How to Understand a German Shepherd Dog

Every breed of dog has different traits and German Shepherd's do, too. Since our Shepherd has become a part of the family, I have learned some wonderful things about this breed of dog that are unique. Read more to learn about your German Shepherd.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   German Shepherd Puppy

   On Guard. From the moment they are born, a German Shepherd will be your protector. It's no wonder you hear them called security dogs and police dogs, because they police an area. They don't just go for walks, they look around to make sure no one is getting too close.

2. Aloof. They seem aloof to most people as they don't come running up to greet people, like other dogs. Unlike a Labrador that is a friend to every stranger, a Shepherd will not come up to people to get petted, even if you call them by name.

3. 
    
   German Shepherd at 7 Months

   At your side. A Shepherd will never be too far from their family. They may be laying down yards a way, but they are surveying the area and watching the whole time.

4. Dog Parks. Shepherd love to go to dog parks, but not to meet other dogs or people, but to have the freedom to romp with their family. They would rather play ball than to play with other dogs.

5. 
    
   German Shepherd and Ball

   Obsessed. Shepherd will become fixated on an object. Whether it's a rubber ball or a stick or a rock, they will claim it as their own. You can train them to play fetch, but they much rather play keep, and only dropping the ball in your lap so you can borrow it and throw it when they are ready to chase again.

6. 
    
   4 month German Shepherd

   Intelligent. A Shepherd will look towards the sky and watch birds and airplanes fly by, they will watch your face for your expressions and prefer hand motions as commands to verbal language. If you catch them, when they don't know you are looking, you can see them thinking about their environment instead of being in their environment.

7. 
    
   German Shepherd in Chair

   Defiant. A GSD can be hard-headed and will continue to chase the cat or lay on the couch even though you have told them several times not, too. They are extremely trainable and love to learn, you just have to figure out a way so they think it's their idea not to lay on the couch anymore.

8. 
    
   German Shepherd at 2 months

   Emotional Needs. A German Shepherd wants to be with their family all the time. They will demand to go on car rides and will seem to have their feelings hurt if you deny them. They will always be under feet and work their way into the middle of every hug.

Tips & Warnings

• German Shepherd's need to be socialize at an early age to prevent aggression and possessiveness. They should be around people and other dogs every day so they grown up to be happy well-adjusted dogs.

[Vanessa22]

on 1/16/2009 I love German Shepherds. They don't deserve such a negative reputation because they can make wonderful companions and family dogs. I have a Black German Shepherd/Labrador Retriever mix and he is the most amazing dog I've ever owned. Very intelligent and LOVES his people! Great article! 5*

[pianistic]

on 11/30/2008 Try ignoring him. Throw the ball and turn your back and ignore him, until he drops the ball.

[JohnRodger]

on 11/30/2008 Does anyone have any tips on how I might train my male German Import to play ball? He loves to chase it but has no interest in bringing it back> I have tried everything, any feed back would be greatly appreciated.

[prism]

on 11/25/2008 Wonderful article! I think German Shepherds are one of those often misunderstood breeds. We recently lost our GS of 19 years. :( He came to us as a stray on Christmas Eve as if he had always been there - instant friend and protector.