Protection Dog or Scared Dog | Uncle Stonnie's Thoughts on Preventing and Treating Dog Aggression

[@JulietteRomeo]

I’m Bella’s mom. I’ll admit it. I was just so happy to see Bella but at the same time I knew it wasn’t going to be good. It breaks my heart that she is so scared and I have been the biggest contributor to this situation. I can’t wait to see how she progresses. She’s young and I hope there is time to change … for her and myself. Thank you! I have a different perspective now, Bella’s perspective.

[@marydowney1444]

She is a beautiful girl! I think she will do well. Good for you for addressing her issues now. It's hard to admit there's a problem.

[@skidrowe68]

I have no doubt that you brought Bella to the best place available! Uncle Stonnie loves a challenge.

[@greghammett7894]

Wishing you and Bella the best!

[@LLewis-vu9qf]

Pam -- I have watched lots of Stonnie's videos. You probably couldn't have found a more dog- knowledgeable person than Stonnie to work with Bella. ☺️👍

[@johnspencer3994]

You're a great dog owner. You recognized a problem and took Responsibility! You didn't dump the dog you went to an expert to help fix the dog. You're aces in my book. I'd wish you luck but you don't need it. You're in great hands 'n paws. Between Uncle Stonnie and Mr. no-name you're on the track to a great life with a wonderful well socialized companion.

[@paulaczarnomska2712]

"Get a bichon and quit pretending" lol, Stonnie xD

[@kathleenrayner1234]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@expressivepets1]

What she said. ^^^^^^^ 🐾😂🐾

[@vikingdogmanship]

Best thing i've heard!

[@TPinesGold]

... and Prius ...

[@salyoutubepremium7734]

10:37 got to be a Stonnie Dennis classic! ✨

[@armandhammer2235]

Yesterday someone yelled at me for walking down the sidewalk with my dog.Her dog was inside her fence and was very reactivate and aggressive. I've socialized my dog (pit bull) to the point other dogs are not a threat to him. Confidence is the key. Nice work.

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you!

[@erlineandrews]

Wait. She got angry at you just for passing by with your dog?

[@armandhammer2235]

@@erlineandrews Yes

[@DougBillian]

"A four-wheeler that never gets dirty? Get a Prius and bichon." Classic. Smart. Funny. And right on the money!

[@PhillyFan344]

Spot on Uncle Stonnie! Under socialized dogs are an issue with all breeds. It just comes out differently with their traits. Under socialized labs will have its paws on your house guest once they get through the door. Under socialized GSD won’t let your house guest get out of their car. It’s all about socialization, exercise and confidence. Keep telling it to us straight.

[@gretavandermey2545]

Totally right. 🙂🙂☺️☺️

[@sophiesmith5922]

Not just the breed. Its about socialization and environmental experience to build the dog's confidence. But, ya, its hard to socialize a dog if you dont have great dogs around to help. In my neighborhood its all reactive pitbulls and one actual aggressive pit. NO socialization with dogs until we joined a club. Now my GS is well socialized and being the mentor dog for my neighbors young pitbull. Gotta start somewhere

[@JimiInTheJungle]

Telling it like it is, that's why I watch you, Stonnie! Too many owners are learning about their dogs' breed tendencies after the "bad" behaviors start.

[@MadCheshireHat]

I adopted my doberman a year and a half ago from the shelter. He growled at everything, lunged, barked, etc. I basically had to do all of the socialization he should've gotten as a puppy: positive exposure to people with hats, people with noisy keys, people with bags, people with umbrellas, people with disabilities, etc. He knew sit and loose leash walking but it's like he was never taken out to see the world or played with. It's been a long journey. He's not protecting me; he just has no idea what to do...I have to show him things aren't threats. I've definitely noticed that dobermans are a status breed. People are attracted to them because they're cool and/or they want a protection dog, and then they're surprised when the dog has major issues from lack of training and socialization. Unfortunately, he's recently had major behavioral changes, like a regression, but I've moved and his new vet is taking my concerns seriously (don't get me started on his previous vet). Turns out, multiple liver enzyme levels are twice as high as they should be! He has an ultrasound in a couple weeks. Some liver conditions can affect the brain, and they're also common in dobermans. I'm hoping this is treatable but I just have to wait for answers.

[@iculqqkn5768]

Stonnie is by far one of, if not the most honest and straight forward dog trainers in the world. I have been watching and taking Dog Training courses for years and have found his methods of socializing dogs to be the most effective and stress free method to date. Personally i mix his dog training philosophy with Michael Ellis obedience and k9 Sport methods and have been seeing tremendous results with my 5 month old Colby PitBull. Thanks for all the great content Stonnie.

[@chriswojda2078]

I had a Colby for a long time... great dog from when the Colby family still bred them. Would love to have another one some day.

