I apologize for the verbose nature of this post, but I want to be as detailed as possible. I am DESPERATE for help at this point, because I love my dog very much and want him to be completely happy living with me. Thank you in advance for any serious and professional help on this matter--as I can not afford the advice of a behavioral specialist at this time.

BACKGROUND
My dog Zeppelin is a 2.5 yr old German Shepard/Husky mix. When I selected him at the local SPCA, I chose him because of his calm and friendly disposition--even at just 6 months old and surrounded by much more hyperactive animals. I studied a book entitled "Dog Whisperer" (NOT affiliated with Milan)for months before adopting him, and applied a lot of training. Zeppelin is a VERY intelligent dog, an amazingly fast learner, very obedient and loyal, playful as a puppy, and laid back when he needs to be. His Shepard nature makes him protective of the house, he's a complete watchdog and has his hackles up when there's someone at the door--but he settles down quickly. He has no known history of abuse; and he's outgoing and friendly to both humans and other animals--everone he meets is a friend.

I have always recieved compliments on my dog's behavior. Aside from being completely adorable, he's as sweet as can be and his tricks and talents win over just about everyone he meets.

Zeppelin is my first dog (aside from 3 that I grew up around as a child), and I care about him very much. I have invested a lot of time and effort training him, and have always taken him to the vet and paid any bills necessary to keep him healthy. He eats high quality food, and I play with him daily (usually with his Kong frisbee, which he's a pro at now).

MY MISTAKES
Despite my love for him, I have come to the realization that I have been entirely OVER-DOMINANT when disciplining him at times. I'm quick to admit that part of the problem is my own personality; I've always been quick to become angry in some situations--and although I've improved a lot as I've grown through my twenties I still have work to do. I also believe that I naturally have an intimidating nature sometimes without meaning to be that way (through my posture, facial expressions, speech, and other mannerisms).

My first mistake early in training Zeppelin was using the alpha roll as a disciplinary action. I recieved very little help from the local SPCA specialist (who is apparently swamped as she doesn't return phone calls), but she did tell me over a year ago to stop doing this, and I have. Nevertheless, there are still many times when my dog seems needlessly afraid of me.

PROBLEM NUMBER ONE:
When I come home from being away, he almost always takes a submissive posture (ears low, tail wagging nervously, head down . . . soemtimes he just lays down with his head flat on the floor). I blame this on early attempts at keeping him off my leather couch: I would come home and immediately check for fur, scratches, and footprints--and if I found them I'd point at the couch and scold him. In time, when I noticed his changing reception of my arrival I realized I had made a mistake. However, I don't know what to do in order to convince him that I'm over the couch issue and just want him to be happy when I come home like a normal dog!

PROBLEM NUMBER TWO:
Zeppelin has become very protective over his food. The origin of this is cloudy to me. "House Training for Dummies" is another training manual I read, and it suggested getting the dog on an eating schedule in order to simplify training by making his elimination times more predictable. Following the book, I would put his food out twice a day approximately the same times. I would have him sit nearby while I ate, then place his food out after I was done and allow 15-20 minutes for him to eat it, and then remove the bowl at that point--regardless of if he'd eaten it or not. After he was completely housebroken, I stopped this practice and pretty much let him eat when he wants. Sometimes he eats once a day, sometimes he eats twice and still acts hungry. I asked the vet about his inconsistancies and he said Huskys can be finicky eaters at times and not to worry about it.

Despite relaxing the rules on his feeding, Zeppelin is now protective of his food around me. If there's food in his dish and I enter the room, he's quick to walk straight to the dish and stand over it, often assuming a submissive posture at the same time. If I approach, he will begin to act very nervous and will sometimes growl and even snarl. He feigned a snap at me once as well. I have tried hand feeding him piece by piece, feeding him without the bowl, approaching the bowl at random times while he eats and dropping in a treat with his food. None of this has seemed to work.

PROBLEM NUMBER THREE, THE BIG ONE:
As I mentioned before, I'm overcoming my temper while learning to train my dog and deal with his behavior. I had the epiphany that I was being overly-dominant a little more than half a year ago, and made strong efforts to cut out all punishments when disciplining Zeppelin, and focusing solely on rewarding him when he's doing good things (Positive reinforcement). I focused on my mannerisms and avoiding too much direct eye contact, and being more relaxed about him getting on the couch while I was away; and I even tried to ignore his protective behaviors around his food.

