15 Dogs German Shepherds Get Along With

One of the most common queries among potential GSD owners is, do German Shepherds and some other breed get along? Most German Shepherds are perfectly fine with other dogs in their family, mainly if introductions occurred when the dogs were puppies. So let’s look at 15 dogs German Shepherds get along with:

1. Labs

German Shepherds get along very well with labs as long as they are adequately introduced and taught to get along.

Both German Shepherds and Labradors are good-natured, intelligent, friendly dogs, and both generally get along well with other pets, so they will naturally get along well together.

Labs and German Shepherds have playful and energetic personalities, which help them form a close bond. Don’t doubt these two will keep you on your toes.

2. Pitbulls

German Shepherds and Pit bulls get along well generally as they share some characteristics. Both breeds are loyal, brave, and headstrong.

It can take time for a German shepherd to warm up to other dogs, so you must introduce a GSD to a Pitbull in a calm manner. However, they will become friends eventually.

As German Shepherds are somewhat larger than Pitbulls, you don’t want your Pitbull to feel intimidated or threatened by your GSD. However, after a rocky introduction, you should find that these two breeds have what it takes to be a great match.

3. Rottweilers

German Shepherds and Rottweilers get along; one of the Rottweilers’ most popular companion choices is a German shepherd.

Both German Shepherds and Rottweilers are aloof, so it may take time for them to become friends, but the German Shepherd is not easily bullied, thanks to his natural confidence.

Both breeds are highly intelligent, active, and sporty, and they both are highly trainable. Be sure to make the introduction a calm and gradual experience.

Having good control over a German Shepherd should help you to have an overall handle over his interaction with a Rottweiler.

4. Beagles

German Shepherds and Beagles get along. Both dogs are brilliant, attention-seeking, and active. The Beagle is a highly intelligent dog with a goofy, fun-loving personality.

German Shepherds are a little more serious and reserved, so you want to ensure that you introduce these dogs properly.

These dogs should grow up together from puppyhood, as a puppy can be a pest to an older dog. Beagles could annoy a more senior German Shepherd with their goofy nature, so you may want to keep dogs apart if there’s a bit of an age gap.

It’s okay for dogs to have boundaries. It’s normal and instinctive. If one dog is annoying the other, it’s only fair that that dog is given a warning.

5. Chihuahuas

German Shepherds do get along with chihuahuas. However, as both have dominant and strong personalities, bringing them together can be challenging.

It’s best to introduce the two dogs to each other as puppies; otherwise, introduce them gradually and monitor their interactions to correct destructive behaviors.

German Shepherds and Chihuahuas can become friends. GSDs have laid-back personalities, whereas the Chihuahua is a stubborn, feisty little dog.

While chihuahuas tend to love their owners, they don’t tend to get along well with other pets. Both have dominant personalities; because of this, don’t expect to throw them into a room and become friends. Both dogs need the training to get along, and it’s not going to happen quickly, so hang in there!

6. Corgis

German Shepherds and Corgis get along naturally; both breeds share many personality traits: courageous, smart, loyal dogs.

Many people are surprised to discover that these two dogs get along so well, as the Corgi is much smaller by comparison, but both dogs are friendly and energetic.

You still need to supervise them. Both dogs like to play, so someone could get hurt if they start fighting or trying to exert their dominance.

7. Dobermans

German Shepherds and Dobermans get along, at least they can, if they are well-bred, trained, and socialized from an early age.

However, you cannot expect to put these dogs together and leave them alone. Both dogs are dominant and territorial, so you must reduce competition-provoking situations.

Your German Shepherd and your Doberman getting along largely depend on their innate and individual personalities. Unfortunately, these dogs display same-sex aggression, so it’s best to get dogs of opposite sexes.

Thankfully, both dogs are trainable and intelligent, so as long as you train them and provide them with lots of mental stimulation, they should become the best of buds.

8. Alaskan Malamutes

German Shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes get along, especially if they are properly introduced to each other and well-supervised. Both dogs share many characteristics. Both are loyal, brave, hardworking, and energetic.

