Seriously.
some dogs, unfortunately, are just wired that way.
A buddy of mine has a Sheperd and hasnt had any of the issues like that yet.
I have had a Husky, a Collie, a mutt, a Newfie and now another Huskie and the only one I have been bitten in anger by was the mutt....
Seriously.
Honestly take the dog to the vet and make sure he does not have some type of illiness like "panosteitis" or something else bothering him.
Read down ths page under Illnesses, Injuries, Genetic Abnormalities (not all dogs will whimper in pain if they are not feeling well.)
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1737&S=1&SourceID=47
A responsible breeder would have included a contract in the sale, which requires you to return the dog to her if you have to give up the dog for any reason. A responsible breeder would not want any of her dogs to end up in a shelter or a rescue group. This is a standard clause in such contracts. Take the dog back to the breeder.
Check his paw for thorns.
..
ping
Maybe there's a farmer you can give him to. He clearly should not be around children.
It's a real pity that you have to make this decision. But, for your own peace of mind, I'd get rid of the dog.
Would you ever trust the dog around children?
I'm guessing you wouldn't. And if he hurt one of your grandchildren, you'd never forgive yourself.
Don't have one now but grew up with many dogs, including purebred Sheps.
When a dog shows that kind of unwarranted aggression towards the owner, it's cause to put him down, IMHO.
Strangely I've never seen this with larger breeds but only with Dachsunds and my parents' terrier-something-or-other, which became increasingly bad with young children (esp. toddlers).
It's genetics, not socialization or training.
A good schutzhund trainer, or any good, strong trainer familiar with real dogs, not some feel-good clicker trainer, ought to be the first you go to for remedial training. If you are to try to salvage this dog, ALL family members must be willing to go to the training as well, you need it as much as the dog does. You may still end up needing to euthanize him. Rescue adoption groups, unless you touch a special heart somewhere, generally can't take on aggression problems.
Have you read the books by the Monks of New Skete? They raise German Shepherds and we've always loosely based our training of them on their books.
I'd say it's important to make sure he understands he's at the bottom of your family pack. Please believe me that I don't say this lightly, but if you can't break him of his aggression, you've got to put him down. I'm terribly sorry.
If that proves negative,talk to a reputable and I stress reputable trainer.They have extensive knowledge of animal behavior,and their honest opinion on your dog, can help you make a decision one way or another.I wish you the best with whatever your decision may be.
K9 unit maybe?
Local cops or military might be worth checking with them.
I've read through the others' comments and wanted to add my own. I have raised Rottweilers all my life - so, I know a bit about large, protective dogs.
I would first have him checked to see if he is ill. He may be in pain and this is his way of handling it.
If he is not ill or injured, I recommend putting him down. You cannot take the risk to yourself, your family and friends. Some dogs just won't domesticate. This will be a horrible day and you will feel guilt for a while - but you will also know it was the right thing to do.
Good luck... my heart breaks for you.
I have a White Shep, and she is unpredictable at best, but
have you considered maybe your dog doesnt like you or your husband,dogs definitely have their own personalities?
If you want to get rid of him I will certainly take him
I need a friend for my girl shep. she is about one hundred pounds and as crazy as a loon but Im sure they'd be best of friends. Ive got a big yard and a kennel linked to the garage perfect for unruly cannines. Also lots of kids around to bark and growl at!
The method used was to imitate the signals dogs send each other. When a dog allows another dog to place its neck over its own neck, this is a sign of submissiveness. If the dog does not allow this, it means he has not accepted the other as his master, and they will fight.
So (now don't laugh here), you get down on all fours, and cautiously approach your dog and see if it will allow you to place your neck over its neck. If it resists, then he doesn't consider you the master. They would keep working with a stubborn dog until it yielded. If you can force the dog to accept this, then perhaps it could learn to be more submissive.
If nothing else, this was good for a laugh (though I'm dying to know if it really works --- lol)
Unfortunately, I have to agree with many other posters here, that it might be genetic --- it might be best to put the dog down. It would cause you more pain if your dog seriously injured or killed someone than it would to have the dog put down.