I have 3 dogs, well...?

Yes, ever dog has their own personalities. Some are more outgoing that others, but our role in the early stages is important. Do we caudal the scared behavior? Do we praise at inappropriate times? Have we encouraged this in any way? The answers are all "possibly". We certainly could have contributed to this dogs fear aggression (part of the Flight or Fight mechanism). You're best next step is to take him to see a behaviorist, get an evaluation preformed to find the best course of training out these unwanted behaviors. Your vet should be able to recommend a behaviorist in your area, but if not go to this website and search for one in your area that specializes in 'behavior modification' http://www.apdt.com/

Sounds like all your dogs have some behavioral/temperament problems so the place to look for reasons begins with you. I would say your dogs have not received enough training, socialization or discipline. All the problems could be overcome but you would need to put in a lot of work.

EDIT: I am not placing blame I was just making an observation from the description you gave of the dog's behavior. I am sure you love your dog and I am not saying you are abusing them. Sometimes we think we are doing a good thing by treating our dogs so well.(better then we treat other family members) What we think is good our dogs think is weak and they are happy to take control if they feel we are not up to the job.

I will say if you are seeing a trainer and the methods are not working you should find a new trainer. Not all trainers have the experience to handle all problems. I do wish you good luck in solving the problems with your dogs.

It sounds like he is not well socialized with other people and his aggression is coming from fear. His response to yelling might also be from what happens to him after someone yells at him. Does he get punished? If so, this can also be a reason for his aggression. Physical punishment can make dogs fearful and aggressive. Also, some dogs who have not been exposed to lots of different people, places, etc. become fearful. I would consult with dog trainer to see how you can remedy this. Fearful dogs are often the ones most prone to attacking people. These are often the ones that are the most aggressive in the shelter.

You bred a dog that was shy to begin with. Yelling at shy dogs is not helpful, since they will never become confident animals. Having a companion which is bullied is not much of a relationship. The young dog probably thinks he has to protect all of you, maybe not the Shepherd. Why don't you take your dog to obedience classes and get him sociallized and listening, rather than reacting. if he if afraid of sounds from the television, he is not that aware of his surroundings. Have you had his hearing checked?

I had three dogs, a mother and her two pups. All three were totally different. Mollie, the mom, was a lazy little stinker but so lovable, laughable, and never did what she was asked. BUT, at the same time, she really never did anything wrong. Agatha, was a shy little squirt that followed me everywhere (behind my legs!). Snoopy was an all-round sharp, little pooch. Daisy, the dog I have now is a social butterfly, and loves eveyone, and everything, and as curious as a dog can be.

All dogs have their own personality. The fact that he is over protective (doens't make him MEAN) and the mother is overly scared shows me that you haven't TRAINED your dogs well OR socialized them well. Dogs don't just grow up to be just like their parents, like people, they are all individuals.

You need to take the aggressive one to obedience classes NOW so you can get him under control before he hurts someone.

Most dogs have their Owen personality as far as him not liking anyone other than your Owen family. well he doesn't know anyone else out side your home so he will be protective of the family and home. Sometimes dogs differ from their parents. He even could be taking after the father.

The 3rd dog that hates people except his own family sounds like he needs to be socialized. He came into your house viewing the 1st dog as weak because she is fearful and nervous (you said she is scared of her own shadow) and he is trying to achieve balance by being aggressive dominant (you said he is mean). All dogs want is to achieve balance and it sounds like there is no pack leader and the male is trying to control the situation.

I would suggest more exercise then make sure you set boundaries and limitations; such as making them wait for their food, or making them sit and wait before going outside.

They both sound like they have anxiety, yet show it in different ways. I would have a dog behaviorist come in to see how they are. They might be able to give you tips on how to calm the dogs down.

Don't see any mention of the sire of this 4 yr old or the sire's temperament!