Both dog breeds adore their families, but they are wary of strangers and other dogs. To keep these dogs happy together, they need consistent training and lots of strenuous exercises.

9. Bernese Mountain Dogs

German Shepherds and Bernese Mountain dogs can get along if they are trained to do so. However, there is some same-sex aggression with Bernese Mountain dogs, so it’s best to raise them with the opposite gender. Bernese Mountain dogs are not as active or as trainable as German Shepherds.

Introducing your Bernese Mountain dog to your German Shepherd should be a calm experience. Bernese Mountain dogs tend to love their families but not so much with other pets, even other dogs. Their interactions shouldn’t be forced, but keep both dogs safe.

10. Border Collies

German Shepherds and Border Collies get along famously with each other; they have many qualities in common. Both dogs are large, hardworking breeds, and both are intelligent. In addition, they are both highly active, so they can play well together.

That said, Border Collies have some herding instincts; they are sheepdogs, after all, so you must step in immediately if playtime turns into a fight.

11. Boxers

German Shepherds and boxers get along. Both breeds enjoy play and exercise, they are big and strong, and a GSD can hold his own against a pushy Boxer. Boxers can be headstrong, but a highly-trained German Shepherd will be a good influence on your Boxer.

Many websites and organizations list Boxers as one of the most dangerous dogs in the United States; however, boxers can be dangerous if not properly trained. Otherwise, they can be an amazing companion and a great playmate for a German Shepherd.

12. Bulldogs

German Shepherds and Bulldogs get along. Bulldogs are often misunderstood, and some people think they are just fighters. This is not true. Bulldogs are loyal and affectionate and can make excellent companions for German Shepherds.

Some lines may not get along well, but they should become great buddies if you choose both dogs from a reputable breeder and train them to get along.

13. English Bulldogs

German Shepherds and English Bulldogs get along. English Bulldogs are very different from German Shepherds; as their name suggests, they are “bull” headed and don’t listen to commands.

In addition, they have a reputation for fighting, so they need to be trained to get along with your German Shepherd.

It’s possible that an English bulldog would annoy a German Shepherd, but if they are raised together as puppies, they should be great friends.

14. Yorkies

German Shepherds and Yorkies get along. You may think that GSDs and Yorkies are unlikely to be friends if you judge by appearance. But below the exterior differences, both dogs originate from the same species. Both come from Canis Lupus Familiaris or the ancient wolf.

Knowing that fact doesn’t guarantee that these dogs will become good friends, but it helps. Many factors contribute to how well a German Shepherd will get on with a Yorkie, and your input is vital. You must ensure that both dogs know that there is room for both of them.

It’s best to introduce them early; as the Yorkshire terrier is much smaller, and you need to ensure that he doesn’t get hurt during play. In addition, you must teach both dogs to respect each other.

15. Siberian Husky

German Shepherds and Siberian huskies get along very well. The husky is playful and somewhat mischievous, which can be ideal for your active German Shepherd.

Huskies are more outgoing than GSDs. However, huskies are on the gentler side, which can smooth some of the GSD’s rough edges.

The outgoing husky can help an aloof German Shepherd come out of his shell. Also, both are excellent family dogs, which allows them to settle into an active household.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, German Shepherds can get along with many different dog breeds. They can befriend intelligent, hardworking, and lazy, less intelligent dogs like the Bernese Mountain dog. When it comes to being this dog’s friend, size, breed, and personality traits are not as important as trust; ultimately, this dog must trust his friends.

You must try to keep your GSD away from aggressive dogs. You can help your GSD forge friendships with other dogs by socializing them early, spending ample time training them, and exposing them often. It’s the responsible thing to do, and it will keep your German Shepherd safe.

from Pet Dog FAQ https://www.petdogfaq.com/15-dogs-german-shepherds-get-along-with/

Can German Shepherd Puppies Eat Apples?

