Love me or Hate Me/ Question on GSDs

[Macomom]

I just read another thread where someone was asking about specific breeds and it brought this questions to mind..
Have you ever had an experience where one breed of dogs seems to like or dislike you at first glance?

Let me explain:
I consider myself a dog lover, and have always had dogs and on three separate and random occasions I have had WEIRD experiences with GSDs.
For instance, I was walking down the street in Peterborough, and was bitten in the hip by a passing dog. I heard one short bark, though I did not even see the dog, and the GSD bit me on my hip. Passersby called the police and reported it since it was so random. I did not make eye contact, did not step on the dog..etc. It moved into my step and bit me.
Additionally, a GSD chased me aggressively me on a public beach and a neighbours GSD nipped my hand while I was visiting as a child.
Strange, huh? Think I do something to offend them?

Disclaimer: Just a question posted out of curiousity. I do not specifically think that GSDs are biting dogs, or are any more/less aggressive than any other breed. I love all puppers!

[BenMax]

Interesting question.

I have been bitten by probably every breed there is. I don't have a fear of dogs obviously but I do evaluate them so there are times that I get too close or I my actions provoked a response. (BTW - this does not necessarily mean that the dog would not receive rescue status - this only proves the limitation of the dog in question (just needed to clarify this)).

I don't think certain breeds react to certain people, unless there is a fear or an inappropriate gesture made towards the dog. Your situation was clearly not this. Some dogs however do have a strong scent and react differently to different people.

I would chalk this up as bad luck. Nothing more.

I don't think that this is a GSD directed question.

[Golden Girls]

The only dog that ever hated me was a Saint Bernard. The woman frequents this board so she'll laugh when she reads this but for some reason out of the blue he wanted to attack me and still to this day he would if given a chance, I have no clue as to why

[norm258]

Did you see the GSD that bit you in the hip before it actually happened? It's possible that since you were bit as a child you have developed a fear for that particular looking dog. I found my previous GSD would easily pick up when someone was nervous or scared and would react to it.

I'm just thinking that perhaps the dogs picked up on that fear for whatever reason and reacted.

Norm

[happycats]

I have been bitten buy a Springer spaniel, a Beagle, a doberman, as well as my first dog (sheep dog mix). and I never really thought of it as breed related, more of a personality thing

But ever since my MOL got a Yorkie, who hated me at first, and on many occassions tried to bite me. I find Yorkies don't like me (I'd rather it be yorkies that hate me rather them some bigger stronger breed though)

[Macomom]

Strangely, the GSD was not in my vision, kind of walking beside/ behind me and stepped in to bite me.
norm258, maybe it is fear based (it is not conscious), or perhaps my body language is too big. I am pretty expressive
Who knows? I suspected GSDs are very good at reading people because of their roles as working dogs...

[BenMax]

GSDs are not dogs that are impressed easily. They are protective and reactive. They are however one of the most bred dogs - more so than any other breed. Because of this, there are higher stats of this breed or mixed breed that bite more so than others that are registered. Small breeds are the biggest culprets of biting but this is not disclosed as the bite is not 'impressive' enough.

GSDs are one owner dogs. Highly loyal to their people. They are intolerant of fear as they will react to it. Even GSDs that I have taken in as fosters that were so badly beaten, they did not loose their loyalty to owner or property. They remained balanced on that front.

[ScottieDog]

Interesting. I was frightened by a Doberman, Cocker Spaniel and a Boxer as a child. I love dogs and almost every dog I've ever met has been at my side, in my lap or licking my face. I find that while I'm not afraid of these breeds, I do approach them with apprehension and therefore these dogs seem more aloof towards me at the initial greeting. The dogs definitely sense the apprehension. I feel it is more a vibe from me, rather than the dog.

Of the three dogs that scared me, only one--the Cocker Spaniel--was a mean dog. As I have met more sweet, gentle dogs of these breeds, my level of apprehension is decreasing and I'm finding these dogs to be more friendly. I've chalked it up to me, not them.

[erykah1310]

I too find that GSD's seem to find me tasty as well... but its a vicious cycle that I am well aware of so I have full understanding of why it happens.