[@Patricia-lg8vg]

"save that drama for your mama" lol/no name is like Jesus - loved it.

[@johnspencer3994]

We need to start collecting these saying and archive "The Zen of Stonnie" :o)

[@RatdogDRB]

This is going to be a good series, and please DO show the progression. I know someone with one of these types of dogs, and my impression is, it lives in a crate for the most part. And, it can't be trusted around other than "it's people".

[@StonnieDennis]

Pinned by Stonnie Dennis Are you a fan of my training style, but can’t travel to Kentucky to see me in person? No worries! I offer an awesome online dog training course, which includes access to an array of exclusive videos and content, personalized coaching, journaling, and in-depth mentoring and evaluation by yours truly! If you just need some an advice or have a couple questions you need answered, I also offer professional consulting by the hour. Both of these great services can be found here: www.KentuckyCanine.com Thank you all for your remarkable support over the years! I cannot express enough how grateful I am for your appreciation and patronage of this channel, my training style, and my kennel. Always remember, it’s a great day for a puppy-sized adventure!

[@petenelson8136]

This will be an interesting adventure to see how this dog adjusts.

[@kimmcferg2197]

I have made this mistake and am working on it... My question is do you correct that behavior at all or just work to build confidence with positive experience? Like would you use a verbal or physical correction when they bark for instance, or would the corrections cause more fear? Unfortunately I don't have access to any mentor dogs so gotta do what i can. Love your videos and if I had the cash my girl would be spending some weeks with you for sure!

[@nicolehart3955]

@@kimmcferg2197 I don’t have any mentor dogs either and the dog daycares refuse him. Do you then just barge into dog parks ? Lol

[@salyoutubepremium7734]

The dog adjusted well... No surprise there. Stonnie knows his craft and used the power of the pack.

[@Sarah_LaVere]

We love our Malinois but had NO IDEA what we were getting ourselves into!!! We read about their energy and personalities but you just don’t know until you own one and see for yourself. After thousands of dollars worth of training later, he is a civil, loving dog! He is a great dog with unmatched energy! A three- mile run is just a warm up for him... no kidding 😂

[@addyaddz7017]

Love the sense of humor 👊🏼 Nice and RAW. No flash music or big intros to videos. Just Stonnie and his slick haircuts 😉

[@johnspencer3994]

Tall mug of fresh brewed coffee, nice chair, grassy field, and a good dog.... This video started out as a near version of my personal heaven. :)

[@TyrannosaurusSnacks]

Ah man, that's so encouraging! It's hard for me to be confident in training/guiding my dogs the way you present it, as I only have experience with just a few and the majority of real life interactions I observe are not exactly montessori-style. So after a while I start to believe tense and disharmonic man-dog relationships are what it'll mostly come down to. With each of your videos you get me back on track. Thank you, Mr. Dennis!

[@allaboutcanines]

Thank you for describing this so well and for helping Bella. Look forward to seeing how she's doing.

[@maryrojas9319]

Videos like these remind our family why we love and need Uncle Stonnie in our home

[@rhiwlen3290]

Absolutely wonderful video and so true. There's a big difference between breeding for a confident dog that can handle protection duty and a fearful dog, sadly, once a breed becomes "popular" breeders that don't understand that seem to come out of the woodwork. I'm so glad I found your channel, you've helped me with ideas for "puppy sized adventures" that I wouldn't have thought of for my Doberman pup. She's seven months now and is the most confident, agile and socialized dog I've had yet.

[@TLC4theSoul]

Yes excited for this series. I have this exact situation with my Catahoula. Thank you Stonnie 🙏

[@malinoisdogtraining3441]

Stonie is preaching the truth. Stoni has a great energy. Animals pick up on it. His calm,firm leadership is how the dogs respect him. With working dogs. Calm, firm and consistent leadership.

[@glusur99mom]

Love this Stonnie. That’s why we have a black lab! Love all the labs, especially Noname.

[@markaris5940]

Really great to see a well explained perspective and explanation of guarding dogs.

[@nicolehart3955]

This is the best video I’ve seen in a long time. This is exactly my dog. You basically described my life and me. My 11 month old dog is also a herding dog living in the big city. Looking forward to your future videos.

[@mattiejitsu]

Great video. We have a farm in Virginia, pretty big and we live way in the back of it. We have a livestock dog, a German Shepherd, and a German Short haired pointer. We used to have a pitbull but she passed away a few weeks ago. She was the best. My point is I would never have any of these dogs if we didn't live on a farm. They all have jobs and work from sunrise to sunset fitting in naps and play throughout the day. We bring our German Shepherd for regular training with a police K9 trainer. He's just a much happier dog with the regular training. Thanks again for the video. I'm sure you'll do great with Bella. Looking forward to her future videos.

