Bringing a German Shepherd into your family is a decision that should not be taken lightly, especially when you have kids. The list of reasons why this breed is the best companion dog can just go on and on. German Shepherds’ temperament of being loyal, protective, and intelligent, are only a few of the many qualities that make this GSD very popular in the United States.
German Shepherds can make incredible family dogs if they are well socialized early on and caught up with obedience training. They have an excellent temperament around people of all ages and animals of all sizes.
If you are wondering whether German Shepherds are good family dogs and what can you do to raise your puppy into one, read on to learn more.
The German Shepherd Dog Temperament
Understanding the temperament of German Shepherds lets you know what to expect before owning one. These are the attributes that make a German Shepherd a breed of its own:
The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them.
Official Standard of the German Shepherd Dog, AKC
In a nutshell, the temperament of the Geman Shepherd Dogs can be summarized as:
- Highly Trainable
- Energetic
- Obedient
- Love to work
- Courageous and fearless
- Protective and loyal
- Intelligent and focused
Also read: Do German Shepherds Have Good Temperament?
Choosing a family dog with your lifestyle
A family should choose their family dog based on their needs and lifestyle.
A family of two outdoorsy people who love to travel, hike and be on the road may prefer a dog who can match up to that energy and is comfortable with novelty.
However, a family consisting of older people may prefer a low-energy dog that doesn’t demand a lot of exercise.
Having said the above, there are still certain qualities that a “good family dog” must possess in general such as friendly, trainable, gentle with kids and older people, loving human interaction, playful, affectionate and loyal.
German Shepherd breed traits
The personality of a fully grown German Shepherd depends on various factors like training and socialization, home environment, experience with mother and littermates, and genetic factors.
However, there are certain qualities that German Shepherds are born with.
These traits such as the loyal, affectionate, trainable, high tendency to bark, high energy, intelligence, resilience, protectiveness, etc have been an inherent part of this breed and come from generations of working dogs.
Also read:
Do German Shepherds Have Good Temperament?
Why Are German Shepherds So Loyal?
Why Are German Shepherds More Than Just a Herding Breed? 6 Facts You May Not Know
Are German Shepherds good with kids?
German Shepherds are known for being affectionate and protective of kids. You will need to invest your time and effort to provide proper socialization and training from an early age.
However, German Shepherds are large and powerful dogs. They are sometimes too powerful to be around small children because they may jump on and knock over a child if not properly trained. GSD puppies are also notorious for being very mouthy and may easily hurt your child if they get too excited.
On the other hand, teaching your kids the appropriate manner with your German Shepherd as a pet dog is also very important.
Must read: Do Not Let Your Kids Play with a German Shepherd Until You Read This (Life-Saving Tips)
Exercise and training needs of a German Shepherd
The exercise needs of a German Shepherd depend on the age and the health conditions of the dog.
A fully grown, healthy, adult GSD needs a minimum of 1.5-2 hours of exercise per day. This should include a minimum of 2 walks, some safe, off-leash play and plenty of mental stimulation activities.
German Shepherds thrive when they have a job to do. This could be anything from engaging in sniffing games to helping out with laundry in the house. Make sure you understand your puppy’s exercise needs and make time for it when you get one.
4 Simple Reasons why German Shepherds are the perfect family dogs
The simple fact is that German Shepherds are amazing family dogs. They’re confident and loyal, and they come in a wide range of coat colors, sizes, and personalities. They’re also very easy to train, and they love to please their people. All of these traits make German Shepherds excellent family dogs.
1. German Shepherds are confident and loyal
German Shepherds are some of the most loyal dogs around. They’ll protect their families against intruders and other dangers with fierce determination. This makes them great candidates for families with children or those who live in rural areas where there’s a higher risk of danger.
2. German Shepherds are highly trainable
German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs and they are super easy to train. They learn quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as food treats and praise. Other common training methods include crate training and obedience training classes.
3. German Shepherds are good with kids
German Shepherds are naturally good with children and protective of them. While they may not be quite as well-suited to small children considering their size, they make excellent companions for older kids.
4. German Shepherds love to please you
German Shepherds are eager to please their people because they want to show their appreciation for all the love and care that your family gives them every day. This means that you can take advantage of this by rewarding your German Shepherd with treats or play when he does something right.
6 Tips to raise a German Shepherd to be a good family dog
There are a number of ways that you can raise a German Shepherd to be an excellent family pet. The German Shepherd Dog temperament will enjoy being around people and other animals. Here are the top 6 tips to train up your German Shepherd as a family pet:
1. Start training early
A clean slate is the biggest advantage of a German Shepherd puppy as opposed to an older dog. When you start training your puppy early, you get to raise the dog the way you want. At the tender age of 2 – 5 months, your GSD is more receptive to novelty than he will ever be.
2. Set boundaries
It’s easy to get carried away with your cute little puppy and let undesirable behaviors pass. But here’s some advice that will help you change your perspective. Setting boundaries will help build a structure for your and your puppy’s lives.
