At what age do German Shepherd puppies begin barking? Most new pet owners expect their furry friends to start barking in their early puppyhood, but German Shepherds can start barking much sooner than that. In fact, it’s not uncommon for German Shepherd puppies to start barking when they’re just a few weeks old.
This article will explore when German Shepherd puppies start barking, what causes them to bark, and how you can stop it if it gets excessive.
How Much Do German Shepherds Dogs Bark?
The GSD is undoubtedly one of the noisiest dog breeds in the world. They bark a lot to communicate their feelings, though this minor issue can still be solved.
Socialization should begin at a young age. The more you interact with the GSD, the faster you will notice results. Their obedience training is nerve-wracking, and you won’t find a more obedient dog anywhere.
At What Age Do German Shepherd Puppies Begin Barking?
Since the German Shepherd is a breed that is known for its outgoing nature, the first symptoms of barking often appear between the ages of two and four weeks.
In most cases, these symptoms consist just of grunting or whimpering. When they are two months old, puppies will start yipping, and by the time they are four months old, they will be barking in earnest.
Some puppies start barking earlier than the four-month mark, while others don’t start until much later.
Why Won’t My German Shepherd Bark?
The majority of German Shepherd puppies will not bark unless they are in a potentially dangerous scenario or they are really aroused (like meeting a new dog).
German Shepherds are extremely clever creatures, and as a result, they quickly understand that their constant barking is both annoying and draws attention to themselves. Therefore, they normally only bark when it is absolutely necessary.
How Loud Is a German Shepherd’s Bark?
Around the age of four months, the majority of German Shepherds start letting out their adult-sounding barks.
Since they start so young, it is of the utmost importance to appropriately socialize them throughout this time period. Both you and your German Shepherd will benefit much throughout the course of your lives if you take the time to teach him when it is appropriate to bark and when it is best to keep quiet.
You should know that a German Shepherd packs a powerful aural punch if you have ever heard one of these dogs bark. It is not at all unusual for their barks to reach a decibel level that is higher than 85, which is the upper limit of what is regarded to be safe for human ears.
It should come as no surprise that this breed is so effective when used as a police dog or as a deterrent against possible invaders, given that its bark is so threatening. The bark of a German Shepherd has the ability to literally strike fear into the hearts of any and all criminals.
Do German Shepherds Dogs Bark More And Louder Than Other Dogs?
A dog’s barking is not necessarily considered to be a negative trait. It totally depends on what the dog is going to be used for. After all, a watchdog or guard dog that doesn’t bark won’t do you much good, most likely. Additionally, for a little herding dog, the ability to bark can be quite helpful.
Barking, on the other hand, might be an annoyance for owners whose primary goal is to keep a dog as a pet. And when it gets to be too much for the owners to handle, it may drive them mad.
When it comes to expressing themselves through sound, German Shepherds have a propensity to do so more so than other breeds do on average.
How Can You Keep Your German Shepherd From Barking All the Time?
Let your dog bark, then distract them with a treat. Let them scent the treat. When your dog stops barking to smell a goodie, order them to “talk.” Here are some ways to stop your GSD from barking:
- Use a clicker to train your dog to quit barking.
- When your dog barks, say “No.”
- Praise your dog for good behavior throughout training.
- Only let your dog bark on demand.
Final Thoughts
At what age do German shepherd puppies begin barking? To sum it up, if you have a German shepherd puppy, you can expect them to start barking between the ages of two and four weeks. However, some puppies may start sooner or later than this.
Make sure to socialize your German shepherd puppy during this time so they understand when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not!
