Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 9/5/2008

Question
Hello - my 9 year old german shepherd bitch is taking her guarding of our house to a new level. i have noticed that she barks agressively, as she has always done, but is now taking to jumping a little and placing her mouth on strangers arms. This has gone futher lately to biting the arm slightly. I have 2 girls (aged 5 & 7) and i am alone with them as my husband died 4 years ago. So we are an all female house. Any close male of mine she responds well to and stops her agression but I don not live with anyone. I am afraid that as she gets older the problem may get worse. She is great with other dogs and I do not feel threatened by her in the house towards the girls or me. I just cannot control her barking and agression out in our garden. Any ideas?
many thanks
Katy

Answer
Katy -

You should have a trainer give you tips on how to retrain your dog. Do not hesitate; if she bites someone it may cause them great harm and may cause you great legal problems.  

German Shepherds are great guard dogs, but are known to take a yard when they are given an inch. She may feel the need to protect your family because your husband has passed away. Luckily, they are very smart and can easily be retrained.  

Best Regards.

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM