They are naturally very sensitive and emotional dogs and owners can often be at fault by inadvertently making them too attached if they are constantly petting, kissing, and cuddling them. German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and overall high intelligence. The breed is willing to learn with an eagerness to have a purpose. "Are German Shepherds good family pets?" Adorably, many GSDs don’t realize their size or weight and would actually sit or lay on you like a small lapdog. German Shepherds are highly dependable, which is why German shepherds are good pets to keep at home. Petting your German Shepherd should be calm and gentle and enjoyable for you both. German Shepherds can be friendly with other pets. Do this by installing a cat-size pet door in the base of the door to that room. There are some German Shepherds, that if allowed, will become bed … Erling Strandberg, 2005, “Direct genetic, maternal and litter effects on behavior in German shepherd dogs in Sweden” Livestock Production Science. Kenneth A. Gershman, 1994, “Which Dogs Bite? They can be trained to do a variety of real life jobs. E. H. van der Waaij, 2008, “Genetic analysis of results of a Swedish behavior test on German Shepherd Dogs and Labrador Retrievers” Journal of Animal Science. There are lots of online resources that delve into the personality and care requirements of a German shepherd, … We debated keeping him as we haven’t had a dog in years Best Thing we have done in many years! However, with the proper training and discipline, these aggressive tendencies can be avoided. Just because your German Shepherd doesn’t like to be petted doesn’t mean he won’t show you affection. Luckily, the coat also resists dirt and debris and you won't need to bathe your dog more than once a month. Yes, they do — a lot. A Case-Control Study of Risk Factors” Pediatrics. The German Shepherd is deeply kind and is good at showing compassion for humans. Do German Shepherds Like to Play Fetch? Are you wondering whether your german shepherd actually loves you, or do they just want to bed fed? He has a mild temperament in general, has episodes of barking sometimes but the thing that’s troubling is his possessive behaviour. Having your Shepherd accompany you on a long walk or hike will benefit you both! My GSD is 12 years old now. German Shepherds come from a working breed and, as a result, they need and love to work. The only question is whether or not the German Shepherd is the right pup to bring into your home. German Shepherds tend to be a more vocal dog breed. Dogs avoid being petted for various reasons; some include: When training your dog to be petted, begin by looking for cues from your dog on what he is comfortable with and what he is not. My wife and I had a German Shepard many years ago and was one of the Most Intelligent,Trainable and very Protective of Wife I have ever had the Pleasure of having as he was family! Having a dog that does not enjoy being petted isn’t necessarily a negative thing. This is because they are smart, bold, alert, and single-minded when necessary. It is a good idea to keep them a few feet apart on the first walk. So, when they see something unfamiliar or unexpected, they see it as a threat that could cause harm. Try to remove as much fear and panic as you can when you begin petting him. Welcome! The Happy Puppy Site is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, The Happy Puppy Site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It is the perfect energy-intensive exercise for active breeds. German Shepherds are known for being: loyal, protective, intelligent, trainable, curious and obedient. German Shepherds are commonly described as self-assured, excellent guard dogs and easy to train. If you are feeling sad, or blue, then your german shepherd will give you comfort and 100% love and attention. This site is the ultimate resource for everything dogs! Their intelligence, respect, energy, loyalty, love, and alertness make them good family pets. Start with simple commands like sit and stay, and keep the sessions short so as not to overwhelm the puppy. If you can identify these tendencies, you will be better equipped to handle them before problems arise. Like…seriously reconsider. This will not work. Most German Shepherds are fine with other dogs if they are introduced when they are young. German Shepherd or GSD serve as an ideal family dog. link to 29 Fruits German Shepherds Can Eat: And 5 To Avoid! Having a dog behave this way can be upsetting, so it’s essential to understand how a dog like this should be treated. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'worldofdogz_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',110,'0','0'])); Common signs of affection your dog can show include the following: If you discover your German Shepherd prefers not to be petted, this can be difficult in social situations where you have friends or family who would like to greet and pet your dog. If this is the case, there are many great ways to bond with your dog outside of physical touch. Their luscious coats are greatly admired by people. There are still parts of Europe that still refer to the German Shepherd as the Alsatian. Before the war, this breed was commonly called the Alsatian in Great Britain and parts of Europe. The German Shepherd originated in Germany. 