Nevertheless, about 3 weeks ago I came home and when I walked in the door from work he approached toward me nervously (the food dish was by the door and was full, it is worth mentioning). In an attempt to calm him I reached down to pet him, and he growled and stared at me as I was about to touch him. Shamefully, I let my temper get the best of me and I became angry (and frustrated that he was still acting this way, despite my best efforts to convince him he doesn't need to fear me). I went to put my hand around his muzzle and close his snarling lips, when I did this he became frantic and he ended up biting me on my chin--giving me a laceration that was just short of needing stitches. Frightened and startled, I struck him on the head with my open palm and we quickly walked away from eachother. I IMMEDIATELY realized that all this was ultimately my fault. Within ten minutes Zeppelin was at my side, licking my hand and I was left wondering how in the world I am ever going to fix what I have screwed up while trying to train my dog with his best interests in mind.

WHERE I STAND NOW:
Obviously, the last incident was all it took to make me realize that Zeppelin and I are in a very serious situation. If I don't fix things soon, I may very well lose his trust altogether and lose my best friend as well. I have resolved to change my training methods, no matter what it takes. I make a point to speak softer, to avoid approaching his food bowl for any reason whatsoever, to not discipline him physically in any way . . . I'm doing whatever I can to prove to him that I'm not a threat. I just hope it isn't too late.

I still have hope for regaining his total trust, he still listens to my every command, I don't even need a leash to have him walk with me or play outside in our unfenced yard. We still play a lot, including "wrestling" matches where whenever he gets too rough he instantly "apologizes" and licks my face when I say "ouch." He still meets me at the bottom of the stairs when I wake in the morning, tail wagging and eager for a pat on the head . . .

I just need help on what I can do to regain his faith in me and to show him that he has nothing to fear from me. Thank you so much for reading.

-Justin

Is there any way you can seek counselling for yourself? (Sometimes health insurance will cover it) If you can get some help for personality/behavioral problems you have described in yourself, it might help you relate better toward your dog, and improve your social relationships with other humans at the same time.

I highly recommend you seek the help of a behaviorist or, at minimum, find a gentle dog training class (all praise, reward & positive interaction - no choke chains, no pinch collars - just you, your dog, a collar, leash and yummy treats) and enroll in it. By working in a structured class setting you will help reinforce your bond with the dog in a GENTLE manner. Unfortunately, dogs are very intuitive - they can and do read our body language and sense our emotions. While you most definitely need to get a handle on your anger issues as well, you need to be extra sensitive with how you relate to your dog. You are correct in that all of this boy's issues are a direct result of how you've raised him.

As for food aggression, the easiest way to overcome this is for you to hand feed him. Sit down with him once or twice a day, give him a few kibble from your hand, let him eat, then place a few kibble in his bowl, let him eat, place more kibble in his bowl...etc. As you progress, while he's still eating, place more kibble in the bowl. The idea is that all GOOD things from the hand.

"Mydogiscute" . . . been there and done that years ago . . . counseling can only do so much, at best it can help you identify what you need to do--but it's not going to "cure" a person by itself . . . thanks for the suggestion though

"Crestiersq" . . . I have tried the hand feeding, but I gave up after about a week with very little progress (I'm used to him learning things very quickly I suppose)... I will try to be more persistant and give it another go . . . as for the behavior class, I'll try to save my pennies and find time out of my 60 hour workweek for that... we'll see

Thanks for the help, keep it coming

Originally Posted by chefjustin

"Crestiersq" . . . I have tried the hand feeding, but I gave up after about a week with very little progress (I'm used to him learning things very quickly I suppose)... I will try to be more persistant and give it another go . . . as for the behavior class, I'll try to save my pennies and find time out of my 60 hour workweek for that... we'll see

Thanks for the help, keep it coming

Then go get something EXTRA SPECIAL yummy that he can't resist. I suggest some Natural Balance beef roll, you can cut off a slice, cut or tear into bite size pieces and feed it. They also make it in lamb & turkey, though all my kids prefer the beef. Have yet to have a dog turn up it's nose at this food.

Just don't give up, with patience, consistency and love you can win this boy back.