If you want to learn how to calm an aggressive German Shepherd down, this is the right page to be on. An angry dog is not always synonymous with protection for the family. It is important to address aggressive behavior in German Shepherds as soon as possible to prevent any harm to humans or other animals.
A balanced German shepherd will know how to distinguish between moments when a real threat is present and when there’s no threat. In this article, we’ll talk more about aggressive German Shepherds and what you can do to calm them down. Let’s go!
What makes a German shepherd aggressive or angry?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to aggression in German Shepherds. These can include genetics, socialization and training, and health and environmental factors.
1: Genetics
Genetics can play a role in a German Shepherd’s aggression. In general, some dog breeds may be more prone to aggressive behavior due to their breeding and genetic history. However, it is important to note that all dogs, regardless of breed, can exhibit aggressive behavior, and aggression is not inherent to any particular breed.
2: Socialization and Training
Socialization and training can also play a role in a German Shepherd’s aggression. Lack of socialization during puppyhood can lead to fear and aggression toward familiar or unfamiliar people and other dogs.
Similarly, a lack of proper training and consistent leadership can lead to aggressive behavior.
3: Health and environmental
Finally, health and environmental factors can also contribute to aggression in German Shepherds. Pain or discomfort due to illness or injury can cause a German Shepherd to become aggressive toward the owner or unfamiliar faces, as can being subjected to abuse or neglect.
It’s important to remember that aggression in dogs is a complex behavior, and there is no one single cause for it. If you are concerned about your German shepherd’s aggressive behavior, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for guidance on how to address the issue.
How to calm an aggressive German shepherd
Have you seen any television programs about animal rescues? Often, a dog that has been the victim of mistreatment or has not received any kind of positive interaction with humans can be more aggressive.
In these cases, it may take a long time for the dog to trust someone again. Put yourself in its shoes and ask yourself if you wouldn’t do the same. However, if this is not the case for your German Shepherd, he may be angry because he thinks that everyone present in your house or even on the street represents a threat to you.
The best thing to do is to enlist the help of a professional who can help with your dog’s socialization process.
Dressing the dog can help it feel safer and more confident around other people and animals.
Haven’t said that, generally, here are some things you can try to calm an aggressive dog:
- Stay calm yourself. Dogs can sense when you are nervous or afraid and may become more aggressive in response. Try to stay calm and assertive.
- Give the dog space: If the dog is growling or showing other signs of aggression, give it plenty of space. Do not try to pet it or get close to it.
- Remove triggers: If you know what is causing the dog to become aggressive, try to remove that trigger if possible. For example, if the dog is aggressive towards other dogs, keep it away from them until it can be trained to behave properly.
- Seek professional help: Just like I stated earlier, if the dog’s aggression is severe or you are unable to control it, seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can work with you to develop a training plan and help you modify the dog’s behavior.
It’s important to remember that it is never okay to physically harm a dog or use punishment as a way to try to modify its behavior. This can make the dog’s aggression worse and create even more problems.
With this kind of follow-up and, above all, dedication on your part, your German Shepherd or any other dog breed will begin to understand that he doesn’t need to be on high alert all the time.
Aggressive German Shepherd: You have to be patient to train the pet
Violence breeds more violence. So, if you have an angry dog and want to change its behavior, know that the worst way to do this is to punish the animal with physical or verbal aggression and violence.
Instead, try to invest in positive reinforcement techniques, which consist of rewarding the dog with love, affection, and even chew treats whenever he demonstrates a behavior that you think is appropriate in a given situation.
Be constant in your commands and directives, and give the animal time to understand what you expect from it. Having patience is key in training an aggressive German Shepherd.
Playing games that can make your dog angry or aggressive
Teasing the dog, for example, by “playing” with its food, toys, and blankets just to annoy it, can give him the wrong impression that you enjoy seeing it upset. For your own safety, do not do this to avoid getting attacked by the dog!
Show your dog that you are the boss and that it must respect you by obeying your commands and directives, but never be violent or invasive. Respect your dog’s boundaries and space so that he also respects yours and other people’s.
Aggressive German Shepherd: An Expert Responds
This is a topic that is extensively researched by breeders, and to answer some frequently asked questions, I’ve gathered some responses from a professional veterinarian. Check it out!
Is hypothyroidism a condition that can make German Shepherds aggressive?
First of all, hypothyroidism is an endocrine disease. This condition is related to the deregulation of hormones, which regulate the functioning of the organism. That is, it can reduce the pet’s energy, leaving it mentally dull and tired.
According to a specialist, “The disease cannot directly make the dog aggressive; however, hypothyroidism causes a cascade of changes that can affect different body systems, causing different clinical signs.”
Is there training related to dogs with aggressive behavior?
“Yes, but it depends on the cause of the dog’s aggression.” If it is a behavioral issue, dressage may be able to help.”But if it is something neurological, like a disease, for example, training alone may not be enough,” he replied.
Is it possible to notice that the dog is getting angry or aggressive?
Yes, it is possible in some animals.They manifest themselves with snarling, staring, bared teeth, and even bristling fur.
How should you react when the dog advances on you?
“It may seem like a joke, but the ideal is to remain calm without making sudden movements, as any movement made can be interpreted by the animal as a threat, and this will make it advance even further.” “Also avoid eye contact and try to shift the animal’s focus to something else; if possible, try to protect its face, chest, and throat.”
Not all angry dogs are like that because of their breed.
Specialists stated that: “Dogs are descendants of wolves, which in essence live in packs, are hunters, and are territorially aggressive.” “”Many of these characteristics were inherited and are part of the instinct of dogs, so some animals still have this aggressive instinct.”
A specific breed is not always more aggressive than another; this can vary greatly depending on the dog’s environment, stimuli, and handling. So, the ideal is to always be aware of the signs that the animal shows.
In addition, there are genetic factors that make some traits more prevalent in some breeds than others. This applies both to physical aspects (such as size, coat color, and muzzle shape) and behavioral aspects.
Some breeds may be more predisposed to form a wild dog, but know that this is just one of the factors involved in its creation. The environment, the stimuli that the dog receives, and socialization done correctly as a puppy, for example, are decisive in the dog’s behavior.
Even so, it is very important that you research and study a lot about any dog breed you intend to adopt. Even if it is a mixed-breed animal, know that, regardless of size or age, it will require commitment and dedication on your part to become a polite and obedient dog.
Just leaving it out in the yard and waiting for it to learn on its own has a high chance of producing an aggressive dog that, in times of stress and anxiety, can even turn against you.
Did you see how owners play an important role in pet education? Exercise responsible ownership and adopt a dog only if you can give it everything it needs to be happy and healthy.
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