8. They are naturally protective and do well in families and with other pets. A common trait of the German Shepherd temperament is their high energy level. His aggressive behavior can be a result of poor socialization and poor training. They need ample exercise daily; otherwise, they can get into mischief or become high-strung. German Shepherds are known for showing affection through various methods other than being petted. Some owners say there is no bond like a German Shepherd’s bond with their family. The German Shepherd is a famous breed in part because he was the first canine movie star - Rin Tin Tin was huge back in the 1920s. The best way to ensure that your German Shepherd gets along with other dogs is to introduce them to another dog in neutral setting. German shepherd dogs are active and like to have something to do. German Shepherds are extremely watchful and protective. There are many reasons why your German Shepherd might habitually lean on you. They are considered a good house dog. You also should introduce them to other pets and dogs. Their intelligence, respect, energy, loyalty, love, and alertness make them good family pets. They make excellent members of a family and can be trained as personal protection dogs.If you’re thinking about adding a German Shepherd to your family, it’s important to know about this dedicated breed. German shepherd dogs can be very friendly and at the same time aggressive with other dogs or pets. Once they are introduced, take them for a walk together so they can get acclaimed with each other’s company. This reduces the chance of them being antisocial, or cautious around other animals or the unfamiliar. They adapt well in a family setting and typically get along well with children. Sometimes, they can be unsure or aggressive towards other dogs, but proper training can avoid any of these problems you may find in a German Shepherd. The German Shepherd temperament is calm and caring. German Shepherds are known for their physical strength and intelligence. We purchased a German Shepard at 8 weeks and he bites so hard and he is now 14 weeks. They need a lot of time, effort, activity, and attention. Pup parents know that our dogs love us deeply, even though they do not express it in the same manner as humans do. After getting the GS puppy found out my son-in-law was afraid of Large dogs and he bought a Pug – Pekingese mix Grown 2 year old female dog that when taken to Vets for Shot Updates found the dog not 2 years old but 9 years + old. They can be vicious, disobedient, and too rough to have around your children. AKC: Why Does My Dog Duck When I Pat Him on the Head? If this is the case with your dog, here are my 10 steps on how to stop separation anxiety. The German Shepherd is capable of being trained to do almost any task you put before them. German Shepherds do offer kisses and snuggles, as well as love having their belly rubbed and receiving pats of affection from those they love. It may seem like the wrong thing to do to play like this. This combination makes them incredible animals. However, if you train them well in its initial days, you will not have to face aggression problems that might harm you or your dog. Feel free to leave any tips or comments below! They are the best and I can’t imagine life without one. Do German Shepherds shed? Here’s what this article will explore: Continue reading to understand better if your German Shepherd likes to be petted. Petting can be a great bonding time for a dog and his owner. Do German Shepherds like to be petted? I have a 5-year-old female German Shepherd named "Willow" and I've worked with dogs for almost 30 years. Consider a German Shepherd mix puppy if you are looking for a companion or family pet and you do not intend to register or title the dog. The German Shepherd is a dignified dog that can be aloof, and somewhat antisocial. If your dog's seizures have been diagnosed epilepsy, treatment will focus on managing the abnormal I definitely agree – if you have a big dog like a GS, you need to train them young and socialise them and they will be a lifelong loyal friend. Always make sure your dog is enjoying the experience, so it remains a positive and relaxing activity for him. This site is not intended to constitute pet medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for your pet. Like most dogs, they do have a few health issues with arthritis and other joint issues in their later years of life. Take a look at this article, I hope it helps! The German Shepherd is a moderately active dog and is described as self-assured. The Andis Premium Deshedding Pet Tool is ideal for German Shepherds that shed a lot and removes 80%-90% of the loose hair from the undercoat without any damage to the topcoat. your GSD. Such as training them to sit, fetch, or do tricks. They like to guard herds and are strong fighters. Your email address will not be published. When it comes to petting a German Shepherd, you should always look for cues from your dog to see if he wants to be petted. He can not stand to see me and my husband together in the kitchen without his presence. Along with verbal praise, you can also reward him with a small treat when he accepts the petting. They will live in peace and harmony. Take note that in the dog age chart, each dog year is like 7 years of our lives or so. You may find a few common aggressive behaviors in your German Shepherds such as mood swings and bad temperament. One important characteristic the German Shepherd has is its work ethic. This area is usually found on a part of the dog’s belly. Required fields are marked *. However, with proper training and patience, they make great workers. There’s no love like the love of a GSD. However, despite early socialization or training, this breed is naturally standoffish. But females are bit shorter, standing at twenty-two inches tall at the shoulders. German Shepherds, like other dogs with herding instincts, tend to be on the nippy side, and unfortunately this breed tops the list of frequent biters. Be prepared to have hairs on your clothing and furniture and you'll need to vacuum frequently. It is very important that you take the time to make sure that your German shepherd puppy is comfortable around human beings of all ages, shapes, sizes and colors. How To Pet a German Shepherd. They will need to be taken out for exercise daily. Hi, But they aren’t scary – unless they perceive there is a need to be! This is known as the scratch reflex which is there to keep your dog safe from pesky fleas and other irritants.