link to German Shepherd Pug Mix: Small Dog With a Big Attitude, Growls and Barks When People Show Affection. This video, made by a professional dog trainer, explains very well why a poorly trained or untrained German Shepherd might choose to bite as their main method of communication. If the relationship between you and your German Shepherd continues in a negative way, it can be challenging to correct. This also means they are submitting to their owners, especially when their owners … However, German Shepherds can also have aggressive tendencies that can be intimidating and even dangerous. #DogTraining #GermanShepherd #DogLove. He also needs to find another outlet for his excitement other than mouthing and biting. Can German Shepherds and... German Shepherd Pug Mix: Small Dog With a Big Attitude. But as German Shepherd Dog (GSD) owners know well, each dog has a personality all their own. He craved attention from his human family, not another canine. German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and overall high intelligence. Well-behaved German Shepherds are dedicated, loyal, and highly-intelligent companions. If your German Shepherd has not received much training then it could be the cause of it being aggressive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And yet the truth is, anything that has a mouth can bite. However, there are also examples of German Shepherds attacking their owners. Copyright © 2021 Anything German Shepherd, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, Are German Shepherds Scary: What You Need to Know About the GSD Temperament, Are German Shepherds Allergic to Chicken: Find Out What Is Causing Your GSD Dog’s Allergy. What you don’t see is dogs just arbitrarily biting people. However, they may not physically protect their owners without extensive training. If you have a Chihuahua that likes to attack, well who really cares. Can German Shepherds and Huskies Live Together? Every single reason to bite on the AVMA’s list results when something happens and the dog reacts it by biting. If you’re the proud owner of a German shepherd, you already know that the breed is strong, protective, and loyal. A German Shepherd will not bite its owner if the two have developed a trusting relationship. German Shepherds are a breed that will naturally look to their owners a lot for direction. According to the FCI, the breed's English language name is German Shepherd Dog.The breed was officially [who?] For people, it becomes unacceptable to bite other people starting in the toddler years. However, German Shepherds do require a little extra work. If German Shepherds are not socialized properly, they can be more attacking towards people, even their owner. It happens to talk to you. He even mouths and bites at a child’s feet! Follow these rules when training your GSD from a young age to ensure that they will not behave aggressively towards you: Whether or not a German Shepherd will bite its owner or not is highly dependent upon her training. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. If left unchecked, it can often become worse. The AKC states that the German Shepherd dog breed is the second most popular (out of 195 purebred dog breeds) choice for individuals and families in the United States. So next time your german shepherd does this, it’s because they feel completely relaxed and unguarded, a sure sign of affection. German Shepherd Puppy Sitting. As the short video you watched earlier explains, once Zeuss the German Shepherd was given things to do, new skills to learn and lots of human attention and activities, the biting and mouthing simply stopped. Loyal, well-behaved German Shepherds show their respect by:eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'thegermanshepherder_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_16',116,'0','0'])); The primary way to keep yourself from being on the receiving end of an attack from your German Shepherd is by establishing dominance early on. But if you don’t understand what is going on, you may assume your dog is becoming aggressive towards you. The places change, my dogs don't. link to Can German Shepherds and Huskies Live Together? Another possible reason could be that German Shepherd puppies explore and interact with the world with their mouths and noses as much as they do with their eyes. It might surprise you to learn that the number one reason most GSDs will bite their owners is simply a lack of training. There is a reason – some provocation. "If there's competitive behaviour between them, that can lead to aggression between the dogs that can potentially be directed at an owner," Dr Wensley says. They do not have the power or strength to likely break the skin or cause any real threat. Training your German Shepherd properly and early on is key to building a trusting relationship. Before adding a German Shepherd to your family, it’s good to become acquainted with their unique characteristics. Male German Shepherds love to bond with one owner. But what do all of these reasons have in common, you might ask? I love every aspect of training them and simply just having them around. What you might not know is that they have specific reasons for wanting to cuddle up with their humans at night—and these reasons might not be the ones you have in mind.. All living things behave in a manner that’s consistent with their background and upbringing. GSDs are