2 female German Shepherds

Question
Hi,
I recently bought a female German Shepherd puppy (just turned 9 weeks old).  She is a half sister of my other German Shepherd dog which is about 1 yr. and 4 months old.  The puppy has been with us a week and is showing very aggressive signs towards my older dog.  I have always had 2 female dogs at the same time but they were always different breeds. I have seen some aggression at early stages but nothing like this.  The puppy really deeply growls (almost like a wolf) and grabs my older dogs neck and then really shakes and growls at her. My older shepherd is very kind and acts like she is afraid to do anything because she might get into trouble with us. I have tried to grab the puppy and say no and gently push on the ground like I have read the mother would do, but I feel the aggression is worsening.  I have read it is not a good idea for 2 female German Shepherd dogs to be together.  Can you help?  Thanks!

Answer
It sounds like your dog is acting on either fear or her natural prey and fight drive and has taken on a pack leader roll and needs you to take that position.  The only way she will learn proper pack instincts is if you teach her.

Please be aware that puppies go through a fear imprint stage from 10-16 weeks and it will be important for you to learn how to deal with fears as they occur because these will stay with her for her lifetime if not handled appropriately. Read the article on Fear on my help Page.

Behaviors can be changed in a young dog like yours in a short time and you'll need to be consistent correcting every inappropriate behavior as outlined in the recommended articles until she learns appropriate behaviors.  If this behavior is not corrected you will have a very aggressive adult.  

Start by reading my article "Dealing with Behaviors - How to Take on a Pack Leader Roll"
http://www.gallantshepherds.com/packleader.htm

There are more articles on aggressive behaviors, dominance issues and becoming a pack leader on my HELP Page http://www.gallantshepherds.com/gsdhelp.htm

Please also read the articles about puppies.

It will be very helpful for you to purchase some books to help you to understand your pup.  German Shepherds For Dummies has a lot of information you would find useful and Cesar Milan's Ceasar's Way or his New Book on How to be a pack leader would also give you insight.

Hope this helps.  Don't hesitate to contact me if you have more questions.

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