German Shepherd Aggression

Aggression in German Shepherds can be linked to multiple issues. The hostility could stem from an incident that occurred when the dog was a puppy and never quite recovered, like being attacked by another dog. It could possibly also be the result of a obstinate dog experiencing challenges learning who is in control.

Whatever the cause for the aggressive tendencies in your German Shepherd, it cannot be ignored. Acceptance of harmful actions is akin to reinforcing it, which can contribute to terrifying, if notdangerous, results.

The Importance of Initial Socialization and Dog Training

Aggressive behavior in Shepherds can start as early as six weeks of age, a critical period when most puppies first exposed to people and other dogs. This stage of puppyhood is when the majority of owners begin training their puppies proper behavior, such as not nipping, gnawing at, or barking at otherpets or other people.

This prelimin ary training stage of a dog's growth continues up to 12 weeks and beyond. Consequently, there are some rules a dog owner should comply with when socializing with a puppy.

* Under no circumstances remove a puppy from its litter before it has reached 8 weeks of age
* Stay away from using tough discipline with a young dog, specifically between 8 and 10 weeks of age * Treat the pup gently; shouting, smacking, spanking, or any other type of abusive or unpleasant punishment can be the precise driver that triggers aggressive behavior in a dog
* Displaying the pup attention and love will create a attachment that will endear it to its owner, not alienate it into aggression and self-defense

The Triggers of German Shepherd Aggression

There are numerous components known to bring about aggressive German Shepherd patterns. Some breeds have a higher tendency toward aggression than others do. Often times, genetics and hereditary are contributing factors, but by no means is that always the case. German Shepherds are usually often considered a breed with heredity and genetics toward intense behavior.

With that knowledge, the prime variables that can intensify aggression in a puppy is undesirable treatment and a damaging environment, including the following:

* bad and unhealthy living co nditions
* shortage of socialization, with other dogs and people
* fear of other animals, other dogs, and/or people
* a severe and abusive owner

A German Shepherd afflicted by any or all of these disorders is often more likely to be hostile and intense as it matures.

German Shepherd Aggressive Behavior - Act Quickly before it becomes a problem

Start off teaching your German Shepherd puppy at a young age to react to your directions, whether spoken, hand signals, etc. An periodic treat is completely acceptable, but the puppy needs to learn to respond to your requests with or without a treat.

Stroll with and train your dogoften, keep a regular feeding routine, and confirm who the alpha of the home is. By allowing the dog to set its own rules and freedoms, the aggression will only elevate toward others because the dog views them as obstacles to its desired behavior.

A dog with aggression problems could strike out in its own defense at a person. However, it is important to know it may be the dog's fault. Your dog may not have been socialized correctly and is not used to human interaction.

Find out more about German Shepherd Aggression and German Shepherd Obedience Training