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Are German Shepherds Dangerous To Own

What Can Cause A German Shepherd To Be Aggressive

Are German Shepherds Dangerous? Should you get one?

Below are a number of things that can cause a German Shepherd to become aggressive. I have written more about what can cause a German Shepherd to become aggressive and what to do about it in this post.

Insufficient training

German Shepherds are a working breed so they tend to do best when they are given training and direction. When they are not given training, they will not know how to behave so they will behave the way they feel like behaving and they will be less likely to respect their owners.

This is why it is important to give them a lot of training especially from an early age.

One way to train them is with the use of positive reinforcement training. This is where desired behaviors are encouraged by rewarding the German Shepherd when it shows signs of displaying them.

I would also recommend that you follow the training tips outlined in this book so that you can keep it well behaved in many different scenarios.

Also, something to consider is that many people think of German Shepherds as being aggressive due to them being used extensively in the police and military.

However, a key reason they are used in the military is how well they respond to training. Those German Shepherds have been trained to be aggressive and make the German Shepherd breed seem much more dangerous than they actually tend to be.

Previous owners mistreating it

People being aggressive towards it

Being too emotional with it

A lack of exercise

A lack of socializing as a puppy

Where To Adopt Of Buy A German Shepherd

If you think you’d like to adopt a German shepherd, start by contacting one of the following organizations:

These groups will be able to provide guidance and next steps for adoption. If you aren’t certain the breed is right for you, you may be able to try foster care to test if a GSD is a good fit for your home.

Will A German Shepherd Work With Your Lifestyle

Although German Shepherds can work brilliantly for a lot of first-time owners, its best that you sit down and think about your situation before you go out and buy one.

Remember that dogs arent just something you can buy to look cool and easily take care of because theyre not. Dogs require a lot of time, love, attention, and money, so take a moment to think about why you really want a German Shepherd.

If youve been wanting to own a dog for a long time and youve decided on a German Shepherd, there are some other things you need to think about. These dogs arent the most time consuming, but they do still take up a lot more time than most other breeds. Take some time to look at your situation and consider the following things:

  • Do You Work Full-Time? German Shepherds are very time-consuming dogs. They require at least one a 1-hour walk per day but preferably two and need plenty of socialisation and attention. If you work a typical 09:00-17:00 and dont have anyone else that can spend that time with them, its just not fair on the dog. They will likely get bored, wont get enough exercise and may develop behaviour problems if left alone consistently.
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    Is A German Shepherd The Right Dog For Your Family

    It is commonly said that a dog is a mans best friend, and a German shepherd can be your kids best friend too. Just remember, its a two-way process and owning a dog also takes commitment on your side.

    German shepherd puppies may seem very cute and cool but they are a daily and lifelong responsibility, which needs a commitment of time and money.

    As a family dog, German shepherds are a great choice, as they are loving and loyal around those they are familiar with. They can also protect your house against potential intruders and threats. The bonding with your kids will bring out the GSDs protective nature and make it a formidable guardian for young children.

    With the proper care, training and upbringing, many German shepherd owners will argue that theres no better dog to have with kids. If a German shepherd wasnt capable of being a fantastic family dog, it wouldnt have held onto its popularity for so long.

    Surviving A German Shepherd Attack

    19 Reasons Why You Should NEVER Own A German Shepherd ...
  • Avoid an aggressive-looking German Shepherd. Stay away ifpossible! However, if an aggressive dog does approach you, DO NOT:make any sudden movements, run away, turn your back, or make eyecontact. If the dog loses interest, back away slowly.
  • If the dog attacks, use something as a shield. Use anythingyou can as a buffer between yourself and the dogs teeth, from abackpack to a purse. Wrap your arm in clothing and hold that out infront of you if you have nothing else. Let the dog latch ontosomething other than your flesh.
  • Try not to put anyone else in danger, but youmight well need help to escape a sustained German Shepherdattack.
  • Stay on your feet and fight back if needed. Fighting backshould be a last resort, because it can make a dog attack moreferocious. If you are left with no other options, hit or kick atsensitive areas, and use anything you can as a weapon. Dogs are mostdangerous when their victims are on the ground. If you are knocked offyour feet, protect your neck and extremities.
  • Get to safety. Climb to an out-of-reach high point if you can,such as the top of a wall or a car. Even better, put a solid door orwall between yourself and the dog.
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    What Can You Expect From A Dog Used To Your Baby

    According to expert Michelle Miley, German Shepherds will usually treat children as they would their puppies. Parents need to supervise things as the baby becomes active.

