2 Yr Old - Fear & Aggression

Question
My Mother in law has recently moved in with us, she brought with her a 2yr old shepherd (male, neutered). This dog has never had any training, and he is her "Baby". We have a Lab 7yrs old (neuterd male). We built huge dog runs for them and they truly live the good life. However this shepherd has started attacking my lab. He gets so agressive in his cage that I am afraid to walk by with my dog. The sheppherd will spin in circles uncontrollably and almost scream he is so crazy to get my dog. They have thankfully never been together without the fence between them, because I am sure this dog would tear my dog to shreds. We also have a five year old, and we are terrified that this dog will somehow or someday get at him. My Mother in law says she doesn't see a problem but every one else surly does. Ultimatly, we would like to get rid of the dog and make her understand that an untrained dog (no matter what breed) can be a ticking time bomb. Any suggestions for trying to make her see the light. We don't want to put the dog down, but the safety of the family must come before the dog. (she beleives that training a dog will take the spirit out of him). Any ideas?

Answer
Your Mother In Law's German Shepherd is dangerous, aggressive, dominant and is in severe need of boundaries, rules, and limitations.  

Behaviors can be changed in the dog with knowledge and consistency, but it is the People who are the hardest to train.   These behaviors need to be dealt with yesterday and not doing so is not only a dis-service to the dog but every person and animal that is affected by him.  He is aggressive and will hurt or injure another dog or person and for that reason alone he needs rules, boundaries and limitations placed on him.

All Dogs need to be shown proper behavior and this one has not.  He's like an out of control, destructive 20 year old human who grew up without anyone teaching him proper behavior.  The longer it is allowed to go on the worse it becomes. You can change the dog's behavior in a relatively short time.

In order to get a handle on this dog start by reading my article "Behavior Issues - How to take on a pack leader roll" on my help page on my website at http://www.gallanshepherds.com/packleader.htm

There are many other articles on my help page about learning to be a packleader, dealing with aggression, dealing with fear at http://www.gallantshepherds.com/gsdhelp.htm

For More Info about the german shepherd dog go to http://www.gallantshepherds.com/gsdinfo.htm

Remember it is your home, your lab and your son you'll need to start working with this dog with or without the mother-inlaw's assistance. It is harder to bring about much needed change if she refuses to do what is best for not only her family but also the other dog and young grandson.

All the people in your family will need to learn what to do and all together must be consistent.  This especially includes the mother in law!  Because she is the dog's pack leader, and she could undo good work that you do with the dog.  It is especially important that she get with the program.  If she isn't maybe she too could use some rules boundaries and limitations placed on her.

Relationship Advice for Humans http://www.drcloud.com

Glad to be of assistance
Sincerely

Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com