While German Shepherds are friendly companions that will protect you in many cases, they are sometimes known for barking excessively at strangers. We looked into the causes of this behavior and ways to prevent this from becoming a problem.
German Shepherds can be prevented from barking at strangers through several methods. For instance, you can teach “Quiet” and “No Bark” commands. Other options include limiting the pet’s visibility at home by using fences around the house so they cannot see strangers outside.
There are many other methods you can use to stop your German Shepherd from barking at strangers. We’ve explored these in detail throughout this article.
Why Do German Shepherds Bark?
Here are the top reasons why German Shepherds bark at your family members and strangers:
They Are Greeting Someone
The top thing to note is that some German Shepherds bark more than other dogs. Typically, your pet may do this to greet you every time you enter the house or a room. You can quickly identify this cause by noticing the number of times your dog barks. It will bark only once or twice when greeting each time.
They Are Seeking Your Attention
German Shepherds have a habit of barking when they want your total attention. This can happen if the dog is feeling neglected because of various reasons. For instance, you may have another pet at home, making your German Shepherd feel inferior.
Warning You of a Threat
Dogs have many ways to protect and warn you of threats. The top thing they do to alert you is bark. For instance, if your German Shepherd sees an intruder entering your home, it will bark at it. The dog does it to scare the stranger and inform you simultaneously.
Fear
There are many reasons why your German Shepherd may be afraid and barking. It can often happen if your pet has had an abusive past. For instance, its previous owners were harsh and used shock collars. The pet may also be afraid of something in its current environment.
Excitement
This is a prevalent barking cause in German Shepherds. The pet may be excited about getting a new toy or treat. Besides that, the dog may also do this to ensure that something it has anticipated happens. For instance, it may bark at the door when you’re on the driveway to ensure you come in.
Boredom
When a child wants to play with you, it will nag you and cry to make sure you do. Similarly, a German Shepherd will bark when bored and wants to play. This breed is highly energetic and loves engaging in long physical activities for fun. So you must ensure that your pet is getting the right amount of playtime.
They Are Being Territorial
The top reason a German Shepherd may bark excessively at strangers is when they are being territorial. Dogs don’t like it when someone invades their privacy, and they show their disdain by barking. This can also happen when you give excess attention to your pet.
They Are Experiencing Pain
Humans shout and make noises when in pain as a reflex action. Similarly, German Shepherds bark when hurt because of a physical or mental issue. The dog may be suffering from an internal injury that is causing pain. It may also be having flashbacks of its abusive past.
Loneliness
German Shepherds can become anxious when feeling lonely. The primary way they show this is by excessively barking. If you leave it alone at home for hours, your pet may do this. It may also bark if you keep the dog caged in your yard instead of indoors with your family.
It Wants to Come Inside the House
It is no secret that sometimes your German Shepherd can get locked out of the house. For instance, the dog may be playing outside for hours while you remain indoors. Typically, the pet will bark a few times to alert you that it is out and wants to come in.
Aggression
Another reason your German Shepherd may bark is when showing aggression. The pet may do this when encountering a predator and threatening it. Besides that, it may also be anxious in some cases. For instance, the dog may aggressively bark when you try to put a leash or shock collar on it.
How Can I Train My Dog Not to Bark Excessively at Strangers?
German Shepherds may bark excessively at strangers in the park or at your neighbors. The good news is that you can control this by training your pet properly. Here are the top things that will help you prevent your dog from excessively barking at strangers:
Understand Why Your German Shepherd Is Barking
The primary thing that will help prevent barking is understanding its cause. For instance, you must learn whether the dog is making the sound because of behavioral or medical issues. If the German Shepherd is bored and barking, you can take it outside for exercise.
Besides that, your pet may also be barking at strangers because of pain. Typically, you should take your German Shepherd to a vet for this cause.
If pain is the reason, the physician will give you medications to offer your dog relief. Once the pain goes away, your pet will stop barking excessively.
Limit Your Dogs View of The Front of The House
A key thing to note is that your dog may get anxious when seeing strangers in front of the house. Besides that, it may also observe a nosy neighbor outside the property. In such cases, the pet will excessively bark at the strangers.
The top thing that will help you stop the barking is limiting the front house view of your dog. You can keep the pet in a room with minimal windows that offer visibility to the main street. Besides that, you can also keep your dog in the backyard.
Ensure High Fencing Around Your Property
German Shepherds may bark at strangers because of stress, pain, and other reasons. You can prevent this by putting high fencing around your property. This will limit the view to the front of the house and surrounding areas.
High fencing will also ensure that strangers cannot see your pet and invade its space. For instance, your neighbor may try to get friendly with your German Shepherd when seeing it in the yard. Fencing will also prevent kids from disturbing and teasing your pet.
Distract Your Dog When They Bark
Another thing that will help you reduce your dog’s barking is distracting it during the action. For instance, you may call the pet towards you if you see a stranger that may stimulate the barking. You can also distract the dog by showing it food.
Besides that, you can also distract the dog by engaging it in physical activities. German Shepherds love to exercise and play for extended periods. So you may throw a frisbee and command your pet to fetch it. This is one of the best ways to reduce barking at strangers in the park.
Train Them Basic Commands Such As ‘No Bark’
Proper training can go a long way in stopping your German Shepherd from excessively barking. The top thing you must do is teach your dog using the “Speak” or “No Bark” command.
This will help you reduce the overall barking with ease. You should also increase the number of times you use this command. Doing this will enable your pet to get used to less barking.
Hire A Dog Behaviorist
As a dog owner, you can easily teach your German Shepherd to stop barking at strangers. However, this requires you to take out time and make some effort. You may not be able to do this because of work, house chores, and much more.
Luckily, a dog behaviorist can help you analyze your pet’s behavior. Not only that, but the expert will train the German Shepherd to bark less. This can ease your life in many cases. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about teaching the dog yourself.
Should I Use a Bark Collar?
Electronic bark collars that shock your dog can help you reduce the barking. However, it is not a viable option because it causes pain and is considered inhumane. Moreover, the collar can cause more behavioral changes, and your dog may suffer from depression.
Should I Use a Muzzle?
Using a muzzle will not help you stop barking efficiently. This is because you will have to use the item to keep your dog’s mouth closed. However, this can lead to health issues such as vomiting. This is because your pet needs to pant to cool down. So you must not use a muzzle to stop your dog from barking.
Should I Punish My German Shepherd for Barking Excessively?
As a dog owner, you may think that punishing your German Shepherd can stop it from barking at strangers. However, you must remember that this will cause more negative effects.
For instance, your pet may grow distant and be fearful all the time. This can also cause it to bark more instead of less.
When Should I Start Socializing My Dog with Other Dogs and People?
The top thing to note is that socializing works best when your dog is still a puppy. Typically, you should start this when your pet is a few weeks to three months old. This will help the dog adjust to your family and its new environment with ease.
Final thoughts
Preventing your German Shepherd from barking at strangers doesn’t need to be difficult. Once you follow these methods, you can encourage your dog to behave positively around different people in no time.