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'worldofdogz_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',108,'0','0'])); More often than not, a dog does not enjoy being petted in an area of the body that causes an involuntary reflex, such as a frantically twitching or kicking foot. The answer to this question has to be ‘yes’- with an ‘obviously’ added to it! She still eats very good and sleeps well. German Shepherds will like to hike as long as you train them and get them used to it. Mr. Biden will bring two German shepherds, one of which was adopted from a shelter. This is another reason why a German Shepherd may become aggressive. How Much Do German Shepherds Weigh? For example, if he will let you scratch behind his ears but turns away if you go for the top of his head, then don’t touch his head. Despite their appearance these pups are loyal and friendly, and big softies at heart. Any suggestions? This dog has all the qualities of the first German Shepard but with a few more abilities. We’ve had German Shepherds for many years and our daughter was raised around them. Let the German Shepherd get away from you if he wants. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.World of Dogz is to be used for educational and informational purposes only. Although preferences vary from dog to dog most German Shepherds gravitate toward items containing beef, lamb, fish, and chicken. Your dog can begin to panic and feel violated if you try to pet him too frequently. Early socialization is the key. Like any other dog, GSDs need to be taught how to treat babies. They have strong muscles and are confident, alert dogs. The dog sheds heavily about twice yearly, and the rest of the time sheds a lesser amount continually. Do you own a German Shepherd? Dogs will show affection in all sorts of ways outside of physical contact with their owners. Consider a German Shepherd mix puppy if you are looking for a companion or family pet and you do not intend to register or title the dog. But being retired and Viet Nam Veteran and my Wife Love of this Dog is the best thing that could have ever happened for Us! Parasites like fleas and ticks are extremely aggravating to german shepherds and all dogs. Not sure how to correct this particular behaviour. Your GSD needs it desperately. But they're not for everyone - and if you're thinking of getting one I highly encourage you to do all the research you can about them - ahead of time. link to When Are Labs Potty Trained? But our second GS was bred from a ‘champion’ and was decidedly nervous. Do German Shepherds like other dogs? But first a short introduction about the breed itself. I love spending time with my dog and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise of all things dogs on this site! Very Intelligent, Easy to Teach Commands, Mild Temperament, Guard dog, Loves Kids, my Wife including me! Shepherds do like cheese, although this should be enjoyed in moderation, as it can cause gastrointestinal distress in these gentle companions. Tail. Some can be a bit bossy with other dogs as they get older but with proper care, training and socialisation this is unlikely to become a problem. Or if they are not getting enough exercise. German Shepherds, on the other hand, are mostly thought to be fierce but loyal protectors that are often kept as guard dogs. German Shepherds, when properly bred, socialized, and trained, excel at discerning defense and protection. German Shepherds are smart dogs, so you can and should be able to train your German Shepherd to accept and tolerate a quick petting. Now that we know that German Shepherds being the guard dogs, are quite protective, active, and fast learners, they naturally know how to fetch and also seem to like it. They are eager to please and perform any given task. This can also lead to the dog suffering from separation anxiety when they are left alone. How to find a puppy and raise a happy, healthy dog, February 1, 2019 By Kristin Hitchcock 9 Comments. But they also carry some natural characteristics such as being highly intelligent, alert, watchful, obedient, and confident. After seeing black German Shepherd puppies for sale on the internet, I am enticed to purchase one for my girlfriend. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'worldofdogz_com-leader-1','ezslot_12',112,'0','0'])); Some dogs are uncomfortable with being touched in certain areas. Generation upon generation of training and breeding has created a natural guard dog in this breed. German Shepherds ranges from medium to large in size and is generally healthy and strong. It’s best to make slow movements similar to a gentle massage or light scratching and always move your hand or fingers in the same direction of the fur. If you’re thinking about buying one, then this is the question that’s bound to come up. Here are 13 things that I think any future German Play tug of war and get him worked up. German Shepherds are intelligent, devoted, and fearless dogs. Training any dog to be friendly if they have already started displaying signs of aggressive behavior can be challenging. Furthermore, this is a very common trait in loyal dogs that don’t want to see their family in danger. GSDS are family, lovable and loyal. Best wishes to you and your puppy. We also participate in other affiliate programs that compensate us for referring traffic. Always