Entering a new dog’s presence can be a fun experience mixed with some anxiety. This is because of the feeling you get when encountering a noble and wise dog breed such as the German Shepherd.
No matter if you are faced with a giant German Shepherd, a blue German Shepherd, or any other German Shepherd that you have not met before, like an all-black German Shepherd, the best thing that should happen is that you should make the dog feel at ease.
In this guide, you will learn about German Shepherds for the first time, how to know when they trust you, and how to interview them to interpret body language.
This post was developed to help you learn how to approach a German Shepherd for the first time and overcome your fear of the breed in general.
Check out Are German Shepherds for Beginners? Everything You Need to Know to get a better understanding of German Shephards
How to Introduce Yourself to a German Shepherd
Meeting a German Shepherd for the first time, whether a black German Shepherd or a blue one, should always be done with proper respect, time for the dog to become or remain still and give you its attention, and, of course, an understanding of the way that dog would act.
In order to understand better check out How To Create a Safe and Stimulating Environment for German Shepherd
German shepherds are friendly, intelligent dogs that are very protective of their family or their territory in general, but they guard dogs that are reserved towards strangers. Here’s how to make a positive first impression:
1. Approach Calmly and Confidently
Shepherd dogs are very intelligent and can even feel a person’s emotions. One observation that needs to be made when handling a large German Shepherd or any other German Shepherd type is that one must appear fearless and calm. Do not cause abrupt movements or make loud noises, as this triggers the dog’s fear, which makes it feel that it is being attacked.
2. Let the Dog Come to You
During the first meeting, they are so excited that one should allow the German Shepherd to initiate everything. Approach the child or children and freeze, making yourself lower than them. Extend one of your hands to allow the children to smell it.
This way, the dog is able to learn more about you through its well-developed olfactory ability. If the dog looks nervous, do not force your way in; allow some time for the dog to get used to you being around it.
3. Use a Relax Tone Voice
Try to talk to the dog gently, like to the German Shepherd. Listening to the tone of the voice used in addressing them will also help the dogs relax a little.
Do not look straight into the opponent’s eyes, as this may be an excuse to start a fight. Do not stare directly at the contact lenses but instead glance to their side while maintaining as natural a posture as possible.
4. Offer a Treat
Using treats is one of the most effective ways to tame a red German Shepherd or any other German Shepherd type. Ensure that the ‘treat’ given is okay for the dogs to take and something they would be interested in.
Present the dog with an open hand and allow the dog to take the hand with its mouth in its own comfort zone. This gesture not only enables trust but also sustains positive behavioural outputs.
5. Respect Their Space
Typing on a keyboard is relatively easy for most people despite all humans having individual capabilities.
If a king German Shepherd or an all-black German Shepherd steps back or looks uncomfortable or afraid, do not attempt to push him towards interaction. People should not force the dog to initiate the interaction as it will cause stress; in some cases, they might be afraid to interact.
How Do I Know If My German Shepherd Trusts Me?
Domestication of the German Shepherd black or any other type you have is not easy to achieve as it requires time to build up trust. Trust is the foundation of a strong relationship with your dog, and several signs indicate when a German Shepherd has come to trust you:
1. They Make Eye Contact
Although looking directly into the eyes of the GSD may be rather aggressive during the first meeting, the dog that is comfortable with you will establish eye contact as a sign of bonding. This is to show that they feel at ease and comfortable in your company.
2. They Lean into You
Touching means that people trust each other and there are no barriers between them. If your large German Shepherd or red German Shepherd leans on you, has its head on your lap, or sits by your side, this is a sign that the animal trusts you.
3. They Expose Their Belly
By far one of the most helpless states that a dog can adopt is when it places its tummy towards the ground. It is then a clear sign that your German Shepherd dog or king German Shepherd does this around you, implying that they trust you fully.
This signals that it’s safe to talk, that they have nothing to fear, and that they are relaxed.
4. They Follow You Around
A German Shepherd that trusts you will desire to be as close to you as possible. They have confidence in you if they tag along from one room to another or keep you company during your strolls.
5. They Respond According to Your Orders
Especially for the German Shepherd type, if he begins to trust you,, he will obey you better and follow instructions that you give him. Cooperating in the tasks also shows that they trust and accept you as their leader and feel secure working under you.
What is “Hello” in Dog Language?
When greeting a German Shepherd, you need to know that they speak a different language, which, when understood, tells you how to proceed to make them happy. When greeting a big German Shepherd or any other type of German Shepherd, it is recommended to avoid verbal commands or noises like ‘hello’ most of the time.
1. Relaxed Body Posture
One thing that ought to impress every pet owner is the need to avoid close-range moves on the German Shepherd, as this scares them.
