Socializing means exposing your dog to a variety of experiences, including meeting lots of people of various ages, races, sizes and both sexes, as well as teaching them how to acceptably interact with other dogs/cats. Obedience classes provide an excellent opportunity for socialization in a controlled environment.

It is extremely important to socialize your new GSD, regardless of age. After you've given them a week or two to settle in to their new home, take your dog with you as often as you can. Trips to buy pet food, hiking, the park (Always On A Leash!), family gatherings, and quick errands to any store that will allow your dog access. Teach others to always ask permission before petting your dog. Some dog are more social than others and there is no rule that says they must allow strangers to pet them. As long as they're well behaved in public, that's all you need to ask of them. We do NOT recommend "dog parks" as a way of socializing your dog.

Socializing is important because it helps strengthen your dog's confidence and reduces the chance that your dog will become shy or fearful. Fearful dogs can become fear aggressive or fear biters. Unsocialized dogs can be successfully rehabilitated with time

Most German Shepherds have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of your neighbors, friends, etc. Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be very suspicious to evryone, which could lead to biting. Some German Shepherds go in the opposite direction and without enough socialization, they become fearful of strangers, which can lead to defensive biting.

Gradually expose your GSD to new experiences as they becomes comfortable with strange people, places, sounds, and things. As your dog's confidence improves, visit more places and introduce more sounds. Be careful not to expose your dog to too much, too soon.