German Shepherds spend most of their time with their mother and litter-mates for the first four weeks of their lives. In this neonatal stage, German Shepherd puppies get all the nutrients they need from their mother’s milk. At around four weeks, the breeder can introduce solids into their diet by offering them small well-mashed beef pieces. By about eight weeks, German Shepherds should be fully weaned.

German shepherd puppies can eat apples and a wide range of fruits and vegetables, as long as they are only offered occasionally. GS puppies need a nutritionally complete diet to match their age and activity levels, which they mostly get from high-quality, commercial dog food.

Life with a German Shepherd puppy is pretty hectic. They are always on the go and need lots of protein and fat to give them the energy to be active and healthy.

A high-quality diet will help them develop a healthy immune system, support strong bone growth, and develop healthy eyes, skin, and teeth.

We will discuss the diet they need at each growth stage and look at the “human foods” they can eat as treats, including apples.

Nutrition For German Shepherd Puppies

German shepherd puppies get all their nutrition from their mother’s milk for the first four weeks of their lives. Their mother’s milk provides them with the antibodies they need for their health and immunity.

The first milk they receive is called colostrum, and it is rich in proteins and antibodies. At four weeks old comes the weaning stage, where they begin eating solids.

The breeder can introduce mashed protein like beef, including a nutritionally-balanced diet to suit their age and size.

You can also offer your puppy vegetables along with their commercial feed, as long as you don’t give them human leftovers or foods containing sugar, salt, and other seasonings. Let’s look at your German Shepherd puppy’s nutritional needs month by month:

One Month Old

When your GS puppy is about three to four weeks old, he can begin tasting new foods and getting used to new flavors. Wet puppy food is the best choice for your GS puppy until he is about six to eight weeks old, then you can start feeding him dry food.

From eight weeks and beyond, GSDs should be weaned entirely, and they should eat solid food. Your puppy will also need fresh water instead of milk.

He will also need a special puppy feed, and the best one for German Shepherds is breed-specific, although this may not be available in some locations. In which case, your vet can develop a suitable food plan for your puppy.

Two Months Old

When your GS puppy is two months old, you can gradually decrease the moistening of your pet’s dry food, as he must get used to eating his food completely dry.

GS puppies generally eat four or five times a day from two to four months, but you must stick to feeding your puppy at specific times. German Shepherd puppies’ foods should be richer in fats, calories, calcium, and protein than food for adult German Shepherds.

Beyond Four Months Old

You should begin reducing the number of meals to three times a day for your puppy between the ages of four and six months of age. However, you should increase the quantity of the food and offer an extra few minutes to their eating time.

You can start mixing fresh foods like meat, fish, and veggies in with their dry feed. Learn what the forbidden foods are and void giving them to your dog.

For example, some GS owners choose to give their dogs raw meat, but it’s safer to cook the meat first. Avoid giving your dog raw meaty bones as this could harm his teeth.

Begin lessening the amount of wet food you give your puppy, as excess amounts can cause plaque development and other dental issues.

After Six Months Old

When your GS puppy is six months old, you should reduce his daily food intake to twice a day. However, you can increase the food portions and feeding time accordingly.

You should discuss a tailored diet to suit your German shepherd puppy, accounting for his age, size, and lifestyle. At this stage, you can give your GS puppy shatter-proof bones to gnaw on. These bones strengthen your pup’s gums and teeth.

Can German Shepherd Puppies Eat Apples?

Yes, German shepherd puppies can eat apples; they are a safe and inexpensive treat. However, be sure to remove all of the seeds and cut them into slices. You don’t need to remove the peel. Apples contain the following health benefits for dogs:

• FIBER – Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fibers support nutrient absorption, and insoluble fibers promote gut health.
• PHYTOCHEMICALS – Phytochemicals like quercetins, catechins, chlorogenic acid, and anthocyanins boost immunity including cancer protection, healthy aging, and cardiovascular and eye health.
• VITAMIN C – Vitamin C will boost your pet’s immune system, offering a good defense against bacteria, toxins, viruses, and allergic reactions.
• DENTAL HEALTH – Chewing on apple slices will help keep your GSD’s teeth clean as long as you don’t rely on it as your pet’s only means of dental care.

