Ask For Competing Behaviors
In order to ask for competing behaviors, your German Shepherd must know a handful of basic German Shepherd commands.
The idea behind using competing behaviors is that youll give your dog a command, such as sit or down, instead of them focusing on the other dog and becoming agitated.
You can learn a variety of useful cues to give your German Shepherd by starting your GSD obedience training at home.
Before your German Shepherd has a chance to become aggressive, have them perform the cue you give.
Then, offer their reward.
This, in turn, distracts them from the other dog momentarily while also giving them another, more positive, option to perform.
The Beginning Of The German Shepherd
A good number of changes have been made to this breed, both in physique and personality.
Identifying these alterations can help pinpoint how a German Shepherd will act when out on a walk with other dogs nearby.
According to German Shepherd Rescue Elite, the first version of this dog originated in the 1850s in Europe.
These canines were bred solely to provide safety for the shepherds and their flocks. The goal for these dogs was to be intelligent, swift, and strong.
Thinking about the requirements of these shepherds, there was a good amount of difference. They might have similar personality traits yet differ completely in appearance.
Given the purpose, these dogs most likely were relatively polite with other dogs belonging to the shepherd though showed aggressive qualities towards any outsiders.
For quite a while, the German Shepherd shifted in morphology until the desire of a standardized breed came about.
This phenomenon started taking place for several breeds around 1891 from the Phylax Society. These members were unsuccessful though sparked the pioneers for a standardized German Shepherd Dog.
Documented by the as the first to create a unique vision for this breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz began this process in 1889.
His golden specimen was found at a dog show in western Germany. Hektor Linksrhein, later renamed Horand von Grafrath by von Stephanitz, was powerful, primal, agile, and intelligent.
Why Does My German Shepherd Not Like Other Dogs
If your German Shepherd doesnt like other dogs you might be wondering why and what can be done about it.
This post will show you a number of reasons why your German Shepherd might not like other dogs and what you can do about it.
So, why does my German Shepherd not like other dogs? Possible reasons are that it didnt socialize as a puppy, another dog was violent towards it, its being submissive, its overly protective or it might naturally not like other dogs.
There are a number of things that you can consider when trying to figure out why your German Shepherd doesnt like other dogs. Depending on the cause, there are also a number of things that you can do about it.
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They Display Dominant Behaviors
Contrary to popular belief, true dog dominance is quite rare.
However, if your German Shepherd is dominant they may try to assert their power over other dogs by being aggressive towards them.
Some dominant behaviors include:
- mounting behaviors
- rough play where the dominant dog is always on top
- and/or chasing another dog until they cower down or show submission.
Keep in mind that some German Shepherds lack social skills and might not be really dominant. They just havent learned how to interact appropriately and instead show aggression towards other dogs.
Symptoms Of Aggression In Bullmastiffs
Symptoms of aggression in Bullmastiffs may include growling, snapping, snarling, barking, and biting.
Aggressive dogs are also often fearful. However, this can indicate that the dog is being attacked or feels threatened by the person they are being aggressive towards.
When a dog has anxiety or fear of people or other dogs, they may become aggressive, which is why its essential to socialize them with familiar people and other dogs early on.
Other signs of aggression in your Bullmastiff include:
- Fears and phobias
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How German Shepherds Temperament Affects Their Interactions With Other Dogs
German shepherds are as curious and intelligent, as they are loyal and protective. They are considered one of the easiest breeds to train and can be very obedient when raised properly. This is one of the reasons they are widely used as police dogs, herd dogs, and firefighting dogs.
However, the protective qualities of German Shepherds can sometimes be misconstrued as aggression by people unfamiliar with the breeds temperament. German Shepherds are very loyal and tend to form a close bond with their owners and their families. They are quick to react at the sight of any threats and are dedicated to protecting their loved ones.
Male German Shepherds are believed to be more aggressive than female ones, which is why many dog-owners concerned about their dogs temperament tend to get female ones. However, any well-trained German Shepherd from a good home is unlikely to display unnecessary aggression and should get along fine with other people and animals.
German shepherds that are mistreated or raised in abusive conditions can display excessive aggression and should be treated with caution. This issue is not unique to German Shepherds, as any dog that has been abused can lash out at others.
What About Older Dogs
Are German Shepherds good with other dogs if they havent been socialized well?
If you adopt an older German Shepherd, theres a risk they wont have been socialized very well as a puppy. Luckily, this doesnt mean they wont get along with other dogs.
Socializing an older dog is possible, it just takes a bit longer than it does with a puppy.