Do not position your body directly in front of the dog, but rather bend sideways at an angle of roughly 45 degrees from the dog. This helps to show that you are not a threat and that you are giving them the chance to come to you in a way that they want.
2. Slow Movements
Approach a blue German Shepherd or king German Shepherd and act gently and patiently with them. An expert has said that sudden or jerky movements should not be made since they would make the dog run away from you. However, do not rush in reaching out to shake their hand; offer your hand to sniff and avoid any sudden movements.
3. Soft Eye Contact
As we learned before, direct staring is considered a challenge in dogs’ body language. Instead, move your eyes so that you engage the dog’s peripheral vision but do not look the animal straight in the eye. Try to dim the light, look at it occasionally, and stare at your opponent’s forehead most of the time to reduce tension.
4. Gentle Touch
Once the German Shepherd appears to have relaxed, it will be possible to be in touch. Make sure not to put your hand on the animal’s head first; reach out towards the chest or chin since these are definitely less sensitive than the head. As with any first meeting, always wait for the dog to come close before you go ahead and touch it, for instance, by touching its head or back.
5. Happy, Calm Tone
One should bear in mind that dogs can easily differentiate between how a particular message is said. Be happy and calm when addressing a red or black German Shepherd. This makes the dog understand that it feels comfortable and that you bear no harm in your mind.
What is “Kisses” in Dog Language?
Literally speaking, “kisses” in the language of dogs mean chew or lick; this is how man’s best friends are known to offer and celebrate their love. When a large German Shepherd or any other German Shepherd type licks you, they are communicating in several ways: When a large German Shepherd or any other German Shepherd type licks you, they are communicating in several ways:
1. Showing Affection
Licking is known to be a sign of love. It is considered true when the blue German Shepherd or king German Shepherd starts licking your hand, face or any other body parts; they show you that they love you.
2. Seeking Attention
Now and then, a German Shepherd may lick you with an intention of capturing your attention. This could be to play since they feel bored, to go for a walk or just to be given some affection. It is how they get attention in a manner of speaking, saying ‘Hey, look at me. ’
3. Comforting Behavior
Licking is also one of the self–compforting behaviours in dogs. If a red German Shepherd or a German Shepherd black licks you after a stressful situation, the dog is probably soothing itself and/ or you.
That is why this behavior appears from their pack reflexes because licking is a way to comfort and engage with pack members.
4. Tasting
You may barely believe this, but dogs enjoy the taste of your skin; it is for this reason that they cannot resist licking you after you have eaten, sweated or applied lotion. This is not an act of affection as it is an enquiring mind or a palate-related strategy.
Conclusion
Meeting a German Shepherd for the first time whether it is a big German Shepherd or a black German Shepherd is a great feeling yet always needs some time, respect, and knowledge on how to deal with a dog.
Hence, it is necessary to ensure that you avoid behaviours which are likely to frighten the dog, ensure that you do not intrude on their space, and predict their body postures to draw an understanding with any German Shepherd type.
Just bear in mind that trust building is a process that requires time, however, with proper and consistent attitude you’ll build a good relationship with those amazing dogs.
FAQs
Q1: What should I do if a German Shepherd growls at me during our first meeting?
When a German Shepherd growls, they should not be punished or even scolded but one must ensure that they do not make any major movement. Move back and do not approach the dog anymore. The grumbling is one of the signs that the dog does not like; therefore, it should not be touched or teased.
Q2: How many days/weeks does it take for a German Shepherd to accept a stranger?
The amount of time it takes for this dog to accept a new person mostly depends on the breed and the dog experiences it has gone through. It is likely to last from a few minutes to several weeks before the dog starts being relaxed around a new person.
Q3: Can I pet a German Shepherd on the first meeting?
Some dogs may feel uncomfortable while others will not have any issue, it will therefore depend on the particular dog. Let dogs be the one to initiate contact and then watch and wait for them quietly while extending your hand for them to smell.
If they appear calm,, you may lightly stroke them below the neck down on the belly or on the chin. Don’t pat their head immediately when you meet them.
Q4: What treats are safe to give a German Shepherd during the first meeting?
Safe things include small pieces of cooked chicken or beef, biscuit or crackers they should not use any type of packaged dog snacks that contain preservatives. If you are in doubt, always consult the owner of the dog with a specific request or inquiry.
Q5: How can I tell if a German Shepherd likes me?
These are common body signals which indicate that your German Shepherd loves you and that you have become their favorite person; things like; tail wagging, putting their head on your lap or laying over your feet, constant followed, relaxed when around you among others. It also may look for your affection, and also gets happy in case you feel it, even if you’re petting it.