[@LifeisbetterwithaMalinois]

I watched this when it came out, just watching it now again. I own a GSD and a Malinois, and live on a farm. "Keep that drama for your Mama" love it Stonnie, your awesome. Our dogs have 5 other mentor dogs! No crates. We live in a small house with all of them. Thanks again for the videos Stonnie, super insightful

[@makb5354]

Stonnie, I love your sense of humor. You hit the nail on a head with this video. I adopted one of those very fearful/ aggressive/ under socialized dogs that got dumped at the city pound by a family who did everything wrong ( or I should say, who did nothing for that pup at all). She was 8 months old and terrified of everything. She is as we checked, Pointer/ Mountain Cur/ Plot with mostly Cur/ Plot personality. I signed up for the group training in town where most people go. It was useless as most dogs in a class were all with issues, trainer had no clue how to handle/ help these reactive dogs and just told us to put barriers between them so they would not see each other. Dogs just end up barking insanely and trainer was getting irritated. Next, I signed her up for boarding with training with skillful trainer that was referred by many people who had working dogs. He is great with her but his human social skills are on a weak side, so I still struggle because I can't quite get him to understand that when my dog gets home she becomes her fearful self again around me because she is not surrounded by stable, confident mentor dogs as at his home. I explained to him that the Covid seemed to reverse her progress because she used to walk with bunch of other dogs from my neighborhood and behaved great. Since Covid, people stay away from others, and I can't get them to walk with us again. My dog became fearful again and now reacts the way this GSD to every dog that approaches her too close and her trainer seems to either not understand my struggle or not know how help me to understand how to fix the problem. That said, I really am looking forward to see progress with this GSD and maybe your way of presentation as well as easy to understand explanation, will help me to help my fearful dog. I so appreciate you sharing with us. I live a country away yet still in US so these on line resources mean world to me. Thank you again.

[@jlee2179]

ONe of the few honest dog trainers with real insight. Good job Sir.

[@cindyheitzig731]

You are my rockstar!!! Gonna love this series. Your son is the best.

[@D1210]

I could listen to you speak sense all day long. Brilliant video and I'm watching how this dog gets on. I've got this exact problem with mine. Thank you.

[@judet3026]

I learn something every time I watch your vids. The explanation as to why some dogs are 'protective' made a lot of sense. ... thanks.

[@StonnieDennis]

Thanks for watching!

[@theresaw1117]

Can't wait to see her progress! Uncle Stonnie is the best!

[@whizzkidd4243]

stonie is the best dog man ive ever came across. no bull just straight up knowledge

[@mofojo1877]

This is one of the best videos you have put out. Get a Prius and a Bouchon. Leave the drama for your mamma. Always so real. Funny Sofie was growling through the whole video. Every single day we get compliments on your work.

[@kimba80]

We have a couple of timid Black Lab Girls, thus can't wait to watch the progression with this gorgeous GS in hopes we can learn and make some changes of our own. Our girls lacked socialization when we got them at 3 months old and then we had to continue isolation for medical reasons until they were 6 months old. By the time they got to go to the Dog Park they were so timid that both got attacked almost the minute we went through the gate. It was so traumatizing that eventually after a couple more episodes of this we decided to stay away from People and their Dogs altogether as best we can. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom so that we can hopefully learn to improve and elevate our Companions life to what they deserve.

[@vikingdogmanship]

I got in a 7 month old lab that was scared of everything.I socialized her with a pack of well mannered dogs of different breeds and sizes, even other animals. Her owners are so happy to see the change in her, that she gets to come 3 times a week. I love my job❤

[@spaceman51974]

Ha, got a spitting image GSD who is also 4.5 months old, in addition to my black lab. Looks EXACTLY like this girl. But her behavior is nothing like it. She is confident, well behaved, a bit suspicious (which is good) but when I give her permission, she goes up to anyone and any dog without fear, anxiety or sign of anxiety - no barking, no biting. But I also put in A LOT of work and her mentor ( my black lab) was doing the REAL training. So, I can say with confidence that a GSD around a well rounded mentor black lab will do the trick :-)

[@LeeShand]

Stonnie - I could listen to you speak sense for hours sir. Awesome. You still owe me a lab BTW :)

[@classicrider21]

I never thought of the dog's behavior as it being scared. I will be following the series. Nice work.

[@sarahk1965]

Love your comment at 9:34. Bugs me so bad when people get big dogs to be cool and feel tough😖🤬

[@mr.benjamincounta]

Can’t wait to see the growth of this beautiful girl !!

[@r.d.9399]

Excellent video. This needed to be said loud and clear. These breeds are being bought for the look of having a protection dog without the owner doing any work to make the dog live an actual healthy life.

[@jtrehern]

I have a GSD and I live a pretty quiet life with not many people around. I go to great lengths to socialize my dog. We go to dog parks, Walmart, and any other places where there are a lot of people. He has done very well and his level of fear has gone way down. He is a very chill dog but he is 5 now and that is certainly different than a 4 month old!