I am apprehensive around GSD's as they do intimidate me, they pick up on it and act strangely around me... I in turn act even stranger towards them and end up nipped.
Until i can figure out how to be around GSD's they will continue to defend themselves around the weirdness that is me....

[BenMax]

Originally Posted by erykah1310

I too find that GSD's seem to find me tasty as well... but its a vicious cycle that I am well aware of so I have full understanding of why it happens.

I am apprehensive around GSD's as they do intimidate me, they pick up on it and act strangely around me... I in turn act even stranger towards them and end up nipped.
Until i can figure out how to be around GSD's they will continue to defend themselves around the weirdness that is me....

GSD's are very easy to navigate. Firstly, never approach one on someone's property or a stray. If a stray does approach, the body language is very easy to read. They are very textbook in that respect.

The best way to approach one is not at eye level. I stand tall and initially I make no eye contact. I do however have a toy in my hand to distract them as they will make friends with you very easily if you have something you can throw in a different direction if you feel 'pinned'. They will go retrieve it. Best thing you can do at that point is stand your ground and actually call the dog back again to release the toy to you. Throw again. Invite him/her back to play. Always talk to a GSD. Voice is very important. You now have a friend. Believe it or not.

[erykah1310]

I swear they can see my heart beating through my chest though.
I know they are wonderful dogs, loyal and amazing.
I admire them (from afar) and in NO way in my life would blame the breed for the nippings I have had. I know its me.
there should be a ban on erykahs to save the GSD from resorting to nipping the weird presence I give off.
I need to be around them more, I know it, but i am literally jumping out of my skin when they come around.

[BenMax]

Originally Posted by erykah1310

I swear they can see my heart beating through my chest though.
I know they are wonderful dogs, loyal and amazing.
I admire them (from afar) and in NO way in my life would blame the breed for the nippings I have had. I know its me.
there should be a ban on erykahs to save the GSD from resorting to nipping the weird presence I give off.
I need to be around them more, I know it, but i am literally jumping out of my skin when they come around.

You just need to relax and play with them. Once you establish a relationship with one, you will begin to react differently around many. I wish you could meet Maddox. He would show you how wonderful he is as most GSDs are.

[bendyfoot]

Originally Posted by BenMax

You just need to relax and play with them. Once you establish a relationship with one, you will begin to react differently around many. I wish you could meet Maddox. He would show you how wonderful he is as most GSDs are.

Jaida would be a good GSD for people who are fearful of them too...she's as sweet as they come.

She didn't even try to eat Macomom, who is apparently delicious noms for GSDs

[BenMax]

Originally Posted by bendyfoot

Jaida would be a good GSD for people who are fearful of them too...she's as sweet as they come.

She didn't even try to eat Macomom, who is apparently delicious noms for GSDs

Funny enough - I stated above that I have been bitten by almost every breed but I have not yet (knock on wood) been bitten by a GSD.

I would love you meet your Jaida Bendy!

[aslan]

gotta say i'm with a couple of the others..having been severally mauled by a gsd when i was a groomer, i am very standoffish with them. I know in my head there was something seriously wrong with the one that attacked me, but i just tense up around them...meanwhile i've gotten down on my hands and knee's and played the toes game with Lp's Penny while Lp stood there kinda looking like this. i believe that a dog is going to react to the emotions we give off.

[Chaser]

I was bitten by two GSDs when I was little....both were unbalanced and aggressive dogs. But I developed a fear of them and for years couldn't go near one.....they certainly sensed the fear in me. It wasn't until meeting Toonces' old foster Riley that I changed my mind....he was such a happy dope I started to re-think things and got more comfortable. Who knew I would end up owning one and planning to foster more????

I think it's partly coincidence and part instinct that some people attract bites from the same breed more than once. With GSDs in particular I truly feel they are more in tune with human states than any other breed I have ever had contact with. If someone comes to our house who is scared of dogs Chase is totally clueless and just keeps bouncing all over.....but Kailey gets her hackles up and will pin them in a corner (not that we allow that in the least....but I know she's capable because once when I was at my dad's with her she did it to my older brother who I didn't know was home).