be gentle with your German Shepherd, and particularly with a puppy. Your email address will not be published. Are German Shepherds Good Family Pets? They pick up new commands quickly, and can learn lots of different words and the behaviors which go with them. When the skin is itchy, obviously your german shepherd is going to scratch more, … Luckily, German Shepherds Most German Shepherds are fine with other dogs if they are introduced when they are young. © 2021 World of Dogz. First, to combat boredom in your German Shepherd, you will need to do mental exercises with them. This affection may not be as often as certain other dogs. Any advice? While this large breed’s fluffy coat and natural charisma makes him camera-ready, his intelligence, strength, and agility make him a natural for K-9 units. On most occasions, the German Shepherd will not react badly without reason. I never had a dog before we got our first German Shepherd, but my husband had. These great characteristics make them all around good dogs for family or work. How to Treat Epilepsy in German Shepherds. German Shepherds have been known to do very well with babies. She is the best. He starts training tomorrow and I hope it helps. Hi Denise, It’s incredible how hard puppies can bite, isn’t it. However, German Shepherds do require a little extra work. German Shepherds are very intelligent, and easily motivated to take part in training. They are considered a good house dog. What should I bring to take home a puppy? However, it will build his confidence so he feels less threatened around new people. This need to be done in a positive way. German shepherds are steadfastly loyal companions, and consistently rank at the top of the most popular dog breeds in America. These dogs can be vicious, disobedient, and too rough to have around your children. Understanding the body Best Harness For Yorkie – Best Yorkshire Terrier Harnesses With Reviews. German shepherd dogs are active and like to have something to do. Animal Wised: Why Do Dogs Kick Their Back Legs When You Scratch Them? I could growl at him but he still loved us all anyway. Another thing to be aware of when petting your dog are signs of involuntary reflexes. The German Shepherd’s protective and sometimes hard nature is replaced with cuddly love within the home. With proper socialization to other pets, German shepherds can be fine with other pets in the house. Germans shepherds are good family pets because they’re intelligent, loyal, and they love the outdoors. Since German Shepherds are sometimes inclined to bark at friends that visit until they become more comfortable with guests, it is a good idea to get them used to friends, family, and other pets for them to adapt to a healthy social routine. Use positive reinforcement to help your dog understand that petting can be enjoyable rather than uncomfortable. They are known to make all sorts of noises including groaning. Yes, they do originally hail from Germany, but today German Shepherds are one of the most popular and recognizable dog breeds in the world. But, they don’t always inherently know how to behave around them. Spend a few minutes each day teasing and playing around with your German Shepherd. A German Shepherd puppy can begin to be trained from about 8 weeks of age. Supervise the petting session and make sure it is not too long. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'worldofdogz_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',107,'0','0'])); If a dog is looking for a good rub down, he will: Any combination of these signs can mean your dog is looking for you to pet him. Learn more about living with German shepherds. We’d love to know more about your furry friend! If you find that they are getting along well, let them play for a few minutes. In this article, you’re going to find out 19 different ways that your german shepherd shows affection, and why they do it! I jus got a 4 month old German shepherd n rottie mix, he’s very loving n follows me everywhere I go, even to the kitchen, lol, I got him for a emotional support dog for my depression n anxiety, do they make good or great emotional support dogs n how do they? If you stick to a regular bathing and grooming schedule, there’s no reason at all you shouldn’t However, most of the world calls it the modern German Shepherd name. German Shepherds grow fast – here are the best crates By Debbie Clason January 5, 2021 12:30PM PST Whether you’ve adopted a German Shepherd Dog (GSD) into your family as a show dog, a watchdog, or simply as a loyal companion, it may surprise you to learn that there are seven lines of GSDs, each with its own features and characteristics. They can also be a lot of fun for both you and your dog. He can not bear when husband kisses me, he gets aggressive and starts humping/ holds my leg for attention. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. They are among the most loyal, attentive and caring breeds of dog that you will ever find. Also, when German Shepherds are trained well they grow up to be loyal and extremely well mannered pet. They don’t have to be a search-and-rescue dog, but training your pup so they can master the agility course or “listen” as kids Any work that is plagiarized will be found and appropriate action taken. German Shepherds are generally an intelligent breed and, like many other dog breeds, love working with their owners. Was adorable, sweet, loyal, protective, jealous and possessive me. Dog age chart, each dog year is like 7 years of our lives or so a Shepherd. Kitchen without his presence a strong sense of smell dog Duck when I Pat him on the top the! True in the dog who the boy can ’ t scary – unless they perceive there a. 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