What has happened to my sweet dog?

[Algal]

I have a female GSD who is 3. She was given to me from a handler that had her for just a couple of months. "Abby" had been kept in a crate/kennel until she was about a year and half then she was with the handler for a couple of months and she has been with us for 15 months. She strongly attached to me but has learned to approach the other members of my family. She also is now able to spend time in open areas - she used to just run to any enclosed space. She also is allowing those who come to visit to be introduced to her and to sit/stay for a little bit with out having the outward signs of nervousness that she used to have. She is very loving and listens well and has gotten along with our other dogs. Recently she has started to attack our females which is very out of character for her. One more piece of information - she had a litter last April - but this behavior hasn't started until just 3 months ago.
What we have seen happen is that when our dogs get excited and start barking loudly - she jumps up and attacks one of the females - even if all of the dogs are playing and barking. She seeks out a female. It is as if she doesn't have the information to interpret what is play and what is aggression. I have had success with retraining distressed GSDs but this one has me stumped.
Can you give me some direction?

[MrsRottie]

Hi :)

It sounds as though the dynamics of your pack are changing, how many dogs do you have?

With her going specifically for females, it could very well be that due to the fact she had a litter (only the alpha male and female of a pack reproduce) she now thinks she is 'higher up' than the other bitches.

However, I'm only surmising and without watching the pack in motion it's difficult to tell.

Do you work with any kind of alpha dominance methods? I would strongly suggest you read something along the lines of Jan Fennell 'the dog listener' and try a few of her techniques.

I would also advise you get in touch with your vet to see if you can get a behaviourist referral, I think you might need expert help!!

Good Luck and let us know how you get on!!

[kelsiebug]

yes i agree with wats up top you may need expert help.....good luck :) tell us how it worked out k?

[nancy]

Has she been spayed as this often helps,ask your vet for advice is there a time in particular when she attacks the other Bitches like when they are comming into season or when she is. Tell the vet as much as you can about the sittuation for them to give you the best advice. Hope get this sorted out soon.

[MaryGrace]

As Nancy asked, is she spayed? :)