Does Your German Shepherd Do These 15 Naughty Things?

German Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility as working dogs. However, these majestic canines also have a playful and sometimes mischievous side that often catches their owners by surprise.

This article explores 15 hilarious things that German Shepherds do, showcasing their unique personalities and the joy they bring to their families.

From clever antics to endearing quirks, these behaviors highlight why German Shepherds are not just respected working dogs, but also beloved family companions who keep us entertained and laughing.

1. Sneak Food Off the Counter

German Shepherds are masters of stealth when it comes to pilfering food from countertops. Their tall stature and keen intelligence make them formidable kitchen bandits, capable of snatching unattended treats with impressive speed and precision.

Owners often find themselves playing detective, piecing together clues like mysteriously empty plates or telltale crumbs on the floor to solve the case of the vanishing snack.

This behavior, while frustrating, often leads to comical scenarios. Picture a German Shepherd innocently licking its chops, feigning ignorance as its owner stares bewilderedly at the spot where a sandwich once lay. It’s a reminder that even well-trained dogs can’t always resist temptation, especially when it comes in the form of delicious human food.

2. Dig Holes in the Yard

The digging tendencies of German Shepherds can transform a pristine lawn into a lunar landscape seemingly overnight. What often starts as a boredom-busting activity or an instinctual behavior quickly becomes a favorite pastime for these energetic dogs.

Owners may find themselves alternating between amusement and exasperation as they survey the latest excavation project in their backyard.

The sight of a German Shepherd proudly sitting beside a freshly dug hole, tail wagging and dirt-covered nose held high, is both endearing and comical. It’s as if they’re presenting their handiwork for approval, oblivious to the landscaping havoc they’ve wreaked.

This behavior serves as a humorous reminder of the breed’s working dog heritage and their need for mental and physical stimulation.

3. Chew on Almost Anything

German Shepherds approach chewing with unbridled enthusiasm and a lack of discrimination that can lead to both hilarious and exasperating situations. From expensive leather shoes to remote controls, nothing is safe from their exploratory jaws.

This behavior, while often part of their developmental phase, can persist into adulthood if not properly managed.

The comedy often lies in the aftermath of their chewing escapades. Picture a German Shepherd proudly trotting up to its owner, tail wagging, with the remnants of a once-treasured item dangling from its mouth. The mix of mischief and innocence in their eyes as they present their “trophy” can be hard to resist, even as you mourn the loss of your favorite pair of slippers.

4. Chase Their Own Tail

Despite their reputation as dignified and intelligent working dogs, German Shepherds are not above engaging in the comical pursuit of their own tails. This behavior, more commonly associated with smaller or less serious breeds, takes on a whole new level of hilarity when performed by a large, majestic German Shepherd.

Watching a German Shepherd spin in circles, determinedly trying to catch its elusive tail, is a surefire way to induce laughter. The sheer determination and focus they bring to this futile task is both amusing and endearing. It serves as a delightful reminder that even the most noble and intelligent of dogs have their moments of silliness and playfulness.

5. “Talk Back” to Their Owners

German Shepherds are known for their vocal nature, and this often manifests in what appears to be “back talk” to their owners. Their repertoire of grunts, howls, and whines can create the impression of a two-way conversation, often leading to hilarious exchanges where it seems like you’re debating with a very opinionated canine.

These vocal interactions can range from a low grumble of disapproval when told to get off the couch, to a full-blown “argument” complete with head tilts and paw gestures. The sassy attitude and expressive vocalizations of a German Shepherd engaged in “conversation” with their owner often leave observers in stitches, wondering who will win the debate.

6. Play Tug-of-War with Laundry

Laundry day takes on a whole new dimension of challenge and hilarity when there’s a German Shepherd in the house. These dogs seem to have a particular affinity for socks, underwear, and other clothing items, often initiating impromptu tug-of-war matches as you try to sort and fold your clean clothes.

The sight of a German Shepherd proudly prancing around with a pair of boxers hanging from its mouth, or engaging in a spirited game of keep-away with your favorite t-shirt, is both exasperating and amusing.

Their strength and determination make these impromptu laundry games a real challenge, often leaving owners torn between laughter and frustration as they attempt to reclaim their clothing.

7. Steal the Best Spot on the Couch

German Shepherds have an uncanny ability to claim the most comfortable spots on furniture, often leaving their human family members with limited seating options. This behavior is particularly amusing when you return to the living room to find your dog sprawled across the entire couch, looking utterly content and unperturbed by your presence.

The comedy often escalates when the dog refuses to budge, forcing you to squeeze into a tiny corner of your own furniture. The look of complete innocence on their face as they luxuriate in their stolen spot, coupled with their subtle shifts to take up even more space when you try to sit down, showcases their clever and sometimes cheeky nature.

