aggresive German Shepard

Question
Our 2 year old GSD bit a 10 yr old. He has never biten anyone before. He is with another dog in our fenced yard and listens well while in the fence. He does show signs of aggresion to other peoples dogs /kids. I don't want to take a chance of him attacking anyone again. What can we do?

Answer
This is a very serious problem, and likely will take more help than I can give.  It likely involves poor breeding and early socialization.  Leaving him in the fence when you aren't around adds to the problem.  It has some of the same problems as the chained dog.

Neuter him if not already.  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. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

You can also work at having strangers including children give him treats.  In the end, your best chance may be a good private trainer if you can find one.