[@jwspruance]

That is the way to go. I have a Belgian Sheep Dog, now 10, that I got at 9 weeks and I followed a protocol for search and rescue dogs for socialization. I also read a lot about training for service dogs and followed their advice too. Every day he got new experiences with people, environment and even friendly dogs. He is the best dog I have ever had, I can take him anywhere. He is outside a lot and never barks at neighbors walking by, he knows this is a normal situation - let a stranger come to the house though and he barks a warning. Love him to death and he is popular with other people and dogs because of his friendly confident manner. Socialization is so important for having a happy confident well behaved dog.

[@michelleanderson8370]

Spot on video!! I've seen lots of lazy owners fall back on 'that's just the breed' when their dog is out of control and has no manners.

[@bobking7162]

Lol, just got back from a mountain hike with my pack, dirty suv, 3 tired retrievers. Sadly I have seen dogs at rescue facilities that come from well intentioned folks that just didn’t understand working and sport breeds when they bought a cool looking dog. They just require a different commitment than other types that might be better suited to a less active lifestyle. I guess they keep a lot of trainers employed too, where’s the owner trainers, smile. Anyway, well said Stonnie.

[@nancyk3615]

Stonnie, I raise aussies but I rescued 2 german Sheperds running down the highway ,and due to my "heart" condition I grabbed them off the road and put them in my camper. They'd been roaming for a couple weeks and looked rough, I went straight to vet to look for chip. None. Male was around 90lbs. and female about 60 lbs and coming in season. I put them in my new Kennel I'd just bought for my puppies, and it took awhile for me to build them some pens of their own. I ended up getting them fixed and vaccinated. I soon realized that they were a casualty of covid and the german sheperd breeding explosion. When I tried to get them on GSD rescue sites, they were over run with them. that was July 2022, I still have them in 2/23. They were raised and sold during covid. They're coming around for me but I have trouble with the recall. they aren't very food motivated. The good thing is that they're both friendly.

[@jkd2608]

I've wanted a GSD for a long time but life circumstances haven't allowed it yet. In the meantime I've been doing all the research I can & I'm under no illusion about the work required for the breed. I looking forward to it actually! Unfortunately, like you said Stonnie, most people just like the look & the prestige & image they bring & know nothing else.

[@johnspencer3994]

Please be sure to look into the difference between "show lines" (bad) and "Working lines" (Better chance at good).

[@sfdf1979]

I agree with John Spencer. And also, meet the parents or at least one parent of any pup you’re considering. GSDs require a lot of training and consistency and patience for the first several years in order to become the best they can be. Not for a person who works full time. Not for a busy family who doesn’t have someone willing to put in a couple hours per day of time.

[@DarrenakaHeater]

Thanks for sharing your expertise. Our family has gained quite a bit of knowledge watching your channel. Stay blessed guys.

[@jonzaremba]

This is a great video. My pup acts just like this. He's a Pyrenees mix from the pound who had a rough first few months of his life. Been working with him for a year to help him overcome his fears and get him socialized.

[@briancunningham1975]

Stonie, you have the best job in the world , your passionate about it and your info is so informative. I’ve a young 5 month old Mali that is afraid of other dogs approaching, dachshunds included 🙈 but I’m socialising him constantly which is helping , there’s no badness in him. My old Staffordshire bull terrier keeps him in check when he gets a bit too much for the old boy

[@erikdelorge6591]

Thank you Stonnie! I'm just getting into your wonderful channel. Love it sir! Those are some lucky dogs you got there, clients too. If I can achieve a fraction of.what you have going on, I'll consider myself blessed. Keep up the great work, thanks again!

[@johnspencer3994]

She looks like one of those poor kids that have been made paranoid by that "stranger danger" silliness. Good video as always Stonnie. You had me gettin' worried about ya. Too many days of radio silence ;)

[@robertweller2662]

You tell em' Stonnie. I personally love your channel and have learned a ton from watching. I have always enjoyed training dogs but I enjoy training them even more since I found your channel and have implemented your techniques. I am currently raising and training my 1 1/2 year old Black Lab that I got at 8 weeks old. I haven't been able to compete with you but I've done pretty well and he is coming along very nicely. Thanks for all you do man!! I hope someday I will get the opportunity to Bring Ruger down to meet you and just say hi in person.

[@Mitch_Ryder]

Good stuff Stonnie….thanks. I’ve been following your advice with my new ACD pup.

[@dognerd7385]

9:31 LOL that's so true. That's 100% me and my family. Except my Jeeps do get dirty and I despise organized social gatherings. Which is probably why I make sure my farm dog has a fulfilled life and is always a delight to the neighborhood.

[@philforde5871]

Hi Stonnie, great series So many folk buy dogs to project their insecurities. In our country the bull type breeds are often bought as "guards" then locked up in yards cause their owners are worried about taking them out.

