There is a ton of misunderstandings about some of the dog breeds that have been labeled as dangerous. Some dogs tend to be more aggressive than others, but it all boils down to how the puppy is treated. Training is also essential, as is socialization with other animals and humans. With all that being said, the question still remains: are German Shepherds good dogs?
German Shepherds are excellent dogs to have in the opinions of most experts and owners. They are safe to have around children, other animals, and adults as they come and go from the home. They are highly protective of all the family members, especially the younger ones. Loyalty and protectiveness are their most exemplary traits; they are also known to be intelligent and easy to train.
The German Shepherd has a reputation for being a vicious dog that cannot be controlled. Mainly because they were the go-to dog for the police drug enforcement teams for many years. The dog was so intelligent that they could easily be taught to sniff out drugs, and since they were so protective over their owner, they made a great partner for most officers. But that is all in training. Let’s dig into the German Shepherd’s mind a little more to understand why these dogs are great to have.
Why German Shepherds Make Good Dogs
German Shepherds are classified as herding dogs that can reach a weight of up to 90 pounds and are as tall as 2 ft 2 inches. These are just average numbers that certified breeders and show judges have set. You can end up with a dog that is larger or smaller, just depending on the lineage that they come from.
They are powerful, intelligent animals that need to have some room to exercise. They are not designed to live inside a small apartment or to be locked inside a kennel for their entire life. They are not one of the highest energy dogs that you can get, but they do need to stretch their legs several times a day.
Dogs can be a part of your life for many different reasons, all of which will be up to you and your specific circumstances. They are well suited for almost any task that you could have.
- They are great family pets.
- They are excellent guard dogs.
- They are fantastic service dogs for the police and military.
- They are perfect service dogs for the disabled.
Matching a dog breed to your personality and needs is one of the most critical steps to owning a dog. If they are meant to be a service dog, they will need to be trained differently than if you are looking for a fur baby to cuddle with on the couch. Before committing to one, you must understand what makes the German Shepherd tick.
German Shepherds Are Easy to Train
At one time or another, you have run into a stubborn dog who refuses to listen to anything but themselves. This may be because they were not trained properly or not at all. It could also be how they think and act or something the dog parent taught them without realizing it. What matters, though, is whether the dog could be trained to be a good dog.
German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent dogs you can get, so they are very easy to train. You can teach them to do any task with little time and effort. If they are meant to be a family dog, you should let them interact with children of all ages.
The type of training will depend upon your and your specific situation, but all dogs need to be taught a few basic things to make them safe to be around. Plus, you need to establish that you are the top dog, and they will need to listen to you.
The words you use, or the language, do not matter as much as the tone in which you say them. Plus, everyone trying to establish respect from the dog will need to say it the same way. German Shepherds are smart, so they quickly pick up on the various speech patterns their humans communicate with. They will know when they are in trouble.
Here are the basic commands you should teach your dog:
- Sit
- Lay down
- Stay down (no jumping)
- Stay
- Come
- Heel
- No
German Shepherds Are Great Guard Dogs
The one thing you can rely on about a German Shepherd is that it will protect everyone it considers to be in its pack. They will guard their homes to the last breath. This is part of their lineage that has been bred into them from the beginning, which is one of the reasons they have a bad rap for being a mean dog.
This part of their genetics does not have to be trained, but like every other animal or human, it can be honed to perfection. For example, if you own a house in a rough part of town, the German Shepherd can be taught to stay diligent at night or while you are away. The need to protect is already ingrained in their psyche, so it is an easy task to complete.
German Shepherds Are Perfect Service Dogs
When you think of a German Shepherd, you automatically think of a police dog or military dog and all the tales you have seen on social media about how they saved their partner in the line of duty. The fact is, though, that they also make a great service dog for anyone that is disabled because they are so intelligent.
They can learn to patrol, sniff drugs, walk you to the store, and guide you safely through the busy city streets. Whether you are blind, deaf, or just need a great mental support dog, the German Shepherd is one of the best for the purpose.
Conclusion
Contrary to what many think, the German Shepherd is a great dog to have as a family pet, protector, or loyal family member. When training the dog, you must ensure that they are socialized with adults, kids, and other animals as they grow up. If you don’t, they can end up being overprotective and cause you and your family some serious issues.
Another important thing you must remember is that when you pick your puppy, go through a reputable breeder and a licensed seller. This will decrease the odds of getting a dog that is aggressive or withdrawn because both can be dangerous. Like every other dog, the point is that you can get a great new family member that stays by your side through thick and thin.