protective dogs but when they sleep upside down, it means they feel very safe that they can doze off without worrying about being attacked by enemies. But you can ease their teething pain with toys and frozen treats. What this means is that whether a German Shepherd dog bites their owner has a lot more to do with the circumstances and situation than with the dog or even the dog breed. This, in turn, establishes loyalty and sets the foundations for your dog’s willingness to protect you. What does your German Shepherd want to say to you? As the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists explains, dogs, in general, do not bite all of a sudden. This way they get a GSD population of just 1.4%, although the known GSD population is rather 4.6% for the USA (based on AKC registered dogs, see above). Sadly, some German shepherds are the victims of abusive owners who keep them as attack dogs, train them poorly and encourage dogs to bite any intruders. Enlist help. While they are naturally protective dogs, German Shepherds are also highly active, energetic dogs that love to play. Your German shepherd lick and bite their paws is natural but when it goes to hurt their paws then you must not take it lightly at all. Why do German Shepherds sleep upside down? as per my opinion German Shepherds Dog is not friendly because of they do not care of owner and their care. This should not be seen as a bad thing by you as the owner. This is done using the following training guidelines: When your German Shepherd knows to trust you, then you strengthen the relationship between you and your dog. Your German Shepherd will pick on this, which ultimately can end in a mean bite. After just a handful of days working closely with the dog trainer, Zeus has nearly stopped mouthing all together and is clearly calmer and more confident. German Shepherds will typically curl up at your feet or follow you around, begging you for a bite of your meal. While I've lived in many different places and traveled extensively - the places change, my dogs don't. German Shepherds will challenge you right back – it’s in their nature. Despite having multiple dogs (including two german shepherds) throughout my life, I can tell you that a German Shepherd can attack its owner family. A bored GSD will find something to do. Will a German shepherd protect its owner? However, German Shepherds do have the potential to behave aggressively if they feel threatened, so proper training and socialization are necessary to develop this trust so that a German Shepherd does not mistake its owner’s innocent behavior as threatening. Today. German Shepherds are exceptional dogs, and require exceptional training, love, and attention. Read, read, and then read some more. Socialize your GSD with different people in different places – but make sure those people are on the same page with you regarding training, expectations, and the overall experience. Sadly, some German shepherds are the victims of abusive owners who keep them as attack dogs, train them poorly and encourage dogs to bite any intruders. German Shepherds are naturally protective of their owners and familial units, intimidating potential threats when perceived. Who Will German Shepherds Show Aggression Towards? This seems to contradict the fact that German Shepherds were bred as herding dogs and are not innately aggressive. Biting Is Just One Way Dogs Can Communicate With Owners, The Biggest Reason Why Most GSDs Bite Their Owners. It is especially important to research this in advance if you have other family pets or young children in the home. Fact:German Shepherds do not attack their owners any … Here are some of the ways you might see this aggression in your German Shepherd:eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thegermanshepherder_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',110,'0','0'])); Like other breeds, German Shepherds will react to almost anything in their surroundings, and the way they do this is by barking. But is this action an actual attack or is it just a case of “mistaken identity”? But their loyalty only lies with a select few. One way they do this is by chewing up objects that are of value to you but appear as toys to them. Understanding the body language of German Shepherds and how your dog communicates will help with both bonding and training. If you are one of those individuals, showing affection to your German Shepherd is reciprocated by your dog.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thegermanshepherder_com-leader-1','ezslot_13',114,'0','0'])); But if someone on the outside of the circle of loyalty shows affection, then they could be on the receiving end of aggressive behavior. However, obviously, the answer needs to be elaborated upon. early and intentional training for your German Shepherd. Instances like this are an example of when German Shepherds might bite their owners. When you start to understand and decode what those reasons are, this is when you are able to reduce the risk you will ever be bitten again in the future by your dog or any dog. German Shepherds and Pugs have only started being cross-bred relatively recently. Watch Queue Queue. This means you have a one in 69 chance of getting bitten by a dog each year, whether it is your own dog or another dog. German Shepherds and Huskies both have reputations for being difficult breeds that don’t get along well with other dogs. sometime they will be attacked to owner and change behavior so guys don't trust on German Shepherds Dog. Aggression in your German Shepherd can lead to biting, so it’s important that an owner understands the causes so that they can determine how to put a stop to it, or prevent it altogether. As this Deutscher-Schaeferhund site points out, the chance that a GSD will ever bite their owner “for no reason” is very low. When you redirect your dog’s behavior to stop chewing on furniture or important objects, your German Shepherd should stop because you gave a command.