Though they don’t have as bad a reputation as Pit Bulls or Rottweilers, German Shepherds are still seen by many to be, on the whole, ill-behaved.

German Shepherds have, throughout the years, had a reputation of being aggressive. That reputation, while not entirely accurate, is based on some truth. While German Shepherd aggression is, in some small part, genetics, the main cause of ill manners is caused by the owner.

It is important to point out that not all (not even most) German Shepherds display inappropriate aggressive behavior.It is unfair to pin the label of “aggressive” or “dangerous” on this entire wonderful breed.That being said, it is vital for owners to learn to recognize the signs of German Shepherd aggression, so that they can immediately begin to work to bring them under control.

So, what forms can aggression take?Some German Shepherds will be aggressive only towards other animals. Some will only become aggressive if a person or animal approaches them while they are eating. Others act aggressively towards humans – mostly strangers, but in some cases even towards members of the family of the household that they are living in.

No aggressive behavior should be ignored as it has the potential to escalate to the attack of an animal or person and any time. If you do notice signs of aggression in your dog, proper training and handling can turn the behavior around and, potentially, save your dog’s life.

Some owners make the mistake of yelling at or hitting their German Shepherd when he displays aggressive behavior.In almost every case, this is only going to make the behavior worse.Also, a person is not going to win a “fight” with a German Shepherd. If he attacks you, you are going to be seriously hurt, and he is probably going to be put to sleep.

Obedience training is a much better solution for dealing with German shepherd aggression. It is best to begin at a young age before any bad habits are formed,however, no matter the age of your dog, obedience training remains the best option.

Learn More : German Shepherd Dog Training