How to Safely Pick Up and Build Trust with Your German Shepherd?
Learn the proper technique for picking up a German Shepherd and build trust with kids in just 5 steps.
Physical Pickup Technique
When picking up a German Shepherd, especially around kids, it's crucial to support their large and muscular body. Use a 'hug' method, placing one arm under their chest and the other under their hindquarters. This ensures their weight is evenly distributed and reduces the risk of injury.
Keep your back straight and bend at the knees to maintain balance. Avoid lifting them by their limbs, as this can cause strain or injury. For a dog weighing 50–90 lbs, this method is ideal.
Always approach from the front, allowing the dog to see you and feel secure. This is especially important when handling a German Shepherd, who can be wary of sudden movements.
- Use a 'hug' method for even weight distribution
- Support chest and hindquarters
- Bend at the knees and keep back straight
- Approach from the front
- Avoid lifting by limbs
Trust-Building Sequence
Building trust with a German Shepherd, especially around kids, requires patience and consistency. Here's a step-by-step sequence:
1. Spend time sitting or lying on the floor with the dog, allowing them to approach you at their own pace.
2. Offer treats and gentle petting, focusing on the dog's chest and neck where they enjoy being touched.
3. Gradually introduce handling of their paws and tail, always with positive reinforcement.
4. Encourage kids to sit or kneel while interacting with the dog, teaching them to be calm and patient.
- Spend time on the floor
- Offer treats and gentle petting
- Gradual handling of paws and tail
- Teach kids to sit or kneel
When Not to Handle
It's important to know when not to handle your German Shepherd, especially around kids. These are key times to avoid handling:
After feeding: Wait at least 30 minutes after eating to prevent the risk of bloat.
During heavy shedding: Avoid handling during the spring and fall shedding seasons to minimize stress and hair loss.
While asleep: Respect their need for rest and don't disturb them unnecessarily.
When rushed: Take your time and don't force interactions, as this can create negative associations.
- Wait 30 min after feeding
- Avoid handling during shedding seasons
- Respect their sleep
- Avoid rushed interactions
Stress Signals to Watch For
Recognizing stress signals in a German Shepherd is essential for maintaining their well-being. Look out for these signs:
1. Lip licking
2. Shaking
3. Hiding
4. Pacing
5. Avoiding eye contact
6. Excessive barking or growling
7. Licking or yawning excessively
- Lip licking
- Shaking
- Hiding
- Pacing
- Avoiding eye contact
- Excessive barking/growling
- Licking/yawning excessively
Keep reading about German Shepherd: German Shepherd care sheet
Related questions
How old should kids be before handling a German Shepherd?
Kids should be at least 5 years old before handling a German Shepherd to ensure they understand how to interact safely.
How often should I brush my German Shepherd's coat during shedding?
Brush your German Shepherd's coat at least 3 times a week during heavy shedding seasons to manage hair loss and reduce stress.
What's the ideal temperature for a German Shepherd's living space?
The ideal temperature for a German Shepherd's living space is between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C) to ensure comfort and prevent overheating.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your german shepherd is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.