Why does my German Shepherd put his ears back when I pet him?

If you reach out like you are going to pet your GSD you will notice they pin their ears back in expectation of the rub. This is a sign your dog is relaxed and welcoming of affection from you. They are also making it easier for you to pat their head without those pointy ears getting in the way.
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What does it mean when a dog puts its ears back when you pet it?

When the ears are tilted back, the dog is usually stressed or fearful and may be in a submissive state. But – caution here – a dog holding its ears back could also become fear aggressive.
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Why does my German Shepherd put his ears back when he sees me?

When your German Shepherd puts his ears back, he is either submissive, nervous, or just being friendly. Again, look for other signs, but you'll soon get to know your own dog's body language. Pay more attention to him and reward him with the affection and treats he deserves. This ear position isn't a cause for concern.
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How do German Shepherds show affection?

Some of the most common ways that German Shepherds show affection include getting excited when you come home, wagging their tail, leaning against you, snuggling with you, acting protectively towards you, and rolling over to expose their belly for some rubs!
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Do German Shepherds pick a favorite person?

German Shepherds are also known for being very affectionate and they will choose the one person that mostly reciprocates their affection. This study showed that when dogs are pet and cuddled, they release oxytocin, a hormone associated with not only happiness but social bonding.
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? 10 signs to understand your dog better ??



How do you tell if a German Shepherd likes you?

Here are some of the most common German Shepherd signs of affection:
  1. 1) They can't help but kiss or lick you. ...
  2. 2) They like staying close to you. ...
  3. 3) They often snuggle or cuddle. ...
  4. 4) They lean on you. ...
  5. 5) They allow you to hug them. ...
  6. 6) They ask for rubs. ...
  7. 7) They're always happy to see you. ...
  8. 8) They keep wanting to play.
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Why do German Shepherds stare at you?

Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone.
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Why do German Shepherds go between your legs?

Sometimes, dogs may go between their owner's legs seeking comfort or safety. Some research has found that medium and large dogs are more likely to demonstrate this behavior than small dogs. A lack of confidence, anxiety, or excitement can cause dogs to seek the closeness or protection of their owner's legs.
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How do German Shepherds communicate?

German Shepherds communicate using body language coded in visual, acoustic (sound), olfactory (smell), and tactile (touch) signals. Examples of GSD communication can include intense staring, avoidant eyes, forward or backward-tilted ears, a wagging tail, panting, hackles, stance, and pawing.
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What does it mean when a dog puts his paw on you?

Conclusion: Pawing means your dog wants your attention. If your dog puts their paw on you while you're spending time together, it's likely an expression of affection or the gestural equivalent of “pet me more!”
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What does submissive mean in a dog?

Some dogs tend to be on the same side in many relationships, but it does not mean you have a "dominant dog" or a "submissive dog." In general, a dog displaying submissive behavior is trying to send the message that he is not a threat. This message may be intended for humans, other dogs, or other animals.
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Where do German Shepherds like to be petted?

It's important to remember that all German Shepherds are different (as are most dog breeds), but dogs generally like to be petted on the shoulders, chest, and base of the neck. These are the usual areas to avoid: Top of the head. Tail.
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Do German Shepherds smile?

Your German Shepherd has what appears to be a smile

German Shepherd will often relax their mouth, lips, and tongues to give you what looks like a happy grin. It's a smile where their lips curl up, their eyes soften, and their tongue pops out.
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How do you make a German Shepherd smile?

The best way to keep a German Shepherd happy is to provide for their intellectual, physical, and emotional needs. Make sure your German Shepherd has healthy foods, the right amount of exercise, fun mental stimulation, and lots of affection and love.
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How do u know ur dog loves u?

Your dog might jump on you, lick your face, and they'll definitely wag their tail. Being excited and happy to see you is one way you can be assured they love and miss you. They seek physical contact. This can come in the form of a quick nuzzle, a cuddle, or the famous lean.
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Why do German Shepherds look sad?

A GSD's herd is her family, and if someone comes into your GSDs home and remains there, this can confuse her. A new person in your home may cause jealousy or general sadness in your dog, as she may now feel that she is not receiving the attention that she was once so used to.
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Why do German Shepherds show their teeth?

In most cases, when a dog bares his teeth he is sending you a clear message to back off. Think of bared teeth as a warning: "I am going to use these teeth if you don't stop it." This behavior may be a precursor to more serious aggression.
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Why are German Shepherds so clingy?

German Shepherds are so clingy because it's in their nature to follow you around because of their loyalty and protectiveness. They can also be prone to separation anxiety. Owners can be at fault if they're always petting, cuddling, and kissing their dog, making them even more clingy!
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Do German Shepherds follow you everywhere?

German Shepherds are notorious for following their owners around to every room in the house. If you're going somewhere, you're out of your mind if you think you're going to leave them behind.
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Why does my German Shepherd follow me from room to room?

Your German Shepherd might follow you for emotional reasons. He might miss you, feel insecure, or have separation anxiety issues. If you adopted him as an adult, his history might be troublesome, and he may come with some emotional baggage.
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Do German Shepherds like to cuddle?

Are they cuddly and affectionate dogs? German Shepherds can absolutely be loving and affectionate dogs that are down for a good cuddle.
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What do German Shepherds love the most?

3 Things Your German Shepherd Dog Loves More Than Anything
  • #1 – Herding. Bred for herding (well, technically tending), almost all German Shepherd Dogs love to herd. ...
  • #2 – A Job. Live somewhere where herding isn't an option? ...
  • #3 – You!
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Why do German Shepherds tilt their heads?

The Root of the Behavior

Noises which are far out of reach of the human ear are easily discernible to a German Shepherd's auditory senses. If they hear something which they don't recognize or can't decipher, they will try to tune into the sound more by tilting their heads. Think of it as directional sound capturing.
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Do German Shepherds cry a lot?

In comparison to other dog breeds, German Shepherds actually whine more often. Because German Shepherds were bred to be herders and guard dogs, they had to learn instinctually how to get their owner's attention to protect the herd.
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Will a German Shepherd protect you?

German Shepherds will usually take to being a guard dog naturally. It's important to train them to be obedient. Learn how here. Many dogs are natural watch dogs; their bark is sufficient to alert their owner to something unusual, and the alarm they set up is a deterrent.
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