Small steps is key when socializing an older dog. First you might want to let him watch other dogs from a long distance away.
You can slowly reduce this distance, as long as your dog continues to be comfortable.
Take a look at this guide for more tips on socializing an older German Shepherd.
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German Shepherds And Kids
While it’s always important to make sure that both your children and your new pup understand how to interact with each other, German Shepherds require extra preparation. Make sure to lay the ground rules with your family before your dog moves in, and make sure to start a training program with your pup as soon as you bring him home. Of course, always supervise your children when they are playing with any dog, and make sure all of your kids understand basic rules like avoiding dogs that appear sick, agitated, or injured, or not making contact with dogs who are eating.
Temperament And Appearance Of Border Collie And A German Shepherd Mix
The look of the Border Collie German Shepherd mix traces back to its German Shepherd parent. His primary coat colors are black, brown, gold, and white. It is often a mixture of two or more colors.
They look almost the same as the German Shepherd, and therefore, it is often mistaken for identification. However, their tail is not as fluffy as that of the German Shepherd, and its ears are also different.
No matter what they look like, these dogs will have strong muscles and high levels of endurance, ideal for herding livestock.
Because this breed is made from intelligent dogs like German Shepherd and Border Collie, their intelligence is amazing. Their temperament is a mix of guard and herding dogs.
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Pros And Cons Of German Shepherds
The Good
- Thrives on challenging activities and exercise
- Loyal to his own family
- Looks imposing and has a reputation that bad guys don’t want to fool with, so makes an effective deterrent
- Highly intelligent and versatile can learn almost anything
The Bad
- Can be hard to find one with a family-oriented temperament and a decent chance of staying healthy
- Needs plenty of exercise and interesting things to do
- Needs careful socialization
- Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
- Potential aggression toward other animals
- Constant shedding 365 days a year
- Legal liabilities
- High risk of serious health problems
Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.
Are German Shepherds Friendly
In general, German Shepherds do well around other dogs but it is always important to be aware of their personality and temperament before you make any decisions. With the right training, your German Shepherd can be a great addition to any family.
Let us first look at the history of this breed. The most common ancestor of the German shepherd are the dogs from various regions in Asia, but it is said that their exact origin is unknown. The master breeder Max von Stephanitz was a great influence on this breed, and they are now known as one of the best breeds to have for police work, military work, and search and rescue missions. They are also very gentle with children and make amazing domestic pets as well as family protectors. If you are thinking about taking on a new addition to your households such as a new pup or even an older dog, then there are several different things to consider before you do so. One question that you may have is whether or not a German shepherd is the right breed for you and your family.
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How To Help Your German Shepherd Socialize With Other Dogs
Taking German Shepherds for walks is a great way to expose them to new sights, sounds, smells, people, and other dogs. You should start by taking them for walks around areas where they are unlikely to encounter other dogs. This will help them get accustomed to their surroundings before coming across another dog.
You can gradually start taking them to more crowded areas as they get more comfortable with being in public. Be sure to keep them on a leash at all times during this stage.
You can also help your German Shepherd with socialization by calling guests over and introducing them to your dog one by one. This teaches the dog to be comfortable with letting other people into their living space.
Its important to maintain a calm state of mind when introducing your dog to other people, as dogs can sense when their owners are stressed. Dogs will often react differently when they feel their owners are nervous or are in a state of distress, so you should remember to keep a level head when introducing your dog to others.
Once you have spent enough time exposing your German Shepherd to outdoor environments and guests, you should try taking them to a park.
Your dog is very likely to encounter other dogs at the park, so you should make sure they are ready to interact with others by this stage. If your dog is fine with meeting other dogs in the neighborhood or on the street, they should be fine interacting with dogs at the park.
Check Out If They Are Purebreds
Almost all dog breeds are mixes, and because of this, it is difficult to say whether they are purebred. Unlike other crossbreeds, if these breeds are purebred, you can somewhat predict the outcomes.
Usually, genetic processes tend to select those characteristics that make a dog stronger. In this way, the natural crosses between dogs eliminate a series of traits such as inbreeding diseases and do not pass to the next generations.
Purebred mixes have lesser genetic disorders and health problems, predictable temperament, and increased vigor.
You can check for yourself if your Border Collie and German Shepherd are purebreds or not.
If both your dogs are in good health and have a symmetrical physique matching their breed standards, they are most likely purebred.
In any case, if you are not so sure of yourself, you can ask your vet. You dont want the mix to have an unpredicted temperament, genetic disorders, or diseases.
