Loyal or Lethal? Can German Shepherds Attack Their Owners?

If you have a German Shepherd, you might have noticed they can get aggressive if they are not exercised regularly. Of course, their aggression can rise concerns like can German Shepherds attack their owners?

Can German Shepherds attack their owners? 

German Shepherds can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Thorough training and socializing is needed so that a German Shepherd does not misinterpret its owner’s harmless conduct as hostile.

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What is the risk level of a German Shepherd?

German Shepherds have a bad reputation for being violent, but why is that? They are a highly intelligent, perceptive breed that can quickly pick up violent behavior from those in their environment. 

Biting can occur as a result of this behavior, which can be quite dangerous. Biting is frequently the result of a dog being perplexed by its surroundings or just reacting to stimuli. 

Here are some examples of how you could notice your German Shepherd’s aggression:

1. Continuously barks

German Shepherds, like other breeds, will react to practically anything that happens in their environment by barking.

Your dog’s bark is their natural reaction when identifying and responding to their environment, whatever happens on your property.

By knowing the tone and pitch of your dog’s bark, you can learn to distinguish between what is a threat and what isn’t.

A continual loud bark, coupled with snarling, is the main indicator that a true threat exists.

2. Chews on Furniture and Other Personal Property

While German Shepherds are inherently protective dogs, they are also highly active, lively dogs who like playing. They do this in a variety of ways, including chewing on things. 

Because you are given an order, your German Shepherd should cease chewing on furniture or important objects when you redirect his behavior.

If they react to you with aggressive barking and snarling, this indicates that you are viewed as a threat.

When German Shepherds bite their owners, it happens in situations like this.

3. When people show affection, he growls and barks

German Shepherds are devoted companions. However, they are only loyal to a few people. If you’re one of such people, you’ll find that your German Shepherd reciprocates your affection.

However, if someone outside the circle of loyalty expresses affection, they may be subjected to violent conduct.  

Low growling, a tight and prepared stance, and even nips directed towards someone your German Shepherd does not trust are all examples of aggressive behavior.

If your German Shepherd behaves in this manner toward others, that person has been considered as a threat by your dog.

Who is the aggression towards?

As you can see from the examples of violence described above, there is usually a clear distinction between who a German Shepherd will attack and who they will not.

You don’t want to be viewed as a danger. This will excite your German Shepherd’s interest, which could result in a vicious bite.

How to stop German Shepherd from biting

Establishing control early in your relationship with your German Shepherd is the most effective strategy to avoid getting attacked.

Establishing dominance implies that your GSD recognizes you as the leader and will obey your orders.

Follow these tips:

1. Developing Trust

You and your German Shepherd’s bond will be strengthened once your dog understands it can trust you. 

2. Appropriate Instruction

Building a trustworthy relationship with your German Shepherd requires early training. Good training will decide whether biting or other aggressive behavior becomes a problem.

These tips will be useful:

• When your GSD performs something nice, use positive reinforcement.
• Don’t yell at your GSD if he’s misbehaving. Quietly express yourself. Most importantly, do not strike or physically abuse your dog. It’s like GSDs to confront their owners.
• Socialize your GSD with a variety of individuals in various settings, but make sure everyone is on the same page about training, expectations, and the entire experience.
• Show your GSD some affection. German Shepherds, like other dogs, recognize love when they see it, and this is a terrific way to enhance your bond with your dog.

When does a German Shepherd start to become aggressive?

Dogs, especially those who have not been spayed or neutered, develop a lower tolerance for items that do not bother them as puppies. Unaltered dogs with hormonal issues can be more aggressive.

While the dog’s general nature is likely to remain unchanged, its tolerance for other dogs and circumstances that may not have upset it as a puppy decreases. 

Starting around two to three years old, this generally translates into a German Shepherd who dislikes other dogs.

What to do when your German Shepherd bites you?

The reason why the GSD bites you could be due to any one of the above-stated problems, and you could consult with a dog behavior specialist or somebody experienced with training dogs to resolve the issue.