8. Roll in Mud or Dirt

Despite their typically clean and dignified appearance, German Shepherds often have an irresistible urge to roll in mud, dirt, or other messy substances. This behavior, while natural for dogs, takes on a particularly humorous aspect when exhibited by such a majestic breed.

The sheer joy on a German Shepherd’s face as it enthusiastically rolls around in a muddy puddle is both infectious and comical. The transformation from a pristine, noble-looking dog to a mud-covered, grinning mess happens in seconds, often leaving owners torn between laughter and the realization that bath time is imminent.

Their proud strut after such a roll, oblivious to their now filthy state, only adds to the humor of the situation.

9. Herd Family Members

The herding instinct runs strong in German Shepherds, leading to amusing situations where they attempt to herd family members, especially children. This behavior manifests in gentle nudging, circling, and sometimes even nipping at heels to keep their “flock” together.

Watching a German Shepherd try to corral kids playing in the backyard or gently guide family members to stay in one room can be highly entertaining. Their serious expression and focused determination as they carry out this self-appointed duty often contrasts humorously with the chaos of family life.

It’s a charming reminder of their working dog heritage, even if their herding skills are being applied in rather unconventional circumstances.

10. Bark at Their Own Reflection

German Shepherds sometimes struggle to understand the concept of reflections, leading to hilarious encounters with mirrors or windows. Their reactions to seeing their own image can range from curious head tilts to full-blown barking sessions at the “intruder” they perceive.

The sight of a German Shepherd engaging in a standoff with its own reflection, complete with growls, barks, and playful gestures, is endlessly amusing. Their confusion and determination to interact with this mysterious “other dog” can lead to comical scenes, especially when they try to initiate play or investigate behind the mirror.

This behavior serves as a humorous reminder that even intelligent dogs can be fooled by simple optical illusions.

11. Unroll Toilet Paper

Many German Shepherd owners have experienced the unique “redecoration” that occurs when their dog discovers the joy of unrolling toilet paper. This mischievous activity seems to hold an irresistible appeal for these clever canines, often resulting in a home transformed into a winter wonderland of white paper.

The aftermath of a toilet paper unrolling spree is both exasperating and hilarious. Picture walking into your bathroom to find it festooned with streamers of toilet paper, with your German Shepherd sitting proudly amidst the chaos, tail wagging as if expecting praise for their artistic efforts.

The contrast between their innocent expression and the destruction they’ve caused makes for a comical scene that’s hard to stay mad at, even as you begin the clean-up process.

12. Hog the Bed

German Shepherds are notorious bed hogs, often leaving their human companions clinging to the edge of the mattress. Their ability to expand and take up an impossibly large amount of space is both impressive and amusing, especially considering how compact they can make themselves when they don’t want to move.

The humor in this situation often lies in the dog’s complete obliviousness to their owner’s discomfort. A German Shepherd sprawled diagonally across the bed, deeply asleep and unmovable, while their owner attempts to carve out a small space for themselves, creates a comical tableau of canine comfort versus human resignation. It’s a nightly reminder of who really rules the roost in a German Shepherd household.

13. “Help” with Gardening

German Shepherds often take it upon themselves to “assist” their owners with gardening tasks, usually with hilarious and chaotic results. Their version of help might include digging up freshly planted flowers, redistributing mulch across the lawn, or turning a simple watering session into a full-blown water fight.

The sight of a German Shepherd enthusiastically “gardening” alongside their owner, completely oblivious to the havoc they’re wreaking, is both endearing and amusing. Their proud expression as they present a freshly uprooted plant or their joyful leaps through the spray of a garden hose showcase their playful nature and their desire to be involved in their owner’s activities, even if their help is more hindrance than assistance.

14. Ignore Commands for Fun

Even well-trained German Shepherds have moments of playful disobedience, where they choose to selectively “forget” commands they usually follow without hesitation. This behavior often manifests as a game, with the dog clearly understanding the command but choosing to ignore it with a mischievous glint in their eye.

The comedy in these situations comes from the dog’s obvious awareness of their disobedience. Picture a German Shepherd looking directly at their owner, ears perked and tail wagging, as they deliberately do the opposite of what they’ve been asked.

Their ability to combine intelligence with a playful disregard for rules in these moments highlights their complex personalities and their capacity for humor, even if it sometimes tests their owners’ patience.

15. Play Pranks on Other Pets

German Shepherds often display a mischievous streak when interacting with other pets in the household, engaging in playful pranks that showcase their intelligence and sense of humor. These antics might include sneaking up on a sleeping cat, stealing toys from other dogs, or playfully disrupting the routine of their fellow pets.

The hilarity often lies in the German Shepherd’s apparent enjoyment of their own jokes. Watching a large, dignified German Shepherd stealthily creep up on a smaller pet, only to startle them with a playful bark or a gentle paw tap, is endlessly amusing.

Their proud strut after successfully pulling off a prank, coupled with the often indignant reactions of their victims, creates a comedic dynamic that adds laughter and liveliness to multi-pet households.