    A shepherd with proper socialization will likely tolerate grabbing and pulling, but they should never be left unattended with a baby regardless. Dogs should not be used as babysitters, regardless of their temperament.

    Once your baby starts trying to walk, youll need to watch interactions with your dog a little more closely. The average German Shepherds size makes it easy for them to knock an unsteady youngster over.

    Power Of The German Shepherd Bite

    The Bite power of a German shepherd is measured as 238 pounds of the bite which occupied second place in the dog bite power. However, Rottweiler and American Pitbull Terrier occupied first and third place with 328 pounds and 235 pounds respectively.

    Fearful Face feature of German shepherds:

    Unlike Labradors and other white fair dogs, German shepherds carry a fearful look through their brown eyes and Blackmark on their faces.

    Though there are white German shepherds, which may not carry such a fearful look still they have their aggression in their own way.

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    What To Do If A Gsd Attacks You

    Even though its unlikely youd even be attacked by a well-trained German Shepherd, its still smart to get yourself armed with knowledge.

    If you find yourself at the bad end of an angry GSD whos barreling toward you with obvious ill intent, what do you do?

    First of all, dont panic. I know, the thought of any dog trying to attack you is scary enough, but when a dog whos been specifically bred for protection and intimidation comes at you, you may have the knee-jerk reaction to run or fight back.

    I can assure you, this is the absolute worst thing to do. I wholeheartedly hope that you dont try to outrun or fight a charging German Shepherd.

    Instead, watch for the warning signs, take appropriate action, and get yourself to safety as soon as possible. Heres how.

    How Much Should You Feed A German Shepherd

    Top 8 Reasons To Own A German Shepherd | German Shepherd Planet
    Daily Food Consumption
    ~1,800 calories
    Cups of Kibble

    It is important to meet your dogs nutritional needs. This breed is a large and active dog which means they love to burn heaps of calories.

    German Shepherds thrive on a high quality dry kibble diet formulated for working dogs. This will ensure the correct blend of protein and fats as well as vitamin and minerals.

    Another popular dietary choice is a raw-meat based diet. This diet is high in protein and is increasing in popularity amongst the canine community.

    Remember, as a puppy your German Shepherd will have a higher protein requirement as they are very fast growing puppy!

    It is best to divide feeding into two or three times per day whilst your dog is less than 12 months old. However, as an adult a German Shepherd can be fed once a day.

    Recommended Reading: How Much Do You Feed German Shepherd Puppy

    Books By Michele Welton

    “Respect Training for Puppies” is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today.

    “11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy” is a comprehensive guide to keeping your dog mentally, physically, and emotionally happy and healthy so you can enjoy a longer lifetime of companionship. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today.

    Do German Shepherds Like To Be Petted

    Do German Shepherds like to be petted? German Shepherds tend to be quite affectionate with their human companions and will tolerate being petted. However, each dog has a different personality and will react differently to physical affection, so it is not uncommon for a German Shepherd to dislike being petted.

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    What Are Common Aggressive Behaviors In German Shepherds

    The following are some of the most common aggressive behaviors exhibited by German Shepherds. Keep in mind that it is very important to understand the reason behind the behavior so you can find an appropriate solution.

    • Your dog barks at strangers and other people.
    • They when someone comes up to them too quickly.
    • They will snap at strangers and other people who come into the house without permission from you.
    • Your dog is possessive of food, toys, property, or resources they feel belong to them.
    • They are overly protective of their owner when they are walking with them in public.
    • Your dog attempts to take control over the situation by barking and taking charge when there is a group getting together at home.
    • The dog tries to dominate other people, animals, or children
    • They will attempt to intimidate you into giving them what they want by growling and snarling at you.
    • Your dog plays too aggressively with others without respect for their limits or boundaries.

    How Dangerous German Shepherds Are

    9 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

    When raised well, German Shepherds will normally be very protective of their family and not dangerous towards members of their family.

    However, German Shepherds have been rated as being more aggressive towards other dogs and people outside of their families.

    But, this study was based on survey data which may not be very reliable. Also, it found that there was a lot more variation in the dangerousness of different dogs of the same breed than there was between the different breeds themselves.

    This would suggest that the way a dog is raised will have a much bigger impact on how dangerous it will be than the type of breed it is.

    With that being said, German Shepherds can be very dangerous when they are not raised well towards strangers and even towards their own owners.

    This study shows some of the common themes among dangerous dogs including not having positive human interaction, not being neutered and the owners being aggressive towards them.

    Since German Shepherds are a large dog breed with a strong bite force, it does mean that they have the potential to be more dangerous than most other dog breeds.