Can German Shepherd Puppies Eat Bananas?

Yes, German shepherd puppies can eat bananas as long as you remove the peel, it’s a safe treat, and it has many nutritional benefits for your puppy:

• FIBER – Fiber consumption is essential for gastrointestinal health; it aids digestion and supports healthy gut bacteria.
• VITAMIN B6 – Vitamin B6 balances electrolytes in your dog’s body, and it is essential for heart health. It also plays a crucial role in protein synthesis.
• VITAMIN C – Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant; it boosts your puppy’s immune system and helps to fight allergies. It also works alongside Vitamin E to help maintain your dog’s coat and skin.
• MAGNESIUM – Magnesium directly impacts your dog’s muscular health and is needed for muscle contraction and regeneration.
• POTASSIUM – Potassium helps the body regulate fluids and, like magnesium, aids proper muscle health.

Can German Shepherd Puppies Eat Carrots?

Yes, German shepherds can eat carrots; they are safe and benefit your GSD’s health. Carrots are an excellent addition to your dog’s diet, both cooked and raw.

Carrots aid canine dental health and are high in fiber and antioxidants like beta-carotene. Beta-carotene changes to Vitamin A inside the body, and it is crucial for proper eye, bone, and reproductive health. It also strengthens the immune system.

Can German Shepherd Puppies Eat Boiled Eggs?

Yes, German Shepherd puppies can eat boiled eggs. They are an excellent treat, especially for owners who prefer to feed their pets fresh food rather than kibble.

Eggs are highly nutritious for dogs and a rich source of Vitamin A and a wide range of B Vitamins. Eggs are also an ideal source of selenium and iron.

Technically speaking, dogs can eat raw and cooked eggs. However, it is not safe to feed raw or undercooked eggs as they could contain salmonella or E.coli. Make sure you give cooked eggs to your German Shepherd.

Can German Shepherd Puppies Drink Cow’s Milk?

Most German shepherds are lactose intolerant, and ingesting milk could cause vomiting, loose stools, and diarrhea. It’s perfectly safe to offer milk alternatives like lactose-free milk, almond milk, cashew milk, etc.

Dairy products like yogurt and cheese should be off-limits to your German Shepherd as well.

When puppies mature and leave their mothers, they lose an essential enzyme known as lactase. Lactase helps break down the sugary substance lactose contained in milk products.

So, you must avoid giving milk or any dairy product to your dog as it could cause numerous distressing side effects.

Can German Shepherd Puppies Eat Peanut Butter?

Yes, German Shepherds can eat peanut butter, as long as you choose the right one, as some brands contain toxic additives to dogs. Since nut butters are high in calories and fats, only offer the spread in moderation.

However, it can be an ideal source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that are vital to your GS puppy’s health.

The benefits of feeding peanut butter to your German Shepherd go beyond physical health; peanut butter can help your dog remain calm when it comes to bath time, nail clipping, a visit to the vet. It can also help with separation anxiety.

Can German Shepherd Puppies Eat Lamb Bones?

There is contradictory information about feeding bones to dogs. Many say bones are great for dogs, while others say bones can be dangerous for dogs.

However, bones, including lamb bones, can be safe for your German Shepherd puppy. Avoid cooked bones, especially those from table scraps, as they can easily splinter or break and cause your dog illness or injury.

