While it isn’t likely a German Shepherd will attack you, it’s important to be ready and know what to do if it happens. This will be your best bet at walking away without serious injuries. German Shepherds are big dogs and can do a lot of damage during an attack so what should you do if a German Shepherd attacks you?
If a German Shepherd attacks you, don’t fight back. It might seem like your instinct, but this can get the dog more excited and agitated. Instead, rolling into a ball is the best position, and tuck your head in. Dogs can go for the head and neck, so tucking these in will help protect them.
Keep reading to learn how to minimize German Shepherd aggression and prevent attacks. We’ll some tips on what to do when a German Shepherd looks like in the mood to attack and what to do during an attack.
Best Tips For Handling A German Shepherd Dog Attack
Avoid Eye Contact
If you stare at a dog’s eyes, it can be interpreted as a threat. If you think the dog is staring at you and wanting to attack, avoid eye contact, which indicates to the dog that you don’t want to fight.
Turn Your Body To Offer Protection
While avoiding eye contact with the dog, turn to the side. This means the side of your body will take the impact if the dog does attack rather than the front of you, which is more delicate. When you have turned to the side, the torso and the thighs are out in the open. This is better than the groin and stomach. If the dog is still acting like it is going to attack, make sure you ignore the dog entirely.
Keep Your Limbs Close To Your Body
This shows the dog you are non-threatening, which can cause them to lose interest. German Shepherds prefer to jump as they attack, so keep your arms close to your body and crossed to help limit the damage you take. Then, slowly step away from the dog while still avoiding eye contact.
Is The Dog Wanting To Attack You Or Something Else?
Look around, as the dog might only want to attack if they are protecting something. For example, you might be standing near their favorite toy or their food. This can cause them to react ,as they can be protective of their things.
Lean Into The Bite
Most people make the mistake of pulling away from the area where they are being bitten. Unfortunately, by doing this, the dog becomes even more aggressive and clamps down even harder. It can also cause the skin to rip if the dog has his teeth sunken in.
Don’t run from the dog’s bite. Instead, lean in and push a part of your body into his mouth. By doing this, their grip on you may loosen, and you will have enough time to escape. In addition, it will at least weaken the bite.
Don’t Fight Back
In the event of an attack, you instinctively punch the dog or thrash around. The dog could become more excited and aggressive, resulting in a more frenzied attack. When you stay calm and minimize the threat as much as possible, the dog will relax as well.
Reasons Why A German Shepherd Might Attack
Untrained owners play a large part in attacks from German Shepherd dogs. Observing human behavior from a dog’s standpoint can provide a different perspective.
For example, people who stare directly at or pet a dog’s head might accidentally cause the dog to become aggressive as the hand coming down from the top can be seen as intimidating. Some dogs will attack you if they perceive that you are threatening them with these gestures.
Despite the German Shepherd dog’s tendency to be aggressive during its formative years, its aggression is elevated. The situation can deteriorate further if the dog is not socialized, does not receive adequate training, and the owner does not provide adequate guidance and leadership.
- Aggression Based On Dominance: Usually directed at members of the family or others who come into contact with the dog. As a result, the dog becomes hostile when deprived of something. For example, when the family pays attention to another pet, or the dog is held, picked up, or disturbed when it is sleeping.
- An Attack In Defense: A dog can attack family members or strangers when they approach too quickly and are fearful.
- Defending One’s Territory: Attacking strangers who approach the property.
- A Predation Attack: Targeting children and small animals that move quickly.
- Aggression Induced By Pain: Involves aggressive behavior towards an injured or in pain dog.
- Designed To Elicit Aggression: Targets those who yell or hit the dog.
- Attacks Redirected At Any Person: Whenever the dog is in aggressive mode, it attacks anyone approaching it.
What Are The Signs Of An Attack By A GSD?
In addition to the obvious indications such as preparing to lunge, snarling and growling, or gnashing teeth. What other signs indicate a German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is going to attack?
To communicate how they feel, dogs use some pretty subtle body signals. You might be able to avoid confrontation altogether if you learn to recognize these signs.
The exact moment a GSD might become aggressive is hard to predict as each dog is unique, but a GSD is likely to show the following behaviors:
- The German Shepherd will freeze in place. There will be a stiffening of their ears. They will look unflappable and alert at this point as if they are ready to attack.
- A low-level tail will be visible. A sunken and motionless tail. There is no wagging or playful curl.
- A widening of the eyes may even be evident, with the whites of the eyes showing.
- The ears will stand up and point backward. There is a greater likelihood of their ears remaining still rather than twitching and listening to everything around them.
- Hair on the back will raise. It will bristle and stand on the end along the spine and the back of the neck. It may appear as if the dog is much bigger because of this.
- Some dogs sink their heads, but not all.
- There may be growling or barking. This won’t happen in all dog attack cases. Not all dogs will be vocal.
What To Do If Your German Shepherd Attacks Someone
German Shepherds are bred as working dogs and are therefore known for their loyalty, obedience, and protectiveness. However, these same qualities can also make them aggressive if they feel threatened or if they’re not properly trained and socialized.
If your German Shepherd does attack someone, it’s important to remain calm and take quick action to diffuse the situation. You should also take steps to prevent future attacks by talking to your German Shepherd’s veterinarian or a professional dog trainer.
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable, but they need firm, consistent leadership from their owners. Without it, they may become aggressive in order to assert their dominance. German Shepherds are also territorial animals and may become aggressive if they feel that their territory is being threatened.
If your German Shepherd attacks someone, it is important to take action immediately. Depending on the severity of the attack, you may need to contact authorities or seek medical attention for the victim.
If the attack was minor and no serious injuries were sustained, you should still take steps to ensure that it does not happen again. German Shepherds are powerful dogs and even a minor attack can be traumatic for the victim. Talk to your German Shepherd’s veterinarian or a professional dog trainer to get help with aggression issues.
If your dog attacks and hurts someone, there is a chance the victim might pursue legal action against you. If you get sued, enlist the help of a knowledgeable attorney. It is also recommended to have dog liability insurance. This type of coverage will help protect you financially if your dog does injure someone.
Final Thoughts
There is a potential for aggression in German Shepherds. The majority of dogs can be aggresive. However, the animals can easily accept people into their territories if properly socialized and trained. German Shepherds are not always friendly, refrain from trying to pet a stranger’s dog. – but that’s not their point.
On the other hand, if you’re considering adopting a German Shepherd make sure you know how to handle your dog when it shows signs of aggression. Ensure you know what to do in a dog attack situation to minimize the injuries and avoid making the dog more agitated. Aggression is primarily determined by your actions.
Disclaimer: The content on this site is informational, and by no means guarantees you’ll be safe if you encounter a dog. Our tips are not meant to fully prevent an attack or save you from an attack. Accidents will happen, and while we do our best to provide guidance, we are not held responsible if an attack happens while following our tips.