Are German Shepherds Dangerous to Strangers? Find Out the Truth!
Since German Shepherds are known as police dogs it’s common to wonder do German Shepherds attack strangers. We’ll discuss this breed’s aggression tendencies and how to train them.
It is good to research dog breeds before adopting them. By doing this you will know which breed is the right fit for you and what issues that breed is known for.
Table of Contents
Do German Shepherds attack strangers?
Ask any German Shepherd parents or experts and you will get the same answer; YES, German Shepherds attack strangers if they are not raised or trained correctly. It is your responsibility to train your German Shepherd properly so it will be friendly with guests and strangers.
It can be dangerous for you when you are out with your German Shepherd, and it starts attacking each person in the park.
German Shepherds are known to have aggressive tendencies because of their dominant nature. Ill-mannered and untrained German Shepherds do not just attack strangers, but they may attack other dogs as well as each creature.
I believe that none of us want a companion like this who is ready to kill anyone at any time. German Shepherds actually love to chase other animals. They may apply the same behavior to strangers, which may turn out as attacks and injuries.
Are German Shepherds friendly to strangers?
The large structure and size of the German Shepherd give them an aggressive and intimidating look.
Their role in security and guarding makes it clear that they are not easy to be friends with. But still, parents ask this question: are German Shepherds friendly to strangers?
Again German shepherds are friendly to strangers with proper socialization and as well as upbringing.
Ideally, you should socialize German Shepherd puppies around people along with some other animals. In this way, your German Shepherd will not grow up with any fear or aggression in mind.
It will not perceive strangers as a threat and will not attack them and hence a friendly pup.
Do German Shepherds attack guests?
Yes, there is a chance your German Shepherds will attack guests if they are not appropriately trained. Lack of exposure and as well as socialization results in an aggressive dog that is attacking everyone entering the house.
But this is not the end of the story, the breed is easy to train.
As mentioned above, proper puppy training and as well as upbringing can reduce their tendencies and aggression. Also, a mixed German Shepherd is likely to be more friendly compared to a purebred German Shepherd.
Does a German Shepherd Attack Intruder?
Yes, a German Shepherd can attack an intruder. This depends on if the dog was trained to and the temperament of your dog.
While on the other hand, if your German Shepherd is friendly with strangers and not even trained to attack intruders, then there is a possibility that it may not bark or attack them.
It is crucial to mention that German Shepherds are protective in nature by birth. But attacking depends on their personality along with temperament.
Why is my German Shepherd aggressive toward strangers?
1. Showing dominance
As we know German Shepherds are highly dominant, so this dominance causes them to attack or bark at strangers.
2. Fear
All German Shepherds are aggressive in nature and giant in structure, but still, they may get afraid of strangers. Fear can be a reason due to which your dog is showing aggressive nature toward strangers.
3. Possessiveness
German Shepherds are possessive by birth; you cannot remove the possessiveness from them. Also, dogs get aggressive and possessive of their toys.
4. Frustration
Daily exercise and a good workout is the key to keeping your dog happy and healthy. Know that your German Shepherd requires a lot of exercise, and if they don’t get it, they may get frustrated.
The frustration will result in aggression, and mainly they get aggressive toward strangers. Chewing, biting, and as well as growling is your dog’s way to show its aggression.
Socialization can help your dog in reducing aggression along with other behavioral issues.
5. Illness
Illness can be the cause of why your dog is showing aggression, even toward strangers. Consulting a vet is always a good approach when you notice behavioral issues in your German Shepherd.
Pain in the body, some sort of internal injuries along with tumors are the leading causes of aggression in German Shepherds.