3. Provide ample physical and mental stimulation
To live an enriched life, it is imperative that your dog gets plenty of exercises that will not only physically tire him out, but also provide sensory stimulation (sight, smell, sound, taste and touch). Then, and only then will your dog grow up to be calm, confident and well-balanced.
4. Go beyond two walks a day
For working breeds like German Shepherds, two walks a day will just not cut it; unless those 2 walks are at least an hour to 1.5 hours long each and provide them with an abundance of enrichment. This may not be possible for most of us. Brain games, sniff work, Sniffing walks, and interactive toys are examples of activities that may help provide sensory stimulation.
5. Socialize your German Shepherd puppy
Socialization means exposing and familiarizing your puppy to the world around them in a positive way thereby preparing them to be comfortable and confident in any given scenario. When your puppy is well socialized with a plethora of objects, people, animals, sounds, sights and environments, they are inevitably more welcomed in a large number of social settings.
Related: German Shepherd Puppy Socialization: A Beginner’s Guide
6. Encourage and proactively reward calm behavior
Dogs repeat behaviors that get them rewards. These rewards could be treats, food, affection, play or anything else that may motivate them. Unfortunately, most times we end up ignoring our dogs when they are being good throughout the day and give attention to only undesirable behaviors, thereby increasing the likelihood of those behaviors repeating.
More posts on owning German Shepherds
- FAQs Before Getting a German Shepherd (2022 version)
- 10 Best Training Tips for German Shepherd Puppies
- How to Be a Good German Shepherd Owner? 10 Tips You Must Know
- 8 Types of People Who Should Not Own a German Shepherd
- What Does Owning a German Shepherd Say About You? 8 Qualities You Might Have
- What Is It Like Owning a German Shepherd? 13 Things You Might Not Have Expected
- Why Does My German Shepherd Follow Me Around Everywhere in the House?
Potential behavioral issues for German Shepherd
They can become territorial and may guard their territory with a fierce intensity. This can be intimidating to strangers, and the dog may react aggressively.
German Shepherd dogs can also be aggressive toward other animals if they feel threatened or feel that they have been betrayed.
That said, German Shepherds are prone to developing behavioral issues when their needs are not met. These could include –
– Excessive whining and barking
– Separation anxiety
– Fearfulness
– Territorial aggression
– Resource guarding
– Leash reactivity
– Reactivity toward kids
– Unharnessed prey drive
– Barrier frustration
These behaviors can be caused by many factors, such as past abuse and neglect, but it’s best to take them seriously and address any issues as soon as possible. The sooner these behaviors can be addressed, the better the outcome will be.
Should I get a German Shepherd puppy or an older dog?
Regardless of the breed of the dog, a puppy requires a lot more time and attention as compared to an older dog, unless we’re dealing with a severe behavioral issue with the older dog.
Get a puppy if you are willing to put in the hard work
A German Shepherd puppy is definitely a lot of work and will demand a certain amount of know-how, patience, and consistency on your part.
Rescue an adult dog if you cannot spare 2+ hours a day
If the primary caretakers of the puppy are working 9-5 outside the house and do not have the time and expertise to raise a puppy, an older dog is a viable option.
Read our post: 10 Reasons To Adopt A German Shepherd
Should I buy or rescue a German Shepherd?
If you are a first-time German Shepherd owner and have kids at home, buying a puppy may be a more suitable option as that gives you a chance to socialize with them at an early age and prevent any possible behavioral issues in the future.
On the other hand, adopting a dog is noble and brave, but, it is not for everyone. That said, rescue dogs sometimes (but not always) come from a rough past and may have behavioral issues that need attention and modification.
If you are willing to invest time, energy, and money into your dog and thoroughly understand his needs that go beyond mental and physical stimulation, by all means, contact your local animal shelter and adopt a dog in need.
Conclusion
German Shepherds are excellent family dogs. They are one of the most popular breeds in the world today for good reasons. Being energetic and loyal, German Shepherds are definitely an ideal choice for families with children – if you have the time, wit and patience to train them.
FAQs
Are German Shepherds good for first-time dog owners?
German Shepherds demand a rigorous exercise routine and structure to live a healthy life. They make amazing dogs for first-time owners provided they understand the breed and their needs.
Learn more: Are German Shepherds Good for First-Time Owners?
Are German Shepherds good for families with kids?
When socialized at an early age, they make wonderful companions for kids. Not only is it important to raise a GSD to be gentle around kids, but it is also crucial to teach kids in the family to respect the dog and their boundaries. Mutual respect is key to raising kids and dogs in harmony.
Learn more: How to Introduce My Child or Grandchild to a German Shepherd Dog/Puppy Safely?
Should I get a male or female German Shepherd?
Female German Shepherds are known to be more sensitive towards kids as compared to their male counterparts. In German Shepherds, males are known to be better-working dogs, while females do better as family dogs as they may have an existing maternal instinct towards kids and smaller animals. However, there is absolutely no scientific evidence to support this.
Related: Male vs Female German Shepherds: How to Choose?