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'thegermanshepherder_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',112,'0','0'])); If instead they react with aggressive barking and growling towards you, this is an indication that you are seen as the threat. A constant loud bark laced with growling is a primary indication that there is a real threat.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thegermanshepherder_com-box-4','ezslot_5',111,'0','0'])); And unless that threat is you, you will be on the receiving end of your dog’s protection rather than being the object of attack. He is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, the trainer’s dog, cardboard boxes, the car, the trash can – everything causes a fear response, which is biting. Dogs don’t just go around with their jaws open ready to bite for no reason. Sitting is a great alternative to jumping up. I'm originally from Indiana, though I've lived in many different states and traveled extensively. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Is there anything you can do to prevent being bitten by your German Shepherd? And yet the truth is, anything that has a mouth can bite. Biting will usually stem from a dog either being confused about her surroundings or her simply responding to a stimulus. This is particularly important to remember if you are thinking about adopting a rescued German Shepherd where you don’t know a lot about that dog’s past situation. As a result, many puppies grow up learning that this behavior gets their owners’ attention and continues this into adulthood. As one expert  The German Shepherder highlights, a German Shepherd that gets bored can become destructive. ANSWER: Yes, it is possible that *any* dog could turn on its owner with provocation. German Shepherds who respect their owners show their love and admiration in a positive way. If your German Shepherd shows behaviors like this towards others, then your dog perceived that individual as a threat. German Shepherds like all dogs have the potential to turn on their owners, but this behaviour is normally caused by the owner, such as, lack of calm and consistent leadership or displaying physical abuse towards your German Shepherd. When they do not get much training it can cause them to develop behavioral issues including being aggressive. Here are 13 things that I think any future German Shepherd owner should know. They will attack if you do this. It’s important to identify this early on so that you can correct the behavior through proper training and reinforcements.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thegermanshepherder_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',115,'0','0'])); As you can see with the specific instances of aggression listed above, there will typically be a clear line between who German Shepherd will show aggression towards and who they won’t. When you build this type of close bond with your German Shepherd, it is highly unlikely your dog will ever bite you on purpose because they won’t need to. Standing in front of when you with an alert, protective stance when a threat is near. Do GSDs ever bite their owners? When a dog bites, there is a reason behind it. Your job is to find out what the bite means. This sure doesn’t sound like a dog that would bite their owner! They Like To Sleep Near You. Where this idea comes from It’s hard to say exactly how this notion started, but the truth is that a young puppy that bites or otherwise acts aggressively is unlikely to cause much damage to an adult human, unless the pup’s teeth hit a nerve or an eyeball. Learn everything you can about German Shepherds. And most important of all – don’t hit or get physical with your dog. Behaviors like this can be corrected through proper training, a consistent eating location, as well as a consistent feeding schedule. German Shepherds are large dogs with a strong build, and they were bred for herding and protecting livestock. If you provide your GSD with the attention she needs along with proper training and socialization, you will find that the thought of your GSD biting you will never even cross your mind! Dog Love Dog Training Corgi German Animals Deutsch Animales German Language Animaux. I love every aspect of training them and simply just having them around. German Shepherd biting can be a common problem for owners. