More Samson troubles

Samson did very well with his first training session on Saturday. The trainer said he's hostile toward other dogs therefore can't join the group training sessions just yet.
I've been working with Sam every day and giving lots of extra attention but since all this has started he's been acting extremely territorial. More so than usual. He never used to bark when anyone came to the door and today he not only barked but he snarled, growled and the hair on his back stood on end.
And to make matters worse (Mrs Pink you can relate) today when the mail came through the door he growled and barked and snatched it from the letterbox and started chewing it up. He's never ever done anything like this before. I don't know what's going on in his mind. 

Hope things have improved for you. Maybe the reassurance and a little time passing has helped? 

Hope things have improved for you. Maybe the reassurance and a little time passing has helped? 

Thanks. He had training today and was very good until a Jack Russell walked in. Samson went nuts. The trainer couldn't even handle him. I'm going to check into getting him neutered as that should calm him a bit.

*Crosses everything*

Good luck!

Oh Ricki, I can sympathise...  Poor Samson.    Poor you.  There is nothing worse. 

I find though that 85% of the problems we have get better with more exercise.  I run Rufus like crazy and he is much better.  I'm currently waging war with the oldy-boldies in the park because they don't like the fact that I run Rufus with the bike.  I'm getting a perverse pleasure from pissing them off every morning - so it serves two purposes! 

And eating the mail...  we put a sign on the door and now have a box for the mail. 

If we're home and the mail comes in, he'll go get it and bring it to me!  But if we're not home, he'll devour it. 

Oh Ricki, I can sympathise...  Poor Samson.    Poor you.  There is nothing worse. 

I find though that 85% of the problems we have get better with more exercise.  I run Rufus like crazy and he is much better.  I'm currently waging war with the oldy-boldies in the park because they don't like the fact that I run Rufus with the bike.  I'm getting a perverse pleasure from pissing them off every morning - so it serves two purposes! 

And eating the mail...  we put a sign on the door and now have a box for the mail. 

If we're home and the mail comes in, he'll go get it and bring it to me!  But if we're not home, he'll devour it. 

What was said about you running him on the bike? lol   People should mind their own!

I've been working Samson for about 20 mins twice a day. Today I actually ventured out in the front of the house. He takes a good 5 minutes to get focussed but then works pretty well. We're currently working on basic heel work and turns. The pulling isnt so bad now that I know how to use the halti collar. I can't take him on long walks just yet as he loses his concentration very quickly and goes nutso! We're going to have him neutered after the New Year so hopefully he can concentrate more on his training.
He's still extremely agressive when other dogs are present so we're still in private training but hopefully that will also change after his neuter.
I have noticed that his behaviour around the house has gotten much better since training. The mail problem has ceased already. I think with German Shepherds they really feel they have to have a purpose and need to work. He's really mellowed out round here!

READ THIS BOOK. 

It was written by breeders of German Shepherds and it worked with getting my Samson to calm down. 

Glad to hear things are improving!

There's a new show with some interesting techniques called "End of my leash"  It's very canadian but he seemed to have some good things.

I'm also reading a book called Natural Dog Training.  It's interesting but my problem is taking the training and putting it into real settings.  Rufus is getting better though and he is calming down a bit. 

Well I finally broke down and made and appt to have Samson neutered on Thursday. I don't know why I feel guilty about it I know it's for everyone's good. His aggression is just increasing and it's to the point now we have to lock in in the conservatory until after our postman comes otherwise he destroys everything that comes through the letterbox which recently included a brand new PS3 game I bought for Frank and a CD I ordered from the USA. As soon as it was put through the letter box Samson attacked it and there was no stopping him. I shouted and pulled his tail and collar and he just ignored me totally. There's a cool £40 down the toilet. That was the last straw! He's done!

I think you're making the right choice. 

Rufus has settled down a bit but my goodness he's daft and I think that's the problem!

A good decision!!!

You've made the right choice.  I wish Samson a speedy recovery! Let us know how he gets on 

Rufus has settled down a bit but my goodness he's daft and I think that's the problem!

   

Thanks everyone. I'm confident I made the right choice. The vet tells me it will take a good six weeks for the hormone level to decrease enough for him to start calming down so we have to have this done now!

Don't feel guilty. You are looking after your pet and your family. Good luck!