The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that about 7% of the adult population in the United States suffers from major depression. Other than hindering normal life activities, self-care, and causing illness, depression can result in impairments and negative thoughts. Service dogs are increasingly being used to help people with mental disorders, but are German Shepherds good for depression?
German Shepherds can be good for depression because they can offer great emotional support and comfort during challenging times. However, given that German Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs, their temperament can prove to be demanding.
There is a lot to consider before choosing a German Shepherd as your emotional support animal for depression. The rest of his article will explain in what to know before choosing a German Shepherd as an Emotional Support pet, what makes an excellent emotional support dog, and reasons to have a German Shepherd for depression.
What Makes A Good Emotional Support Dog For Depression?
When choosing an Emotional support pet, it is vital to ensure that it will suit your situation. If you’re considering a German Shepherd, take into account some of its characteristics like temperament, personality, and energy levels. Emotional support animals should be able to connect with their owners instead of being distant or aloof.
Similarly, it should not be overwhelming or irritating. Some emotional support pets crave attention constantly and are very full-on. For this reason, an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) must be compatible with its owner to improve their mental health. Another consideration is the dog’s size, it’ll determine where it will live and its exercise needs. It should be able to live according to its owners’ living conditions, in terms of space and time.
Reasons Why German Shepherds Are Good For Depression
German Shepherds are one of the most popular and common choice as pets among all dog breeds. Not only do they make excellent family dogs because of their friendly nature, but they equally make great emotional support animals. They are easy to live within families that have children because most are social and have a caring temperament.
If you are struggling with depression, the following are reasons why a German Shepherd Dog (GSD) might be a good fit for you:
- They are intelligent. GSDs can learn complex tasks very fast; that is why they are popular military dogs. If you experience episodes of depression, a GSD will sense quickly and immediately come to your aid. They will paw, nudge, and cuddle with you to get you out of that state.
- Protective and respectful. When well trained, GSDs respect and love their owners. Equally, they are natural guard dogs; they will protect and defend their families. In a situation where you’re struggling with PTSD and depression after an unfortunate event, they will fiercely protect you from strangers.
- Loyal. Not all GSDs have a calm temperament, but they are loyal to the bone and make excellent best friends. You, therefore, don’t have to worry about them leaving you.
- Excellent companions. They are great to spend time with during family activities with kids around. If you are struggling with depression, they make ideal companions as you can hang out and talk to them as they are attentive listeners.
- Easily adaptable. GSDs will adapt to any environment with ease, especially when properly trained. As long as you exercise and feed them properly, they can stay in the house, in your yard, or walk with you in crowded places.
- Very energetic. To remain healthy and fit, German Shepherds require at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This is beneficial for you because you get out of the house and play or walk with them. When struggling with depression, getting out will be good for your mental health, and your GSD will be there to accompany you.
What You Should Know Before Choosing A German Shepherd For Depression
German Shepherds are known for their role in the military, search and rescue, and as police dogs. Also, they are top picks as service dogs. They perform several tasks for people who are diagnosed with seizures, hearing loss, and visual impairments.
Not all GSDs can make excellent ESA for depression; hence, you need to consider several factors to determine whether a particular dog will suit your needs.
Suitability As An ESA
Although psychiatric assistance is a new field to German Shepherd service dogs, they assist with specific disorders such as anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, and depression. German Shepherd puppies are trained to carry out tasks according to their owner’s problem. They reduce anxiety by providing tactile stimulation to their owners. They are trained to paw or nudge owners to reduce harmful or undesirable behaviors.
For victims with anxiety and depression, they act as barriers to prevent unwanted contact from others. However, all these are dependent on the dog’s preference during training as some may want to work solely as guard dogs. (Read: At What Age Do German Shepherds Start Guarding?)
Response To Training
All dogs are trainable regardless of their breed. However, emotional support dogs should learn complex and specific skills to be of help to their owners. Since German Shepherds come from working line breeds, they are advantageous and easy to train. GSDs are intelligent and can combine independent thought with obedience in dangerous situations. This is known as “intelligent disobedience.”
Not all German Shepherds will respond well to specific tasks like those of emotional support. Ensure that the German Shepherd you pick is from the right bloodline and able to master these complex tasks.
Here is a video on some quick tips for training your GSD:
Temperament
When it comes to an ESA for depression, the right temperament of a German Shepherd is crucial.
Temperament determines how trainable the dog is; if it is willing to obey, learn, please, and be there emotionally for its master. Being available for their owner requires that a GSD remains calm in noisy environments, around people because they sometimes have to travel together. This aspect can be a tall order for a GSD; therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the one you choose has the right temperament for these situations.
Physical Size
German Shepherd females grow up to between 22 and 24 inches and weigh about 50 to 70lbs. Males are usually bigger, they measure between 24 to 26 inches and weigh from 65 to 90 lbs. (Read: German Shepherd Weight Guide)
Other than assisting patients with physical disabilities to move around, their sheer size will help individuals who have anxiety to feel more at ease in crowded environments. They are also intimidating to strangers; hence they would not approach without warning.
The size of a German Shepherd can equally be disadvantageous because they will hardly fit on your lap to offer emotional support. It requires that they know when they’re invited and when they need to get down. Otherwise, it is advisable to be paired with a pup that you can pet easily on your lap.
Ease Of Care
GSDs are relatively big dogs, and caring for them can be draining, especially if you need them for depression. It is, therefore, advisable to get a puppy that is easier to care for. It is not only necessary for you, but the dog as well, to ensure it remains happy and healthy while assisting you to get better. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you might need help walking your German Shepherd as they are very energetic dogs.
Final Thoughts
German Shepherds are popular police and military dogs and make excellent emotional support animals for people struggling with depression. They are loyal, energetic, intelligent, respectful, and protective, and they make the best companions. When choosing a German Shepherd for depression, it is crucial to consider factors like ease of care, temperament, physical size, suitability as an Emotional Support Animal, and response to training.