Because you can keep control without wrestling with the lead your own stress and anxiety reduces - so instead of releasing a sense of 'stress' which doggie picks up on you can send more rexed messages.

I'd also recommend thinking about contacting a local reputable trainer, or dog warden they will usually be able to give you the number of a behaviourist - who will have the experyt advice and ability to assess the behaviour, and perhaps help you work on it. Many people get nervous of admitting they have a behaviour problem - I think that only responsible owners tend to seek help myself.

Hope you find help for this - have you read The 'Dog Listener' ?

I had the same problem with my little staffie. I took her to a behaviourist last week and so far it is working well.

Does she have a favourite treat? Be it food or a toy?

Rubys fav thing in the world is her ball, she will do ANYTHING for that ball
Well, the chap we saw spent ages working with two balls, Ruby on the lead. We had to roll a ball in front of Ruby, keeping her fav one behind her. When she went for the other ball we held her still and gently said 'off', repeating it until she loosened the lead and turned away from the other 'rogue' ball. As soon as she did this she was rewarded by her fav ball being given to her. We repeated this exercise many times until she came to recognise that the word 'off' ment she was going to get a reward. You could do the same exercise with a fav snack or other treat.

Next step was to hold her infront of a door where she could see other dogs walking past. As soon as she saw one and started to bark and pull we would gently say 'off', as we did with the ball exercise. Then as soon as she stops barking and turns away from the other dog, reward with the ball, or treat. Keep on doing this and the dog will associate the word 'off' with her special treat. This hopefully will condition her that when she sees another dog, if she ignores it she may get a reward

So far, it is working a treat for us. I always carry her ball in my pocket, and have tried it a few times on our walks, it takes time and patience but it DOES seem to be working!

Hope this may help you, and good luck!

Helen