As with all bones, there is always a risk of choking. However, if you follow some straightforward rules, your GS puppy can enjoy his bone safely:

• Supervise chewing
• Discard gnawed-down bones
• Do not give bones to a GSD who has had corrective dental work done
• Do not give bones with marrow to a GSD who gets pancreatitis
• Give a bone after a meal
• Avoid pork or rib bones
• Only allow your GSD to chew for ten to fifteen minutes at a time
• Put the bones in the fridge when not in use and discard them after three days to reduce the chances of contamination

Final Thoughts

German shepherd puppies can indeed eat apples along with other human foods, as long as they are an occasional treat, as they need a vet-approved nutritionally complete dog food. However, when you offer your German Shepherd any of the foods mentioned above, keep an eye on him to ensure he doesn’t develop any bad reactions.

from Pet Dog FAQ https://www.petdogfaq.com/german-shepherd-puppies-eat-apples/

Are Male Or Female German Shepherds More Affectionate?

The German Shepherd, also known as Alsatian in Great Britain, is a medium to a large dog breed, with a long muzzle, erect, pointy ears, and a square head. These dogs are also pretty muscular. German Shepherds tend to appear aloof, and some people find them intimidating. However, once you get to know this breed, you will find them easy-going, approachable, and loyal to their family.

Generally, female german shepherds are more affectionate with children in a family, whereas male german shepherds are better suited and bond better with a single person. However, it depends on the dog; some owners say that their males are more loving and fun, while females are more standoffish.

If you wonder which GSD gender suits your family best, let’s discuss their personalities in more detail. Males and females have different instincts, which will undoubtedly affect their personalities.

Also, different “lines” have different temperaments. You must consider which line and gender are better suited for your situation.

German Shepherd Temperament

German Shepherds are exceptionally intelligent, hard-working, and loyal. Many GSD owners praise this breed for its unmatched bravery and devotion to their families.

This dog breed is highly-trainable and excels at anything you train them to do. You will find German Shepherds in assistance and guide work, drug detection, search and rescue, obedience competitions, but mostly they are excellent companion dogs.

With all those great traits, it’s no wonder the German Shepherd is one of the top ten most treasured breeds in the United States.

These dogs can be aloof and suspicious of strangers; this side of their personality, coupled with their high intelligence, makes them excellent watchdogs. If you wish to have a calm dog around all sorts of people and situations, you must socialize them from day one.

The German Shepherd does struggle with separation anxiety, so this is not the breed for you if you plan to travel a lot for long periods. When left alone, they become bored and stressed, which leads them to express this in destructive ways.

German Shepherd Personality Differences

Both male and female German Shepherds are lovable, loyal, and intelligent companions. While there are exceptions to the norm, there are upsides and downsides associated with each gender:

Male GSD Personality Traits

• Larger in size
• More territorial
• More aggressive
• More Dominant
• Tend to mark their territory by urination
• More protective of people and property
• Better as a first dog

Female GSD personality Traits

• Live longer
• Better with children
• Sweeter and friendlier
• Not as possessive or protective
• Less dominant and territorial
• Better with other dogs
• Have a higher tolerance for strangers
• They can be very protective of their litter

Both genders will bark to alert their family of other dogs along their street or in their yards. Both have an intimidating bark and are large, athletic dogs – a feature that tends to scare outsiders.

As you can see from their personality traits, males are more dominant than females, which can heighten the protectiveness of their humans – this makes them better suited for protective roles without children.

On the other hand, female GSDS are friendlier, gentler, and sweeter than their male counterparts; they are not as dominant or as protective as males, but they will bark to alert you to danger.

In addition, females are much more patient with children, so females are a better match for families with children.

The personality of a German Shepherd largely depends upon its breeding line. Some breeders produce working lines of German Shepherds, and these dogs have high-drive natures.

They are intense and dominant. Working lines are ideal for competitive protection canine sports. However, they are not suitable as companion pets for a family.

Other breeders produce show lines, and these dogs conform to show ring standards. Show dogs have softer temperaments than their working counterparts.

Yet they tend to be skittish, hyperactive, and untrainable as show breeders tend to focus on looks more than temperament.

Will German Shepherds Bond With One Person?

Yes, German Shepherds will bond with one person; they are known as “one-man dogs.” German Shepherds are fiercely loyal and loving towards their owners, be they in a family setting or with one caretaker.

