German Shepherd Training Profile
Weight: 50 to 90 pounds
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Lifespan: 7 to 10 years
German Shepherd Temperament and History
The German Shepherd is a herding breed that originates from Germany. The breed was developed by Captain Max von Stephanitz in the 1800s.
Stephanitz’s goal was to create a breed optimal for working. Before the breed was officially registered in Germany, they were commonly used by farmers for herding and guarding sheep, due to their high level of intelligence, strong sense of smell and ability to stay focused.
These sizable working canines are intelligent, self-assured and brave in most circumstances, which is a big reason why they’re commonly used by police and military forces.
German Shepherd Training Tips
Training dogs of this breed is — for the most part — straightforward and hassle-free.
They are known for being extremely loyal to their owners. They also are accepting of people their owners get along with; German Shepherds are typically friendly toward visitors, as long as they see their owners being friendly and inviting toward them.
However, this loyalty comes at a cost; these dogs can quickly get aggressive if they feel their owners are in danger. This is largely a result of their role as guard dogs historically, but they must be taught to control their urge to behave aggressively.
Having other household pets is not usually a problem, especially if they’ve known the animals since they were puppies. It’s also not uncommon for dogs of this breed to also be friendly with cats.
It’s important to understand German Shepherds are very individualistic, which means their behavior patterns vary from dog to dog.
Some need to be preoccupied at all times; they always want to be doing something. This drive urges can be a bit excessive for some owners.
If you want your German Shepherd to show you a lot of attention and adoration, you should seek out a conformation breeder, as these dogs are heavily influenced by their breeding environments.
German Shepherds are, in many cases, a friendly breed. However, they’re sometimes distant; it can take them a while to warm up to individuals they aren’t familiar with. But dogs of this breed typically get along well with children.
To build the best possible relationship with your German Shepherd, you need to be 100 percent willing to put in the necessary degree of effort and care. They enjoy being around people who like to be active and like to participate in outdoor activities.
Getting them outside and playing with them will help develop a stronger bond.