GSDs pick up on fear in an instant, so it wouldn't surprise me if someone is more likely to be bitten by one more than once.

[luckypenny]

I grew up with German Shepherds so I was always comfortable around them and they were always a favorite breed of mine .

I might own two Shepherd mixes now, I'm not quite sure . But it's funny that you mention Penny, Aslan, as her personality often reminds me of a GSD and she's a Retriever .

I don't think it's a particular breed of dog that sometimes gives me bad vibes. Rather it's what their body language tells me that keeps me on guard around certain dogs.

[Frenchy]

Funny thread

I never been bitten , snapped at yes (we did have a cocker spaniel when I was young ) but never bitten. And I was around many GSD when I was young , never had a problem with them.

I think it has to do with the fact that , I was always very ..... well ... not careful around dogs , I mean , when I was a kid , I would approach any dog , without thinking they could be aggressive. I sometimes still do the same so maybe it's because the dogs can sense I'm not afraid I never was bitten. Dogs like me

yes people , I will still sometimes pet a dog without asking the owner first , I forget

[catlover2]

I grew up with an English Cocker Spaniel and occasionally my Dad keep a Walker Hound he used for hunting and I walked a Chow for a neighbour and played with a neighbour's rough-coated Collie and also a Malinois. I was never afraid of any dog until in my late teens when I was babysitting one night. The couple had a GSD and was assured he was "friendly", and he did seem so on introduction. After the couple left to see a movie, I just chilled out in front of the TV and GSD lay about 10 ft. from me just watching and when it was time for me to check on the baby upstairs, when I stood up he did too and growled at me. I was a bit hesitant, but didn't make eye contact with him and walked slowly upstairs to check on the baby and the dog followed me, growling, and somehow I managed to walk back downstairs to the sofa, but by this time my knees were shaking and my heart pounding. The GSD took up his spot on the rug in front of the sofa and just lay there observing me without falling asleep. I was so relieved when the couple returned home. I told them about their dog's behaviour and they could not believe that their friendly GSD would act like that. Needless to say, I didn't babysit for them again even tho they asked me, and told them it was because of their GSD. But to this day GSDs do make me feel anxious and altho I've never been bitten, majority of ones I've met are quite standoffish to me. My neighbour's Bullmastiff likes me, but not everyone apparently.

[clm]

I've been bitten by a lot of dogs. As a kid I had no fear or sense and would walk up to strange dogs and sometimes paid for it, but it never changed my ways.
The only dogs I've never felt comfortable around were ridgebacks. I saw many of them at a dog show and that's the only breed I've ever felt funny around.

clm

[norm258]

Originally Posted by catlover2

I grew up with an English Cocker Spaniel and occasionally my Dad keep a Walker Hound he used for hunting and I walked a Chow for a neighbour and played with a neighbour's rough-coated Collie and also a Malinois. I was never afraid of any dog until in my late teens when I was babysitting one night. The couple had a GSD and was assured he was "friendly", and he did seem so on introduction. After the couple left to see a movie, I just chilled out in front of the TV and GSD lay about 10 ft. from me just watching and when it was time for me to check on the baby upstairs, when I stood up he did too and growled at me. I was a bit hesitant, but didn't make eye contact with him and walked slowly upstairs to check on the baby and the dog followed me, growling, and somehow I managed to walk back downstairs to the sofa, but by this time my knees were shaking and my heart pounding. The GSD took up his spot on the rug in front of the sofa and just lay there observing me without falling asleep. I was so relieved when the couple returned home. I told them about their dog's behaviour and they could not believe that their friendly GSD would act like that. Needless to say, I didn't babysit for them again even tho they asked me, and told them it was because of their GSD. But to this day GSDs do make me feel anxious and altho I've never been bitten, majority of ones I've met are quite standoffish to me. My neighbour's Bullmastiff likes me, but not everyone apparently.

These owners totally misunderstood their GSD! They are extremely protective of 'their' human family and the baby was one of them! He was 'protecting' the baby and you are very very luck you were not attacked. I would never leave any GSD with a babysitter in my home or ask anyone to dogsit at my home with a GSD. That's just asking for trouble!

