Hi

Where I take Will down the canal there is a narrowboat which has a resident rescue GSD. She's a bitch, around 6 years old, and the guy was told by rescue that she is an ex-police dog? Anyway, he's had her about 3 months, and he's an elderly chap (not to stong on his feet)

At first, she was very friendly, loved Willis and, although she wasn't overkeen on other men talking to her seemed to be ok with me. But, for the past month she has turned really agressive. She barks really ferociously from the back of his boat at people who walk past (including us), hates all other dogs, and is turning into a bit of a tyrant. Her owner is getting worried because she is so nasty, and ties her up, but, other boaters, residents and walkers are none to happy. How can I help, what advice can I give?

I am under the impression that now she's settled in she sees it as her responsibility - but its antisocial behaviour in those particular circumstances.

Any advice?

She's probably had a strong handler and been kept in check and under control. If she's been working dog her energies and aggressive tendencies will have been channelled into her working life, switching off when she's been out and about, that will be why she was originally ok.
She could be finding adapting to life as a pet frustrating without this outlet for letting off steam. This is manifesting itself into the behaviour she is showing now - it will only worsen. Living with an elderly and not too strong person could be a big mistake. This could be a recipe for disaster. Dogs trained in police work need someone aware of their capabilities and strong enough physically and mentally to take them on.
There could be several reasons why she has turned up in rescue and she has been rehomed unwisely.
Lara x

Hiya,

I'm sure you know, that German shepherds need strong handling and lots of exercise.

If this GSD was used for police work, I imagine she would have had a lot of exercise. Is she getting that now, or is she restricted to the boat?
I think at 6 years old, she's in the prime of her life and will still need a lot of free running etc.

I'm not sure what advice I can really give....this is a difficult situation.
On the one hand, the dog shouldn't be tied up, but then I understand what you're saying about the owner being elderly.

German Shepherds will protect their property and their owners....I suppose if she's been a police dog, she may even be more protective than your normal pet GSD.

I don't want to be horrible....but do you think the GSD and this elderly person are ideally suited?

I think the thing to remember, is, as a police dog, she will probably have been very well trained....so I imagine she's really a good dog, who's just having a few problems settling into a life without work.

sorry I couldn't help much.

Lisa

I agree with the obove posters.

I don't know whether it really is an ex-police dog (do they train bitches as well as dogs?). Sometimes this term is incorrectly applied to dogs which may have been trained (or not trained maybe) in some other way.

This could be fear agression creeping in also.

I have posted on this site before about unsuitable rehoming of dogs where the prospective new owner's circumstances are not properly checked out by the rehoming centres.

This poor man's situation is only going to get worse if he can't control the bitch. It would be better suited to a more active owner who could appreciate & deal with the temperament.

The problem is how to approach the chap & suggest this. This will be dificult for you.

Best of luck,

Nicola.

Hi Chloe...

Has anything happened with the GSD yet?

I'd be interested to know whether the owner manages to sort this out or whether she'll have to be rehomed :(

Take care

Lisa