Your German Shepherd Sticks Their Tongue Out
Whilst there is a condition called hanging tongue which can result from neurological and structural defects, a little tongue poking out can signal happiness.
You might notice it when your German Shepherd is asleep. The tongue poking out means that are completely relaxed and in a happy state.
The next time your German Shepherds tongue stick out, it could be a sign they are totally relaxed, content and happy with life.
German Shepherds Are Known As A Mouthy Breed
They tend to use their mouths as an appendage thanks to their herding heritage. Its even right there in their name, ShepHERD. This mouthing behavior is natural, so expect your GSD to mouth you and chew anything that will fit inside their mouth. However, that doesnt mean you should allow it. What might be cute in your small puppy will get more powerful as your dog grows up. Training your dog not to bite your hand or the chew on the furniture is essential with this breed. Teach your German Shepherd to channel those instincts safely and appropriately.
How Can I Make My German Shepherd Love Me More
If your dog doesnt have an intense bonding with you, try giving them some time to warm up towards you. You wont form a bond overnight, have patience and take little steps this will gradually increase your pets affection level.
Apart from that, provide GSDs with regular exercise, feed them right, show them love and avoid negative reinforcements. Negative reinforcements can make them have resentment towards you. Train your dog with positive reinforcements to make your German Shepherd affectionate towards you.
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# 11 Following You Around
Whether youre outside or at home, youll probably notice that your German Shepherd is following you even when told not to do it. He takes comfort in your presence and that will make him want to be around you as much as he can. Your dog can follow you around because he wants to check on what youre doing too.
When youre outside, hell want to investigate the surroundings alongside you and will generally keep close to you. Your presence in the outdoors is what guides him.
When youre at home, your dog may become a shadow while you move around the place. He wont necessarily stay glued to you at all times, but following you to check up on you is a way for your dog to show that he cares about where you are and what youre doing.
How Do You Know Your German Shepherd Loves You
Common ways that they will show their love for you will include wagging their tails when you come home, bringing you things, looking to you for direction or making eye contact with you. There are actually many ways that a German Shepherd will show its love for you and I will show you 13 of them below.
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# 16 Put Their Paw On Your Chest
If you have a German Shepherd dog, youll find yourself with one of his paws on your chest whenever the opportunity arises. This can happen during snuggling or belly rubs, or even when they simply want some attention. Its a way for your dog to communicate with you and express their affection.
German Shepherds are very tactile dogs and they will show their love in physical ways. Gently placing a paw on your chest and holding it there while gazing at you will establish the connection he has with you while offering and asking for affection. Its a grounding gesture that helps your dog feel close to you and it can be a great bonding experience.
Your German Shepherd Has A Healthy Coat
A healthy coat means a happy dog well, in most cases. But in all seriousness, a heathy looking coat is usually a sign that most is alright with your German Shepherd. When your German Shepherds in great shape, he or she will definitely love you for it.
On the flip side, a stressed-out German Shepherd can lose their hair. Signs to look out for include flaky skin, obvious signs of hair loss, and excessive scratching. If you do see this, its unlikely that you German Shepherd is happy.
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They Follow You Around
German Shepherds are capable of developing strong bonds with their owners.
Even to the point of being glued to their side.
Thats because they want to be around you. They see you as a member of the pack. And so they go where the pack goes.
While your dog following you is okay, make sure everyone is safe. You could trip on your dog and hurt yourself or them.
If you dont want them following you, ask them to do something else. Such as sit or stay.
Caution: Make sure this isnt a case of separation anxiety or being clingy. If it is, talk to a vet or a dog behaviorist professional.
German Shepherds Mature At Different Times
As this popular Reddit feed devoted to German Shepherds showcases, different German Shepherds may mature more quickly or slowly.
In this feed, GSD owners ask other owners when their GSDs began to display more obvious signs of affection towards them. Different owners talk about how their puppies behaved at different ages.
In some cases, the owners share that their puppies were affectionate right away. In other cases, owners say it took some time for their dogs to open up and also that having more interactive play and cuddling helped speed up the process.
If you have adopted a rescue German Shepherd, it is particularly important to be patient and let your dog open up and get to know you. German Shepherds can be reserved at first, especially if they have been rehomed in the past.
Being relinquished or abandoned can hit these smart, sensitive dogs particularly hard. But with time, patience, and lots of positive interaction and love, you can encourage your new dog to trust you and become more affectionate.