Norm

[friend2animals]

My experiences with GSDs have all been positive. In fact, it's kind of interesting that these dogs became far more affectionate, responsive, and even playful with me when I was inside their families home, sitting at the kitchen table with their people.... Although, I must say that there is a quality to their demeanor that keeps me on guard - just a little bit. I have found that they (the ones I've met), have a particular "gaze", not glare, or stare. This gaze is neither hostile nor overly friendly - just somewhere in between. The sense I get from them, is that they are merely "sizing" me up in a curiously calm and settled manner...I guess I am doing the same thing with them -

[norm258]

Gotta love that gaze they give.. Yup, they are sizing you up and watching... ready to protect their family if needed. Most of the GSD's I've had sit quietly in a corner, not sleeping but watching. Following anyone who gets up to go someplace, like the washroom. I remember one particular girl I had 20 years ago that refused anyone but family access to the bedrooms. It wasn't agressive at first - just blocked their way then 'warned' them with a growl and/or barking. Everyone got the point right away

Norm

[Macomom]

I totally forgot that Bendy's Jaida was a GSD. She and I get along smashingly
Perhaps my days as an appetizer are over.

[bendyfoot]

Jaida's kind of a GSD impostor, so the mistake is understandable.

[BenMax]

Originally Posted by Macomom

I totally forgot that Bendy's Jaida was a GSD. She and I get along smashingly
Perhaps my days as an appetizer are over.

Maddox is also a gentle boy who does not fit the description..or rather does. Max was a textbook GSD, but I have had others that were not so imposing.

I think it really depends on the GSD, how he was breed, life's history etc.

I could safely leave Maddox alone with anyone. He does not have it in him but to be a buttercup. (Now the Dog Park is a different story all together - there he is ALL GSD).

[norm258]

I'm working hard with my new pup Trixie to make her a well balanced, loving dog. She is bold and fearless already though at 3 months of age!

Norm

[Marcha]

My aunt and uncle, where I babysat their children a lot, had GSDs. They'd let me into the house, but wouldn't let me out of their sight. I definitely wouldn't have been allowed to leave either, until my uncle would tell the dog I was leaving.

I love GSDs and their mixes. I love their loyalty most, actually. We have one across the street, an 8 year old male GSDxhusky. When we got Bodhi, and the two were introduced, he was aloof and growly, but only in a 'teacher' kind of way. He was showing Bodhi was was okay and what wasn't. But regardless of his intolerance to Bodhi's antics, it's still "his" Bodhi and he'll protect her if need be. :haha: But as several others mentioned, their body language is very clear, and you need to respect their property and their humans on their terms. There, by the grace of the GSD, go I, onto our neighbour's property.

I have been bitten by a Bouvier as a child, one that we were close to. Why did the Bouvier bite me? Dunno. Could have been anything. But I am still very self-conscious and extra cautious around Bouviers monitoring my body language. Thankfully I have had positive experiences with Bouviers since then too, which negated a part of the fright I had as a child.

[Chaser]

Kailey is such a typical GSD! Anyone shows fear and she will dominate them in a second. And she is so hypervigilant she will peer in windows of parked cars on walks. Our neighbour asked us a while ago if she was a police dog...he said she is so alert and obediaent he would have sworn she had been. We could never find a more loyal dog. She knows not to push her boundaries with anyone we have invited in and is an absolute cuddlebum with our friends, as we show her they can be trusted. But if anyone ever tried to set foot in this house uninvited I have no doubt they would be missing some parts when they left.

[bendyfoot]

Jaida hasn't a dominant bone in her body...but she alerts (barks) at noises and arrivals, and can be quite aloof with or bark at new people until we assure her that they're "OK" then they're fully welcomed. She mostly barks at people who seem uncertain or worried/afraid...but a happy, calm person is her friend right away. Her barking seems to be an instintual alerting thing, but she is also a big 'fraidy cat...there's no ferocity to the barking, it's usually from 10 feet away with her tail between her legs. She is wonderful with all children...will focus on them and completely ignore adults, just keeping an eye on them and engaging with them gently. She has never "made strange" with a child, she is very at ease with them.