Is my dog too mean?

Ok first of all let me tell you, I am not afraid of dogs, but do have a respect for them and if a dog came to the edge of a yard and started barking with the hair up like that, yes, I would think this dog is going to bite me.. It is up to you whether or not you want to change her behavior, but since she isn't a pup, it will take time. If your husband is against changing her behavior, then you might want to check into fencing, that way people won't be afraid as they walk past your home. Because even if your dog didn't bite anyone, your neighbors could complain because of the fear. Now, let me tell you a ironic story. When I was a teen, I was walking my dog and this black/brown German Shepherd that was a retired police dog that knew me, but because I had my dog with me, she bit me.. Since then I said I wouldn't get a German Shepherd for my own. I have gone up to them if I knew them, but since I had kids, I am much more respectful of them, like I would a Doberman or rottwieler, I see them as a guard dog. I am now in my forties and just 6 weeks ago, my husband brings home this beautiful stray white dog. As I looked at her tail, I thought she must have shepherd in her, because it was the same tail as the one that bit me. Well wouldn't you know it, my daughter has a friend who knows all about dogs and she said this dog was a pure bred white German Shepherd.. I think because her color is not the black/brown I don't see her as a vicious dog. She gets along with my 5 y/o and I really have fallen for this dog..But I am glad that shepherds have this reputation, because we recently had someone try to break in. (In fact, it was only a couple of weeks before he brought home the dog this happened) So, I would be careful because if someone was to walk their dog in front of your house, your dog could attack. (The retired police dog also listened to her owner and he was right there calling her, but she wouldn't listen that time) So you have my advice. Fence her in, to protect those who are just walking in front of your home. But keep that dog, because one day, she just might protect you and your family..

My personal opinion I dont think its healthy for the dog at all. My dogs are very nice to people and kind and loving. They only bark if they have to and only protect if they have to. I never taunt him or anything. I feel thats bad because at one point in time the dog might think the person is doing something wrong and attack them. What if they dropped something iin the yard on accident and went to get it? I agree that its not very funny about the lady. I get terified when dogs come up to me when Im walking down the road. Or even when they come to the edge of the yard. You just never know whats going through their mind. I usually dont like dogs barking at me real mean for nothing. Anyways, idk if I was much help but I thought id give my opinion.

There are so many stories in the news all the time about dogs attacking people. They usually are the pit bull, rotwilers, and Doberman, Seldom the ,but since there are these stories people will be frightened by a dog coming at them and growling with the hair standing up on the back of the neck even if they likes dogs. Your husband seems to have a warped sense of humor. Sometime someone will move just right and your dog might get out of control. I think it's a good thing that you are retraining him.

In my home I have 4 Chihuahua, they are so cute. we can each them to bark at some people or keep cool when our guest coming in. As long as I know, dogs have instinct to obey their owner, like to play or defending himself. I don't know wheter the lady like dog or not? usually dogs know people who ever have contact with dog or not from the smell. I believe the lady hate dog and she over react. Pay attention and give a good care to your dogs, they know that we love them and the will obey our instructions.

well its not good to taunt the dog to attack like that i mean already German Sheperds have the stero type of a bad dog , im not affraid of dogs , if one attacks me then i have the right to attack him back , bu tnaw dont taunt him so much cause if the dog flips out on someone who didnt do anything than that lands on the you guys the owners and a big mess afterwards

Not sure if this will help of not but I thought it wouldn't hurt to respond. I live with my parents at the moment and we have a Pomerania mix. She's about 3 years old and ever since we've had her my dad likes to antagonize her by saying (in regards to me), "get her," "attack," "watch her," etc. And when it comes to any and all outside noises he likes to get her hyped up. Dad thinks this is funny to see her get worked up. About two weeks ago I was trying to get a package off the front porch. Sierra started barking, growling and snapping at me for no reason. When I told her no and to go lay down she tried to bite me and all I was doing was opening the front door and stepping out side then back in. She finds this behavior appropriate because this is what dad has taught her. If I look at her, try to pet her, feed her, water her, play with her or sometimes just walk by her she'll growl and snap at me. Dad doesn't think she's hurt me but I believe she will. Dogs shouldn't be taught to be mean by being taunted or antagonized but to be protective with the right commands and teachings. I hope this helps.