How can you make a German Shepherd more aggressive?

Question

I have a 3yr old GSD dog but he isn't a guard dog at all. The only thing he barks at, is next-door's cat. He also only barks when nobody is looking at him. When somebody is with him, he wont bark at all.

Today somebody came in the house and seen the dog and the dogs ears went down ( this is when i felt really embarrassed lol). I was expecting at least a growl.

He hasnt had much socialization with other dogs, only a few. He is really scared of my dad ( because he is a strict person ).

I just want to toughen the dog up, so people are more afraid of him. The reason I brought a dog was to guard the house and family. I dont expect the dog to bite people or cause harm, just to give a loud bark and show his teeth as a warning.

Any suggestions?

(If your going to waste your own time and my time by giving a sarcastic answer... please dont)

Thank you 4 your help..

Answer 1

it's part of a gsd's nature to be protective of the family. you just need to love the dog and socialize it (take it slowly though) to help build his confidence. he may not attack on command (you'd need a confident dog and an experienced trainer for that) like a guard dog, but he'll bark when he senses suspicious activity (as a watchdog).
but don't do anything to try to make him more aggressive (like chain him up or beat him with a stick) because you may end up with legal troubles.
also, you need to have your dog trust your dad more or he won't feel a sense of protectiveness over him. let you're dad give the dog some really tasty treats (like dried chicken liver) and let him be that only person to do that.

main point: socialize your dog and build his CONFIDENCE with baby steps. most importantly, love him to death. you'll be repaid by that loyalty gsd's are known for.

also, a "beware of dog" sign works also. and since your dog is a gsd, ppl who don't know better will probably be scared of him anyway because of all the exposure they get in movies and stuff. but he needs to carry himself more confidently to make it more convincing.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

Dude, you have a lot to learn about dogs.

I don't have the time for a whole diatribe here. But here is a rundown of the basics.

1) Dogs are pack animals. Protecting their pack is a natural behavior. You don't have to train them to do this. They are generally very good at deciding who/what is a threat and will take their cues from you.

2) The most likely reason that he shys away from people is that you (or perhaps your father) has trained him to do that by acting aggressively toward him at the wrong times. Basically he seems to have gotten the message that humans are the "Alphas" (not a bad message) and he must act submissive towards all of them otherwise he might get the snot whacked out of him (this is where the problem might be...).

On a personal note, you are probably not cut out to be a dog owner if you got him just so you can use him to intimidate people. Dogs are living things and need to be treated as partners, not assault weapons.

Answer 3

You should NOT make your dog more aggressive!!!! Not only do you endanger ordinary people (not burglars) from attack by your dog but it is cruel to the dog . What if he needed to be rehomed and you had made him so aggressive that noone would take him?!?!?

If you are worried about burglars fit a burglar alarm. Also put a pic of your dog in the window with an "I live here" sticker - I should imagine most burglars wouldn't risk breaking into a house with a GSD in it (they don't know he's placid!!!) Even if he barks loudly that should be enough to scare prospective invaders off.

If you really want to do it properly, contact the police and ask if they run training courses. If you want to do this for God's sake do it properly with expert advice and supervision.

Answer 4

u dont want an aggressive dog or he'll start to think hes like the leader of the house and then start to b aggressive torwards u and ur family and friends no matter what u do 2 some dogs they'll stay how they are keep him the way he is maybe u could keep that dog as a good family pet and get another that is more aggressive just make sure hes not 2 aggressive or you'll have problems and dogs can sense danger so im sure if he needed to your dog would protect your family as long as u treat him well

Answer 5

He needs to be socialized more. Put him in some obedience classes to build up his confidence, and don't stop at just one or two classes keep going with them, you wouldn't stop your child with just a kindergarten education, would you? Take him for walks. Talk to the people at the obedience training center for hints and tips on how to make him bark when someone comes to the door.

I taught my dog key words like "go see" and she takes off barking for the door. Or I tell her to "watch 'em" and she does the same thing.

Just because he is a German Shepard does NOT mean that he was born with the knowledge to be a guard dog, or to be mean.
Most dogs are not born mean or aggressive. People make them that way.
I hope this helps you. Good luck.

Answer 6

I hate to see a good animal in a poor situation. You are really better off giving that dog to a family that would appreciate a dog like that, than trying to train him to be a more aggressive dog. His nature is the way he is. You are asking for trouble really to try and change that. Instead find the environment that is right for him, and get a different dog. You'll be happy and so will he.
(You might be able to trade him for a more aggressive dog. Check with your local dog breeders or pet stores.) Good luck!

Answer 7

I think the best person to answer that would be the vet. Have you had him from being a puppy or has he just come into the family.?
You could ask your dad to take an interest him.
I can understand that you don't want your dog to bite others etc, so maybe talk to an obedience instructor, they may have some ideas also.
Good luck

Answer 8

If you seriously want to teach your dog to be a guard dog, I strongly recommend that you hire a professional trainer to assist you.

Not all dogs are cut out to be guard dogs (and it sounds like your dog is one of those). It is crucial that you realize that teaching a dog to behave aggressively can open up a big can of worms. If he is not able to discern real threats from innocent people, he will be dangerous and not a guard dog. A reputable trainer can tell you if your dog is guard dog material or not. To find a trainer, look for a schutzhund club in your area.

Answer 9

Growing up we had labs. We would trian them from the begining to watch people walk down the street. And when they would come into our yard or up our drive we would tell him to get 'em. And encourage barking. If you teach your dog the speak command this will be easeier to associate the get'em command with the result that you want.
Here is a suggestion on how to teach your dog to speak and also just as important the quiet command.

Hope that this helps.

Answer 10

He needs to be socialized more..Get him out on walks daily, and let him meet new people and new dogs..He has no way to judge good from evil, without meeting many people and dogs...Once he is comfortable with strangers, he will be able to tell who is dangerous, and who is a threat..And, as the great dog he is, he will be able to 'read' malice in anyone...and will not be afraid ..

Also, daily walks will create a stronger bond between you, as you learn to rely on each other, and his natural protectiveness will be enhanced..

However, on those walks, encourage him to be friendly, and you will know you have succeeded when he approaches people in a friendly manner....the most protective dogs are actually friendly towards most strangers, and, as dogs 'read' people well, they do know the difference between a dangerous person and a friend.
Here is a good site> http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=997&S=1