Even the best-behaved German Shepherd can sometimes develop unwanted habits. Whether it’s excessive barking, digging, or aggression toward strangers, these behavior issues can become a major headache if not addressed early on.
In this post, we’ll go over the most common behavior issues in German Shepherds and how you can address them ASAP. With a little patience and the right training, you can get your pup back on track in no time.
1. Excessive Barking and Alertness
German Shepherds were bred to be watchdogs, and boy, do they take their job seriously! Sometimes a little too seriously. Your furry friend might think that the mailman, the neighbor’s cat, or even a falling leaf requires a full-scale alert operation.
This heightened alertness often stems from their protective nature and strong territorial instincts. While these traits make them excellent guard dogs, excessive barking can become problematic, especially if you live in a populated area or an apartment complex.
The key to managing this behavior lies in early training and proper socialization. Teaching your German Shepherd the “quiet” command and rewarding calm behavior can make a world of difference. Remember, they need to learn when it’s appropriate to alert you and when it’s okay to relax.
2. Separation Anxiety and Destructive Behavior
German Shepherds form incredibly strong bonds with their families, which can sometimes lead to separation anxiety when left alone. This manifests in destructive behavior like chewing furniture, excessive drooling, or endless pacing.
The anxiety usually peaks within the first 20-30 minutes after you leave. During this time, your shepherd might engage in behaviors they would never dream of doing while you’re home. That designer sofa you love? It might become their stress-relief toy.
Creating a consistent routine and gradually accustoming your dog to alone time can help manage this issue. Start with short periods and gradually increase the duration. Providing engaging toys and making your departures low-key can also reduce anxiety levels.
Remember that a tired German Shepherd is generally a well-behaved German Shepherd. Ensuring they get plenty of exercise before being left alone can significantly reduce destructive behaviors.
3. Leash Pulling and Poor Walking Manners
Those powerful muscles weren’t just made for show! German Shepherds are strong dogs with a natural instinct to lead, which often translates into challenging walks where you feel more like a water skier than a dog walker.
This behavior often starts in puppyhood when it might seem cute, but as your shepherd grows, it can become dangerous for both you and your dog. Many owners make the mistake of letting this behavior slide, not realizing how much harder it becomes to correct as the dog gets stronger.
The good news is that German Shepherds are highly trainable. Using positive reinforcement methods and consistent training techniques can help establish good walking manners. Teaching commands like “heel” and rewarding proper leash behavior will make walks more enjoyable for everyone.
Starting leash training early and being consistent with your expectations will save you from having your arm pulled out of its socket later!
4. Resource Guarding and Food Aggression
While not all German Shepherds display this behavior, some may develop protective tendencies over their food, toys, or even their favorite humans. This can manifest as growling, snapping, or aggressive posturing when someone approaches their “resources.”
Resource guarding often develops from a place of insecurity or learned behavior. Some shepherds may have had to compete for resources in their early life, leading to protective behaviors even in a secure environment.
The solution involves building trust and teaching your shepherd that good things happen when people approach their possessions. This requires patience, consistent training, and sometimes professional help if the behavior is severe.
Early socialization and teaching the “drop it” and “leave it” commands can help prevent resource guarding from developing. Remember to never punish growling, as it’s a communication tool, and punishment can lead to more serious aggressive behaviors without warning.
5. Excessive Energy and Destructive Boredom
German Shepherds were bred to work, and they take this job description very seriously. Without proper outlets for their energy, they can become the equivalent of a furry tornado in your home.
This breed needs both physical exercise and mental stimulation. A bored German Shepherd can become destructive, anxious, and even develop obsessive behaviors like tail-chasing or excessive licking.
Regular exercise isn’t just about physical activity – though that’s important too. These intelligent dogs need mental challenges, training sessions, and purposeful activities to feel fulfilled. Consider activities like agility training, nose work, or even simple puzzle toys to keep their minds engaged.
Creating a structured routine that includes both physical exercise and mental stimulation will help prevent many behavioral issues before they start. An adult German Shepherd typically needs at least 2 hours of activity daily – and no, a quick walk around the block won’t cut it!
Take Home Message
Remember, many of these behavioral issues stem from the very traits that make German Shepherds such remarkable dogs – their intelligence, loyalty, and working drive. Understanding this is the first step in addressing these behaviors effectively.
The key to success lies in early intervention, consistent training, and providing appropriate outlets for their natural instincts. Don’t wait to address these issues – the sooner you start working on them, the easier they’ll be to manage.
Most importantly, remember that every German Shepherd is unique. What works for one might not work for another, so be patient and willing to adjust your approach. With proper training, exercise, and lots of love, your German Shepherd can become the well-behaved companion you’ve always dreamed of!
And remember – if you’re struggling with any of these behaviors, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Sometimes an experienced trainer can spot patterns we miss and provide targeted solutions for your specific situation. Your magnificent German Shepherd is worth the effort!
