What can I do for my dogs sake?

Bruno sounds to me like a Dominant male dog, in a scared German Shepherd suit…in other words, he doesn’t cower when he’s frightened, he attacks…I can tell you right now, that this isn’t something that will be completely overcome. The best you can do is maybe ease his fear (somewnat) by taking him to places where there are people and other dogs…BUT, where you can keep your distance…basically desensitise him to the presence of others.

Now, he’s VERY big GSD…so unless he’s very well trained in obedience, I suggest that you DO NOT take him to a park without someone strong enough to hold him, if he decides to charge someone. (My German Shepherd is very large (130 lbs) and if he decided to go after a person or a dog, there is no way I’d be able to hold him…my shoes would be smoking on the pavement. So don’t do this unless you have help, or you’re absolutely sure you have control of him.

There two things this dog needs that I can see. One…that YOU are the leader…and by being the leader you not only lead him, but he knows you’ll protect him…(remember he’s a dominant male…but he’s also fearful when it comes to people)…it’s a fine line. I’d work daily on obedience…sit…down…stay…heel…things that he knows, or can learn easy…that builds confidence.

Also, play games like…have him lay on the floor, and roll a ball to him…play kinda of a keep away thing…during this game, lightly (and quickly) run your hand down his leg, and over his foot…don’t linger. You’re just working on desensitizing him to feeling your hands on his legs and feet. Don’t push it…but by doing it while he’s having “fun” will make it less scary to him.

Tell your dad, that he wasn’t “attacked” so much, as the dog was “defending” himself…a 108 German Shepherd could do a LOT of damage, had he wanted to…Bruno was just saying “leave me ALONE, this scares me” in doggie language.

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