How to Deal With Aggressive German Shepherd Behavior
PETSIDI – The German Shepherd is an intelligent, active, and working breed of dog that is often utilized as a guard dog or police dog. While German Shepherds are loyal and make excellent companions when properly trained and socialized, they can sometimes demonstrate aggressive behavior that must be addressed.
Common Causes of Aggression
There are several potential reasons why a German Shepherd may start displaying aggression:
- Lack of socialization as a puppy
- Fear
- Dominance and assertion of rank
- Protection of territory, food, toys, etc.
- Pain or sickness
- Abuse or trauma
If your German Shepherd is suddenly aggressive, the first step is to take them to the vet for a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying physical causes.
Types of Aggressive Behaviors
German Shepherd aggression can take different forms:
- Territorial aggression: Growling, barking, or lunging at strangers approaching “their” property
- Possessive aggression: Guarding food bowls, toys, beds, or other resources
- Fear-based aggression: Usually happens when the dog feels threatened and attacks out of self-defense
- Predatory aggression: Chasing or attacking moving things like joggers, cars, bicycles, etc.
- Redirected aggression: Lashing out at another dog or person when frustrated, afraid, or overly excited
Safety Tips for Handling an Aggressive German Shepherd
When dealing with an aggressive German Shepherd, follow these tips to keep everyone safe:
- Avoid physically punishing or scolding the dog, this can make aggression worse
- Do not attempt to take items or resources away from the dog by force
- Keep children and elderly adults away from the aggressive dog
- Restrict access to rooms or areas where the dog guards resources
- Always keep the dog leashed and muzzled in public
- Get professional help from an accredited dog trainer or behaviorist
Methods for Reducing German Shepherd Aggression
If your German Shepherd exhibits aggressive behavior, here are some methods to help mitigate it:
Obedience Training
- Teaches the dog to respect you and follow commands
- Establishes yourself as the leader and your rules
Environmental Management
- Remove access to triggers like territories, people, or items they guard
- Create a predictable routine so they know what to expect
Desensitization and Counterconditioning
- Gradually expose the aggressive dog to triggers from a distance while positively reinforcing desired behaviors
| Step | Process |
|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the trigger for aggressive behavior |
| 2 | Present trigger from afar at sub-threshold levels to avoid reaction |
| 3 | Reward and praise calm, relaxed behaviors in the trigger’s presence |
| 4 | Slowly decrease the distance from the trigger as the dog remains composed |
| 5 | If the dog becomes reactive again, create more space and slowly progress |
Medication
- In extreme cases, medication can help take the edge off while behavior modification training continues
When to Get A Professional Dog Trainer
If your German Shepherd is aggressive, seek out a professional dog trainer or behaviorist if:
- Aggression is extreme, frequent, or escalating
- You are overwhelmed or unable to address it yourself
- Positive reinforcement training yields no improvement
- The dog is a danger to visitors or strangers
- Do you have fear, anxiety, or hesitation in dealing with aggression
A qualified expert can identify aggression triggers, build counterconditioning programs, recommend management tools like muzzles or crates, and provide customized training protocols.
Preventing Aggression in Puppies
You can help prevent aggressive behavior in German Shepherds by:
- Starting puppy socialization as early as 8 weeks to get them comfortable with people, environments, animals
- Providing proper physical and mental exercise (walks, games, training sessions)
- Establishing rules, and routines and responding consistently to good and bad behaviors
- Discouraging dominance behaviors like putting paws on humans, rough play, or guarding food/toys
- Building their confidence through reward-based training
Living Safely with an Aggressive German Shepherd
If your German Shepherd exhibits aggression it can impact your quality of life, but you can take steps to manage risks:
- Always keep your dog leashed and use secure fences or enclosures outside
- Muzzle train your dog to wear a basket muzzle safely when needed
- Post visible warning signs like “Beware of Dog” signs on entryways or gates
- Avoid loose, dangling clothing or materials the dog could bite
- Carry deterrent spray when walking, just in case
- Inform guests, visitors, and delivery people about interacting safely
- Consider liability insurance in case your dog does injure someone
While aggression can be challenging, a German Shepherd displaying aggressive behavior isn’t necessarily impossible to live with. But it does require dedication, vigilance, and a sincere commitment to keeping everyone safe through proper training and management.
In Conclusion
Aggression in German Shepherds can surface due to a variety of factors. While aggressive behaviors are extremely concerning, there are ways to treat them through obedience training, counterconditioning techniques, physical/mental stimulation, and consulting professionals. Always rule out medical issues first if aggression manifests suddenly. With targeted intervention and diligent safety practices, an aggressive German Shepherd can greatly improve. However, management remains an ongoing process. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the owner to prioritize rehabilitation alongside precautions that prevent harm. With enough care, even dogs with aggression can live a happy life.
