Aggressive German Shepherd Puppy – Where Do I Start?

An aggressive german shepherd puppy needs socializing and training to minimize any aggressive behavior going forward. Here are a few things you should know about socializing and training.

What’s The First Step?

The first step in socializing your aggressive german shepherd puppy is meeting with the family. Your family will be the nucleus of his world. All family members, including other pets, need to spend time with your new puppy.

The more time he spends with each member, the stronger the bond. How much time spent with each member will determine how well your young puppy understands what you expect from him and what he can expect from you.

STOP AGGRESSIVE GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPY

You need to be aware that speaking and petting your aggressive german shepherd puppy isn’t all that he needs. Your shepherd needs the experiences of being held and hugged. Your pup needs to be lifted up and carried to different parts of the house.

He should experience at a young age what it feels like to be picked up and placed in a high spot like a truck seat, a table, or a counter. These experiences will help him when he is brought to a vet and placed on a scale or put on a counter to receive a shot.

Carrying a young dog at such a young age also gives you the chance to earn your pet’s trust. He learns to trust you not to drop him. This is a critical bonding experience which is a key component in socializing.

On a side note, children in the family need to be taught that hugging a young puppy should be a “gentle” act, not a vigorous squeezing that will have the puppy squirming to escape.

OK, What’s Next?

Socializing your aggressive german shepherd puppy doesn’t stop at the house and with family members. There is a whole slew of experiences out there that your puppy needs to be introduced to. He needs to meet the mail man and the paper boy.

The neighbors, the kids at the neighborhood park, the grocery store parking lot, the post office, a school yard, construction area, and even an ice cream truck are all experiences that your aggressive german shepherd puppy can learn from.

For example, a large truck backing up with its lights flashing and beep beep sound is sure to startle him. Ensure you are at his side when he sees and hears this commotion the first time. Being near him will alleviate his fear and lower his stress levels.

He may still startle the next time he sees and hears this, but he’ll remember that it didn’t hurt him.

Training Is Also Important

Along with socialization comes basic training. While every single breed of dog should have some basic training for their own safety, the aggressive german shepherd puppy needs the mental and physical stimulation that training with his owner brings.

German shepherds have a strong need to know their place in the “pack” pecking order. If an owner cannot exhibit good leadership skills, a shepherd will take it upon himself to take that position.

A dog who assumes pack leader position is inherently an aggressive dog who will exhibit behaviors that are not generally welcome within a family environment.

STOP AGGRESSIVE GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPY