All dog owners want to show their dogs affection through cuddling. Cuddling your dog is an emotional experience. It releases stress and makes your bond with your dog stronger.
But if you are a german shepherd parent, you must know that not all german shepherds like to cuddle.
If your German Shepherd doesn’t like to cuddle, that doesn’t mean that they don’t love you. It is not their way of showing affection. And also that they like their own space. Sometimes they want to be close to you but don’t like when you hold them. You need to understand your German Shepherd’s preferences. Please do not force them to do what they don’t want to do.
This article will help you understand why german shepherds need to cuddle. It will also highlight why some of them like to cuddle and others don’t. Also, we will tell you the ways you can make your German Shepherd more cuddly and affectionate.
Why do german shepherds cuddle?
Listed below are some reasons to know why your german Shepherd loves to cuddle:
To convey affection
German shepherds are very loyal and affectionate dogs. And cuddling is a way for them to show affection. But their way of cuddling can be different from yours. Also, german shepherds need to be familiar with a person and build trust before showing physical affection.
So, the simple answer is that your german Shepherd cuddles to show their love.
They’re brought up like this.
How your german Shepherd receives affection has a lot to do with their upbringing.
German shepherds are intelligent dogs and are eager to learn new things. So, a german shepherd puppy who gets a lot of cuddles grows up to become affectionate.
They want to protect you.
German shepherd dogs were born to be working dogs. They did jobs such as herding sheep and protecting dogs. Today also, you would see them as guard dogs. They are also very intelligent, so they keep observing their surroundings. If they feel threatened, their instinct is to protect their loved ones. They try to keep their owners safe by cuddling them.
To get warm
German shepherds can feel cold during a chilly season despite having a double-coat. So German Shepherd cuddles to share your body warmth when they feel cold.
To feel safe
The German Shepherd’s instinct is to protect you. But sometimes, they might want to get protection too. Part of their breed history is that they feel vulnerable while sleeping. So, they like to snuggle at that time.
You must have also seen that your German Shepherd jumps on you if a stranger walks into your house. At this point, they also want to cuddle you. Again, it is because they want you to make them feel secure.
Benefits of cuddling for you and your German Shepherd
Cuddling offers various benefits to you and your German Shepherd. But it is essential to mention that these benefits are only for german shepherds who like to cuddle.
Destress them
If your German Shepherd feels anxious or scared by something, you can relax them by cuddling. Some studies prove that cuddling your german Shepherd will release oxytocin that destresses them.
Builds trust
It builds their trust in you when you cuddle your German Shepherd while they get scared or anxious. They know that they have you when they are stuck.
Good for your mental health
Cuddling your german shepherd dog helps you release serotonin or the feel-good hormone. It allows you to feel better.
Ways for a german shepherd to cuddle
Even a cuddly german shepherd has his way of cuddling and showing affection. There are various ways your German Shepherd can cuddle.
- Leaning on to you
- Rest their head on you
- Put their paws on your body.
- Cuddling while sharing a bed
Why don’t some german shepherds like to cuddle?
They don’t like it.
Some German Shepherds don’t cuddle because they don’t like it. So don’t force your german Shepherd to cuddle if this is the case. Instead, let them take their space.
Not bred as pet dogs
Germans had bred german shepherds to serve humans and not show love or affection. In the beginning, they were working dogs and did not have enough time for affection and love. However, their role in our lives has changed with time, and they have become family dogs. But sometimes, their natural qualities can come in the way of their affectionate behavior.
They are not socialized.
You must have heard that socializing your german Shepherd is crucial for good growth. One effect of their socialization is on the way they receive affection. If your German Shepherd is not social, they might take cuddling as a threat.
They could take it as a threat.
Your German Shepherd might feel threatened when you try to cuddle them. One reason for this could be their experience. They could have trust issues if their previous owners mistreated them. So, they don’t want the reoccurrence of a bad experience.
It is common to happen if you adopt your dog from a shelter.
They want their space.
Some German shepherds have their personalities, and they want their space. They like to spend time alone. There is nothing wrong with doing that. It is a personal dog trait.
You are doing it wrong.
Most dogs don’t like the human way of cuddling. They want to have space between them and the person they cuddle. To avoid this, you can observe your German Shepherd’s way of cuddling. Then, try to give them what they want.
Sometimes it’s the weather.
If your German Shepherd likes to cuddle in the winter but avoids doing it in summers, he feels hot. German shepherds have a double coat that is already keeping them hot. So, summers can be a difficult time for a GSD.
They have injuries or pain.
If your german shepherds are cuddly but start avoiding it, then they might have some injury. They could also have any health condition that causes pain. For example, if you touch your German Shepherd on a particular body part and they flinch, then they are in pain. You need to constitute pet medical advice if that happens.
How to know if your German Shepherd doesn’t like to cuddle?
Focus on your German Shepherd’s body language when you hold them. For example, if they become aggressive, it is a sign that they do not like to cuddle. They might also wriggle away from your hold.
How to make your German Shepherd like cuddling?
We know that some german shepherds like to cuddle while others don’t. But being affectionate is an admirable quality. So if you are a dog owner who wants to cuddle, follow these simple tips to make your German Shepherd likes cuddling.
Reward them
Reward your german Shepherd every time they come to you and cuddle you. Use their favorite treat as a reward. It will encourage the desired behavior in your dog.
Do not punish them
Punishing your dog for not being affectionate is never a good idea. But, it will have a negative effect and will make your German Shepherd less loving.
Make it part of their routine
Continue to show your german shepherd affection despite their non-affectionate behavior. It will make them fond of you, and they will start responding to your affection. Make a routine to take some time out in the morning to cuddle your German Shepherd. Also, do it during the day. In this way, cuddling will become a part of their daily routine.
The difference in the affection of male and female shepherds
There is a difference in affection based on your German Shepherd’s gender. Male german shepherds tend to show love to one person. That one person would be their owner or the one who takes care of them the most. But, female ones get affectionate with the whole family.
Other signs of affection
If your German Shepherd doesn’t like to cuddle, that doesn’t mean they are not affectionate at all. Below mentioned are some other signs of affection you may notice in your German Shepherd.
- Being close to you
- Following you around
- Making eye contact
- Asking for attention
- Responding to your voice
Endnote
German shepherds are a loving and devoted breed. Most German Shepherds like to cuddle. But they show this physical affection to people they love and trust. Yet, some german shepherds don’t want to cuddle.
There are many reasons why some german shepherds don’t like to cuddle. It could be a part of their personality. Or they might be in pain. Also, sometimes, you are not cuddling them the right way.
You can always make them more affectionate with simple tricks. Do it by rewarding them or making cuddling part of their routine.
FAQ’s
How do German Shepherds show affection?
Some ways by which your german shepherds can show affection are:
- Getting excited to see you
- Leaning towards you
- Wagging their tail
- Brushing against your body
- Following you around
- Cuddling you often
Do German Shepherds prefer one person?
German shepherds tend to prefer one person over others. This behaviour is more common in male german shepherds. This one person can be the one who takes care of them the most. On the contrary, female german shepherds are affectionate towards each family member.
Are male or female German Shepherds more affectionate?
German shepherds are, in general, very affectionate. Yet, female german shepherds are affectionate towards the whole family. They are close to each member.
On the contrary, the male ones are close to a single person and tend to be affectionate only towards that one person. Due to this factor, female shepherds are easier to adjust to in the family than male shepherds.
Are German Shepherds affectionate?
German shepherds are an affectionate dog breed. They are very loving and affectionate towards their family. And they also have an instinct to protect their loved ones. Yet, they don’t show affection to strangers. Also, the amount of affection can be different for every individual dog
