If you are a German Shepherd owner or admirer, you might be wondering if this breed is good with children. You have seen German Shepherds on police forces, as well as out at the local dog park interacting with owners in a loving manner. You aren’t sure, however, how German Shepherds do around babies and toddlers.
German Shepherds are as likely to harm a baby as any other dog. For this reason, German Shepherds should never be left alone, unattended, with your baby. While German Shepherds make excellent family dogs and are not likely to harm your baby, accidents can still occur.
German Shepherds can be excellent family pets. However, their behavior is directly dependent upon the environment they grow up in, whether they are properly socialized, and if they are trained appropriately.
Are German Shepherds Safe Around Babies? A Complicated Answer:
A German Shepherd who is socialized with human interaction very early on and is treated lovingly, is not likely to attack your baby. However, that’s not to say it couldn’t happen. There is always a risk to living with an animal whose basic instincts are vastly different from human instincts.
Unfortunately, there is no definitive yes or no answer when it comes to this question. Every dog breed is different and every dog is different. Some dogs, even from aggressive breeds, are warm and protective over their human toddler friends. Other dogs from traditionally loving breeds have attacked the babies in their households unexpectedly.
At the end of the day, a dog is another species. This may seem painstakingly obvious to you, but for owners who embrace their dogs as family, they can often forget that living with an animal is different from living with another human, and that the risks involved are unique.
Some dogs who are warm and loving to adults are easily agitated by children. Likewise, some dogs who are afraid or aggressive toward adults sense the gentleness in children, and only warm to toddlers and babies. Every dog has their own unique temperament that is guided by their breed’s temperament and how they are raised and treated by the humans around them.
To say ‘all German Shepherds are safe around babies’ would be a lie, just as it would be a lie to say ‘all are unsafe around babies.’ As a good rule of thumb, babies should never be left alone with an animal. Even cats have been known to smother babies in an attempt to snuggle, or scratch a baby’s face if irritable.
If you already own or are thinking of bringing a German Shepherd into your family and near your baby, it is wise to take every precaution.
A Look At The German Shepherd Temperament
In attempting to gauge whether your baby is safe around German Shepherds, it is helpful to understand the breeds overall temperament. As is the case with humans, temperament is built on biology and environment.
A German Shepherd may have predisposed biological tendencies, but the extend of those tendencies is then entirely determined on the environment in which they are raised, the way in which they are socialized, and the type of training they receive.
Intelligent Sheep Herders
German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs. They are a type of shepherd dog, which means they are overly protective and like to ‘herd’ their family members. Herding is when a dog seeks to ensure all members of their tribe are within eye sight. If you leave a room and your German Shepherd follows you anxiously, it is because herding is part of their nature, and they are ensuring you don’t get lost from the rest of the pack.
Eager to Please
In addition to their keen intellect, German Shepherds are also a breed eager to please. They delight in reward and praise and are easily drained animals as they seek to be taught. For this reason, German Shepherds often used in the police force or military because they are so smart and highly trainable.
Aggression
There is a reason German Shepherds are bred and trained to be guard dogs and part of the police K-9 unit. German Shepherds are protective and can be aggressive toward people who threaten those they are loyal to. German Shepherds also have a very strong bite.
Historically, however, German Shepherd aggression is not typically aimed toward the owner. Aggression is usually shown toward strangers or attackers. In cases where a German Shepherd has attacked their owner, it is mostly the result of the owner instigating the attack or doing something jarring that caused this unusual reaction.
Aggressive Behaviors To Look For In German Shepherds
If you have a German Shepherd or often visit someone who does, and you anticipate your baby will be around the dog for any length of time, there are some common behaviors that are exhibited in aggressive German Shepherds that you can keep an eye out for:
Unrelenting Barking
Due to their protective nature, German shepherds are more likely to bark at slight noises or as neighbors and other animals pass by. However, most German Shepherds who receive proper socializing and training can get this under control.
