Aggression, biting

Question
We adopted a 4-5 year old GSD male from a shelter.  He was a stray so his background is unknown.  He is neutered.   He is extremely territorial of our yard, the house and my wife.  

There has been a few close enounters of biting.   The most recent being a friend of my wife walked into the house w/o us at the door and the dog went after her, clamping on her arm and leg, bruising her.

My wife was brought him to training class for "good citizenship" but only basic commands were covered... which he already knows.  She also brought him to a "doggie shrink" for barking and pulling on a lead but only came back with a gentle leader and a suggestion that he could go on behavior pills.

He's gentle with the family but in certain circumstances like strangers and loose dogs he changes to aggressive behavior.  

I recognize it's our responsibility to continue to train him and keep him out of harms way... but this last episode has shaken our confidence about controlling all possible bad situations.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

Answer
hI bRian

The next time or arrange a time for somebody to come to the door, have a bottle of vinegar and water ready in a spray and let him have it in the eyes.  Say a firm loud NO.

This dog has been abused, [pushed around until he has not real faith in humans or knows other dogs as he most likely was never socialized.?

He has bonded to the wife and is protecting her, he might of been trained to do this in some way in his lifetime.  Now, he must be taught NO.  Mean it firmly.  Spray him good, take it with you on walks, also a shock collar will stop this nonsense immediately.  You can buy one at www.drsfostersmith.com.

Put it on tight so the prongs go through the hair into his skin on his neck.  When he goes to bite, growl or chase, let him have a good long sting.  Then call him and pity him for he does not know what happened only never to do that again for it hurts.  He might try one more time, let him have it, this is the most humane way to teach an older dog.

Kind Regards
patt
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