[@SmileyKy]

Thank you! Tell it like it is! My mini schnauzer suffered from some fear aggression. People took it as straight up aggression but he was just scared. With proper trainer and socialization he did a 180. I HATE when people take a shepherd and immediately think it will be a police dog. Our trainer told us that she had never seen a shepherd that wasn’t scared of everything and they often became dangerous.

[@sfdf1979]

Bizarre statement for a trainer to make. They are some of the finest working dogs in the world. I speak from experience. Irresponsible breeders might be turning out fearful dogs of any breed, but a well-bred GSD is a very stable and solid dog.

[@aky19832001]

When it comes to selective breeds, in particular working dogs, BREEDING MATTERS. Dogs bred with solid nerves and true to their selectively bred job can only be gotten with properly bred from reputable breeders. I learned this the hard way, a few times. After failed attempts of getting quality bred dogs from reputable breeders, I decided to see the difference with quality bred d9gs and experience handlers. They're on another level of confidence, drive and confirmation.

[@RobertR1200rt]

I really enjoy watching your stuff. This is an excellent topic. Thank you

[@gregconti2720]

Damn! I never bother to comment on youtube vids but after watching this (the title is what peaked my interest) I was astonished. You have just stated an observation I made many years ago and have been saying to people for years now. These so called "protection breeds" are essentially just nervous dogs (its the terminology I favor), who are frightened by new experiences, they lack confidence... another way of stating this is to say they lack a "natural resilience" and so fear everything outside their world. Their fearfulness means they must create distance between themselves and whatever is frightening to them. Protection training is often just a mask for converting this fearfulness into aggression... creating distance by attacking as opposed to running away. In the end this just creates a dangerous dog, a legal liability, a future law suit waiting to happen. The only way around this is to build confidence through socializing the dog early and often. People who own these types of dogs tend to not handle this viewpoint well... they see it as simply criticism and not for what it is intended to be... an honest assessment that has a solution if addressed early in life. Once the poor dog gets beyond the adolescence stage fixing the issues may not be possible. I see dogs like this a lot and it makes me so sad... because they are not socialize they aren't taken places which means they will never learn how they are suppose to behave in various situations and thus are never taken anywhere and this then completes the circle and they'll end up spending their entire life confined to the backyard or worse, at the end of a chain... in essence they end up serving a life sentence for a crime they never committed. Breaks my heart. Anyway I just had to say something after viewing your video... thank you for voicing an opinion I've been trying to share with others who own such breeds. The answer is lots of exercise and socialization... its really simple as that. Good luck, I know that puppy is in good hands.

[@StonnieDennis]

Very good post. Thank you.

[@kennethlopez9667]

Great advise Stonnie! We just got a MalinoisXGSD puppy but I don't drive a 4x4... Had a GSD many years ago and just love their intelligence, not the shedding though. At 8 weeks, she's got a high drive, loves activity, super curious, and gets into everything. My other 5yr. old Maltipoo had never found a way out of our back yard that is a little bigger; this puppy already found two within the week, lol. Luckily, my new fence will be up by end of month.

[@xjbmx777]

Absolutely pumped for this! We are working on this with our heeler, the last few months she has gotten nearly perfect for our expectations. Since we are semi rual it's not much of an issue, but there are still a few more kinks to work on when we are in town.

[@andrewpappas7198]

Stonnie. I have raised several GSDs. Well-bred GSDs are as happy and confident as your labs. It seems to me that GSDs are more naturally suspicious of strangers. They also tend to have a more dominant predisposition. If you don't provide leadership, than they feel that they must take charge for the sake of the pack. My best GSD is very friendly toward everyone who acts friendly, including other dogs. But if another dog tries to mount her or growls at her, she will let them know to stop, because that is rude. If a person comes upon us out of the blue in a seemingly aggressive manner, she will stop and focus on them. She is not afraid. She is very confident. She is also very friendly, loving, and attached to me. The major differences that I see between a good GSD and a good lab is that the GSD is much more suspicious and more dominant. Unfortunately, suspicious dogs that aren't' socialized early are overwhelmed by all the perceived threats, and turn into scared dogs like Bella. Your techniques seem ideal for improving Bella's confidence. Keep up the great effort. Thank you for sharing!

[@sarahk1965]

Great comment!!

[@evieclark759]

Thank you Stonnie for saying it just how it is ! You can see through all the pretentious reasons s people buy certain breeds and how they are so so blind to what it takes to raise a dog and give the fog what it needs . So glad you don't 't dress it up . Love it 😊

[@GoldenWolf248]

Thank you again, Stonnie, for sharing your knowledge! This is such an important topic that causes real serious issues if people don't heed it. I can't wait to see Bella's progress!

