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My German Shepherd bit. Is it safe to keep him, will he bite again?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 105.8 lbs

My 8 year old German shepherd bite my brother and he now requires stitches. My brother tried to pull my dog into the house while I was in the car. As my dog pilot has separation anxiety with me and my brother grabbed him from behind we think this added to why he bit him. Pilot has never bitten before and now my family is questioning if we should put him down or not. I want an opinion if it is safe to keep him is there a chance he will bite again? Thank you

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 5th, 2017

I am very sorry this sirtuation has occurred. It sounds like it was very upsetting for you, Pilot, and your entire family. I would not advise putting Pilot to sleep over one transgression, however, he does need some help to prevent this occurring in the future. If Pilot is a dog with a nervous disposition, with issues such as separation anxiety and potentially fear- aggression, an in home consultation with a behaviourist wouldn't be incredibly beneficial. The one in one training for you both, will help you move forward from this one event, knowing hopefully how to prevent it happening again. What signs to look for before it can happen again.

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I think you are right that Pilot bit your brother, because of how he pulled him. Pilot is an old dog now and is likely having some arthritis or other painful conditions that can become very painful if he's pulled or pushed in the wrong way. The bite was most likely a reflex reaction to pain. I think you should not worry about him repeating this unless he is grabbed like that again. You should advise your family of this and tell them that they need to be more gentle with Pilot, because he is an old dog now. Also, you should take Pilot to the vet for an examination. German Shepherds often get arthritis in their hips and lower spine (hence why he would bite when being grabbed from behind). The vet can check for signs of this and advise on treatment that will make Pilot more happy and less likely to bite.

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