When a German Shepherd continues barking even when they receive a command telling them to stop, it is directly defying their owner and is a clear sign of aggression. This does not mean your dog is going to suddenly attack you. It does, however, mean that the words “no” or “stop” do not matter to them, which should be a concern.
Most pet owners can tell when a dog is barking anxiously, protectively or out of aggression. Aggressive barking tends to involve more of a snarling sound. If this type of barking occurs, it might be time to seek out a professional trainer and vet to help address this issue before it gets out of control.
Chewing Furniture Or Belongings
While chewing on personal belongings like furniture or shoes is not necessarily an ‘aggressive’ act, it is an act of defiance and a sign that your dog is unhappy or anxious. If you bring your baby home and your dog begins destroying your belongings, it is a sign your dog is not coping well with the transition.
If this occurs, it would be wise to keep space between your dog and the baby until your dog’s anxiety lessens.
Nipping Or Growling At When Petting
A clear troublesome sign of aggression and anxiety is when your German Shepherd nips or growls at your touch. If your dog, or anyone else’s, exhibits this behavior, it is a very clear sign of aggression, fear or anxiety.
Do not allow children or infants near a dog that is nipping or growling at a human’s touch. A nip or growl may not be harmful to an adult, but this suggests a dog may only get more aggressive and the behavior could escalate.
Dogs only nip or growl when they feel something or some is a threat to them. If your dog is exhibiting this behavior toward you upon bringing a baby home, it is a sign they view the baby as a threat.
What Causes Aggressive Behaviors In German Shepherds?
As previously mentioned, a dog’s behavior is determined by both genes and environment. A German Shepherd breed may have some aggressive tendencies as they relate to protection of family and home, but that level of aggression is then directly determined by how the dog is socialized and trained.
It is important to understand what things trigger aggression in German Shepherds to avoid them and promote loving, gentle behavior.
Past Exposure To Violence Or Pain
A dog may show aggressive behaviors because they were exposed to violence in the past. If a dog was hit or abused by humans in their infancy, they will almost certainly show behaviors of fear and/or aggression.
Being loving and gentle with young pups as you guide them is critical, especially with larger breeds that can be predisposed toward protective/aggressive natures. German Shepherds do not have to be aggressive dogs, any more so than other dogs. But if they have a scary upbringing, they will be aggressive.
Lack Of Proper Socialization As A Pup
German Shepherds can be aggressive toward strangers and newcomers if they are not properly socialized when they are young. Socialization means exposing a young pup to new people often so that they do not fear new faces, but welcome them gladly.
If you never exposed your German Shepherd to strangers as a puppy, it shouldn’t surprise you if it nips or growls at new faces – they see them as a threat because they’ve never met people outside of their family members.
If you want to limit the level of aggression and fear in your dog, be sure to aptly socialize them with friends, family and neighbors so they are very comfortable in people’s presence.
Lack Of Exercise Or Boredom
Strangely enough, German Shepherds can exhibit aggressive behaviors like growling, barking or chewing personal property if they are bored or not getting enough exercise. This is really no different than how humans behave when cooped up for too long.
If a dog has too much pent-up energy, they will find ways to get that energy out, and it is not likely to be in the form of positive behaviors. This is your dog’s way of saying: “please take me out to play, I’m so bored!”
If you want a happy, loving German Shepherd, be sure to take them on regular walks, throw a ball around so they can run hard and fast, and engage them with new toys and stimulation so they never feel bored.
The Type Of Training Received As Puppy
The way a dog is trained directly reflects their aggressiveness and behaviors. If a dog was trained to attack anyone who is not part of its family, it is hardly the dog’s fault at that point. If a dog is trained to approach a child slowly with caution, the dog is not likely to suddenly grow aggressive.
Over-stimulation
Just as a dog can act out when bored, so too will they act out if they are over stimulated. Dogs can become easily over stimulated by loud, jarring noises (like children yelling or crying…), large groups of people, or too much visual stimulation, like spooky décor or clutter.
