Spooked German Shepherd Decides It’s Time to Head Home and Makes Sure Mom Comes Along
He wouldn't take no for an answer.
German Shepherds are known to be very protective. They’re literally employed, a lot of the time, to help catch bad guys! German Shepherds are excellent judges of character, which is what everyone loves about them. They know when the vibes are bad, and they’re good at keeping out of trouble.
Recently, one German Shepherd heard something he didn’t like at all while he was out on a walk with his mom. As soon as he heard the sketchy thing, he turned around, took control of that leash, and walked Mom right home:
According to Bri Tarness, the thing her German Shepherd heard that spooked him was a male voice on his walk. It was loud enough for him to hear from across the street, and he doesn’t like yelling… Or men, apparently.
He’s a rescue, and he has a sister: a matching German Shepherd mix. They’re rescues, which could explain some of his hesitancy when it comes to loud male voices. Bri has a husband, so they’re around a man every day, but that’s someone they’ve built trust with. A stranger? No way.
Related: Shelter German Shepherd Puppy’s Fluffy Baby Ears Are Screaming ‘Take Me Home!’
When he’s not on guard while he’s walking Mom every day, this German Shepherd is super laid-back. He loves spending time with his family, and although he’s a little grumpy, he still lets Mom do silly things like put a Cookie Monster costume on him:
I know he secretly loves it. He has to look a little grumpy: that’s his brand! The only thing I think could’ve topped the Cookie Monster costume would be an Eeyore one!
Do German Shepherds Hate Men?
Both of Bri’s German Shepherds can be a little prickly when it comes to men, though the boy seems to have it worse in that department. It makes sense: they’re rescues, and rescues often have a past that involves some issues. A lot of rescue dogs have a problem with men; shelter listings even point this out when they need to.
meaghanbrowning / Getty Images
German Shepherds do not inherently hate men. Many live happy, peaceful lives with men around. A properly socialized, well-loved German Shepherd will most likely have no issues with men. However, some circumstances can lead them to be wary, such as:
Past trauma or direct abuse.
Witnessing a man abuse someone else.
Louder, deeper voices.
Men are typically taller, and their tone of voice might come across to the dog as more “aggressive.” That’s not to say they are more aggressive, but it might be how the dog perceives them. If you want your German Shepherd to get along well with men, women, or anyone else, proper socialization and love are the key!
🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾
This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Oct 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: Nature