i have a 18month old bitch which is great around other dogs and people ever since i have had her but i went to have a look at another gsd bitch which is also about 18months old. you can tell she is also good around other dogs and people but has just come out of season a day or two ago. we had them on the leads so they could meet each other but they are both used to being walked off there lead in the park. at first they seemed to get on when the other gsd sniffed my gsd but as soon as my gsd sniffed the other gsd it moved quickly and my dog looked like it was going to go for it. so we tryed to walk them around the field so see if they would get on better and they seemed fine so we let them sniff each other again but they started the bark and try to jump on each other. is there anything we should of done differnt or try as i believe they would get on so well together but am a bit worried just to let them off the lead the next time we meet up to see how they get on.
we can tell both dogs dont like the lead so we have thought about using a muzzle but neither dog has worn one before so i dont think it is a good idea as i dont believe my dog would like it

is it possible that the other gsd just come out of season was the problem?
or maybe the fact that they were on the lead? as i was told that dogs feel more threatened when on the lead.
does anyone have any ideas?
thanks

Hi

I hope by me answering this mail, you may get some GSD owners who can offer you their years of advice!

As a dog owner, I would try contacting a behaviourist who understands psychologically how dogs think!  Ask your vet to recommend one in your area and check that they have some form of accrediation and/or qualification.  You could then ask the behaviourist to join you when you meet up again.

On the whole, I have read, that dogs do not like meeting each other 'on the lead' and this can make them more agressive to each other.  Some books have noted that dogs should also not meet 'nose to nose' but 'side on'.  I would be wary about letting two dogs meet each other buy providing you are there with some help to step in if needed, try letting them off the lead in a secure area, that way you can see whether it is the leads that are a barrier.  If problems strike up , get in there and split them up. 

Your bitch no matter how good she has been around other people and dogs in the past has had you all to herself!  She may feel threatened but these problems can be resolved by an experienced behaviouralist.

Get a book that is about dog behaviour, an RSPCA one or one recommended by your vet.  This will add to building your knowledge (probably quite extensive if you have owned a dog before) about dog psychology.

Can anyone else add some advice for this owner?

None of my dogs like meeting strange dogs whilst on the lead. My retriever in particular can be very growly towards other dogs when on lead and yet let her of and she will show some beautifully polite doggy behaviour, and loves other dogs. Could you possibly use two long trailing linesso that if trouble occurs each person could grab a line and seperate them, yet they will not feel the restriction the lead usually brings?

My retriever is also sometimes a barker when he meets other dogs on the lead, it starts off ok and then i think excitement takes over it's not aggressive or a least i don't thnk so, as i don't see any signs i think he just wants to be off to run around and play.

Can you just clarify something before I reply to your post

>  but i went to have a look at another gsd bitch which is also about 18months old.  <

Are you thinking of getting this second bitch ?

Edited to add I've GSDs since 1958 & I'm going to my dog club after typing this so if  you reply you won't get an answer until after 10pm-just so you don't think I'm not going to get back to you

thanks all for your replys.
i dont normally have my gsd on a lead when we are in the park which is when we normal meet other dogs.
yes moonmaiden we are thinking of taking on the other gsd.

also thought i would add that my gsd grew up with another dog until she was 7-8 months old. which was when we got her, we were going to take on both her and her play friend but the other gsd went missing 2 days before we were due to pick both of them up. this is why now we have the chance to have another gsd of around the same age i thought it would be nice for my gsd to have a play mate again.

It's usually a big mistake to have two bitches of about the same age. They can be extremely competitive heirarchically, and even when brought up together since babyhood have been known to suddenly turn and fight to the death, unless one is rehomed.

JG you are so right I would never advise anyone to get two GSD bitches of the same age no matter how perfect the temperaments are & believe me when two GSD bitches fall out it is for life & they will never ever be able to be together again. If you are looking for another GSD I would advise a male either younger or older than the bitch(preferably younger)there are a good few GSDs in breed rescues(as opposed to the general breed rescues)where they will have been properly assessed by experienced GSD people & not behaviourists.

Depending where you live there'll be a GSD rescue organisation with in reasonable distance

Why are the owners getting rid of their bitch-well at least the reason they have given you ?

Must agree with others, I was looking for a companion for my GSD bitch  who was then 5, she is great with ALL dogs, but the rescue centre I went to would not allow me to have another bitch, (Quite responsible), although she is friendly when out of the house with bitches, think it would have been a different story inside.  Neighbours of mine had 2 GSD bitches for 2 years, seemed to get on fine the one day they came home to find a blood bath, they can fight to the kill.

I agree too.  I've been told never to have 2 bitches of the same age together and even having 2 bitches can mean trouble.  I second the advice of going for a male.

Jayne

(I've got a 4 yr old male and a 19 mth bitch GSD)