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Jasper’s Take on Are German Shepherds Aggressive
Hi, this is Jasper. I have a lot to say on the question, are German shepherds aggressive? We often get a bad rep for being aggressive which I personally think is way exaggerated. Just because we have big teeth, look a little like a wolf and a few members of my breed have done bad things does not mean the whole breed is aggressive! I love everybody! I’ve never met a person I didn’t like.
Little Humans and Jasper’s Very Strong Tail
One of the common misconceptions about German shepherds is that they are aggressive towards children. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, we have a special place in our hearts for little humans. We are natural herders and protectors, so we tend to see children as part of our pack and will treat them accordingly. Of course, as with any breed, it is important to socialize us properly with children from a young age to ensure good behavior.
I admit it took me a while to figure out that those short little humans you call children are still humans. I thought they were sheep! They move kind of funny and if you listen sometimes they sound like sheep too! Also, my tail was a problem. I have a very strong tail! Unfortunately, it gets away from me when I’m happy and has been know to knock small children down. I didn’t even know that kid was back there! That was really surprising!
German Shepherds are Work
What you have to know before you ever get a German Shepherd is that we are a lot of work. At least thats what Mom says. We were bred to work hard herding sheep all day. We need lots of exercise every single day and have to be trained. Mom says training is not a choice with German Shepherds it’s a necessity. That’s because we grow up to be so strong and of course, there is the big teeth thing to consider. Mom says she just does not understand why anyone would bring home a dog who will grow up to be stronger than they are and come equipped with their own set of knives in their mouth and not take the time to train them! Well, when you put it that way, I guess it’s pretty dumb.
Anyway, despite having my very own set of knives in my mouth and being very strong, even my tail, Mom says she’s never had a more people-friendly dog. She says most of the problems with GSDs are their owners not understanding what they are getting into and failing to address problems when they come up.
I Come in Peace…Mostly
I’m a protective creature, that’s for sure. I think it’s because my ancestors spent all day protecting their flock, and so it’s just in my blood to protect my people. But don’t get me wrong – I am not aggressive or mean by nature. In fact, I love cuddles and kisses from my family. It’s just that when someone new comes around, especially if they seem suspicious or threatening, I will definitely be on high alert and ready to defend my loved ones. Especially if if its a chihuahua!
But this also means that it’s important for my family to properly socialize me and teach me good manners from a young age. I have to be exposed to different types of people, places, and situations so that I learn how to react appropriately and not overreact. Plus, it’s good for me to learn that not everyone is a threat and that there are nice people in the world too.
I have to say, I really have not met many people I don’t like. I still get in trouble though. Mostly it’s because I’m so friendly. I think everybody would be happy to get my kisses but apparently, those teeth put some people off! Mom’s teaching me to just sit quietly when people pass by. It’s sooo boring! I’ve got so many kisses to share! She says when I master sitting there quietly she might let people pet me occasionally. I wonder if I can sneak in a kiss?
Who Let the Dogs Out
Sadly, other dogs are another issue. Mom says I am reactive. Once I saw a dog and took off and pulled mom right over. I didn’t even know I did it! Mom says that’s because I lose my (very bad word that starts with F) mind when I see loose dogs. So now I’m back in dog school. This time with someone called Calvin. My breeder recommended him. I should be very smart when I get done with all this school. Mom says that is good because she will be much poorer. Mom made very sure he did not hit dogs with shoes before she left me.
These are the treats Mom uses in my training. She says best price she has found and cut them up smaller to make them last long. I will say these are Jasper approved. Yum! Oh, this is an affilate link so they give Mom a few pennies if you buy but it cost you no more.
NASDA for all Dogs?
I went to a competition last week with NASDA. Mom says NASDA is good because only one dog runs at a time so the dog reactivity is not an issue. Some dog sports tell you you can’t come if you are reactive. It doesn’t even matter that I like all people. Mom says wanting to eat other dogs is just not OK. Sigh. It’s too bad because I really like finding rats which is what you do in this competition and I didn’t get to compete because some kid had their dog there running loose. Mom asked them to have the kid go away while I ran because I am reactive but the lady running the trial said that was my problem. So I guess NASDA isn’t always so welcoming of all dogs after all.
That made Mom very sad. I gave her lots of kisses but I think she may of cried a little bit. Then she got mad. She said (very bad word that starts with F) them. She said you are a great dog Jasper and we are going to figure this out and if we don’t you are still a great dog. Addy says we can still come to her trials and she will make sure no dogs are running around. So at least I may get to find rats again someday. Sigh. I really liked finding rats. I got to bark at them when I found them and everyone thought that was awesome! What a deal!
I don’t even know why those dogs make me lose my (very bad word that starts with an F) mind! I think I just get really excited and I can tell Mom is “tense” so it must be a bad thing that dog running loose. Mom says you’d be tense too if you ended up face-planted every time I saw a dog. What’s face-planted? Anyway, that’s what I’m working on now, not being “reactive” whatever that means.
Thats all I got for now! Signing out. Jasper the German Shepherd dog! Woof.
For more information on the subject you can read moms article here.
Mines better of course, but don’t tell her I said so!