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Are German Shepherds High Maintenance
German Shepherds are high maintenance dogs they need to be groomed on a regular basis to keep their coat healthy and prevent the fur from matting, after walks where itÄôs muddy or wet make sure you brush your dog straight after the walk as this also stops the build-up of the coat from matting which can be very painful Ķ
How Are German Shepherds Intelligent
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, and with good reason: Theyre considered the third smartest breed of dog. To be placed in the top tier of intelligence, breeds must understand a new command after only five repetitions and follow the first command given to them 95 percent of the time.
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Ways German Shepherds Show Affection
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Ask any German Shepherd parent and youre likely to hear that their dog is more than just a pet theyre an integral part of the family.
In fact, many people treat their dogs as if theyre children! Its not uncommon to see people spoiling their dogs, giving them as much love, attention, and affection as possible.
But even though you know how much you love your German Shepherd, you might have doubts about your dogs feelings towards you. After all, its not like you can ask.
Instead, you have to look for the displays of affection your German Shepherd offers.
This begs the question: how do German Shepherds show affection?
Many of your German Shepherds normal behaviors are actually signs of affection. Some of the most common ways that German Shepherds show affection include getting excited when you come home, wagging their tail, leaning against you, snuggling with you, acting protectively towards you, and rolling over to expose their belly for some rubs!
In total, Ive listed 25 ways that these dogs show affection for their human parents. After we discuss them, well even cover a few behaviors that might seem affectionate but really arent.
Will My German Shepherd Protect Me Without Training
Any German Shepherd you have developed a bond with will likely be protective over you even if they have not received any specialized training to do so.
Whether they are working dogs or companion dogs, protectiveness is something that is in their nature and not necessarily learned. In fact, training GSDs for protective work only involves honing and directing their innate guarding abilities. It is not about teaching them how to be protective in the first place.
Even without formal training, German Shepherds have the intelligence necessary to identify potential threats to their domain or family. They also have the courage and confidence to ward off those threats and even physically engage them if they deem it necessary.
Lastly, they are known to develop deep bonds with their keepers, for whom they have a strong sense of loyalty and desire to protect.
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Your German Shepherd Can Mirror Your Facial Expressions
Did you know that dogs have the ability to mimic your facial expressions?
National Geographic reports that dogs can accurately read human facial expressions.
But that is not all they can do. Your German Shepherds facial anatomy has literally evolved to be able to mimic those expressions back to you!
As PNAS journal reports, over the millennia of transition time from being wild wolves to becoming domestic dogs, the facial muscles in your dogs eyebrows have changed.
Wild wolves today do not have the eyebrow muscles that can cause that signature look all dog owners recognize puppy dog eyes.
That sad, mournful, begging and oh-so-cute expression is unique to modern dogs alone because only dogs have the eyebrow muscles to pull the expression off.
Researchers believe that modern dogs have evolved to mimic this particular expression because it is the expression that most reliably triggers nurturing reactions towards dogs.
This evolutionary difference is an advantage to modern domestic dogs because it allows your German Shepherd to bond more closely with you.
National Geographic also reported that dogs can tell the difference between a happy face and a sad face.
Eleven different dog breeds were tested, including one German Shepherd, and all the dogs were trained to tap a touch screen for one or the other in exchange for a treat. The dogs performed very well in identifying both expressions.
Are Female German Shepherds More Affectionate Than Male Gsds
The matter of whether female GSDs are more affectionate or sweet-tempered than male German Shepherds is one of rather intense debate among owners and breeders.
Many GSD breeders that work with specific breed lines, such as German or American show dog or working dog lines, may have input as to their particular lineage.
For example, as Kavallerie Shepherds breeder and kennel states, their recommendation is to get a female if you are a first-time GSD owner and you want a sweeter dog that is easier to train.
The American Animal Hospital Association reports that a new research study has identified gender-specific traits for the German Shepherd dog breed.
While the data didnt focus specifically on whether male or female GSDs are more affectionate, the study did highlight that males tend to have more aggressive traits than females.
Males also tend to be bigger and heavier than female GSDs, which may influence your choice if you are concerned about injury to young family members or you are slight yourself and need a dog you can handle more easily.
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They Put Themselves In Vulnerable Positions
You wouldnt do things if youre not comfortable with the people around you.
Its the same with German Shepherds.
