German Shepherd Aggression Towards Other Dogs And Training Techniques

December 2, 2010 | Dog Health | Leave a Comment |

There are many reasons why German Shepherds become aggressive. Though these reasons could vary from one dog to another, the following are among the most common:

o    He is dominant and thinks that he is the alpha dog. This also means that he sees himself as superior over his owner and handler. He sees the owner as a lesser dog.

o    Self defense can also play a major role in aggression. If the dog feels that he is threatened, then he would become aggressive to protect himself.

Thus, it is important to make the dog feel loved.

o    The dog thinks of a particular place as his territory and would try to defend it. He is also trying to protect his food and “property” from being taken.

o    Another reason is that he could be injured or in pain. Also read this article on, dog on dog aggression

Aggression can be grouped into two ??” pre-aggression and advanced aggression.

o    Pre-aggression is when the dog fiercely guards his toys, food, and his territory. He snarls or growls as the owner approaches or touches the object. He does not obey commands.

o    Advanced aggression is when the dog will try to attack the owner.

German Shepherd Aggression Towards Other Dogs

  • While trying to establish himself as the leader of the pack, the dog will be aggressive to let the other dogs know who the real boss is.
  • The German Shepherd might try to lunge and snarl at the other dog.

German Shepherd Aggression Training

  • Training is very important to address aggression.
    The earlier the dog is trained, the better.
  • Be warned ??” untrained German Shepherds can be very dangerous when full grown. It is best to let an expert train the dog so that training is done properly.
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Dog Leash Aggression

Aggression is a common problem and is caused by many factors.

  • A tight leash is among the most common reasons why dogs act aggressively.
  • Bad experience. Bad experience can cause dogs to become aggressive. It is natural for them to defend themselves to prevent the experience from happening again.
  • Pain. In the wild, dogs have no one but themselves to depend on. Thus, when in pain, they try to hide it to avoid getting killed. To ward off approaches, they tend to become aggressive.
  • Defending their territory. When the dog is on a leash, it feels that the space that he could reach is his own. Since there are territorial animals, they tend to fend off approaches to their territory. Read dog barking problems & reasons
  • Defending their owners. Dogs are also very loyal. When they think that someone or something is a threat to their owner, they tend to be aggressive to defend their owners.

Dog Leash Training Techniques

This common behavioral problem can be resolved through training. The earlier the dog is trained, the higher the chances of curtailing this kind of behavior.

  • Keep the dog in a loose leash.
  • Stay calm at all times. Dogs can sense that their owners are nervous or afraid, especially if the owner tightens the leash with perceived threat. Read also how to deal with dog aggression.
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  • Dog owners must train themselves first before training their dogs. Don’t tense up ??” instead, breathe calmly. When a threat approaches, such as another dog, calmly pull away from the threat.
  • Also read how to understand the dog behavior problems
  • Understand the dog’s body language. Try to make the dog sit when he becomes aggressive. Remember, a sitting dog is less likely to fight than the one who is on the ready stance.

Dog to Dog Leash Aggression

  • Poor socialization can make the dog aggressive to other dogs. As early as possible, let the dog socialize with other dogs.

Training is also important ??” a well trained dog will obey his master’s commands.

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Canine Behavior Problems

A dog is a man’s best friend, yes. However, dogs can also be a nuisance to its owner and a danger to people, other animals, and other dogs. Behavior problems must, therefore, be solved as soon as possible.

Canine Behavior Problems

  • Jumping on owner or guests upon their arrival. This can be solved by ignoring the dog for about 5 minutes to make him calm down. Then, ask him to sit before patting him. It is also good to teach the dog how to greet properly ??” not aggressively jumping but, perhaps, engaging in a little handshake just like what people do.
  • Chewing on inappropriate items such as furniture, shoes, plants, etc. This can be solved by giving him something to do, something appropriate to chew on, such as his own toys.
  • Mouthing or play biting. Dogs, especially puppies, would at times playfully bite the owner. Although this behavior can be cute, this should be stopped before the dog becomes aggressive or thinks that the act is alright. Walk away and come back when he has calmed down. Better yet, firmly tell him that the act is not good but do not punish him.
  • Excessive barking can be a nuisance to the owner and neighbors. If the dog does not respond to commands to keep quiet, move his sleeping quarters or “territory” to the back or side of the house.
  • Aggression is the most serious of all behavioral problems. Have the dog undergo obedience training if you really can’t handle him.

Canine Behavior Training

  • Owners should take time to train their puppies to become well behaved dogs. The dog trusts its owner and would always want to please the owner. Thus, owners would not have a hard time enforcing rules and training their pups.
  • Behavior training, whether by owner or trained professional, is essential for having a behaved dog.
  • Understanding how the dog behaves in dissimilar state will make the owner adjusted to the dogs wants.
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