Aggressive behavior toward foster- several bite attempts

Jacques is a gorgeous large mellow 103 pound GSD. He came in as a stray from San Francisco ACC. He could not have been a stray for very long as he was in really good shape physically and his fur coat is beautiful and thick. Jacques was not doing well in the shelter environment. He was stressing out, so San Francisco Animal Shelter called us to come and help. Jacques is now in a foster home in San Jose, living with a female Border Collie and a cat.

Jacques is very sweet and wants to be with his person. He does love people and will welcome pets from anyone who is giving them away. He is also an alarm barker when the UPS / or postal worker come to the front door. He knows only a few basic commands, sit, down and stay. He is still working on the stay. He is dog friendly and likes to introduce himself to other dogs. Jacques is a dominant male and likes to let other dogs know that he is dominant by placing his head over their neck or by placing his paw on their back. This behavior is not appropriate and an adopter will need to correct Jacques when he displays his dominance. Jacques does correct easily and a simple “No” is usually all it takes.

Jacques’ foster dad says that Jacques has moderate energy and loves to play fetch with a ball. He will even bring it back, drop it at your feet and stare at it until you pick it up and throw it again. Jacques has been great about hanging out with his foster dad while he works in his home office. He will let his foster dad know when it is time to play ball, by bringing him the ball and placing his paw on his leg. He is also familiar with a doggie door to go outside to do his business. Jacques sleeps all night with no issues near his people on a dog bed. Jacques does not care for the crate. He would prefer to stay free roaming.

Jacques and the cat have been introduced several times. Jacques is extremely interested in the cat. He is not aggressive with her, but he will seek her out just to watch her. If she jumps down from the chair or mantle, Jacques will give chase. Jacques can co-exist in the same room as the cat, although he can not yet be trusted with her alone. Jacques is cat workable at this point, not cat friendly.

Jacques is a level 3 for now but may be changed to a level 2 once we learn more about this gentle giant.