My 4 year old German Shepherd bit me?

NO human is quicker than a dog - if a dog lets you think otherwise then that dog doesn't actually WANT to bite you.

The first problem is likely to be that you are too bossy, hence his nervous piddling.

Next you need to work out WHY he has begun growling at you.

If he does so ONLY when you touch a particular area it's a no-brainer - he is sore in that spot, and you will need a vet to work out what's wrong there, and how to treat it.

But I get the impression that you don't even need to be touching him.

The most likely reason is, therefore, that he didn't recognise that it WAS you. Which means you need to test his hearing and his eyesight. Ideally, you would also test his scenting, but that's not as easy to do. If one or two of those senses are defective, you know to make your presence more obvious to his other senses.

Assuming that some of those senses remain adequate, 2 obvious tentative diagnoses come to mind:

• He is an epileptic having petit mal seizures (sufferers often call them "absences") during which he knows nothing, and at the end of which his senses are "blurry", and you are not where you were last time he was aware; which startles him and in his confused state he snaps out defensively. If the vet confirms that diagnosis, medication will help immensely.

• He has a brain tumour. Diagnosis is tricky, and I doubt any vet would attempt the brain surgery that might (or might not!) cure it. If no other diagnosis can explain what's happening, you must decide when the personal risk becomes too much, and so he must be put down. The deterioration caused by a brain tumour can be VERY rapid.

To ask your GSD questions, join some of the 400+ YahooGroups dedicated to various aspects of living with GSDs. Each group's Home page tells you which aspects they like to discuss (obviously you need some that emphasise training), and how active they are. Unlike YA, they are set up so that you can have an ongoing discussion with follow-up questions for clarification. Most allow you to include photos.

Les P, owner of GSD_Friendly: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/GSD_Friendly

"In GSDs" as of 1967

First, call your veterinarian and ask for a complete physical. Illness can make a dog's personality change.

If he's healthy, physically, you need an experienced dog behaviorist. Ask your vet for a referral.

Don't just let this slide; he's a big and powerful dog who has always been a little afraid of you. That excited urination you describe sounds a lot like "submissive urination" -- which is what a timid subordinate dog does when confronted by an aggressive alpha. Now he's perceiving your attempts to pet him as forced domination and he's realized that he's a big strong dog. The next move could be an actual attack, so be careful. He is not predictable.

Some dogs are just very protective. Of their food, their bodies, their space. I'd consult a trainer in your area, even just for an evaluation or 1 session. I'd give him more physical freedom, not touch him or feed him from your hand, especially for awhile until he gets more comfortable that he doesnt need to be afraid/protective. This could take another year or two but it could certainly happen. Good luck!

Have you taken him to the vet lately to see if there is anything medically wrong, like maybe an ear infection, or something else that could be causing him pain when you touch him in certain areas? There is definitely something wrong and it is probably medical so take him to the vet and have him checked out.

Yikes. When was the last time he had a vet checkup? Sometimes if a dog's behavior changes suddenly and there doesn't seem to be an explanation it can be because he's ill.

Take him to the vets and if everything is fine then you don't wanna hear my opinion...BUT, I will give it anyways. He is dangerous. Try to hire an aggressive dog trainer and TRY to work with him...sadly if nothing works you canNOT trust a dog like this and he will need to be removed. =/

I mean...what if you came home one night and he full out mauls you? I will get thumbs down but If I were you..I'D BE HORRIFIED IF MY DOG BIT ME!

GOOD LUCK THOUGH!

Get him to a vet now. This sounds like it is a physical problem. When dogs do not feel good they will show behavior that is not common.

What makes me think this is 'last month he was happy'........he is sick. Vet.

something must be wrong with the hearing or something hurting with his ear or behind it... and German Shepherds bite

How old is he? It could be that he has some soft spots, meaning places he does not like to be touched!

wow...

1. vet to rule out any medical problems

if its not medical, I dont think you want to hear my opinion