Will a German shepherd hold a grudge after being hit by its owner?

A German shepherd that is hit by its owner may hold a grudge, but usually not for long. German shepherds are intelligent dogs with a mind like a 5 to 7 year old child, so their memory is not poor; if hit, they may hold a grudge like a child and even show some retaliation. So avoid scolding and hitting the dog often, to keep its temper from becoming increasingly irritable. If you find the German shepherd holding a grudge, comfort it in a gentle tone, give it a tasty treat, and take it out to play and relax; the dog will usually forget soon.