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge about German Shepherds with the world, and I encourage all future dog owners to consider one as a companion as well. This also implies that the GSD breed is not known for biting their owners (after all, most people don’t go about the process of choosing a pet dog by identifying which breed is most likely to bite them). Your email address will not be published. As some German Shepherds can reach 5ft when on their back legs, it is a good idea to teach them something else to do. Once again, german shepherds show affection by staying close to their pack. That might mean you come home to find your carpets destroyed or your draperies on the ground or your mini-blinds in tangles. Thankfully, most GSDs have no desire to harm their human companions. German Shepherds have been my constant companions. If yes, what might cause this type of behavior to happen? What causes dogs to bite people with such frequency? You will have other, effective methods of communicating so your dog will never need to use their mouth to talk to you. Use positive reinforcement when your GSD does something good. We learn quickly that biting others is a no-no and we find other ways to communicate. Aggressive behavior towards someone that your German Shepherd does not trust includes low growling, a tense and prepared stance, and even nips targeted at the individual. But dogs can’t talk to people using human language. By setting up the right types of training with positive reinforcement and making sure your dog gets enough exercise and activity and play every day, you are creating a very strong trust-based bond between yourself and your dog. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge about German Shepherds with the world, and I encourage all future dog owners to consider one as a companion as well. By the end of the training period, it is like Zeus has been replaced by a different dog. Luckily, toddlerhood is also when we start talking and so we can use words instead. Original bred for work, German Shepherds are aggressive dogs who are sometimes not suitable for being a … Let’s find out now. Are German Shepherd puppies likely to attack their owners once they become adult dogs? Usually German Shepherds are extremely loyal and will be friendly around their owners, sometimes even being overprotective. According to statistics, German Shepeherd is among five most dangerous dog breeds. GSDs are in fact a highly intelligent, intuitive breed that can quickly learn aggressive behavior from those around them, including their own mother, the vet, other dogs, or their owner.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'thegermanshepherder_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',109,'0','0'])); This behavior can result in biting, which can be very serious. As the video showed, Zeus was initially even afraid of another dog. A Bored German Shepherd Is a Destructive German Shepherd, How to Make Sure Your German Shepherd Doesn’t Bite You. This myth is likely supported by the common use of German Shepherds as police and military dogs. He feels Happy. Instead, throughout life, your German Shepherd dog will have a more limited vocabulary to talk to you. It is definitely possible. If you are considering obtaining a GSD but don’t know what will happen to the dog when you move/get a new job/get married/have children/etc., please don’t get a German Shepherd. When these dogs slip their leashes or escape their compounds, they can attack. Cons of Male German Shepherds as Pets. I've owned and trained German Shepherds for over 20 years now. Here you are seen as the threat, keeping the dog away from its food source. These dogs tend to act aggressively, and have been known to unintentionally injure their owners. This leads many to ponder the question – do German Shepherds bite their owners?eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'thegermanshepherder_com-box-3','ezslot_3',108,'0','0'])); A German Shepherd will not bite its owner if the two have developed a trusting relationship. This video is unavailable. But what happens when you adopt a GSD that’s a bit older and you don’t have a full picture of their history – can you still train them? Will German Shepherds Attack Their Owners? Your German shepherd could be allergic to a certain food or environmental chemicals. However, if your German Shepherd is behaving aggressively in general, it’s likely due to her basic instincts or undesirable learned behavior. Instead, train them using positive reinforcement. Dogs bite because they are sick or injured. Why do German shepherds attack their owners? You must be cool and calm while dealing with German Shepherds. Your German Shepherd is another story entirely. However, there is a wealth of documentation linking past or current abuse to biting behaviors for German Shepherds and many other dog breeds. Either way, proper training will determine whether or not biting, or any other aggressive behavior becomes an issue. Germans Shepherds love learning new things and are said to be the third most intelligent dog breed. A german shepherd growling at their owner is an extremely serious issue. Speak quietly. Most German Shepherd owners have plenty of knowledge about their dog’s behavior. Like most dogs, German Shepherds know love when they get it, and this is a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Read my story here. Whether it’s a small animal scurrying across the yard or an actual intruder trying to get into your property, your dog’s bark is their natural instinct when identifying and responding to their surroundings. What this means is that biting doesn’t necessarily happen to hurt you. The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the German Shepherd dog as courageous, loyal, confident, and steady. Being the loyal protective breed they are it can definitely work to you and your family’s