Many people find themselves in a situation where their German Shepherd is becoming aggressive. If your German shepherd is becoming aggressive, it can be a frightening experience. It is important to take action and address the issue before it becomes worse.
In this article, we will discuss the possible causes of aggression in German shepherds and what you can do to correct the problem. So, calm down, and read on to know more.
My German Shepherd is Becoming Aggressive
German shepherds are naturally protective and loyal dogs. However, there are several reasons why your German shepherd might become aggressive. It could be due to a lack of socialization, fear, frustration, or even pain. If you’re not sure what’s causing the aggression, then it can become confusing and difficult to find a solution.
Here are some of the common reasons for aggression in German shepherds:
- Puberty: Just like human teenagers, German shepherds go through a phase of adolescence where they can become aggressive. This is usually from around six to eighteen months old.
- Lack of socialization: If your German shepherd has not been properly socialized, it may become aggressive towards people or other animals. Socialization is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for German shepherds.
- Fear: Dogs can become aggressive when they are afraid. If your German shepherd is afraid of something, it may lash out in aggression.
- Frustration: Dogs can also become aggressive when they are frustrated. If your German shepherd is not getting what they want, it may become aggressive in an attempt to get it.
- Pain: Dogs in pain may also become aggressive. If your German shepherd is in pain, they may become aggressive in an attempt to protect themselves.
Now that you know some of the reasons why your German shepherd might be becoming aggressive, it’s time to take action. Also, learn all about how to prevent German Shepherd hip dysplasia.
Are German Shepherds Aggressive?
German shepherds are not naturally aggressive dogs. However, they may become aggressive due to a variety of reasons. Most German Shepherds start to show signs of aggression when they are over 4 months old.
The best way to prevent aggression in German shepherds is to socialize them early on. This means exposing them to different people, animals, and situations so that they learn how to cope with new things. Socialization is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for German shepherds since they are territorial by nature.
Pain and Aggression
Aggression in dogs can also be caused by pain. If your dog is in pain, it may become aggressive in an attempt to protect itself. If you think your dog is in pain, you can check your dog for any signs of injury. You should also take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup. But, if the dog is getting aggressive when you try to touch them in a certain area, that is also an indication that they may be in pain.
Stress and Aggression
If your German shepherd is under a lot of stress, it may also lead to aggression. Dogs can become stressed for a variety of reasons, such as being in a new environment, having too much change in their life, or not getting enough exercise. If you think your German shepherd is stressed, you should try to identify the source of the stress and remove it if possible. You can also try to help your dog relax with things like massage, aromatherapy, or music.
What To Do When My German Shepherd is Becoming Aggressive Towards Me?
If your German shepherd is already showing signs of aggression, there are a few things you can do to correct the problem.
Spay/Neuter
If your German shepherd is not spayed or neutered, that may be one of the reasons for the aggression. Spaying or neutering your dog can help to reduce aggression.
Training
One of the best ways to stop aggression in German shepherds is through training. You can enroll your dog in obedience classes or hire a professional trainer. Training will teach your dog how to behave and will help them to understand what is expected of them.
Exercise
German shepherds are high-energy dogs and need a lot of exercises. If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, it may become frustrated and aggressive. Make sure to give your dog plenty of opportunities to run and play.
Make Sure the Dog is Not Stressed
Dogs can become aggressive when they are stressed. If you think your dog is stressed, try to remove the source of stress from their environment. This may include separating them from other pets or children in the home.
Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried everything and your German shepherd is still aggressive, you may need to seek professional help. A behaviorist or veterinarian can help you to identify the cause of the aggression and come up with a plan to correct it.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you to understand why your German shepherd is becoming aggressive. Remember, aggression is not natural for German shepherds and can be corrected. If you’ve tried everything and your dog is still aggressive, seek professional help from a behaviorist or veterinarian. Follow our German shepherds site for more useful guides.