A well bred German Shepherd Dog is an outstanding companion
pet that needs to have a purpose in his or her life. Since they are naturally
highly protective, they do need to be regularly and routinely socialized,
starting from a very early age. Despite their somewhat ferocious reputation,
most German Shepherd Dogs, at least once socialized, are very calm, dependable
dogs that are more likely to think through a problem than react with
aggression.
Poorly socialized or unsocialized German Shepherd Dogs can be very dog
aggressive and are often associated with attacks on other dogs, especially
between male dogs. This is more a factor of socialization and poor ownership
rather than a negative comment on the breed. In some research on dog aggression
the GSD is also the breed most reported in conjunction with dog bites on
humans, however this type of aggression may be a result of protecting property,
at least to some degree. Unfortunately for the breed, early breeding programs, especially out of Germany
where breeding was very much controlled by the Society for the German Shepherd
dog, did not selective breed for temperament. In some lines there is still more
aggression than is typical within the breed, however reputable breeders have
significantly improved the breed as a whole by breeding out this aggression.
Within working lines, especially those dogs used for police, search and rescue
and military work, intelligence, natural ability and controlled aggression is
some of the most prized features of the breed.
While socialization is important for this breed at an early age, they are very fast learners and do tend to generalize well. In other words if they are socialized with a house cat and get along well, the German Shepherd Dog is intelligent enough to understand they are supposed to leave other cats alone as well. They do tend to get along well with non-canine pets, however if they are a GSD with a high prey drive they may not be suitable for all pets. Generally this is not an issue with most purebred lines, but hybrid GSD crosses may be more likely to have the high prey drives, especially if crossed with hunting breed.
The GSD is one breed of dog that bonds strongly with his or her family. Unlike
some dogs the German Shepherd can bond with more than one person and they tend
to be very accepting of family members and friends of the family once they are
introduced. The GSD, like many of the larger breeds of dogs, tends to bond very
well with children and to be highly protective of younger children. They are
patient, calm and affectionate with kids, without the rambunctious behavior of
some of the other larger breeds. Like any dog they do need to be socialized
with children from an early age to ensure that they understand children and are
comfortable with kid's attention and noise.
Intelligence in training makes these dogs very easy to work with. Many owners
report that the dogs will almost train themselves when it comes to house
training and learning specific words and common commands. On dog intelligence
tests the GSD tends to rank in the top ten, often in the top three. They are
also very much a dominant breed, however with a human leader that is the alpha
in the family there is usually no competition or battle of the wills after the
initial testing phase is over.
The GSD is a very active dog and while not hyperactive they do need
routine, fairly intensive exercise every day. Unlike some of the smaller
herding dogs they don't need hours and hours of exercise, however a good 30
minute brisk walk, jog or run combined with some obedience work twice a day is
a great level of exercise for the breed. They also love longer walks, but
really don't do well with shorter, smaller exercise times. If there is a very
large, fenced yard with another dog in the family they will self exercise and may not require as intensive
structured exercise times.
Another key temperament or personality trait of the GSD is that they need to
feel they have something important to do in the family. This often includes the
guarding role they take on, much as they did as flock guardians and herders in
the past. Patrolling the yard and barking when strangers approach is a typical
job that a GSD will take on to help out. Most are not problem barkers unless
they are bored, not getting enough exercise or are poorly trained. They are
also great at fetching, obedience work, schutzhund competitions, agility,
freestyle dancing, Frisbee and working as therapy dogs. Basically
there are very few types of events or competitions that a GSD cannot compete
in; however, they are rarely used in actual herding events, despite their not
too distant history.
While a GSD may not be a hyperactive dog, they love to do whatever the family
is doing. They crave being with people and although they can be outside dogs in
most climates they would much rather be indoors with the family. Once trained
to be in the house the German Shepherd Dog will typically find a place he or
she can keep a watchful eye on everyone and simply relax and watch what is
going on. Some may be more aloof and rather weary of strangers while others
will be very outgoing and friendly, once you have given the dog the signal that
all is OK.
The GSD is one dog that seems to be able to read a person's emotion and will respond in kind. Perhaps this is why these dogs are often used as assistance dogs, therapy dogs or guide dogs, since they do have the ability to be playful, loving or very serious, depending on what is needed of them. Early training, lots of interaction with other people, animals and new places will ensure that your GSD puppy will develop into a friendly, loyal and very intelligent companion and working pet.