This dog will undoubtedly develop a close relationship with all of “his people.”

Consistent training is the only way to ensure your German Shepherd will develop into a well-adjusted, well-mannered dog.

The best type of training is continuous reward-based, positive training. This ensures your dog will bond with you if you live alone or within a family.

Male German Shepherds are better suited to life with a single person, whereas females are ideal companions for families, as they are very gentle and patient with children.

You must ensure that you have the time to raise a German Shepherd dog because they experience severe separation anxiety if left by themselves too often.

What Are The Ways German Shepherd Dogs Show Affection Towards Their Owners?

German Shepherds show affection towards their owners in many non-verbal ways, they probably show you how much they love you a thousand times a day, but as they can’t speak, it may go unnoticed.

Let’s discuss ten ways German Shepherds show their owners how much they care:

1. Licking

Dogs kiss by licking, and they learn this during puppyhood. Young puppies lick their mothers’ on her mouth to indicate hunger. Therefore, they learn pretty early on that licking is a way to signal that they want to be cared for.

As they grow, licking becomes a way of communicating lots of information about their owner and how they feel about you. You may want to establish boundaries with your GSD, but be aware that kissing means they simply love you.

2. They Stay Close To You

German Shepherds are naturally protective, so don’t be shocked if your GSD follows you everywhere you go. When your German Shepherd bonds with you, he feels happiest and safest when he’s as close to you as possible, and they associate your presence with positive feelings.

3. They Lean On You

German Shepherds lean on you for numerous reasons. If your adult GSD does it to you, it can feel quite intense due to its large size.

Leaning can be your dog’s way of telling he wants something that only you can provide. It could also mean he feels insecure.

Typically, it means he just wants to be close to you. Nevertheless, learning indicates that your GSD trusts you, and it’s his way of snuggling up to you.

4. They Let You Hug Them

Some studies reveal that hugging causes anxiety in dogs. While some dogs may not enjoy receiving hugs, some owners attest that their puppies like hugs.

At worst, dogs tolerate hugs from the people they trust. When your GSD lets you hug hum, look for signs of distress.

If you don’t see any, your dog is okay with hugs.

5. They Snuggle With You

German shepherds like to be as close to the people they love as possible; cuddling or snuggling is one of the most apparent signs that your GSD is showing you love.

6. They Ask For Rubs

German Shepherds are not shy about asking for rubs. If you miss their signs, they will demand rubs by pawing at your hand or sitting and looking up at you to ensure they get your attention.

7. They Want To Play With You

Count it as an honor when a German Shepherd selects you as his playmate. It means that they really love you and want to have fun with you.

8. They Are Always Happy To See You

When you form a bond with a German Shepherd, he will get very excited to see you after being apart from you for a while. He may jump on you and lick you to show you how much he missed you.

9. They Look You In The Eyes

When dogs and their humans make eye contact, it releases oxytocin in both parties. This chemical is responsible for feelings of comfort in both humans and dogs.

10. They Raise Their Eyebrows At You

Dogs raise their eyebrows at you to signal they are happy to see you. So, if you see your GSD raise his eyebrow at you, he’s not questioning you but rather showing you affection.

What Creates A Bond Between German Shepherd And Owner?

German Shepherds can create a bond with people at any time of their lives, but the optimum time to bond with a GSD is between the ages of 4 weeks old to 12 weeks old; their exposure to the world at this stage will have a lasting effect on how they relate to their family and strangers.

Creating a firm bind with your GSD requires you to meet his needs and understand his innate behavior.

Consistent positive reinforcement training will ensure your GSD forms a close bond with you. Your dog must respect you and see you as his leader, but you must never punish him or shout at him; always remain calm.

Final Thoughts

Both male and female German Shepherds are fantastic companion dogs and can readily suit a family or single person. Females may have more patience with children and are automatically a better fit for a family, but either dog can adapt to their given situation with time, patience, and training.

from Pet Dog FAQ https://www.petdogfaq.com/male-female-gsd-more-affectionate/

5 Reasons Why German Shepards Attack

German Shepherds generally make excellent companion dogs. They are exceptionally trainable, loving, and loyal towards their family, albeit with some aggressive tendencies. The German Shepherd is not an ideal dog for a novice owner; you must know how to train your GSD to bring out his best qualities.

