A Guide to German Shepherd Training: Building a Strong Bond

German Shepherd Dogs: Intelligent, Loyal Companions and Top Working Dogs

Thinking about getting a German Shepherd Dog? Looking for a loyal, intelligent, and versatile canine companion? German Shepherd breeders might tell you they’re the ultimate working dog breed, and for good reason! These large, double-coated dogs excel in various roles, from family pets to military partners and service animals.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of German Shepherds. We’ll explore their history, impressive traits, and why they’re considered top working dogs. Whether you’re a current German Shepherd owner, considering getting one (German Shepherd puppies are adorable!), or simply curious about this popular dog breed, you’ll discover why they’ve earned their reputation as the ultimate working canine.

The Origin of German Shepherds

German Shepherds have their roots in late 19th century Germany. In 1899, Captain Max von Stephanitz set out to create the perfect working dog. Here’s how it happened:

• Von Stephanitz saw a dog named Hektor Linksrhein at a show and was impressed by its strength and intelligence.
• He bought Hektor and renamed him Horand von Grafrath.
• Horand became the first registered German Shepherd and is considered the father of the breed.
• Von Stephanitz started a club called the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
• He focused on breeding dogs for their working ability, not just their looks.

The German Shepherd breed quickly gained popularity for its versatility and intelligence. They were originally used for herding sheep but soon found roles in police work, military service, and as guide dogs for the blind.

Von Stephanitz worked hard to promote the breed. He encouraged the use of German Shepherds in various fields and organized breeding programs to improve their skills. His dedication paid off, and German Shepherds soon became known as excellent working dogs around the world.

The Appearance of German Shepherds

German Shepherds are large, muscular dogs with a distinctive look. Here are their key physical features:

• Height: 22 to 26 inches (56 to 66 cm) tall at the shoulder
• Weight: 75 to 95 pounds (34 to 43 kg)
• Body: Long and strong, with a slightly sloped back
• Head: Domed with a long muzzle and pointed upright ears
• Coat: Thick double coat that can be short or long
• Color: Usually black and tan, but can also be solid black, white, or gray

The breed’s official name in English is “German Shepherd Dog.” This name distinguishes them from human shepherds in Germany. Many people simply call them German Shepherds or GSDs for short.

German Shepherds have a strong, athletic build that allows them to excel in various physical tasks. Their double coat helps protect them from different weather conditions. The outer coat is dense and straight, while the undercoat is thick and soft. This combination keeps them warm in cold weather and helps repel water.

One of the most recognizable features of German Shepherds is their ears. Puppies are born with floppy ears, but as they grow, their ears usually stand up straight. This typically happens between 4 and 6 months of age. The erect ears give German Shepherds their alert, attentive expression.

The Intelligence of German Shepherds

German Shepherds are known for their smarts. They’re ranked as the third most intelligent dog breed by dog expert Stanley Coren. Here’s what makes them so bright:

• Quick learners: They can learn new commands in less than five tries
• Obedient: They follow commands correctly 95% of the time or better
• Understanding: They can grasp human gestures like pointing or nodding
• Problem-solving: They can figure out complex tasks

Their intelligence makes them ideal for various jobs. For example, some German Shepherds have been trained to detect COVID-19 by smelling human sweat samples. They can do this with over 90% accuracy, thanks to their powerful sense of smell.

German Shepherds’ intelligence goes beyond just following commands. They can understand complex situations and make decisions. This ability makes them excellent partners in fields like law enforcement and search and rescue. They can assess a situation and act appropriately, often without needing specific instructions.

Their smart nature also means they need mental stimulation. German Shepherds can get bored easily if they need more to do. Owners often use puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games to keep their German Shepherds mentally engaged. This mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise for keeping these dogs happy and well-behaved.

The Personality of German Shepherds

German Shepherds have strong, distinct personalities. Here are some of their key traits:

• Loyal: They form strong bonds with their owners and are protective of their families
• Confident: They’re self-assured and courageous
• Aloof with strangers: They’re not immediately friendly with people they don’t know
• Active: They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation
• Work-oriented: They love having a job to do

While they’re great with families they know, German Shepherds need proper training and socialization. This helps them get along well with other people and animals.

