German Shepherds are known for being fierce working dogs that are up for any challenge. But, what about their emotional side? Do German Shepherds love their owners?
Every dog in the world loves to be showered with love, and this is no different with a German Shepherd dog. Some might show it more while others know to keep their cool.
They might love to receive love, but do they show love back is the main question.
In this article, we will be going through all the ways you can tell whether or not your German Shepherd loves you.
1. They Will Bring You Their Toys
One of the best feelings in the world is when you experience your dog giving you its toys or something that it really loves. This is one of the signs that your German Shepherd truly adores you.
This is extra special with GSDs because they can get super possessive with their toys. You might not realize this at times, and might likely think that they are just bringing the toy so you both can play.
This is not the case in every situation. You will be able to notice that sometimes when you are feeling down, your GSD will come and give you its toy. It is almost like it is giving an offering to you, and making you feel better.
2. They Will Be Extremely Happy Every Time You Come Home
This is almost a universal thing that all dogs do to show you how excited they are to see you after a long day at work. Different dogs will show this excitement in different ways, but you will be able to sense it from the second you arrive.
It can include a lot of tail wagging, being all around your feet, barking, even whining, and many, many more things.
This is just the best feeling, isn’t it?
3. They Will Wag Their Tail
Their tail is their main tool for showing us different kinds of emotions. You even have a whole tail position chart that you can check out.
You might be walking in and out of the room where the doggie is, but you will be able to notice that every time the dog sees you, it will wag its tail even the slightest bit.
GSDs might just be lying there, minding their business and staying still, but their tail will be moving.
4. They Will Nudge You With Their Nose Or Head
When these dogs nudge their owner with their nose or head, this means that they want more attention. This behavior is very similar to a toddler when they want to get your attention.
If you are looking at your phone for a long time, you can expect a snout appearing out of nowhere and almost nudging your phone out of your hands.
It is plain and simple – all they want is more cuddles.
5. They Will Follow You Everywhere
These pooches turn into real shadows when they love their owner. The GSD has a protective side as well, and when you mix the two, you will get a dog that will follow you everywhere – even the bathroom is not out of line.
It is almost like they are checking up on you many, many times during the day. Some will find this behavior a bit annoying, and it can be, but you need to be patient because this is one of the ways they are showing you that they love you.
6. They Will Put Their Paw On You
This can be considered similar to the nudging part we mentioned before. When a dog puts its paw on you, it means that they want cuddles.
They will most likely even nudge you a bit with their paw in a sense of ˝Hey! I’m here, and I need attention right away!˝
Even if you are busy, give them a small cuddle session when you notice this. Or, speak to them for a bit with a happy voice. Give them any type of attention, so they know you understand what they want.
7. They Will Obey Your Every Command
German Shepherds are extremely smart dogs, and they learn anything in a split second. The thing that is interesting is that they won’t listen to just anybody… oh, no.
These dogs love to please only their owner. They know that when they obey a command that was given to them, they will make their owner happy.
Nothing makes these dogs happier than seeing their owner get happy when they do something right.
8. They Will Maintain Eye Contact
When it comes to dogs, eye contact can mean many different things. If they are making eye contact with other dogs, it means that an attack is about to start.
Don’t worry – this is not the case when they look at their owner – it is actually the opposite.
If your dog is holding eye contact, it means that it admires you and loves you deeply. It is also like they are telling you that they are completely focused on what you are telling them at that moment.
9. They Lean Against You
When your German Shepherd leans against you, it’s not just a casual gesture—it’s a heartfelt display of trust and affection. Leaning is their way of seeking comfort and closeness, showing that they feel secure and protected in your presence.
This behavior often happens when you’re sitting on the couch or standing still, and they’ll gently press their body against you as if to say, “I’m here, and I trust you.”
For a German Shepherd, leaning is akin to a hug. These dogs are known for their loyalty and deep emotional connections with their owners, and leaning is one of their ways of expressing this bond.
It’s also a subtle sign of dependency, reminding you that you’re their safe space in the world.
Encourage this behavior by responding with gentle pats, soothing words, or even a little cuddle. These moments of connection strengthen your bond and reassure your dog that their trust in you is well-placed.
If your German Shepherd leans against you frequently, take it as a beautiful reminder of the mutual affection and unbreakable trust you share.
10. They Protect You
German Shepherds are natural protectors, and their strong instinct to shield their loved ones is one of their most endearing traits. When your German Shepherd positions themselves between you and a perceived threat, they’re demonstrating their deep commitment to keeping you safe.
This protective behavior can be as subtle as standing closer to you when a stranger approaches or as bold as barking to alert you to something unusual.
This trait is rooted in their history as working and herding dogs, bred to guard livestock and assist law enforcement. Their keen awareness of their surroundings and their sharp instincts make them highly vigilant companions.
They don’t just protect you physically; they also provide emotional security by being a constant, reliable presence in your life.
While this protective nature is a sign of their love and devotion, it’s important to manage it carefully to ensure they don’t become overly reactive or anxious in new situations. Regular socialization and training help your German Shepherd understand what constitutes a real threat versus harmless scenarios.
Celebrate their loyalty by acknowledging and rewarding their protective behavior appropriately, and you’ll continue to nurture their natural instinct to watch over you.