If your German Shepherd is behaving strangely or aggressively, make sure the environment in which they are currently living in is not one that is stressful or over stimulating for a dog. If there is lots of yelling, screaming, crying, or constant messes around the house, your dog may begin to show signs of aggression because they feel stressed or unsafe.
How To Safely Introduce A German Shepherd To A Baby
If you have a German Shepherd and know you’ll be bringing a baby home soon, it is best to begin training your dog on how to react to a baby before the baby arrives, as opposed to after. If your dog is used to getting all your attention, there is likely to be some feelings when that attention is split between them and a newborn baby. (Source)
Ease your dog’s jealousy and fear by slowly transitioning them with the idea of a new family member coming.
Introduce A Fake Baby First
It may seem silly, however, exposing your dog to the shape of a baby first is an excellent way to begin. Swaddle a baby doll or large enough item to mimic the shape and size of a baby. Hold it in your arms near your German Shepherd, as well as place it in a stroller near your German Shepherd.
Get your dog used to the shape of this object. If they go to sniff it, that is fine, they need to sniff to learn is safe and of no harm to them. You can say encouraging words in a gentle tone as they sniff to make sure it’s safe. Do this multiple times a day, preferably for a few months before the baby arrives.
Establishing The Baby Room
Introduce your German Shepherd to all the sights, smells and sounds of your newborn baby’s room. Let them sniff the diapers, baby bed, toys, etc. The more your dog can familiarize itself with these items, the less likely it is to exhibit fearful or aggressive behaviors toward them.
It is equally wise to encourage your dog to not sleep in the baby room. It is okay for the dog to sleep outside the door of the baby room, but you don’t want your German Shepherd used to the idea that they can sleep right beside the baby bed, because once the baby arrives home, they can’t sleep near the baby unattended.
Introduce Other Babies & Children
If you have friends and family members who have children or babies and are comfortable bringing them over to your home to help in the training of your German Shepherd, that is an excellent way to expose your dog to the real thing.
Never let a baby, toddler or older child too close to a dog that is not yet familiar with them. However, the smells and sounds of children are helpful for your dog to experience so they come to learn these smells and sounds are not a threat to them. (Source)
Take Your German Shepherd To The Vet Before Baby Arrives
It is always a good idea to take your pet to the vet before the arrival of a newborn baby. Let your vet know that you’re about to bring a newborn home and ask for helpful tips on easing this transition for your dog.
Have your vet do a full checkup and blood panels to also ensure that your dog is in good health and has all their vaccines. Worms, fleas and other parasites can be harmful to newborns, be sure any issues like these are handled well before a baby arrives home.
Get Dog Spayed Or Neutered
Many behavioral issues can be helped by getting your day spayed or neutered. This is important to do before the arrival of a baby to further ensure no strange behaviors occur that could potentially affect your baby.
Noise Exposure
Since dogs have such sensitive ears, it is wise to expose your dog to the sound of a baby before a baby arrives home. Play recordings of babies cooing, laughing, crying and whining. When your dog’s ears perk up in curiosity or concern, pet it and let it know everything is ok.
The most important thing is to make sure your pet experiences a positive interaction with these sounds. You can offer them a treat when they lay down during a crying session, to encourage them to remain calm during such loud bursts of noises.
Smell Exposure
You will be using many objects and products on your baby that poses a very particular smell. Introduce these items to your dog as soon as possible. Put a little baby powder or baby lotion on your hands, get your German Shepherd use to this scent.
The sooner your dog accepts this smell as familiar, the sooner they will adjust to the smell of your baby.
Familiarize Your Dog With Pet/Baby Gates
If you are going to be utilizing baby gates or gates for your dog once you arrive home with your new baby, introduce these gates before the baby arrives. You don’t want a bunch of negative new things introduced when the baby is introduced, otherwise your dog may associate the baby with negative things.
