German Shepherd Behavior Problems: When Dad Says "I'll Control Him" — What That Actually Means

"Dad's answer should be: I'll control him." This instruction from Before You Say Yes to the Dog is directed at the system owner, the person with final accountability for the dog's management, especially in situations involving safety. The statement is made in the context of a common family scenario: the primary caregiver expresses concern about the dog's behaviour, and the system owner responds by taking responsibility for managing it. The specific phrase, "I'll control him," is not a boast or a promise of dominance. It is a commitment to operational management.

In practical terms, "I'll control him" means several things. It means that the system owner will be the person who manages the dog in situations where safety is a factor. When visitors arrive, the system owner handles the dog. When the children are interacting with the dog, the system owner is present and supervising. When the dog is in an unfamiliar environment, the system owner is managing the lead, the distance from distractions, and the dog's exposure to new stimuli. When a behaviour problem surfaces, the system owner is the person who addresses it, whether that means redirecting the dog, removing him from the situation, or implementing a training protocol.

This commitment is particularly important with large breeds like German Shepherds. A German Shepherd is a powerful dog. An adult male can weigh over forty kilograms and has the strength to pull an adult off their feet. If the dog is not reliably controlled, the consequences of a behaviour problem are amplified by his size and strength. A small dog who jumps on a visitor is an annoyance. A German Shepherd who jumps on a visitor is a safety hazard. A small dog who pulls on the lead is manageable. A German Shepherd who pulls on the lead can be impossible for some family members to control.

"I'll control him" does not mean using physical force. The book's philosophy is firmly against dominance-based training methods. Control, in this context, means having the training, management skills, and authority to guide the dog's behaviour without confrontation. It means the dog responds reliably to commands, so the system owner can manage him at a distance. It means the system owner can read the dog's body language and intervene before a behaviour escalates. It means the system owner can handle the dog in any situation that arises without losing composure or control.

For German Shepherd owners, this commitment is especially important because the breed's natural traits, intelligence, protectiveness, and physical strength, can become liabilities without proper management. A German Shepherd who is not controlled is a German Shepherd who will develop behaviour problems, not because the breed is inherently problematic, but because the dog's natural drives are not being channelled through training and structure. The system owner's commitment to control is what prevents this.

The practical steps of this commitment include regular training sessions to maintain and reinforce obedience. A reliable recall is non-negotiable. Loose lead walking is essential. A calm, controlled greeting behaviour is critical for household harmony. The system owner also needs to be physically capable of managing the dog, which means choosing a dog whose size and strength are within their ability to handle.

If you are the system owner and you are making the commitment to control the dog, honour it. Train the dog consistently. Maintain the obedience behaviours. Manage the situations that require your intervention. Be the person the family trusts to handle the dog when it matters. This commitment is the foundation of the family's safety and the dog's success in the household.

Understanding canine body language is one of the most valuable skills a dog owner can develop. Dogs communicate primarily through their bodies, not through vocalisation. A wagging tail does not always mean a happy dog. The position of the tail, the tension in the body, the position of the ears, the shape of the eyes, and the overall posture all convey information about the dog's emotional state and his likely next behaviour. A dog who is stiff, still, and staring is not relaxed. He is likely in a state of high arousal that could lead to a reactive response. A dog who turns his head away, licks his lips, or yawns in a non-sleepy context is signalling discomfort or anxiety. Learning to read these signals allows the owner to intervene before a behaviour escalates, which is far more effective than reacting after the behaviour has already occurred.

The role of exercise in behaviour management cannot be overstated. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog, within reason. Most behaviour problems, excessive barking, destructive chewing, inappropriate elimination, reactivity, and attention-seeking, are either caused or exacerbated by insufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation. The amount of exercise a dog needs varies by breed, age, and individual temperament, but the minimum for most dogs is significantly more than many families realise. A fifteen-minute walk around the block is not adequate exercise for a young, healthy dog. Most dogs need at least an hour of physical activity per day, split across multiple sessions, plus additional mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and interactive play. Families that provide adequate exercise and stimulation have far fewer behaviour problems than families that do not, and the difference is often dramatic.