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German Shepherds Are Working Dogs
You could argue that German Shepherds are the worlds best working dogs. They are extremely versatile, intelligent, trainable and they are eager to follow commands. Their desire to obey commands and fulfill a role is fundamental to their health and happiness. They must frequently partake in training exercises and need A LOT of mental stimulation to keep their clever minds ticking over. There are other breeds who are the complete opposite of this. Some breeds like Bassett hounds or English bulldogs, for example, would rather lay down and ignore you . A lazy breed wouldnt exactly get in the way of your German Shepherd, but its not likely to enhance his life in any way. Your German Shepherd would thrive having another buddy that enjoys being active following commands just like they are. So thats something important to consider.
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The Traits Of The German Shepherd Dog
If you were to explore the breeds standards under the American Kennel Club, you may find a list of personality traits such as being fearless, non-hostile, self-confident, eager to please, and alert.
Words that do not describe the typical German Shepherd Dog include timid and shy. The breed itself is known to be approachable. But, does this apply to humans or other animals?
For the most part, German Shepherds tend to get along with most dogs if they have been properly socialized from a young age.
There are cases where these canines can become aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex.
As with any dog, it is important to consider that yours might not exactly match the breed standard. Each individual is unique in temperament.
The experiences that a German Shepherd goes through from a young age fosters a certain repertoire for future interactions.
It is also important to keep in mind that the German Shepherd dog is highly bonded to their owners, making it all the more likely that they will become protective and aggressive without the proper training.
This is a common problem amongst German Shepherd owners since they have a phenomenal guard dog without the proper honing.
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Best Companion Dogs For Australian Shepherds
While Australian Shepherds are able to get along great with just about any dog, some make better companions than others. Some breeds of dogs will feel confused by an Australian Shepherds playing habits and just cant entertain them as well. This is because Australian Shepherds were originally bred as herders and still carry out some of those traits. Most dog owners find that the best choice of companion for an Australian Shepherd is another Australian Shepherd. This is because they share the same instincts and want to play alike. However, any type of herder dog with a friendly personality will make a great companion. These are the best breeds of dogs to introduce to your Australian Shepherd as a companion:
Labrador Retriever
Its hard not to fall in love with a labrador, whether youre a person or an Australian Shepherd. These energetic pups love to play, and they get along very well with other animals. If your Australian Shepherd needs a playmate, this is one breed of dog that loves their playtime. A well-trained labrador retriever could make an excellent companion for any energetic Australian Shepherd.
Huskies
All dogs need to be well-trained and socialized in order to ensure they get along with other animals. A socialized husky of any type can be a great companion for an Australian Shepherd because they are very friendly and energetic. This is one breed of dog that can definitely keep up with your Australian Shepherd for a romp around.
Border Collie
Bernese Mountain Dog
Do German Shepherds Get Along With Other Dogs
German Shepherds are beautiful and intelligent dogs, famous for their workability and instinctive loyalty. A large breed with big personalities, they have natural herding and protective qualities that make them a challenge to handle. They are great as a human companion, but other dogs can become a potential issue. If you own another dog and youre considering a German Shepherd, there are quite a few things youll have to keep in mind.
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Are Shih Tzus Aggressive Towards Other Dogs
For the most part, Shih Tzus are one of the least aggressive dog breeds. They are known for being cuddly, friendly dogs. However, there are always exceptions.
Some aggressive behaviors you may see in your Shih Tzu could include growling and nipping at other dogs. Its important to socialize your Shih Tzu early on in their growth and training to avoid any aggression.
What Not To Do For Your Aggressive German Shepherd
Some things can make your German Shepherds aggression worse. Its best to avoid doing the following which will slow your training.
Dont punish a dog for aggressiveness toward another dog in your home. Your dog will associate the punishment with the other dog and with you. This breaks down social relationships.
Dont allow your dogs to fight to work things out on their own. One of your dogs could seriously injure the other!
Dont set your dog up for failure. If you keep having issues with your German Shepherd attacking your other dog dont let them ever be together unsupervised.
Dont think its just a one-time event. Most likely, your German Shepherd and your other dog have issues with each other that youre not aware of. Thinking this is just a one-time thing could put your dogs in danger when they attack each other again.
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Do Border Collies And German Shepherds Get Along
Border Collie and German Shepherd dogs have a lot of things in common. Both are relatively large working breeds meant for flocks and farms. Theyre both very protective and brilliant. But, do German Shepherds and Border Collies get along?
Border Collies and German Shepherds make for great pets. For the same reason, many people choose to get a pair of Border Collie and German Shepherd puppies to enjoy all the good sides of each breed.
But before you do so, lets take a closer look at the compatibility of these two breeds.