How to Stop an Aggressive German Shepherd

Aggression is not a typical breed trait for a German Shepherd.  These dogs are often protective, but protection is not the same as aggression toward humans or other dogs.  Dogs that protect their homes do so when there is a legitimate cause for them to act, such as a burglar or intruder.  Dogs that act out of aggression will go out of their way to pick fights or attack others.

Why Does Aggression Occur?

Any breed can have an individual that becomes aggressive.  It is an aberration and not normal.  In some cases a dog may become aggressive because of a physical health problem.  There can be a neurological reason for aggression such as a brain tumor.

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If you have a German Shepherd who is beginning to show aggression, the first thing you should do is take him to see your veterinarian.  Your vet may be able to find the cause of the behavior problem and treat the dog, which would stop the behavior.

Aggression can occur in some dogs because of early experiences.  If you have a rescue German Shepherd who has been abused, it is possible that the dog may have some behavior problems such as aggression.  In a case such as that you would probably need to work with a professional dog trainer and/or a canine behavior consultant to help change the dog’s behavior.  You can find behavior consultants on the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants’ web site:  http://iaabc.org/.

Finally, in some cases a German Shepherd could start showing aggression in the home if your dog no longer sees you as the master or boss, or the “alpha,” in the relationship.  Your dog can start to become aggressive if you try to give commands.  For example, if your dog now thinks he’s in charge in the home and you tell him to move off the couch, your dog could start growling at you or try to bite you when you try to make him move.

If that’s the case, then you have a problem.  Your dog is now intimidating you so it will be hard for you to make changes in your relationship without some outside help.  If you EVER feel yourself threatened by your dog or in danger, you need to contact a professional dog trainer or a behavior consultant for some professional help.  Do not risk being bitten or harmed.

Regaining Control

There are some things you can do to try to re-establish yourself as the one in charge in your home.

1.Remove your dog’s food bowl and start feeding him by hand.  Feed him each bite out of your own hand.  This helps remind your dog that he does, indeed, depend on you for his food.  If he wants to eat, he needs to be nice to you.

2.If your dog knows any dog training commands, start requiring your dog to go over them with you before he can go outside to potty or before meals.  Again, this emphasizes that you are in charge.

3.If your dog has never been trained, sign up for a dog training class with him.  This is one of the very best things you can do with your dog because it will emphasize your roles with each other, putting you back in charge.  Your dog will be taking commands from you and learning to obey you again.  Plus, most German Shepherds really enjoy obedience training.

Do not hit your dog or physically punish him.  That will only make things worse.  You will only reassert your position as the leader in the home by being smarter than your dog and showing him that he needs you.  Your dog’s natural instinct is to follow your lead so as soon as you convince him that you are in charge again, he will go back to being a loyal follower.

Conclusion

You can stop an aggressive German Shepherd in several ways.  Make sure there is nothing physically wrong with your dog.  Talk to an expert if your dog has long-term behavior issues with aggression.  If your dog has become confused about who’s in charge in the home, follow the suggestions here.  Remember, if you ever feel threatened by your dog, contact a professional.