[@baldbear5609]

Howdy Stonnie, gleaning knowledge nuggets from each and every video. Thanks! Have A Day! ;~)

[@lindaszymkiewicz5109]

One of the best, if not THE best dog trainer out there. No doubt Bella is in good hands. My pup (and I) know that for sure!

[@sofluid]

LOOOOL i love this and the points here entirely. Hilarious because Stonnie you're just speaking plain ole facts about these dogs and the average owner that buys them. Point after point I had to chuckle to myself bc you're just saying the things we've all been thinking or saying ourselves but can't be bothered to take on the trolls that these things might trigger. Preaching to the choir as they say Sir Stonnie. :)

[@kalliamanoussaki876]

Love you! I am a German shepherd mum and I know that they are clingy, sensitive dogs. They need to be socialised as much as possible from puppyhood with other dogs and with people and they need company and cuddles . The worst thing you can do to these dogs is leave them on their own to bark at passers by. Hell for them and everyone around them,. The most misunderstood and mistreated breed in my opinion. Thanks for the video. I’ve subscribed.

[@rhondarobinson5290]

Thank you Stoney so much for doing this series. I look forward to seeing the progress. I too am in the position of having a gsd with the same problems. I love my dog and I don't want to have to let him go.

[@dariocontreras4444]

Stonnie would be proud of my work as a trainer. Wish I could meet him someday, doubt it tho, different countries

[@buckeyeranger6438]

I’m sitting in my recliner listening to my mentor, friend Uncle Stonnie. Common sense advice keeping me on an even keel & straight azimuth. ThkQ

[@PEDROv0311]

Refreshing thank you Stonnie! Looking forward to following you!

[@sageslanterntarot]

This true about Chihuahua as well (guarding/alarm dog). I have Chihuahuas and notice the same traits as larger protection dogs. Not many great them with respect and get the socialisation they need. Thank you for your great input. I love watching your channel.

[@StonnieDennis]

I had a Chihuahua (mix) for 17 years!

[@sageslanterntarot]

@@StonnieDennis They are very interesting dogs if you love dog training and leadership. I learn new things all the time✨

[@WDunkin]

I would like to see this style video with other breeds, hounds, terriers, etc. keep up the great work!

[@JuJuLotz]

To be fair, a lot of dogs would be nervous getting charged by that many dogs all together. Definitely looking forward to her progress! I have a GSD mix who had a horrible start. I adopted her at 7 months old, and she wasn't even potty trained yet. She was extremely fearful and shut down, but she's not quick to turn to aggression. She loves other dogs, but can get defensive if they gang up on her.

[@christinemose7308]

That's what I thought as well. The dog was "flooded". A good technique in some situations but not the first moments of arriving to an unfamiliar location with people and dogs the pup has never met. In full disclosure, I'm responding after I watched the follow-up video. Uncle Stonnie has it all in hand. Nothing like that setting with a boat load of mentor dogs. And Stonnie's mad skills and cute knees.

[@JuJuLotz]

@@christinemose7308 totally! It's awesome that he has such great mentor dogs!

[@savaven1]

This makes me feel great about my training and socialization work with my 10 month lab Cosmo the bestest dang boy ever, so friendly.

[@pamelabellamy4906]

Bravo! Exactly what people need to hear!

[@NATURESHOWS]

As a malinois owner I love GSD too

[@Aussietexian]

Stonnie! I'm so excited to see this! The closest I can get to this is my dogs in the classes I teach. I've managed to get several dogs over their fears but I'd love to learn from you on how to do it. Thanks for doing this series!

[@geraldb9706]

Mr. No Name like Jesus, I love it! Every dog should strive to be a Mr. No Name. This is going to be a great series to follow Stonnie. Looking forward to the progress of this young pup. 👍🏻😎🇨🇦

[@DarcyCarmen]

Stonnie, would you ever make a video on how to deal with off-leash prey drive?

[@johnspencer3994]

oh that sounds like a great idea!

[@leecastle1465]

Oh gosh Stonnie you making me feel guilty, my husband and I retired early at 63 and have rescued 5 month GS 🇬🇧 Lexi who was crated most of the day before as I wanted a 'loyal dog' apart from pulling like a train when out on a walk, which I've worked on for 6 wks to get her to heel, she has no other issues 🙏 Great with kids and dogs, lucky I guess cos she wasn't socialised at all before coming to me. Shall watch the follow up video with great interest, I've learnt so much from you ❤

[@patti6178]

I had a rottie mix rescue dog. Everything you've said here explains him so well. And the Jesus joke about No Name had me rolling

[@alexandradittmann8588]

Beautiful video, saying it as it is! I'm probably super-old fashioned, but when I grew up, crates didn't exist. And I have come to believe it is like my Rottweiler breeding neighbor said (who like ourselves was always out with his dogs, and when he was not, had them in his house or a large outdoor kennel, as in, proper kennel with a hut inside and plenty of space to move, not a crate!): "I've got big dogs. And if I didn't like taking them out for walks, what would be the point of having big dogs?"