Introduce your dog to these new barriers (let them sniff them, engage with them, etc.) Then, place your dog behind these barriers for small increments of time. Start with 10 minutes, then when you let them out, give them a treat. Then do it for longer periods of time, always followed by offering a treat and congratulations that they did such a great job.
This will be key to getting your baby and dog to accept their barriers with less fuss.
Baby Meets Dog
Since you can’t instruct your newborn baby how to engage with your German Shepherd, be very cautious when introducing them. Let the dog smell the baby from afar. Hold the dog on a leash so that if they get too close or too curious too soon, you have them under control.
Talk to your dog throughout this process, encouraging them and petting them, offering treats for being patient and gentle. If your dog seems reluctant at all, do not force the interaction. However, if your dog is eager to smell the baby up close, and their tail is wagging, you can let the dog sniff the baby’s hand through their close, keeping your hand on the baby’s hand in the event the dog was to nip.
Maintain Regular Routines
One your baby arrives home, it is important to maintain your regular routines with your dog as much as possible. If they see that nothing bad has occurred or changed, your dog is not likely to act out or show aggressive behaviors.
However, if life as they knew it stops all together, your dog is going to show signs of anxiety, fear or depression at this sudden change. So, keep taking your dog on walks, play with them, snuggle them, and feed them at their regular feeding times.
Never Leave Dog And Baby Alone
The cardinal, non-negotiable rule is that your baby and your German Shepherd is never, ever allowed to be left alone in a room together without close supervision.
Dog attacks can occur even with an adult supervising. At least in those instances an adult can pull the dog off the baby. If a dog attacks a baby unsupervised there is nothing and no one to stop the attack once its begun.
Training Your Children On How To Interact With German Shepherds
When attempting to allow dogs and children to interact, it is just as important that your child be trained in the proper ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ as much as it is for your dog to understand how to engage with a child.
Many aggressive or accidental incidents can be avoided if children are taught how to touch, approach and speak to a German Shepherd. While you cannot teach an infant how to approach a dog, you can teach toddlers and small children.
Gentle Touches
The first key rule for toddlers and children to understand is to touch gently. To help your child understand, use their arm and stroke their arm gently to let them feel what a light touch feels like. Then, repeat this same gentle touch on your dog’s back, so your child can see that light touch applied to your pet.
Then, guide your child’s hand as you both gently pet your dog together. Always supervise these touches, as children can quickly grow over zealous and over confident and begin manhandling your dog in a way that will cause them to grow aggravated.
No Pulling
Never let your toddler or child pull or tug on any part of your dog. This is one of the most common things children tend to want to do – they love pulling on tails and grabbing onto ears. In all over your supervised interactions between your German Shepherd and your toddler, always stop pulling and tugging before or as it happens.
Stay Out Of The Dog’s Face
Another thing children love to do is get as close as possible as they can to a dog’s face. Never let your toddler or small child stick their face directly in front of your German Shepherd’s face. Maybe nothing will happen…or maybe this is the moment your dog has had enough of your kid shoving their face where they shouldn’t.
Either way, always pull your child away when they attempt to intrude in your German Shepherd’s space.
No Shouting In The Dog’s Ears
German Shepherd’s ears are big, and the way they stick out so broadly is very inviting for children. Many times, kids want to tug on their big, adorable ears. Other times kids want to shout into them.
Do not ever let your child scream, shout or cry into your dog’s ears. It could be harmful for both parties.
The Key Take Away
German Shepherds can be excellent family pets. They are protective, loving and playful. They can, at times, also be aggressive and defensive animals, depending on the environment in which they were raised and trained.
Regardless of how a German Shepherd was raised or trained, one should always take precautions when introducing your dog to a newborn baby. You can do this in steps to help them adjust to this transition a lot easier.
It is equally as important to train your toddler on how to handle interacting with their dog as well, so that your toddler does not accidentally incite aggressive behavior by being too rough with your pet.