Can't we all be friends?

[Titan'sMomma]

On several occassions we've gone to parks or off-leash areas and Titan (our 5.5 month old male boxer pup) has come in contact with German Shepherds. They just don't seem to like him. Titan does not seem to be showing aggressive behaviour - he just seems curious and eager to play - but the shepherds seem more eager to growl and bark and knock him down. Why is this happening? Are they threatened by Titan's energy level? Could it just be a coincidence that every shepherd owner we've come accross did not properly socialize their dog? We were at an agility show checking things out and we were told that some breeds of dog are offended by the boxer's flat face. Is this true?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[magoo's_mama]

In my experience..

I spent last summer housesitting my parents German Shepard before I got my boxer and this could just be the situation with just one Shepard but when we went to the dog park she would just ignore the other dogs and want to be on her own. She was very bonded to her family but has no use for dog playmates, So if another dog would approiach her to play she would growl and let them know she wasn't interested, Never being violent, but just saying back off and let me enjoy the park ALONE
Personally I think shepards are a fabulous breed, they're just loners.

 

[douma]

We have a Boxer and a German Shepard ,both female and they get along great

I have heard before,that some dogs offended by flat face dogs,but i think this caused by the noice that the bulldogs make

Sophia and Avra

 

[Lael]

I don't know about German Shepherds per say, but I have noticed when Lael meets other dogs that not all of them appreciate her "boxing". In fact, the dogs that really love her the most are... Boxers. Don't know if that may be why they react the way they do, but just a thought.

Cat & Lael

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

My personal opinion is that GSDs are very people loyal dogs. They have one "person" and they are incredibly loyal and loving with that person (or maybe a couple or their own pack). They are not particularly dog/dog social types either. Not that they are aggressive, but they seem not to care for other dog companionship as much as they prefer their "person."

It could also have a lot to do with the mentality of many (not all) GSD owners. They tend to get GSDs for "protection" dogs and they either missed socializing their dogs as young pups or chose to teach their dogs to be defensive/afraid and/or aggressive with anyone else. These are LEARNED behaviors, even for GSDs, since most dogs would rather NOT fight.

One thing to remember about dog parks and socialization is that one has to choose your dog's friends carefully, as you would for your child. Some dogs are not suited as playments for all other dogs. Your dog may not be suited to play with smaller dogs, but well suited to play with, say a Ridgeback or a AmStaff. Or your dog may be a bit shy and prefer the company of less rambunctious dogs. Guide your dog to the appropriate playmates and he'll thank you for it.

We can't expect all dogs to get along all the time, just like people. We all have our likes and dislikes for whatever the reasons. Dogs are the same. They're allowed.