German Shepherds are known for their loyalty. They often form very close bonds with their families and can be protective. This protective nature makes them excellent guard dogs, but it also means they need to be taught how to interact appropriately with strangers.

Their work-oriented personality means German Shepherds are happiest when they have a job to do. This doesn’t have to be an official job like police work. For pet German Shepherds, their “job” might be daily training sessions, agility courses, or even helping with household chores. Giving them tasks to do helps keep them mentally and physically satisfied.

German Shepherds in Service

German Shepherds have a long history of working alongside humans. Here are some of the roles they’ve played:

• Military: In World Wars I and II, they served as messengers, guards, and rescue dogs
• Police: They work in K-9 units, helping to track criminals and detect drugs
• Search and Rescue: They help find missing people in disasters or wilderness areas
• Guide Dogs: They assist people who are blind or visually impaired
• Therapy Dogs: They provide comfort to people in hospitals and nursing homes

Their versatility and intelligence make them valuable in many fields of work.

In military and police work, German Shepherds are often chosen for their courage and strength. They can chase down suspects, search buildings, and even parachute into hard-to-reach areas with their handlers. Their keen sense of smell makes them excellent at detecting drugs, explosives, and even certain diseases.

As search and rescue dogs, German Shepherds use their intelligence and strong sense of smell to find people lost in wilderness areas or trapped in disaster zones. They can cover large areas quickly and can detect human scent even in challenging conditions.

In their role as guide dogs, German Shepherds help visually impaired people navigate their daily lives. They’re trained to avoid obstacles, stop at curbs and steps, and even disobey commands that would put their handler in danger.

As therapy dogs, German Shepherds provide emotional support to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities. Their calm presence and intuitive nature can help reduce stress and provide comfort to those in need.

Famous German Shepherds

Throughout history, some German Shepherds have become famous for their extraordinary deeds:

• Rin Tin Tin: A movie star in the 1920s who appeared in over 25 films
• Chips: The most decorated dog of World War II, who attacked an enemy machine gun nest
• Nemo: The first sentry dog officially retired from service after saving his handler in Vietnam
• Trakr: Found the last survivor in the rubble of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks
• Cairo: Part of the Navy SEAL team that located Osama bin Laden in 2011

These dogs show the breed’s courage, intelligence, and loyalty in action.

Rin Tin Tin was found as a puppy on a World War I battlefield and went on to become one of Hollywood’s first animal stars. He appeared in 27 films and helped popularize the German Shepherd breed in America.

Chips, a German Shepherd-Collie-Siberian Husky mix, served with the U.S. Army in World War II. He attacked an enemy machine gun team, forcing their surrender, despite being wounded in the process. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart, though these were later revoked due to an Army policy preventing official commendations for animals.

Nemo A534 was a U.S. Air Force sentry dog who served in Vietnam. In 1966, he and his handler were attacked by Viet Cong guerrillas. Despite being shot, Nemo attacked the enemy, giving his handler time to call for backup. Nemo then crawled on top of his wounded handler to protect him until help arrived.

Trakr, a German Shepherd police dog from Canada, and his handler were among the first search and rescue teams to arrive at Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Trakr found the last survivor buried in the rubble of the World Trade Center.

Cairo, a Belgian Malinois often mistaken for a German Shepherd, was part of the Navy SEAL team that conducted the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in 2011. Cairo was tasked with tracking anyone trying to escape and alerting the team to any approaching threats.

Health and Lifespan of German Shepherds

German Shepherds typically live between 9 and 13 years. Like all breeds, they can face certain health issues:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Joint problems that can cause pain and difficulty moving
• Bloat: A dangerous condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists
• Degenerative myelopathy: A spinal cord disease that can lead to paralysis
• Allergies: Skin or food allergies are common in the breed

Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, and proper exercise can help prevent or manage these issues.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in large breed dogs like German Shepherds. These conditions occur when the joint doesn’t fit together properly, leading to arthritis over time. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for these conditions to reduce the likelihood of passing them on.

Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. It’s more common in large, deep-chested breeds like German Shepherds. Symptoms include a swollen belly, unsuccessful attempts to vomit, and signs of pain. Bloat requires immediate veterinary attention.

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. It typically begins with hind limb weakness and can progress to paralysis. While there’s no cure, physical therapy and assistive devices can help affected dogs maintain their quality of life.

Allergies in German Shepherds can manifest as skin issues or gastrointestinal problems. Food allergies may require special diets, while environmental allergies might need medication or lifestyle changes to manage.

Caring for a German Shepherd

If you’re considering getting a German Shepherd, here’s what you need to know about their care:

• Exercise: They need at least an hour of activity each day
• Mental stimulation: Puzzle toys and training sessions keep their minds sharp
• Grooming: Regular brushing helps manage their heavy shedding
• Training: Start obedience training early and use positive reinforcement
• Socialization: Expose them to different people, animals, and situations from a young age

German Shepherds are not low-maintenance dogs. They require time, effort, and dedication from their owners.

Exercise is crucial for German Shepherds. They have high energy levels and need regular physical activity to stay healthy and happy. This can include walks, runs, fetch games, or agility training. Without enough exercise, they may develop behavioral problems due to pent-up energy.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that need to use their brains. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and games that make them think can help keep them mentally satisfied. Many owners find that teaching their German Shepherds tricks or giving them tasks around the house helps keep them engaged.

Grooming is an important part of German Shepherd care. They have a double coat that sheds heavily, especially during shedding seasons in spring and fall. Regular brushing, at least a few times a week, helps control shedding and keeps their coat healthy. They don’t need frequent baths unless they get particularly dirty.

Training should start early for German Shepherds. They’re eager to learn and respond well to positive reinforcement methods. Consistent training helps channel their intelligence and energy in positive ways. Basic obedience training is essential, and many German Shepherds also excel in advanced training like agility or scent work.

Socialization is crucial for German Shepherds. They can be naturally wary of strangers, so it’s important to expose them to many different people, animals, and situations from a young age. This helps them grow into well-adjusted adult dogs who are confident in various settings.

Fun Facts About German Shepherds

Here are some interesting tidbits about German Shepherds:

• German Shepherds can run up to 30 miles per hour
• German Shepherd’s bite force is about 238 pounds per square inch
• German Shepherds can hear sounds up to four times farther away than humans
• German Shepherds can shed up to 10 pounds of fur per year
• Some German Shepherds have different colored eyes, like blue or amber

German Shepherds‘ speed makes them excellent at chasing down suspects in police work. Their powerful bite, while not the strongest among dogs, is still impressive and useful in their working roles. Their exceptional hearing makes them great guard dogs, able to alert their owners to potential threats.

The heavy shedding of German Shepherds is often a surprise to new owners. Some people joke that German Shepherds shed enough to make another dog! Regular grooming can help manage this shedding.

While brown is the most common eye color for German Shepherds, some can have blue, green, or amber eyes. This is often due to genetic factors and doesn’t affect the dog’s vision or health.

Owning a German Shepherd: A Rewarding Commitment for Active Homes

German Shepherds are truly remarkable dogs. Their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility make them stand out in the canine world. From their origins as sheep herders to their modern roles as service dogs and beloved pets, German Shepherds continue to prove why they’re called the ultimate working dogs.

Whether they’re helping law enforcement, assisting people with disabilities, or simply being a loving family companion, German Shepherds showcase the incredible bond between humans and dogs. With proper care, training, and love, a German Shepherd can be an extraordinary addition to the right home.Remember, owning a German Shepherd is a big responsibility. They need lots of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. But for those who can meet their needs, German Shepherds offer unmatched loyalty, protection, and companionship. Their intelligence and adaptability mean they can fit into many different lifestyles, as long as their physical and mental needs are met.

If you’re considering adding a German Shepherd to your family, make sure you’re prepared for the commitment. Research the breed thoroughly, talk to experienced owners and reputable breeders, and consider your lifestyle carefully. With the right preparation and care, a German Shepherd can be an incredible lifelong companion, ready to work, play, and love with equal enthusiasm.