@mercedesrub40 Ahh, that’s probably your answer then. It’s his genetic predisposition.
With dogs, it doesn’t really work like it does with humans; they can have the most wonderful of environments and if even one of their parents had a noticeable issue like reactivity or neuroticism, there’s a very high chance the entire litter will inherit it.
That’s why very strict and careful professional breeding is so important… not just to preserve the best physical qualities of a breed, but so that psychological problems like this don’t pass on as well. It is difficult to say the least for the animal as well as their human family, and with large athletic breeds like GSDs, unfortunately heightens risk of injury or death.
I say this with my own sloppily backyard-bred reactive GSD curled up on my knees right now, snoring hard. Just bc we know what is right logically, does not mean our heart doesn’t make choices for us. I knew what I was getting into 4 years ago with an accidental pandemic litter, and made the mistake of humoring my little brother to go visit his friend’s new litter. Was toast as soon as she put her muddy little pot belly on my lap.
But at least you might have an idea of the issues you’re facing during his lifetime. He’s real young, not 2 yet right? This is the perfect time to get a trainer involved and read up on reactivity 101. There’s a ton of Facebook groups for reactive dogs, if nothing else it’s a space for aggregated resources and venting or asking questions from folks in a similar situation.
With dogs, it doesn’t really work like it does with humans; they can have the most wonderful of environments and if even one of their parents had a noticeable issue like reactivity or neuroticism, there’s a very high chance the entire litter will inherit it.
That’s why very strict and careful professional breeding is so important… not just to preserve the best physical qualities of a breed, but so that psychological problems like this don’t pass on as well. It is difficult to say the least for the animal as well as their human family, and with large athletic breeds like GSDs, unfortunately heightens risk of injury or death.
I say this with my own sloppily backyard-bred reactive GSD curled up on my knees right now, snoring hard. Just bc we know what is right logically, does not mean our heart doesn’t make choices for us. I knew what I was getting into 4 years ago with an accidental pandemic litter, and made the mistake of humoring my little brother to go visit his friend’s new litter. Was toast as soon as she put her muddy little pot belly on my lap.
But at least you might have an idea of the issues you’re facing during his lifetime. He’s real young, not 2 yet right? This is the perfect time to get a trainer involved and read up on reactivity 101. There’s a ton of Facebook groups for reactive dogs, if nothing else it’s a space for aggregated resources and venting or asking questions from folks in a similar situation.