[@Nea-van-R.]

I'm from Europe and here it's not normal to have a crate as normal basic Equipment, like a collar/leash and a food/water bowl, that you have to have when you get a dog. There are more ppl who use them now than it was 5 or 10 years ago, but still not 'normal'. Here they are mostly used for transport (in a car), or if your dog had a surgery for ex and you have to make sure that they don't move too much. But a somewhat normal responsible dog'owner' would not get a puppy and then just lock it in a tiny crate 1 week later so that they don't pee in the house or destroy things, for 6, 7, 8 or even more hours/day while they're at work! (Beside the fact that we have very strickt 'animal protection laws' for it and they say it's not allowed to put a dog regularly in a little crate for hours. Then you would need a kennel - like you said, the things outside where they can run around a bit - and that has to have a certain Size, depending on the Size of the dog, with a dog house in it, and so on.) And this 'but my dog has to be in a crate, he can't be trusted in the house alone and that's not safe'.. What an unbeliavable surprise that a Baby wont be happy if you just let it alone for hours, and that they don't know by themselves that they shouldn't eat shoes or the Sofa.. That's why you put away everything you can when you have such a young pup and teach them what to do and what not. And yet another surprise, that will not just happen in a week! You can't be at home for a couple of months and/or organize something that the puppy isn't alone for hours a day? Then maybe you shouldn't get a dog, or at least not a pup but an older/adult dog. If you can't take care of their basic needs you better shouldn't have one, instead of locking them in a tiny cage more often than not. It's not a fundamental right for every human being to have a dog, but a privileg for the ones who have the time/money to do so, and who are willing to put the time/money/effort in to give them what they want and need. It's not an impossible task. I have dogs since i was a Kid, and i know more ppl who have dogs than not, and only 3 of them ever needed a crate (2 bc of a accident/surgery, and 1 was a very aggressive rescue dog that needed to be seperated when the humans couldn't give their full attention bc of safety reasons). All of our dogs were/are good. None of them uses their house as a toilette, and none of them destroyed the house. Of course it's easier to put them in a crate than to constantly watch them to know what they are doing, that they don't eat the Sofa or pee on the carpet, but that's just how it is with Babys. A Baby, no matter if human or dog, isn't something that you can have 'by the side' and lock up somewhere if you don't want to pay attention, or it isn't as exciting as in the first couple of days anymore. If you can't or if you're not willing to put the time/work in it, do yourself, the dog, your neighbours and everybody around you a favour and just let it be! The same goes for taking them outside. Why tf would you want to have a dog if you don't want to do anything with them? Only that he looks nice in the backyard? Sry for the rant. But this hours and hours locked up in crates thing makes me really angry! Of course i know that they can be useful in certain Situations, but unfortunately it's more of a 'why should i take all the time to show a dog how to behave in a house if i can just put him in a crate?' with a lot of ppl, and imo that's just disgusting!

[@alexandradittmann8588]

@@Nea-van-R. Nice rant, and I agree with you. I didn't have dogs for many years of my adult life (back when I lived in Switzerland), for just that reason: Why would I be out 8 - oh wait, more like 10 - hours working a day (plus the mandatory lunch break, plus the commuting, just to have someone ELSE look after my dog, and probably mess them up somehow?) Even if not, what's the point? Colleagues who got dogs back then had the doggy daycare pick them up each morning, so that their full-time working "Moms" could put in their 10 - 12 hours away. But crates weren't around to my knowledge then, either; people either made arrangements or left the dog in a spacious outside kennel. What you're saying about regulations, yes, wouldn't crating dogs for 8+ hours violate those - IF someone reported the situation. Mmmmh... I feel blessed to be working from home, flexible hours, so that raising my current 2 dogs didn't require a crate. Had one for the youngest dog, and it was useful to keep her confined at certain times. But now, for many months, the crate has been sitting in the storage room, nicely folded up.

[@Nea-van-R.]

@@alexandradittmann8588 Exactly! What's the Point of having a dog if he's with other ppl most of the time? On one side i can't complain bc thats how i pay my bills - walking/taking care of other ppl's dogs bc they don't have the time for it. Some of them only a 1-1 1/2hr walk, others come in the morning and stay until their ppl are done working in the afternoon/evening, and live with us in the house totally normal like my own dogs. I do have a kennel outside for safety reasons bc i also take dogs that aren't sozial (or flat out aggressive) towards other dogs/ppl. A friend of mine has a malinois mix, and bc his stupid ex ppl made an absolut idiotic Adrenalin Junkie out of that poor dog ('oh, it's a Mal, so it has to run around 20hrs/day'..), she had to use a crate bc that was the only way the poor guy could 'come down' and sleep! (Only telling him to lay down ended in whining and biting himself.) Or like with your pup. When you have to take a shower or something like that, and you can't watch them, of course it's better they are in a confined, safe area where nothing can happen (to them and the Sofa..). We always did that without crates, but sometimes had these barriers that you can put between doors or infront of stairs that little kids don't Fall down. So if a pup/dog is in there for 10, 20, 30mins, ok. But unfortunately ppl are stupid, and there is absolut no balance and gutfeeling anymore. I mean htf can one think it's ok, mentally and physically, to be locked up in such a tiny cage for so many hours each day, plus the time the poor thing has to be in there, again, over night more likely than not?? Yep, like i said, i think it's disgusting, and i probably will never understand why ppl do something like that. Only the best wishes for you and your pups!

