There is a great deal to consider about a German Shepherd’s behavior. Trained or not, German Shepherds are a strong deterrent for strangers due to their reputation and size. But would an untrained German Shepherd attack an intruder if it felt inclined?
An untrained German Shepherd is unlikely to attack an intruder. If your German Shepherd has not been specifically trained to do so, it would probably not attack a stranger. However, it can physically protect you if someone broke into your house without necessarily having to attack.
If you have recently adopted a German Shepherd (commonly shortened to GSD), or are considering bringing one into your home, you probably want to know whether your newly adopted friend would be able to protect you, if you needed it to do so. There’s no question, walking around with a large dog gives others a sense of uneasiness, but when your pet is in the comforts of your home it may not feel the need to be on guard at all times.
An Untrained German Shepherd Can Protect You Without Attacking
German Shepherds, or any dog who would fight for their owners’ safety, do not need to be taught aggression to do so. A well-trained German Shepherd can protect you without resorting to attack-mode.
A German Shepherd’s bite could really cause some damage. It’s important to highlight that you can rely on some of its other deterring abilities to keep you safe.
- Displayed warning. We are all familiar with the “beware of dog” sign. Some people hang them up as a joke in a home with a small feisty dog, but there is a good reason to put one up if your German Shepherd is exhibiting some of its more defensive tendencies.
- A strong bark. If someone appears to be entering your home, your German Shepherd most likely will alert you with its bark. By doing so, it might deter unwanted company. You might notice a more aggressive sound in this type of barking.
If you were in real danger, a German Shepherd could implement its attack to defend you. German Shepherds are really intelligent, and with the right commands, their bark alone should be sufficient in alerting you of something unusual.
A Properly Trained German Shepherd Won’t Be Aggressive
You can train your German Shepherd to protect you without having to attack. A very effective method is to teach them to bark on command.
Teach your German Shepherd to start and cease barking on command, so attacks can be prevented. If they don’t learn this simple command, they may bark constantly at anybody and anything, becoming a nuisance. The training itself is simple:
- Begin by teaching your dog to “Speak” on command.
- Give a treat and much praise for barking.
- Use a command such as “Quiet” or “Enough.”
- Give immediate praise and a small treat when the dog is quiet.
This training eventually gives you control over the dog’s bark. Have your dog sit while barking. German Shepherd dogs are so smart that they will pick up on this quickly.
Is Training Your German Shepherd Necessary?
German Shepherds or GSD, are one of the most popular dog breeds. They are particularly well-known for their ability to make great guard dogs.
The breed’s portrayal in culture, and its frequent use by law enforcement, has warranted an overprotective and territorial reputation. This naturally leads to the question, “To train or not to train?“
German Shepherds require a lot of attention, particularly if they are not trained. German Shepherds are very intelligent and naturally loyal, giving them the ability to make good protectors. To ensure your GSD is a great protector of your home, it’s best to have them professionally trained.
You would definitely not want your dog to think that protecting you and attacking the neighbor or the mailman is the same thing.
You should never teach your German Shepherd to bite someone. Just because your GSD is untrained, it doesn’t make them more like to bite, but as with any poorly trained dog, accidents can happen.
It’s really important to consider training your German Shepherd. With the right nurturing, German Shepherds can make very loving and safe additions to your family.
German Shepherds Are Made For Active Homes
German Shepherds are large dogs, and they require a great deal of physical activity and exercise to have happy, fulfilled lives. German Shepherds were bred to be working dogs, specifically herders. As such, they are naturally very active.
GSD love to spend time being active with their owner. Try to play and exercise with your pet as much as possible, it can be a great way to connect with your German Shepherd, and it is vital for their behavior and development.
Avoid leaving your German Shepherd out in a yard or alone in the house all day. Doing this can contribute to a German Shepherd’s more dangerous and less controlled tendencies. They need interaction. It’s also important to get them to socialize with other dogs.
Obedience training shouldn’t stop when GSD are no longer puppies. They need ongoing mental and physical stimulation in order to avoid becoming bored and potentially destructive.
Failing to consistently get your German Shepherd out and about could lead to:
- Digging
- Excessive Barking
- Separation Anxiety
- Fear
- Aggression
Remember, if your untrained German Shepherd were to wrongly attack someone, you the owner, could ultimately be held responsible.
Training and socialization require time, sacrifice, and commitment on the owner’s part, but by making sure your German Shepherd establishes a positive behavior, your pet will live a more fulfilled life, and you will be rewarded with a loyal and loving partner.
Poorly Trained German Shepherds May Bite
German Shepherds bites can be devastating when they happen. Although well-trained German Shepherds are relatively safe, a report from the American Animal Hospital Association suggests that they are among the top three breeds of dogs that cause the most number of bites to humans.
The German Shepherd bite can be so brutal that it could potentially cause its victim serious injuries, requiring extensive medical intervention and emergency surgery. Some of these injuries may include:
- Tendon, muscle and nerve damages
- Disfigurement
- Scars and puncture wounds
- Lacerations.
We often see news reports of vicious dog attacks, and in most cases are due to the owner’s negligence or an untrained dog on the loose. As a result, not only is there a badly injured person, but the dog gets taken away by Animal Control.
If you insist your German Shepherd serves your home as a guard dog, then invest in the proper training so that things don’t go wrong. A lack of control in a potentially dangerous situation is never a good thing.
The most important aspect of guard dog training is to assert your role as the leader. This is normally reinforced from the time you spend with your dog in enjoyable activities, including obedience training. A dog who is out of control and tries to be dominant can cause serious injuries.
Never try to train your dog to bite or attack people. Doing so may put yourself and others at risk. Not only could you be held liable for the injuries in an attack, but you could also face legal action.