Resource guarding is the main reason why german shepherds attack. This behavior can cause GSDs to attack any person (including their owner) or animal if they think a person is trying to take their food or toy or if someone tries to remove them from their resting spot. This trait is typical with GSD puppies generally.

There are other reasons why a GSD would attack, which will be examined in this article. Whatever the reason for this undesirable behavior, it’s essential to get to the root of the issue and take steps to keep it under control. A lack of socialization and training contributes significantly to an aggressive canine.

Do German Shepherds Attack For No Reason?

German Shepherds will not attack you or anybody else for no reason. If you have a German Shepherds puppy who seems to attack you unexpectedly, many factors can be the cause.

These include genetic, environmental, and biological. However, you can train your aggressive puppy more easily than an adult GSD. Adult GSDs are bigger and more muscular, and if they do attack, it can be more dangerous.

Unfortunately, German Shepherds have a reputation of attacking suddenly. These sudden aggressive outbursts are a sign of aggressive traits passed through the bloodlines.

Nowadays, selective breeding programs and better education for owners have helped eliminate most of these traits from purebred German Shepherds, although some still have this trait.

Let’s explore other reasons for GSD attacks:

1. Resource Guarding

Your German Shepherd may feel like protecting his resources and get confrontational and attack another dog or person who gets too close.

If you bring another puppy into your home, don’t allow it to access your older dog’s toys, space, food dishes, bed, etc., as this can annoy the older dog and cause him to attack.

2. Lack Of Education Among Owners

Occasionally, you will see headlines saying “German Shepherd Kills Owner.” It is rare for a German Shepherd to attack, let alone kill his owner.

When this happens, it is through the ignorance of the owner. The lack of education among GSD owners has played a major role in causing attacks.

You must never stare directly into your GSD’s eyes, pet his head with a hand from descended from above or walk straight up to him. German Shepherds, and all dogs, perceive these gestures as threats and will cause them to attack.

3. Confinement And Boredom

German Shepherds are a high-energy breed requiring frequent exercise. These dogs were bred as herding dogs originally, and naturally, they have tons of energy to burn.

It’s never wise to confine these dogs in cramped spaces or tether them, as boredom can ensure and territorial behaviors will cause them to attack anyone near them.

4. Dog-On-Dog Aggression

It’s common for dogs to bite each other, and it usually stems from them being territorial. Sometimes, a GSD attacks other dogs out of excitement or energy rather than aggression.

These dogs are more prone to being overly aroused amid casual play and even an initial meeting.

When this occurs, your GSD may show aggressive behavior as a protective measure or as a way to calm the other dog. Such behavior may feature growling, nipping, lunging, and even biting.

5. Unknown Medical Concerns

Some owners may not take their GSD to the vet when their dog is aggressive, but this is what you should do first, particularly if your GSD attacks another dog in the home.

If your usually sweet-mannered German Shepherd suddenly attacks another person or dog, then a vet visit is in order.

A well-trained GSD that becomes suddenly angry may have a health issue that you may not notice. It could be something minor, like a torn nail to something serious requiring immediate action.

What Are The Warning Signs Of An Aggressive GSD?

Signs of aggressive behavior from a German Shepherd include:

• Blocking the path of people or other dogs
• Demanding attention; barging through doors
• Guarding resources
• Stopped eating when approached
• Mounting legs or other dogs
• Positioning himself between you and another person or dog
• Lunging
• Approaching another dog from the side
• Putting his head on another dog’s back or shoulder
• Growling when approached
• Posturing
• Bearing teeth
• Direct eye contact
• Raised hackles

Some owners see some of the behaviors above as cute when their dog is being aggressive. However, you must also decipher between aggression and a dog playing with other dogs.

