THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM THE PRINTED VERSION.PETSIf you have a question about your pet's health, send it to Dr. John Wise, 1503 E. Riverside Drive, Indianapolis, Ind., 46202-2097.
Q:We want to buy a dog that will be both a good pet and watch dog. My husband wants a German shepherd and knows of a litter that soon will be old enough to wean. I worry, however, about the breed's vicious reputation especially since we have children. Do you have any recommendations? A:You are worried about what we call dominance aggression. It can be a fairly common problem, but German shepherds can be excellent pets if you select a puppy carefully and put time and energy into its training.
Like other canines, dogs are pack animals. Their human families are their pack. Trouble develops in dogs with dominant personalities who challenge owners to be pack leader. The problem is most common in cocker spaniels, lhasa apsos, chow chows and occasionally in Labradors, Dobermans, Rottweilers - and German shepherds. Children and non-assertive owners are most likely to let dogs get the upper hand and behave aggressively.
Neutering males with dominance problems often helps. Problems also can be eased with obedience training that teaches the dog to be subordinate. Lessons can include such submissive tricks as shaking hands, rolling over and the like.
It now is possible for your veterinarian to evaluate how dominant a puppy's behavior will become. He will pin down the pup on its back. If the animal bites, struggles, vocalizes and fails to settle down, it probably will show signs of aggression as it matures.
Such a pup should have anti-aggressive training before it becomes too big to handle.
