German Shepherd Dogs - Intelligent, Loyal, Affectionate

In one of my earliest memories, I was backed against a tree in our backyard, terrified and wondering if I dared try to climb it to get away from the rattlesnake coiled only a few feet away. I know I was crying but was too scared to scream for my parents. I didn't know then that snakes can't hear, and I didn't want to do anything to make it strike. Then I saw a black and tan streak dashing my way. Seconds later, our German Shepherd, Dougal, had the snake in his jaws. With one shake of his powerful head, Dougal dispatched the snake.

I have many stories of the German Shepherds I grew up with, but the rattlesnake rescue is one of my favorites. Dougal was a wonderful dog, typical of his breed. That snake could easily have killed him, yet he didn't hesitate to act. A member of his "pack" was in trouble and he charged in to the rescue. Another of our German Shepherds, a female named Ginger, seemed to sense that I was a weak swimmer as a child and always swam right beside me whenever we went to the lake. No one trained her to do it, and I never called to her while I was swimming. She simply thought I might need help sometime and stayed beside me just in case. When my sons were born and the time came to get a dog, I didn't even have to think about it--I couldn't imagine having any dog but a German Shepherd around my precious children.

German Shepherds were originally bred in 1899 by Captain Max von Stephanitz in Karlsruhe, Germany for use as herding dogs. They were introduced to the US in 1907 and quickly became one of the most popular dog breeds. Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart became famous in movies and on television, and the heartwarming shows that catapulted them to fame helped to grow the breed's popularity even further. Today, these dogs who were originally bred for herding are now top military, police, and rescue dogs. Their intelligence, loyalty, and eagerness to work make them ideal for these jobs. They are also fantastic seeing eye and therapy dogs. German Shepherds have even been trained to notify diabetics that their blood sugar is low, or to bark insistently when their owner is about to have a seizure. Their keen noses help them sniff out drugs, explosives, or people trapped by natural disasters, and their intelligence helps them to make life and death decisions in an instant.

But German Shepherds are more than working dogs. They are highly affectionate and loyal, bonding strongly to their family from puppyhood. Their willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of their family "pack" makes them wonderful guard dogs. If you like to hike or camp, they're happy to carry a dog backpack to share the load. Always eager to please, their natural intelligence makes it easy to teach them tricks and obedience training. They are also playful, always eager for a game of fetch or a jump in the lake or pool. And every German Shepherd I've ever known has been gentle and loving with children.

Still, German Shepherds aren't the dog for everyone. If you've ever heard the saying, "A dumb dog is never bored," you'll know the opposite is true of smart dogs--they need interaction and stimulation to be happy. A bored German Shepherd will find ways to entertain herself--ways you probably won't like! These great dogs also need to work to be happy. A few pats on the head and a bowl of food at night isn't enough for a German Shepherd. Daily walks are a must to burn off their energy. Even if it's as simple as doing a couple of tricks before they get their dinner--sit, shake hands, or down--this sense of earning their way helps to keep a German Shepherd content. My dogs have to sit before they get anything, whether it's dinner, toys, a walk, affection, or even walking through the front door.

German Shepherds are also quite strong-willed. This can be a very good thing if they're guiding a visually impared person--no matter how much the person scolds, the dog won't let them enter a busy street or other dangerous situation. However, this strong will can be less endearing when you're trying to show the dog who's boss. German Shepherds need to know who their pack leader is, and the way dogs do this is similar to the way toddlers do it. They push until someone pushes back. Your German Shepherd doesn't necessarily want to be the boss, but they will definitely push until you prove that you're the leader. This means that you can't give in on the rules, not even once. For example, if I tell my 2 1/2 year old German Shepherd, Simi, to sit before I put down her water bowl, I can't put it down until her butt hits the floor. Whether it takes ten seconds or ten minutes, she doesn't get anything until she obeys. On the good side, German Shepherds are smart enough that it doesn't take long before they "get it." Once you've established your position, they're perfectly happy in their role and don't try to take that leader position from you.

One thing many people don't realize about German Shepherds is that they are naturally quite shy. This can also be problematic if it's not addressed. German Shepherds, like most shy dogs, can become aggressive when they feel overwhelmed or threatened. All you need to do is socialize your dog to prevent any problems from occuring. I strongly recommend that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy obedience class as soon as s/he is old enough to attend, usually around four months of age. Not only will your dog learn basic commands such as sit, come, and stay, the exposure to other people and dogs at that young age gives your puppy a positive experience that will shape its view of others.

Dog parks can also be a terrific way to socialize your puppy. However, make sure that your dog has all his or her shots before you go. Also, all dog parks aren't created equally. Some are monitored, while others are not. Ultimately, the responsibility for making sure that your dog is safe is yours. If another owner isn't properly supervising their dog, or if another dog is acting aggressively, you might be wise to simply leave and take your German Shepherd elsewhere. Remember, the location of the interaction isn't as important as the tone. You want your puppy to have good, fun, happy interactions, whether it's at the dog park, the nature trail, obedience class, or the pet store.

The earlier you socialize your German Shepherd, the better. It's important enough to repeat. Take your dog with you as much as possible, as soon as possible. For example, our 5 month old puppy, Bella, is attending a puppy obedience class at PetsMart, and goes to the dog park about once a week. She takes car trips with us when we go to Sonic and has accompanied me to friends' houses literally since the day after we bought her. She isn't showing any signs of timidity and loves new people and other dogs. My 2 1/2 year old, Simi, however, didn't take many trips with me when she was a puppy. She finished her puppy obedience class when she was 6 months old, but at the time I lived in a small town without a pet store or dog park. By the time she was introduced to dog parks, she was nearly two years old, and it took four or five trips before she would move more than a foot or two away from my side. Simi loves going to the dog park now, but I can certainly see the difference in how she views new people and dogs compared to Bella--Simi accepts them, but she's still a bit wary while Bella charges right in to play.

Lastly but certainly not least, German Shepherds are wonderful with children. My eldest son has mild Autism, and Simi possesses an amazing ability to sense his moods. When he doesn't want to get out of bed, she's the only one who can cajole him to get up. She crawls onto his bed--the only time she ever attempts to get on the furniture--snuggles up to him, "talking" in that wonderful way German Shepherds have, licking him on his belly or under his chin to tease him into a better mood. Then she'll scoot over and over until she pushes him right off the bed! She's definitely got that instinctive way with kids that I remember from all the Shepherds of my childhood. Simi also seems to sense when a child has special needs and is extra gentle and affectionate with them. Also, when we go to the dog park or even just go on walks, if she hears a child cry, she's instantly on alert. It doesn't matter if she's never seen the child before in her life. If that child is crying, she wants to know what's wrong, and she wants to fix it. It's truly heartwarming.

German Shepherds are amazing and beautiful animals that can do almost anything you ask of them. They can drive off a burglar, learn a wide array of tricks, guide the blind, and even dial 9-1-1 when their owners are in trouble. More importantly, they will love you with all their hearts every day of their lives. With just a little work and a lot of affection, your German Shepherd will be a friend like no other. And like Dougal, they just might save your life one day.