If you are uncertain about your dog being aggressive, it’s best to seek professional advice. Numerous nuances cannot all be covered in a single article.

Much of the confusion lies within the type of aggression ( fear, territorial, predatory, sexually dominant, food, etc.). Even socialization can appear aggressive (some growling, jumping, biting, barking, and so on).

First, however, you must see the signs of aggression. Assertiveness, dominance, and fear can all result in aggression and are the most apparent and dangerous forms.

Additionally, intact males are most like to be dominant aggressive. Therefore, unless you are breeding this dog, you must have him neutered. This will help reduce dominant behavior and keep the unwanted population down.

How Do You Control Aggression In A German Shepherd?

You must first determine the cause of the aggression before tackling the underlying issue.

You must train a German Shepherd not to be aggressive, although that can be challenging.

Training must consist of socialization with other people and pets. You must also teach your GSD obedience commands to increase your level of control. Deterrence measures might be necessary to prevent more aggression.

Your GSD puppy should learn relatively quickly and be receptive to training. However, an older GSD may need more time and support from a vet or professional dog behaviorist.

Before you begin training, you must get some supplies in together; a deterrence collar, an ultrasonic or whistle with a sharp note, treats, and toys as rewards.

You must set aside fifteen minutes every day for the next few weeks, and adopting a positive attitude towards training is vital, as dogs pick up on negative energy. The more consistent the training, the sooner you should achieve results.

Let’s discuss three methods to teach your dog to have self-discipline and control:

1. The Deterrence Method

Your puppy will need a safe spot to retreat, as dogs can get overwhelmed and need alone time. You can use his bed or crate as his safe space.

Whenever your GSD becomes aggressive, barking, growling, etc., blow your whistle. Your GSD will soon learn to connect being aggressive with a negative consequence.

You can also use a deterrence collar. A remote control releases a spray of citronella, which deters biting. Using it frequently should prevent any further acts of aggression.

You mustn’t get your GSD too worked up when playing with him, and young children must not tease him too much.

Remember not to laugh during training; you must take it seriously as this can confuse you. So talk to everyone in the home and ensure that all agree with how training should go.

2. The Routine Method

Big active dogs like the GSD need plenty of exercises as their biting can result from pent-up energy. So make sure to take your German Shepherd out for a long walk or extra walks. Play games with him to tire him out as a tired dog is a calmer dog.

If he starts getting aggressive, pull out a toy and play tug of war to redirect his aggression safely. This will only work if his aggression is out of wanting attention. If a tug of war game doesn’t hold his attention, you may want to ignore him.

You must constantly reward him for calm play, give him affection, praise and treats. Don’t anger your GSD by punishing him when he’s aggressive, as this will make him angrier. German Shepherds respond better to positive reinforcement.

3. The Introductions Method

Sign your GSD for group obedience classes as early as you can. This will get him to socialize with other people and pets. He will also learn what type of conduct is and isn’t tolerable.

Teach him basic commands like ‘down’ and ‘stay.’ This should increase your control and establish your position as pack leader. This should limit his aggression and make him more submissive.

When your German Shepherd places himself in front of you when you stop and chat with other people, it’s because he thinks it’s his job to protect you.

So you should place yourself in front, that way he can relax and understand that that’s your job. This should prevent initial hostility when strangers approach.

When he meets new people and animals, stay close and watch how he behaves. If you see signs of hostility like his tail dropping or tension, ask them to stay back to respect his boundaries.

Offer verbal praise and the occasional treat only if he remains calm when meeting strangers. Positive reinforcement helps him associate being well-behaved with receiving good things.

Final Thoughts

German Shepherds are naturally aggressive dogs; they are protective of their people and possessions; however, outward aggression towards others is evidence that consistent training and socialization is lacking.

Be sure to understand dog body language and note when your GSD becomes aggressive to help you stop the behavior.

from Pet Dog FAQ https://www.petdogfaq.com/german-shepards-attack/