German Shepherd Breed Information & Training | Puppy to Adult
In the heart of the canine world, there exists one of the most identifiable breeds of dogs ever, a breed that embodies strength, intelligence, versatility, and unwavering devotion. It is a breed that has served as a guardian, companion, and loyal servant in the history books. A breed that has walked alongside heroes, protected the innocent, and left an everlasting impression of greatness on humans. Dog lovers and enthusiasts, welcome to a world where the German Shepherd is king.
With an incredible dog comes incredible responsibility, so let’s dive right into what you need to know about German Shepherds: their energy, their needs, their quirks, and the art of training these magnificent beings.
Whether you're considering bringing a german shepherd into your life or already have one glued to your side, this guide will provide you with valuable insights, training tips, and a better understanding of these impressive dogs.
German Shepherd Personality Traits:
I’m sure most people have heard of the following traits associated with a GSD. But what about them is more interesting? Read below!
Loyal
Courageous
Playful
Energetic
Highly Trainable
Protective
Affectionate
Highly intelligent
Strong work ethic: A strong desire to work.
Alert: Can make excellent watchdogs.
Have an excellent sense of smell: Can make excellent detection dogs
Versatile: German Can excel in various roles and jobs, including police work, search and rescue, and as family pets.
Are these good traits? I can’t say! It depends. It depends on each situation, who the owners are, and how they raise that dog. So yes, these traits can be bad, analogous to a person with no firearm training carrying a loaded gun. Read on to know why.
Is the German Shepherd right for you?
If you’re asking yourself this question, you’re already one step ahead of most dog owners, because it’s rare for people to do their due diligence when choosing a breed of dog. Most people will look at a dog and say “OH MY GOD, it’s so cute, I want one” or “what an amazing dog, let’s get it for the kids” and a few months later, they’re being dragged down the road by an out of control 35kg wrecking ball. So if you’re getting a dog “for the kids” or because it’s “cute”, you should reconsider getting a dog in the first place, let alone a German Shepherd!
DID YOU KNOW?
German Shepherds are among the top 5 breeds populating shelters in the UK and around the WORLD. Why do you think that is? It is not a coincidence! People get dogs that they cannot handle and they end up in shelters and that is very saddening and frustrating.
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German Shepherds are commonly known for their boundless energy and profound intelligence. and this is one of the defining characteristics of the breed. But these traits are way too underestimated by people who don’t have enough dog experience -- or dogsperience (lol). People tend to think that having a backyard will solve the problem of excess energy, and that a dog with high intelligence can’t be a bad thing. That could not be FURTHER from the truth.
What does German Shepherd energy look like?
German Shepherd energy is something that most people have not experienced. Imagine your most physically active day and then multiply that by 20. That’s a German Shepherd.
They love running, playing with other beings, exploring, and playing endless fetch. They will play for hours and still come back for more. Can you deal with that?
What does German Shepherd intelligence look like?
I implied above that intelligence is not always a good thing. That’s because brilliant minds require a lot of maintenance; you need to be constantly and consistently providing mental stimulation for an intelligent dog. Mental stimulation is basically an outlet to help them use their brain power for good things, maintain sharpness, and stay happy. Understimulated dogs will find their own outlet. Avoid letting a German Shepherd choose its own outlet at all costs (it’s never a good thing). You will most definitely see them develop bad habits and get themselves into trouble.
What does a German Shepherd left in the backyard or garden look like?
Grass and dirt dug up everywhere, plants and flowers eaten or destroyed, fences chewed up, escape attempts, excessive barking, uncontrollable perimeter guarding, buildup of anxiety and frustration, and ingestion of harmful objects. Need I say more?
German Shepherds crave mental and physical exercise as well as social interactions, none of which can be provided by being left out in the yard on their own. Unfortunately, many people adopt this technique when they don’t have the time or willingness to do the right training and engagement. Or maybe, the upbringing and socialization of this dog as a puppy was done improperly, which led to a reactive dog in social settings. Rather than going outside on a walk and getting embarrassed by an out of control dog, the owners may keep it in the yard, which only intensifies its frustration and bad behavior, and the cycle continues.
Watch my videos to learn how to raise a non-reactive or aggressive German Shepherd!
These dogs thrive on physical and mental stimulation!
To keep them happy and healthy, remember:
Exercise their brains regularly. Give them a job: Depending on your lifestyle, home location, and the amount of freetime you have, there are different jobs you can give your dog that will stimulate the mind and body! Jobs include dog sports such as agility and competitive obedience, scentwork and detection, guarding (if done safely, the right way), and herding. Jobs are very rewarding for both dog and owner and provide a great way to engage and strengthen your relationship.
Daily long, structured walks that involve advanced obedience, games, and engagement are also a great way to exercise the mind.
Runs and games like fetch will help burn off some energy. Make sure you don't create an obsessive fetch behavior. I like to incorporate mental stimulation in fetch by teaching them to wait as I throw the ball such that its location is not seen from where we stand. They then have to search for it when I say the word, or even perform a few commands before I give them the “search” command. Watch the related video here.
Early and continuous desensitization and socialization is absolutely essential for a German Shepherd. Expose them to all types of people, animals, and environments to prevent fear, wariness, aggression or anxiety.
