The Versatile German Shepherd Dog
How to Pick, Train, and Live with a German Shepherd Dog
Apr 13, 2009
It is called upon to work as a service dog, police dog, military dog, therapy dog, and as a pet. What other breed of dog can fill all of these roles equally well?
The Worker
The German Shepherd Dog was the original Seeing Eye Dog, and they can still be found trained for service work throughout America and world. His intelligence makes him an excellent worker, and the breed’s natural loyalty to its handler is second to none.
The breed originated in Germany as a working breed. He can easily herd and be guardian to a flock of sheep all day long. Yet, he also still works throughout the world in police and military work as a protection dog, detection dog, patrol dog, tracking dog, and search and rescue dog.
There is no limit to the work this breed can do. Their loyalty and devotion to their handler is well known, and they will attempt to do anything their handler asks of them. The breed’s instinctual protection drives make them an excellent guardian, and the German sport of Schutzhund was created primarily to test the ‘workability’ of the German Shepherd Dog through its three training phases: obedience, tracking, and protection.
The Pet
German Shepherds are equally at home as the family pet, but their needs and drives still remain. Pets must receive training, socialization, and exercise to fulfill their needs.
German Shepherds can be trained in any area, and many successfully compete in performance events like: herding, tracking, agility, rally, obedience, and Schutzhund. Even if not trained for competition, all German Shepherds require on-going training and leadership.
German Shepherds require a strong leader to guide them. Without positive leadership and training, many German Shepherds will fill the role themselves, often creating situations of over-protectiveness.
A well-trained and well-socialized German Shepherd can make the best baby sitter in the world and be an absolute pleasure to live with.
How to Pick a German Shepherd Dog
Do your research! The German Shepherd is not the right dog for everyone, and it usually is not the best ‘first’ dog. Visit the German Shepherd Dog Club of America’s website for more breed information and resources.
Never purchase a German Shepherd Dog from someone who is a backyard breeder, puppy mill, or just a hobby breeder. Look to people who train their dogs in some capacity. They are generally more concerned with the health and temperament of future puppies. They will:
- Give you a contract with health guarantees
- OFA certify their dogs and the parents against hip and elbow dysplasia
- Let you meet the parents (one or both, if present)
- Give you references
- Ask you lots of questions and for references
The AKC website and German Shepherd Dog Club of America are good resources for learning more about potential breeders.
There are a lot of national and local breed rescue groups who specialize in helping the breed. They have all ages of German Shepherds, and many are in foster homes, which can provide valuable information about individual dogs. Dogs over the age of 6 months will give you a good idea of the adult dog since the temperament is more set and genetics will be more exposed than in a young puppy.
The website Petfinder.com can help identify breed rescue groups in your area.
With the right dog and training, the German Shepherd Dog easily is one of the best breeds to live with and train. Do your homework and don’t just jump in, and you will rewarded with a longtime friend and companion.
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