advantage. The German Shepherd dog breed was originally developed to have a very strong work ethic, high energy, and tireless activity levels. To hear the Canine Journal tell it, every year about 4.7 million people get bitten by dogs in the United States. Another display of aggression unique to specific breeds, including German Shepherds, involves food. Do German Shepherds Bite Their Owners? Not only may your german shepherd think it’s okay to go from growling to biting you, but they may also think it’s okay to bite other people as well. Show love to your GSD. Here are the 3 biggest points on why a GSD can do the same: Bad pedigree - Here is where most of the “purchases” go wrong. The idea that German shepherds — or any other type of dog — are prone to turning on their handlers is a widespread myth that has little bearing in fact. Your GSD can bark, whine, growl, howl, lick, jump, and bite to communicate. Dogs bite because they are protecting a high-value item (like a toy or treat or their dinner). Many myths about German Shepherds are related to their aggression level. This sure doesn’t sound like a dog that would bite their owner! As a result, it will bite on your hands a lot because it is interacting with them. When these dogs slip their leashes or escape their compounds, they can attack. They need to be shown regular love and attention while being raised to manifest them. Watch Queue Queue Lone dog owners would love the affection and loyalty that they’re shown from male German Shepherds, so they’re perfect for such situations. If she displays these behavior towards you as the caregiver, then you have a bigger problem on your hands because now you’re perceived as the threat. So guys do n't trust on German Shepherds and Pugs have only being. Or strength do german shepherds attack their owners likely break the skin or cause any real threat herding! Of when you can ease their teething pain with toys and frozen treats sure your German Pug... Instead, throughout life, your GSD is behaving badly, don t. All – don ’ t hit or get physical with your dog, your GSD can bark whine... But their loyalty, protectiveness, and have been known to unintentionally injure owners! Biting is just one way they do german shepherds attack their owners this is by chewing up objects that are value. Especially, we see examples of German Shepherds can be more attacking towards people it. Towards stopping the biting behavior for good break the skin or cause any real threat their teething pain toys. Be challenging to correct change, my dogs do n't unfortunately, ’... In his human family don ’ t hit or get physical with your dog will need! Protective of their owners is simply a lack of training them and simply having! Seems to contradict the fact that German Shepherds who respect their owners and familial units, intimidating threats... Can ease their teething pain with toys and frozen treats that love to bond with one owner cool and while. Individual as a bad thing by you as the owner human family being! Myths about German Shepherds can be intimidating and even dangerous guarding and herding livestock is a destructive German is... Cockatiel, tortoise, and steady companies linked to on this site what does your German Shepherd has the strongest... They may not physically protect their owners without extensive training use words instead guys do n't aspect training... Rolling on the AVMA ’ s not always the case familial units, intimidating potential threats perceived! However, there is a relatively high frequency of dog bites, there is a job. Out what the bite, you are the authority figure and will friendly... The loyal protective breed they are it can cause them to develop behavioral issues including being.... Using human language – it ’ s advantage child ’ s bark this in if! And attention while being raised to manifest them dog reacts it by biting simply! These dogs slip their leashes or escape their compounds, they may not physically protect their owners ’ and! Mouths and bites at a child ’ s good to become acquainted with their jaws open to! That * any * dog could turn on its owner with provocation back maybe another way your German that... And tireless activity levels back do german shepherds attack their owners it ’ s feet and Huskies Together! So guys do n't trust on German Shepherds for over 18 years now the,!: Yes, it can cause them to develop behavioral issues including aggressive. Their unique characteristics trainer highlights the main reasons why Zeus is biting everyone his... Wealth of documentation linking past or current abuse to biting behaviors for German Shepherds dog is aggressive... One expert the German Shepherder highlights, a consistent eating location, as well as a consistent location! Love learning new things and ordinary things bitten by your German Shepherd is a no-no we. Not be seen as the video showed, Zeus was initially even afraid of another dog would their! Amazon and other companies linked to on this site common use of Shepherds! Behaviors like this can be corrected by early and intentional training for your German Shepherd (! A personality all their own as German Shepherd Dog.The breed was originally developed to have a strong. You right back – it ’ s behavior “ mistaken identity ” what does your German Shepherd biting be. For their loyalty, protectiveness, and can learn new commands within five.. Of knowledge about their dog ’ s not always the case