Most new German Shepherd, and other dog owners in general, want to know it's sleeping with their dogs is a good idea, is this healthy, or not, and after weeks of research, we have an answer to your question. It is absolutely okay to sleep with your German Shepherd dog, if you, or he, doesn't have any health problems.
Since German Shepherds were bred to draw their flocks closer together, it stands to reason that they'd want to keep their human “flock” together during the night. They're also hardwired to spend as much time as possible with their owners, which only serves to reinforce this ingrained impulse.
They were bred to develop a devotion to their family that is hard to match. They are not designed to be outside dogs and should be around their family members as much as possible. Indoors is a much more appropriate place for German Shepherds to sleep (as well as most dogs – to be fair).
It provides them with a reliable place to lay their head and sense safety. This desire to sleep with you is likely a natural instinct to stay close for safety and secureness. You being the head of household or of certain authority to your dog, they feel the most secure in your presence.
German Shepherds will generally attach themselves to one person in the family, but they can still be a good family dog. Although they have their fair share of behavioral issues, these generally stem from a lack of leadership on the part of their pet parents.
#1 – Herding
Bred for herding (well, technically tending), almost all German Shepherd Dogs love to herd. They will herd almost anything – kids, sheep, cats – so giving them an appropriate outlet for this instinct is a good thing. Whether you take lessons for fun or competition, your Shepherd will be in seventh heaven.
While bonding may be easier with a puppy, even an adult German Shepherd can bond with their person for life. German Shepherd puppies begin to bond with people during a critical stage of attachment at 4 to 12-weeks-old. This is the primary and general habituation and socialization period for puppies.
Others show affection by resting their head on your knee, and some lean against you. It's important not to push your pet away when he's expressing his love. That's the time to strengthen your bond and enjoy the special moments of affection.
Dogs, especially German Shepherds, instinctively follow the pack leader, which is you. Your dog should listen to your command and when he follows you around, he might just be waiting for one. Be firm in your tone, don't make your commands a question, and keep commands consistent.
German Shepherds should not be left alone for more than 8 hours a day. They are easily bored so if they are left alone for that long, they may start engaging in destructive or problematic behavior such as digging, chewing and barking.
According to the Sleep Foundation, dogs, like humans, have circadian rhythms that are influenced by light. It's easier for them to sleep if it's dark, or at least dim.
The German Shepherd is happiest living indoors with the family, but with access to a large, fenced yard, where they can burn off some of their natural energy. You can find dogs of almost any breed, including German Shepherds, from your local shelter or breed specific rescue.
German Shepherd Dogs are protective of their loved ones
They can be aloof with strangers yet are not hostile. This natural protective instinct is reassuring to the German Shepherd owner.
They enjoy sleeping with you because it makes them feel safe and comfortable. Sleeping together gives dogs an emotional connection to their owners. Dogs feel love and gratitude towards you, just like you feel towards them.
Are German Shepherds Clingy? German Shepherds are well known for being clingy. They are often called “velcro dogs,” meaning they stick by you when you're around and want to always be by your side. This clinginess stems from their breeding purpose as sheep herders as they were constantly with the shepherds.
When you are petting your dog, and he puts his paw on your arm or leg, it is kind of like petting you back. While most dogs can't do an actual stroking action, laying their paw on you is a sign of affection, closeness and trust This is his way of creating a special bond with you.
If your dog puts his paw on you, it can be his way of saying "I love you." We pet our pups to show our love and affection. Turns out they do the same.
Dogs use a foot to bridge the communication gap. Your dog quickly learns that handing you their paw receives a positive reaction. By giving you their paw, oftentimes, they just want a pet.
Many German shepherd owners will also say that their males are more affectionate and goofy while their females are more reserved. That is not to say that females are not as sweet, some just may not be as cuddly. Both sexes are extremely curious about everything going on in their household.
So, are German shepherds aggressive? While any dog can show aggressive tendencies if they aren't socialized from a young age, German shepherds don't appear to be more at risk for aggression than any other dog breed.
The ages between six months and a year can be almost as critical for a GSD's socialization as the early puppy weeks. According to TrainYourGsd.com, German Shepherds begin testing the boundaries of authority at 10 to 12 months old.
You may notice that your German Shepherd lets out a big sigh when they lie down to go to sleep at the end of a long, full day - or when they don't get what they want. This is because, like humans, dogs sigh to convey both contentment and disappointment.