Hey folks,
I’ve got a pup with some aggressive tendencies and I’m looking for effective training methods to help him out. What techniques or approaches have worked for you? Any recommendations on trainers or resources that might be useful?
German shepherds are security dogs; they don’t interact well with strangers by nature. They are very driven and want to guard, chase, bite, and other things. Additionally, if you let them, they will be quite independent and do anything they want.
You actually need a trainer with a strong track record who worked with them in the police or military (sadly, there are a lot of poor trainers out there).
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It’s imperative that you speak with an aggressive trainer. As other people have mentioned, there will be a lot of management. This kind of dog is probably not something you will be able to assist without the assistance of a qualified specialist.
As most dog trainers are not certified and are not regulated, I would suggest finding a qualified veterinary behaviorist or trainer with an animal behavior background who specializes in behavior modification. Someone with a degree in animal behavior will be far more understanding of the WHY behind your dog’s aggression and can help you with management options, behavior modification plans, and medication.
It is true that German Shepherds have great instincts for protection and make excellent security dogs. They may display behaviors like biting, chasing, and guarding because they are frequently driven. If not trained appropriately, they can become independent and challenging to control. Working with a knowledgeable trainer with German Shepherd experience is crucial to ensuring their behavior is regulated and well-mannered, especially while socializing with strangers. This is especially true for trainers with a background in law enforcement or military training. This kind of expert can assist in constructively and responsibly using their innate instincts.
I suggest finding a qualified veterinary behaviorist or trainer who specializes in behavior modification and has a background in animal behavior. Dog trainers aren’t regulated, and many don’t have proper certification. Someone with a degree in animal behavior will better understand the reasons behind your dog’s aggression.
They can help you with medication options, management strategies, and a behavior modification plan.
With behavior modification, you might be able to have guests in your home again. However, you will always need to manage your dog carefully, as they have already shown aggression, and no one can guarantee that it will completely disappear. The main goal of behavior modification is to change how your dog feels about a trigger (like unfamiliar people) and teach them better behaviors (like going to their bed or coming to you for treats).
This process will be challenging. You shouldn’t have strangers over until the behaviorist says it’s safe. It’s frightening to have an aggressive dog, and progress won’t happen overnight—it can take months or even years. Celebrate small victories, and protect your dog by setting firm boundaries with others to keep everyone safe. Be prepared for the possibility that things might not improve, and you might face the difficult choice of behavioral euthanasia. However, many dogs have successfully overcome aggression, so give training and behavior modification your best effort before making any permanent decisions.