[@alexandradittmann8588]

@@Nea-van-R. makes sense, and what you say about the Mali, that seems not untypical for the breed. But then, they were never bred to be pets... Thanks for sharing, and all the best to you as well!

[@nagendravishwamitra3652]

Dear Sir Thanks for bringing this waiting for this sort, Having a working line GSD n suffering myself with Dog, want to learn a lot out of this video

[@dogodysseeeducationcanine1834]

Hello from France Stonnie! i do like your point of view , the problem with few protection dog's owners in France is the only reason they buy this kind of dog : they buy a dog in a costum ,not a companion ... you are a real DOG TRAINER, i've a lot of respec for your way of thinking ( sorry for my poor vocabulary ) ! Friendly, Raphaël and my little pack ! see you one day i hope so

[@marydowney1444]

As usual, you give an interesting perspective which I think is right on.

[@billymcgruffin2584]

Hi Stonnie. Great to see this video as I am trying to help someone with a small Welsh terrier who has developed a pattern of lunging and attacking feet in the household. She goes over anxiety into aggression very quickly and at times with really no obvious reason why. I am going to have her stay with me to see if behaviour pattern will be adopted in another environment than her home. Do you have any examples of dogs displaying anxiety and aggression to family members in the home as she's a darling on walks and with other dogs.

[@markcampanalie3382]

“Quit pretending; get yourself a Prius and Bichon”. Lmfao; nice Stonnie!

[@rodyoakum1194]

Thank You For The Positive Info

[@jensherwood9028]

Looking forward to the series. We have a rescue border collie mix who is leash reactive when out on walks. Would love to raise his confidence so he's more comfortable and not the barky dog of the neighborhood.

[@jaymalszoo5699]

I have a 9month old collie, who is a big softie loves cuddles will let me roll him around for brushing when alone with me and my partner. But any guests or dogs walking by he’ll growl at them and at times has nipped at their ankles and we just… don’t really know where we can start to help him without making it worse

[@empathy9800]

Upgraded 4k camera quality. What a treat! Great vid once again.

[@Izamota-q5v]

Any tips on finding safe dogs to socialize my puppy with? I don't socialize much myself so I have a very small friend group with not many dogs to socialize with

[@expressivepets1]

Excellent vid. This applies to dalmatians too. Dals were originally bred as guard dogs; it takes intentional work to help them build confidence. Once a dal feels secure in their environment; there isn't a better breed in the world...in my humble opinion. Ha. It really is a confidence thing w/dals.

[@l26wang]

Stonnie, your limitation is compressed time, my limitation is access to stable dogs that I can trust not to escalate the fight when my dog barks/lunges/nips. Love it if you could give some strategies for my situation.

[@sfdf1979]

If your dog has good obedience, like nice leash walking, stalk the outside of dog parks and look for that ONE dog who seems super chill. Speak with the owner and see if they’re willing to help you over a period of couple weeks. See if you can do an on-leash walk behind them. Correct your dog for any misbehavior and ignore any tantrum behavior. Gradually work up to walking beside them. Then maybe dogs can meet on leash. The idea is to allow your dog to be close to a stable dog on leash, get used to it, then build from there. Then maybe you meet another person with a stable dog who’s willing to help. You must be proactive. Don’t wait for it to come to you! You owe it to your dog.

[@kaleig925]

Love this!! I own GSDs and this is great ♥️♥️

[@kristenpaterson4261]

What's the best age to let your puppy start socializing around other safe dogs.

[@lilbudgies894]

Stonnie, I really love the content and agree with a lot in this video. The dogs you're referring too are American Line German Shepards. They are noticeably nervy and not what I consider a German Shepard. You make a clear distinction between American and English Labs. Working line GSD's: You could not have a scared dog working in Police or Military setting. They have bullet proof nerves, litterlly will run into and work under fire and die hero's.

[@StonnieDennis]

Think that through a bit; courage isn’t the absence of fear it’s the ability to overcome fear.

[@stevedaniel5928]

@@StonnieDennis Amen Brother

[@blakebacon3373]

Seems like Stonnie always has the video I need