Are German Shepherds Good With Other Dogs?
German Shepherds can get along with other dogs, especially if they’re raised together. Dogs that grow up with each other are far more likely to get along, so that is an option for those looking into getting a German Shepherd and another dog. They will even bond with dogs they consider part of the “pack”, so it can be quite beneficial for them.
Energetic and playful at times, German Shepherds will easily tire out other dogs. They can cure boredom in other dogs, as long as they’re not being too rough or aggressive. German Shepherds can also bring comfort to other dogs, so they shouldn’t be ruled out as potential companions. Again, it all comes down to the individual German Shepherd, so it’s difficult to generalize and say for sure that they’re great or not great with other dogs.
Why They May Not Be Good with Other Dogs
German Shepherds have backgrounds in herding and guarding, so there’s a natural instinct to protect. They may show signs of jealousy or protectiveness of their owners around other dogs, even lashing out if some dogs get too close. That’s why frequent socialization is essential to help prevent aggressive tendencies, though some simply do not like other dogs.
They can have dog and animal aggression, especially with GSDs that have unpredictable temperaments. They can also be pushy and may not know their own strength while playing, which can turn into potential fights. Also, if the other dog is also dominant or territorial, a serious fight can easily ensue.
German Shepherds Need a Social Life!
Dog training and behavioral experts agree that the most important thing you must do so that your German Shepherd gets along with other dogs is for you to socialize them properly.
“Socialization” is the process of exposing your dog to any and all situations in life.
Obviously, if you are adopting a puppy, you will want to make sure you bring your GSD home from a reputable breeder who takes very seriously the importance of early socialization.
For you, this means giving them a chance to interact with other dogs. You can do this by taking them to obedience classes or to the dog park. This is really, really important because they essentially learn the social rules between dogs that you cannot teach them.
Essentially, your dog learns its place in the pack, even if you have a one-dog house. Learning how to behave in a pack at a very early age will dramatically reduce any future aggression towards other dogs.
You’re unlikely to spend more time at the dog park than at home, so make sure that you take socialization seriously in the home as well.
Remember, your puppy needs to know its place in the pack. You, your family, and any other animals you may have in the home are part of that pack and your GSD needs to know exactly where it fits in.
Make sure to establish yourself as the boss, or alpha, of the pack. Do not be afraid to correct your GSD and establish strict rules and boundaries regarding their behavior.
Be sure to reward them with affection and attention only when they are in a calm and submissive state with you and all the other animals in the household.
It is never too early to start socializing your dog. Remember, this is the most important and fundamental part of their training!
Adequate socialization will make your (and your GSDs) life so much easier in the long run.