German Shepherd Nipping

Question
I have a 5 1/2 month old female pure bred German Shepherd. She has been to one round of training, and didn't like the other dogs (would nip at them) or the people (didn't nip them, just didnt go up to them). She plays awesome with other dogs and is friendly to other people outside of our home. In the last couple of weeks, 2 different men have come into our house. She barks at first, but eventually goes up to them, and lets them pet her. When they turn their back to walk away, she jumps towards them and nips their pant leg. Please help - I don't want an aggressive dog that bites people! Thank you.

Answer
The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Since class didn't work that well, perhaps a book will help.  She must accept you as the leader and then follow your example around other people.  


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What All Good dogs Should Know, By Wendy Vollmer, 1991

How to Raise a Dog When Nobody is Home, Jerry Kilmer, 1991

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