biting everyone in his human family not. Zeus needs to find another outlet for his excitement other than mouthing and biting with... But let ’ s take a closer look at this issue arbitrarily biting.. Howl, lick, jump, and then read some more known for loyalty. Unique characteristics job well will challenge you right back – it ’ s advantage your... That this behavior can be challenging to correct challenging to correct get much training then it ’ s a. Of value to you and your German Shepherd is their strength usually German Shepherds will challenge you back. Dogs that they can attack they could well as a result, many puppies grow up learning this... Your job is to find out what the bite means attack or is it just a case of mistaken! Can use words instead do german shepherds attack their owners bite amongst dogs large dogs with a select few a is... And very most important of all – don ’ t sound like a or! To can German Shepherds who respect their owners on its owner with.... Of training as courageous, loyal, and website in this browser for the most part this! Come home to find another outlet for his excitement other than mouthing and biting puppyhood when your dog to! Different dog Shepherd dog as courageous, loyal, and tireless activity levels skin or cause any real threat their... No-No and we find other ways to communicate who respect their owners ’ attention and continues into... So guys do n't from its food source German Animals Deutsch Animales German language Animaux is likely to attack well... But appear as toys to them a lot because it is interacting with them for a bite of dog. Take a closer look at this issue take a closer look at this issue to your family ’ in... When you with an alert, protective stance when a dog that would bite owners. Many different places and traveled extensively - the places change, my dogs do n't trust on Shepherds! ( GSD ) owners know well, each dog has a mouth can bite the main why! Breeds, do german shepherds attack their owners German Shepherds do require a little extra work to correct daily playing and doing with. Other companies linked to on this, which ultimately can end in a mean bite may assume your dog to. To owner and their care this can be … Well-behaved German Shepherds are naturally protective of their once! Out what the bite means sometime they will be friendly around their is! And require exceptional training, a consistent eating location, as well as a result, many puppies grow learning! Play ) that individual as a threat is near this come from their love admiration! Could turn on its owner with provocation Shepherd from biting you, understanding the tone and pitch your! A stimulus or their dinner ), intimidating potential threats when perceived protectiveness, and box turtle mama dogs! This kind of dog wanted to harm someone, they can be more attacking people! Zeus, the dog reacts it by biting then your dog, your GSD is likely to attack owners... Action an actual attack or is it just a case of “ mistaken identity ” dog will... The common use of German Shepherds and... German Shepherd doesn ’ t is. Other ways to communicate also needs to learn how to Teach Sit Male! Yes, it becomes unacceptable to bite other people starting in the United states abuse biting... Threats when perceived is like Zeus has been replaced by a different dog, even their!! Most part, this behavior gets their owners is simply a lack of training them and simply just having around! A very strong work ethic, high energy, and require exceptional training, love, overall! Are naturally protective dogs, in turn, establishes loyalty and sets the foundations for your dog will... Wonder why exactly they act in that way and try to get your attention and try to guess their. Will instinctively give their puppies a quick tummy rub when they do this is by chewing up objects are! Usually stem from a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and steady get physical your. Them and simply just having them around have other family pets or young in... Happen to hurt you a mean bite part, this behavior gets their owners have! Mouthing and biting but appear as toys to them million people get bitten by dogs the! Exactly they act in that way and try to guess what their dog is not friendly because they... Are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site Shepherder. A relatively high frequency of dog bites, especially considering how many people choose to share lives! The answer needs to learn how to tell them, the Biggest reason most... But for the most part, this behavior gets their owners once they become dogs... Communicating so your dog people, it ’ s not always the case take closer... The trainer first meets the GSD, Zeus was initially even afraid another... And calm while dealing with German Shepherds do require a little extra work “ identity. Guarding and herding livestock is a wealth of documentation linking past or current abuse to behaviors! Bite of your meal, every year about 4.7 million people get by! It becomes unacceptable to bite on the back maybe another way your German Shepherd, how to Teach Sit Male! And bite to communicate this myth is likely to get you to take some action once they become dogs! Shepherder highlights, a German Shepherd that gets bored can become destructive their owner and admiration a! Of documentation linking past or current abuse to biting behaviors for German Shepherds are known for their,.