German Shepherd Nutrition:
Nutrition is an extremely critical aspect of caring for your GSD. As in humans, diet contributes to a dog’s behavior, overall health, and longevity. Carefully choose a diet for your German Shepherd puppy making sure that it is of very high quality as this growth phase is crucial in shaping their overall future health (including bones and joints).
German Shepherd Health Concerns:
There are some key concerns to be aware of before getting a German Shepherd as they can contribute to long term complications or a shorter than expected lifespan. These issues also typically come with very high vet fees and medical expenses. Make sure you are ready for that and you might want to also invest in a good pet insurance. The issues that are most common with GSDs are listed below:
Hip dysplasia
GDV (commonly referred to as “bloat”)
Allergies
Skin Conditions
DCM (heart condition)
Degenerative Myelopathy
Who Should Get a German Shepherd:
German Shepherds are a good choice for:
Active individuals and families: If you love outdoor activities (running, swimming, hiking, and trekking to name a few) and are willing to train the dog how to participate in those activities, the German Shepherd could be a great companion for you
Experienced dog owners: Their intelligence and strong-willed nature can be a handful for first-time dog owners, so experience is definitely useful. Otherwise, consult a professional to help you assess and decide if the German Shepherd could fit seamlessly into your life.
People who need a protection or service dog: German Shepherds tend to excel as guard dogs as well as service animals due to their alertness, grit, loyalty and intelligence. But be prepared to change that dog’s job or keep it as just a pet in case it fails at its initial job. Not every dog is cut out to serve that way.
Who Should NOT Get a German Shepherd:
This breed may not be suitable for:
Inexperienced or first time dog owners. As mentioned above, these dogs require lots of experience to know how to raise a confident, well-balanced, and fulfilled dog. Having a dog is a long term commitment, so don’t get yourself into something that you’ll regret later.
Sedentary lifestyles: If you lead a more laid-back life and can't commit to regular exercise, engagement, and mental stimulation, a German Shepherd might very easily become bored and destructive.
People who work long hours or are away all day. German Shepherds love social interactions and companionship. They are often referred to as velcro-dogs because they tend to be very clingy and affectionate. Give them too much alone time and they will become restless, anxious, and bored. That is a recipe for destructive behaviors, barking, and reactivity. You need to have enough time to give them the proper exercise and attention they so desperately need.
People who don’t tolerate shedding. GSDs typically shed year-round with extra heavy shedding reserved for seasonal changes. A GSD owner must be committed to consistent grooming routines.
Training Tips:
Training a German Shepherd is an art that requires patience and consistency.
Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and toys mainly to reward good behavior and obedience. Praise and affection are also useful. Avoid harsh punishment methods because they break down your communication and ultimately your relationship.
Effective training involves finding the right balance of motivators. Some commands or behaviors may require higher-value rewards than others. Individual dogs have different drive and motivation levels as well and are willing to work for different rewards. Don’t think “my previous GSD learned this with toys, why won’t this one?”
Set very clear rules and boundaries that don’t change on the daily! Be consistent in your commands and expectations.
Socialization: Expose them to various situations, people, and animals from a young age to build a well-rounded, confident dog. I can’t stress this enough.
Advanced Training: Given their great potential, consider advanced obedience and other mentally stimulating tasks to keep them satisfied and well-behaved.
Quirks:
German Shepherds have some unique quirks you should be aware of:
Shadowing: They love being near their owners and might follow you around like, well, a shadow.
It does sound cute but will become annoying and problematic very quickly. Make sure you teach your German Shepherd when and how to be alone. I highly recommend crate training your puppy. I wouldn’t do it any other way.
Nudging: They may nudge you for attention.
Also sounds cute but can become annoying when you don’t feel like engaging and they decide to escalate and try new things like barking.
Vocal Expressions: German Shepherds can be quite vocal, using barks, whines, and even "talking" to communicate.
I am not a fan of noises, so I discourage vocalization by ignoring it from day 1. With my consistency on that front, they very quickly learn that it will not work to get my attention.
Herding Instinct: Some GSDs have retained strong herding instinct and may attempt to "herd" family members or other animals, which might involve behaviors such as nipping at heels.
A dog that displays such behavior is giving you a sign that they need to work. They probably need more mental stimulation and are being underworked, so become proactive in their training and engagement to fulfill that need for them.
Love for Water: Some German Shepherds tend to have a great fascination with water and will enjoy playing in fountains, pools, lakes, or even the backyard sprinkler system.
Water games can be fun and pleasant but make sure they aren’t becoming obsessive or destructive with this behavior. You can even join in on the fun and make it an engaging game.
German Shepherds are incredible dogs, but they have their particular needs and don’t come without challenges. With the proper dedication, training, and a deep understanding of their nature, you can enjoy a lifelong bond with these intelligent and loyal companions.
Remember, it's not just about raising a dog for the sake of it; it's about nurturing a relationship that will become the foundation of everything you do with your dog. Be certain that the nature of your relationship can be clearly seen and felt through the interactions, activities, and communication in which you both engage. That is the fruit of your labor.
