My husband passed away in December. Our German Shepherd mix is still grieving him, looks for him, wouldn't eat for a while.

Our AKC GS suddenly seems fearful, uncertain of herself, nervous - yesterday I had some work done on the house and after a day of the worker giving her dog biscuits and playing catch with her all of a sudden she growled and showed her teeth and I think she would have nipped him (she was looking down at his shoes).

She stopped as soon as I said her name but then she stood behind me. She's a big dog, about 100 pounds, listens very well, is a genuinely good dog - but her behavior absolutely stunned me. She is somewhat shy, was abused as a puppy (her previous owner let his 2 year old play with her unsupervised and he dropped her down a flight of stairs but I've had her since she was 7 weeks) but she's never been aggressive (if that's the word).

Any thoughts? I was thinking perhaps some sort of training class because she seems to have lost her confidence. I don't think she has a problem with other dogs - ?

I play ball with her literally for hours every day and also have hired someone (and she loves him!) who comes to the house and plays ball with her when I am working but she is high energy.

I spoke with my Vet today - he just saw her about a month ago - and he said there is nothing wrong with her physically, he thinks she's just shaken and grieving. My husband was taken from the house by ambulance and now she trembles when she hears sirens so I'm sure all the commotion has stayed with her.

Sorry this is so long but I'm really concerned -

Lula001

oh the poor dog (and poor you too!) it sounds like she really is grieving and also she may have been trying to (mistakenly) protect you from a stranger as her "Daddy" isnt around to do it. I would pay her lots more attention, keep her comfortable and just try and get her through this. You have both had a tough time of it and I wish you both well :-)

mydogquestion

So sorry for your loss. Perhaps like Lula said she is trying to be your protecter. Also of fear of losing you. I think a dog class would do her good. If you went to a group class she will view you as the leader . Good luck to you both.

jcdill

Hello,

I'm so sorry for your loss. {{{hugs}}}

You are on the right track with your assessment that she has lost her confidence. Here is how you can fix that problem.

She's a "beta dog" and she has lost the "alpha dog" in her pack (your husband). This is a very scary thing for her, and she's really lost and frightened. In the wild a dog pack that loses the alpha dog is a weak pack and the remaining dogs would be less likely to survive! She is quite literally afraid for her own safety right now.

What you need to do is learn how to be "alpha" to give her direction and confidence. There are a number of training programs that can help with this. Any program that helps you learn how to give her directions firmly but kindly, and then praise her for obeying, will be a good start. A basic obedience class can help. As you give her simple directions she finds security - she knows her place (beta) and you are giving commands so that makes you "alpha" and all will be right in her world again.

Also, when she's frightened about something, explain things to her just as if you were talking to a toddler. While she doesn't understand your exact words, the action of noticing and explaining is perceived as you knowing what is going on - you are "alpha" and you have things in control. For instance, if you have a visitor and she is frightened, talk to her and say "Thank you for noticing there's a stranger in the house. Good dog! This is a visitor that I have invited into the house, and I've checked him out. He's OK. He will only be here for a while, and when I tell him to leave, he will leave. If I have any problems with getting him to leave when it's time, I'll let you know and then you can help me. Good dog!" I know this sounds silly, but it addresses the concerns your dog has, let's her know you are "on it" with the problem, that you appreciate her communication ("hey, there's a stranger in our house!") and will call on her if needed.

Please let me know if you have any questions or need further details.

Good luck!

jc

JudyKayTee

This would explain my feeling that she seems frightened and unsure of herself - good advice and I will follow it. I'll let you know how it works out. (I contacted a trainer who said it's more a matter of confidence and I should work with her more, working on her basic commands - which she knows - spend more time grooming her.) We also play catch for what seems like hours every day. It's good exercise for her and she enjoys the companionship and the praise. (I have one of those very large, oversize tennis balls so she doesn't choke.)