Why Does My German Shepherd Bark So Much?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A Shepherd’s instinct is to defend their family and home. So, they often

bark when they notice strangers near their home or yard to protect and alert

. They warn their families to threats by barking at people, even when they are not near their home or close to their yard – yet your dog hears them.

Can you teach a German Shepherd not to bark?

However, as soon as he stops barking,

issue a ‘quiet’ command

. You can use any word or phrase you like. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and can learn hundreds of different commands. … After a week or two, you will then be able to instruct him to bark and then to be quiet again.

Do German shepherds bark alot?

Breed-Specific Function

German Shepherds also find

barking self-rewarding

. It burns excess energy and satisfies your dog’s natural guarding instinct. Because of this, excessive German Shepherd barking is a problem many owners struggle with.

At what age do GSD start barking?

When do German Shepherd puppies start barking? German Shepherd puppies can start making little yelping sounds as early as 2 weeks of age. Most German Shepherds are capable of barking at around

7-8 weeks of

age, but some won’t actually start barking until a few months later.

How do you train a German shepherd to be quiet?

In order to teach your dog calm behavior, practice having him do obedience exercises in the presence of distractions to build self-control and focus. Train your dog

to ‘sit’

, then practice having him ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ for a couple of seconds before he is allowed to go over to something exciting.

What age does a German Shepherd become aggressive?

What Age Does a German Shepherd Become Aggressive? A German Shepherd becomes aggressive at

around 3 to 6 months old

. This escalates during the adolescent stage from 6 months to two years old as sexual maturity arises and hormones fluctuate.

Do German Shepherds attach to one person?


German Shepherds will generally attach themselves to one person in the family

, but they can still be a good family dog. Although they have their fair share of behavioral issues, these generally stem from a lack of leadership on the part of their pet parents.

How do you punish a German shepherd?

To discipline a German Shepherd, redirect unwanted behavior, such as destructive chewing, by distracting your dog and offer an interesting chew toy instead. Use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behavior with treats or toys.

Don’t use physical punishment

, yell, or encourage bad behavior.

Do German Shepherds like to cuddle?

Apart from following you around, German Shepherds like

to feel physically close to you

. Snuggling or cuddling is one of the best signs that your GSD is being affectionate because this is one way they treat you as part of their pack.

Is it better to get a male or female German Shepherd?

Research shows that

males German Shepherds are more aggressive than female German Shepherds

. This means that a family should consider choosing a female for a companion over a male. Males tend to perform better for roles in protection and guarding and could do well in a home without children and the proper training.

Which dog breeds bark the most?

  • Beagles. The Beagle is the dog breed most often cited as being the most vocal. …
  • Fox Terriers. …
  • Yorkshire Terriers. …
  • Miniature Schnauzer. …
  • Cairn Terrier. …
  • West Highland White Terrier.

At what age do dogs start barking at strangers?

When do puppies start barking at strangers? Puppies can start barking at strangers from the moment they find their louder voice and want to alert you to things, so it could start

as young as 8 weeks old

. For example, alert barking is one of the many ways in which puppies use their bark to communicate.

Do German shepherds sleep a lot?

An

adult German Shepherd sleeps as much as 14 hours a day

, while a German Shepherd puppy can sleep upwards of 16 hours a day! … If your dog has an especially long day of exercise and activity they need the extra sleep in order to recharge their energy and let their muscles rest and recover.

Do German shepherds become aggressive?

The pure bite strength of a grown German Shepherd is enough to break a bone and cause very serious physical injuries. This breed is also prone to becoming very territorial and possessive. If they feel like they are being invaded or have unwanted guests, this can lead to an

aggressive outburst

.

What is the smartest breed of dog?

  1. Border Collie. Smart, Energetic Dog: This breed is notably known for being high-energy herding dogs. …
  2. Poodle. A Friendly, Active Breed: A Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. …
  3. German Shepherd Dog. …
  4. Golden Retriever. …
  5. Doberman Pinscher. …
  6. Shetland Sheepdog. …
  7. Labrador Retriever. …
  8. Papillon.

How do you calm a hyper German Shepherd puppy?

  1. Exhaust your German shepherd’s energy in a constructive way by engaging it in regular exercise. …
  2. Speak or issue commands in a slow, low-pitched, authoritative and controlled manner. …
  3. Use scents to calm your German shepherd by placing aromatherapy diffusers throughout your home.
Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.