GSDs are intelligent, strong, fierce, muscular, dominant, loyal, friendly, and extremely protective. Due to their natural instincts, these dogs sometimes show behavioral issues that will cause trouble. At times, these dogs exhibit aggressive behaviors that many people are scared of.

Strategies for Success

1. Training is key. Teaching your dog to sit, come, or lie down may not seem related to a barking, jumping, or chewing problem, but it is.
2. Exercise helps release energy.
3. Prevent your pup from learning bad behaviors.
4. Reward desired behaviors.
5. Consistency makes the difference.

German Shepherds do not react badly without a reason. It will become aggressive when it is upset, bored, threatened, etc. There might be something that is triggering this behavior in them.

Like many large dog breeds, German Shepherds are more prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that affects big dogs at a much higher rate, which is likely due to their larger growth spurts during puppyhood and the extra strain these growth spurts can put on their joints.

Most experts agree you shouldn’t leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can’t last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.

While it is possible to raise a puppy while working a full-time job, you will need to invest a great deal of your time when you first get your pup to ensure that it grows up properly. Puppies need to have lots of attention and need to be properly housebroken. Not doing so can cause a lot of problems down the road.

The Battersea Dogs & Cats Home state in their FAQ’s under “Can I rehome a dog if I have a full time job?” that dogs over 5 years of age should not be left for more than four to six hours on a regular basis.