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13 Reasons Your German Shepherd Is Acting Weird!

The german shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and the popularity of the breed only continues to increase with each month that goes by.

With so many people out there keeping a german shepherd as a pet, it is easy to see why we constantly get questions about how you should be caring for a pet german shepherd.

One question that we have seen people asking more frequently in recent months is about their german shepherd acting weird with a large number of people having behavioral problems with their german shepherd.

This is why we wanted to publish this article going over the most common issues that can result in your german shepherd to act wierd or strange compared to its normal behavior.

Why Your German Shepherd Is Acting Weird!

We have our list of common causes of a german shepherd acting weird below:-

  • Genetic Disposition!
  • Incomplete Obedience Training!
  • Poor Socialization!
  • A Lack Of Exercise!
  • Medical Problems!
  • Stress And Anxiety!
  • A Change In Environment!
  • Bad Training Methods!
  • Hormonal Effects!
  • A Lack Of Mental Stimulation!
  • Dehydration!
  • Your German Shepherd Feeling Threatened!
  • Letting Your German Shepherd Have Their Way!

Many people who are new to keeping a pet german shepherd may find that they actually have problems with more than one of these issues with their dog so we would recommend that you consider the possibility of having more than one problem from the list above with your dog.

Genetic Disposition!

The most common reason for a german shepherd to act weird is due to the fact that they have a genetic disposition that make them more prone to certain types of behavior.

This means that your german shepherd may be acting weird due to genetics and there is very little you can do about it other than making sure that you are aware of the potential issues that may arise so you can be prepared to deal with them.

Some of the most common genetic dispositions that make a german shepherd more likely to act weird are things like separation anxiety, aggression and even noise phobias.

Incomplete Obedience Training!

Obedience training is one of the most important things that you can do for your german shepherd and it is something that you should start as soon as possible after you get your dog.

Unfortunately, many people do not complete the obedience training with their german shepherd or they only do the bare minimum amount of training required.

This can lead to a number of behavioral issues in your german shepherd that may manifest as your dog acting weird.

Some of the most common behavioral issues that can arise from a lack of obedience training include things like aggression, separation anxiety and even destructiveness.

Poor Socialization!

Socialization is another important aspect of owning a german shepherd and it is something that you need to make sure you are doing from an early age if possible.

Many people do not socialize their german shepherd enough or at all and this can lead to a number of behavioral issues that may manifest as your dog acting weird.

Some of the most common behavioral issues that can arise from poor socialization include things like aggression, fearfulness and even shyness.

A Lack Of Exercise!

German shepherds are a breed of dog that needs a lot of exercises and if they do not get enough exercise, it can lead to a number of behavioral problems.

Many people do not realize how much exercise a german shepherd needs and this can often lead to their dog acting weird due to things like boredom, pent up energy or even anxiety.

Some of the most common behavioral issues that can arise from a lack of exercise include destructiveness, hyperactivity and even aggression.

Medical Problems!

Another common reason for a german shepherd to act weird is due to medical problems.

Many health conditions can lead to a german shepherd acting weird and some of the most common ones include things like allergies, infections, injuries and even neurological problems.

If you think that your german shepherd may be acting weird due to a medical problem, it is important to take them to see the vet as soon as possible so they can be properly diagnosed and treated.

Stress And Anxiety!

German shepherds are a breed of dog that is known to be particularly prone to stress and anxiety.

There are a number of different things that can cause stress and anxiety in a german shepherd and some of the most common ones include things like changes in their environment, being left alone for long periods of time, being introduced to new people or animals and even loud noises.

If you think that your german shepherd is acting weird due to stress or anxiety, it is important to try and identify the source of the stress or anxiety and then take steps to remove it from their environment if possible.

A Change In Environment!

German shepherds are a breed of dog that does not deal well with change and if there is a sudden change in their environment, it can often lead to them acting weird.

Some of the most common changes in environment that can trigger a german shepherd to act weird include things like moving to a new house, having a baby in the family or even a change in their daily routine.

If you think that your german shepherd is acting weird due to a change in their environment, it is important to try and identify the source of the stress or anxiety and then take steps to remove it from their environment if possible.

Bad Training Methods!

One of the most common reasons for a german shepherd to act weird is due to bad training methods.

Many people use harsh or outdated training methods on their german shepherd which can often lead to a number of behavioral problems.

Some of the most common behavioral issues that can arise from bad training methods include things like aggression, fearfulness and even shyness.

It is important to make sure that you are using positive reinforcement training methods with your german shepherd and avoiding any harsh or outdated methods as this will help to prevent a number of behavioral issues from developing.

Hormonal Effects!

German shepherds are a breed of dog that is particularly prone to the effects of hormones.

There are a number of different hormonal conditions that can affect a german shepherd and some of the most common ones include things like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease and even diabetes.

If you think that your german shepherd is acting weird due to a hormonal condition, it is important to take them to see the vet as soon as possible so they can be properly diagnosed and treated.

As you can see, there are a number of different reasons why a german shepherd may act weird and it is important to try and identify the cause of the problem so that it can be properly dealt with.

If you are unsure of what is causing your german shepherd to act weird, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian as they will be able to give you the best advice on how to deal with the problem.

A Lack Of Mental Stimulation!

Many german shepherds act weird because they are not getting enough mental stimulation.

German shepherds are a breed of dog that needs a lot of mental stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy and if they are not getting enough, it can often lead to them acting out in various ways.

Some of the most common ways that a lack of mental stimulation can cause a german shepherd to act weird include things like chewing on furniture or objects, barking excessively, digging holes and even becoming destructive.

If you think that your german shepherd is acting weird due to a lack of mental stimulation, it is important to try and provide them with more opportunities to exercise their mind.

Dehydration!

Dehydration is another common cause of a german shepherd acting weird.

German shepherds are a breed of dog that is particularly prone to dehydration and if they are not getting enough water, it can often lead to them acting out in various ways.

Some of the most common ways that dehydration can cause a german shepherd to act weird include things like panting excessively, lethargy, increased thirst and even vomiting.

If you think that your german shepherd is acting weird due to dehydration, it is important to make sure they are getting enough water and if they are not, it is best to take them to see the vet as soon as possible.

Your German Shepherd Feeling Threatened!

Another common reason for a german shepherd to act weird is if they feel threatened.

German shepherds are a breed of dog that is particularly protective of their family and if they feel like their family is in danger, it can often lead to them acting out in various ways.

Some of the most common ways that a german shepherd may act weird if they feel threatened include things like barking excessively, growling, showing their teeth and even biting.

If you think that your german shepherd is acting weird because they feel threatened, it is important to try and remove the threat from their environment and if you are unable to do so, it is best to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist.

Letting Your German Shepherd Have Their Way!

One of the most common reasons for a german shepherd to act weird is because they have been let to have their way too much.

German shepherds are a breed of dog that is particularly prone to becoming spoiled and if they are allowed to get away with things like jumping up on people or begging for food, it can often lead to them acting out in various ways.

Some of the most common ways that a german shepherd may act weird if they have been spoiled include things like barking excessively, whining, chewing on furniture and even becoming destructive.

If you think that your german shepherd is acting weird because they have been spoiled, it is important to try and put a stop to the behavior as soon as possible.

This can be difficult to do, but it is important to remember that you are the one in charge and if you let your german shepherd have their way all the time, it will only lead to more problems down the road.