If they put themselves in vulnerable positions, its a sign that they love you. And they trust you.
They could be silly around you because they feel safe.
Thats why they can rest and lie with their backs on you. Or they lie on their backs when they ask for belly rubs.
But the most vulnerable would be when they pee or poop in front of you.
Note: Any dog wouldnt do those things if they know theyre in danger.
Are German Shepherds Affectionate What You Need To Know
Are German Shepherds affectionate?
Yes, German Shepherds are generally affectionate. However, the way they show affection varies from one GSD to another. Thus, at times it may seem that theyre cold or apathetic.
Theres more to your German Shepherd being affectionate than it just being cuddly. And so in this article, Ill highlight what you need to know about your German Shepherd and affection. This includes how they show it and how you can get your German Shepherd to be affectionate in the case that it isnt.
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Show Them More Affection Yourself
Perhaps the best way to get your German Shepherd to be more affectionate is to actually show them affection yourself.
Try calling your dog over and cuddling them more often.
If they see that you like it and are spending time with them then they are more likely to continue coming over and cuddling with you.
The Dog Is Excited To See You
Have you ever seen how puppies interact with their mothers? The mood is always merry, and affection is all drawn on their faces.
Your German shepherd will always be excited to see you if, lets say, you have been away for long.
If not wanting to jump on you, this dog will circle and even lick you out of excitement.
A dog who is excited after seeing you, if even if you had not gone for long, shows its affection for you is unmatched.
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What Do Dogs Mean When They Tilt Their Head
The meaning of the head tilt varies depending on the context in which it occurs. The three most likely explanations are that it is an invitation for petting, a movement made to express interest, or that it means that your dog wants you to give them something.The head-tilt may look calm, but there are different gestures with this gesture. Some people say they have found out their dogs actually mean I LOVE YOU. This theory has been backed up by some YouTubers also who have speculated on how complex their actions are. One person said her dog did not seem so happy when she slopped food into his dish and he gave this exact expression just before he ate? The other at the.
Wanting Belly Rubs Aand Tickles
Another common sign that a German shepherd is affectionate with you is that you would always be their favorite person to get belly rubs and tickles from. They would keep on leaning down and asking you to rub them and tickle them.
My German shepherd loved to do this, she would always lie down in her favorite spot and roll, again and again, to let me know that she wants belly rubs.
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Can A German Shepherd Be Left Alone During The Day
German Shepherds are wonderful dogs to own. German Shepherds shouldnt be left alone for longer than 4 hours. Young puppies and seniors shouldnt be left alone for longer than 1-3 hours. Provide them with enough food and water before you leave and give them plenty of exercise.
Putting Their Paw On You
When youre petting your GSD, particularly around the ears and head, do they ever lift their paw and place it on you?
If so, its a sign of your dogs affection for you.
Your dog does this to prolong the physical touch between you because it makes them feel content and relaxed. Thats why your German Shepherd will usually settle for placing their paw on any part of you that they can reach, whether its your arm, leg, or anything else!
It should go without saying that the only reason physical touch between you and your German Shepherd makes them feel so good is because they love you so much!
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Lean On Your Dog Or Let Them Lean On You
Some dogs really love to lean on their owners this is because this is a way that creates a significant attachment between them and the owner. German Shepherd Dogs are very social Dogs and they Love and enjoy physical contact with their owners. Sometimes they can become too excited that they will jump on you.Sometimes leaning is a way for Dogs to catch our attention. For example, when your Dog Leans on you and you react in a certain way or give him more attention. He will try to lean on you to catch your attention.Sometimes leaning can be a result of fear or insecurity of your Dog.
Can Leaning Be a Problem?
Leaning is considered safe but in some situations, some owners can not like that their dog leans on them. For stopping your dog to lean on you, Just walk away when your dog tries to lean on you and do not give him any attention until he stops leaning on you. But this can affect negatively on your relationship.
Do German Shepherds Get Attached To One Person
German Shepherds get attached to whoever pays the most attention.Many people think that they need to choose their dogs favorite person, but this is actually not at all true. Dogs will get attached to whoever gives them the love and affection they crave if their owner does not show an active interest in spending time with them, they will showcase greater attachment behavior towards other people who do take time out of their day for them. If you want your pet to exhibit more devotion towards you specifically, make sure you are giving him or her plenty of TLC that way everyones happy! :).
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