What You Think You Know about German Shepherd Aggression is Wrong
German shepherd aggression is most often directed at strangers, whether human or canine. They were bred for hundreds of years to be guards or watchdogs, and if not well socialized from an early age, they are very easily upset by unfamiliar human or doggy faces.
That doesn’t mean that the owner of an aggressive-dominant German shepherd can just take the dog to obedience school for a series of classes and expect the problem to go away. Classes are held in a setting unfamiliar to the dog, and the dog’s owner acts less confident than ever because he or she is learning something new.
Even if the owner is saying the commands in a loud, strong voice, the dog can pick up on facial and physical cues of nervousness that even other humans can’t. Therefore, obedience training meant to address German shepherd aggression must take place at home… and while on walks… and at the vet… and every place at which aggression may occur.
STOP GERMAN SHEPHERD AGGRESSION
The dog’s owner must practice consistently, and so must every other human member of the dog’s household.
“Dog Whispering” Does Not Work
A troubling number of people confidently believe that what they learned on television about being a “dog whisperer” is appropriate and sufficient information to help them control German shepherd aggression.
They may have seen such tactics as the “alpha roll”, in which the human physically wrestles an especially aggressive dog into a submissive posture. When dealing with German shepherd aggression, just remember that the alpha roll will not work unless you are significantly stronger than the dog!
Contrary to ubiquitous popular belief, dogs’ psychological structures are more like cooperative hunter-scavengers, like hyenas, than like cunning pack hunters, like wolves. That is why dogs are especially responsive to treat-based training (and too often, roadkill).
German shepherds need more guidance than other breeds due to their hardwired suspicion and dominance as watchdogs. That guidance is most effective when linked to positive reinforcement, and at its most harsh, a firm “NO” and a shake by the scruff of the neck.
When Nothing Works, the Dog May be Hurting
Some German shepherd aggression cannot be controlled by any sort of obedience training whatsoever. This may be because of pain.
German shepherds have a tendency in their adult years to develop a syndrome known as hip dysplasia, in which the hip socket is deformed, causing sometimes severe misalignment and pain.
A dog who has hip dysplasia may snap at or bite a person who is petting its hips. This can only be addressed with gentle treatment and analgesic medication. Small children should not be left alone with such a dog.
…Or Sexually Frustrated
Once their sexual hormones come in, male dogs have an insatiable desire to roam far and wide in search of a female. German shepherd aggression that takes the form of mounting or “bullying” may need to be neutered to remember that they are pets. Females are usually less aggressive for this reason.
STOP GERMAN SHEPHERD AGGRESSION