    This means that, before getting a German Shepherd, it is important to make sure that you will be able to spend time with it daily, that you do not intend to separate it from you or your family and that you will be able to devote time to training it regularly especially when it is a puppy.

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    Are German Shepherds Naturally Aggressive

    Many German Shepherds do display a naturally-high level of aggression.They can absolutely make loyal and loving pets. However, problems canarise with German Shepherd attacks and biting incidents when the dog isnot trained properly.

    It should tell you everything you need to know about the aggressiveinstincts of a German Shepherd that this breed is preferred for police andmilitary use. In these roles, controlled aggression is encouraged. Manymale police dogs are not neutered so that their natural aggression may bemaintained and harnessed.

    German Shepherd violence can come from two sources. Naturalaggression, which arises due to a lack of proper training, and aggressionon command, where owners train the dog to attack when ordered.

    Is German Shepherd Dog Naturally Aggressive

    The German Shepherd breed is known for their aggressive temperament and tendencies toward dominance. In fact, The American Animal Hospital Association has identified German Shepherds as one of the dangerous dog breeds in the US. Studies demonstrate that this dog breed is an extremely aggressive dog, as proven by many documented attacks on people.

    This trait is rooted in its DNA. German Shepherds are naturally protective over their family and territory. When they sense danger, their instinct tells them to attack the threat or escape from it as far as possible. This explains why some German Shepherds can be aggressive towards strangers or other dogs.

    Read Also: When Do German Shepherd Ears Go Up

    How To Introduce Two Female German Shepherds

    If you are set on having two female German Shepherds living together, there are a few things you can do to try to help them get along.

    However, keep in mind throughout the process that if the methods do not work, it isnt your fault. Some female German Shepherds will have a strong enough desire for dominance that they will not settle with letting another female dog live with them.

    Here are a few steps to follow:

    • Evaluate your current dog If you are still in the process of considering adding a second female German Shepherd to your home, you will want to evaluate your current female German Shepherd and how you think she might handle having a second dog in the family. Think about your dogs personality, history of behavior, and ability to be trained. If she already shows signs of aggression, has difficulty following commands, or being trained, then it might not be a good idea to bring another dog into her life.
    • Picking the dog If you feel your female German Shepherd will do well with another female companion, then the next step is selecting your second dog. Try to find a German Shepherd that has been socialized and has a similar personality to your current female. If you have an outgoing, energetic dog, look for a puppy that is also outgoing and energetic. Talking to the breeder about each dogs personality can help you in selecting one that will match your dogs temperament. To help you with this, check out my complete buyers guide on how to buy a German Shepherd.

    German Shepherds In Popular Culture

    Large German Shepherd attacks Pitbull at Dog Park (Dog Park attack Injury!) Who’s fault?

    While the breed may have started out in Germany, it has taken over as oneof the most popular in the United States, thanks in part to the appearanceof German Shepherds in movies and TV shows.

    German Shepherds are sometimes used as acting dogs, due to theirintelligence and ability to be trained to follow commands. There have beenseveral well-trained German Shepherds which have thrived on camera. Hereare some of the best German Shepherd movies which feature the dog in aprominent role:

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    So Is A German Shepherd Right For You

    So after reading all of this, you may be wondering if a german shepherd is going to be the right choice for you and your family.

    If youre any of the following then, the answer is normally yes.

    Youre Constantly Active

    If youre someone that loves hiking, going to the woods or walking and doing lots of exercise, then german shepherds can fit in perfectly with your lifestyle. Theyll always be up before you and eager to get going!

    Youre Family Are Around A Lot

    Likewise, if youre family are always going to be around, then a german shepherd will also do well with you. Theyll never get lonely and if you have kids they can keep each other entertained!

    You Like A Challenge

    Owning a german shepherd can be a challenge. If youre interested in a new challenge thats going to show you how to bond with dogs and become a leader, then theyre a great choice.

    Do German Shepherds Attack Their Owners

    Any dog, including German Shepherds, can attack their owners. However, most will only do so if they feel threatened, are backed into a corner, are abused, or something like that.

    Also, most dogs bite out of fear. If you treat your GSD with love and respect, even while still correcting bad behavior, your dog will never attack you.

    Remember a moment ago when I pointed out how loyal they are? Why would an animal so loyal to its family attack it?

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    How Do German Shepherds Socialize

    As flock guardian dogs, these shepherds have a firm pack mentality that makes them responsive to training and eager to please. One of the best ways to socialize a German Shepherd to a baby is to help them accept the infant as a fellow pack member.

    One of this breeds strongest traits is its strong protective instinct. Their strength and sturdy build, however, make supervision around babies necessary. Otherwise, they might try to play with an infant the same way they might play with another dog.

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