The German Shepherd Temperament

Many people who are interested in protector companion dogs look to the German shepherd as a reliable and trustworthy breed. Temperament may or may not be a product of inheritance and breeding, but the shepherd’s temperament is definitely a result of the type of treatment and training that he or she receives in all stages of development and growth.

It is important to get a shepherd when it is a puppy, so that the loving attention and special treatment that he is given as a new member of the family can and will create a German shepherd with a great temperament. Quality food, gentle yet firm training techniques and lots of loving patience are key elements for good results. When a German shepherd falls in love with his family members, the shepherd will be a devoted companion and good protector.

It is important for the family to first decide who the shepherd’s master will be. A choice of father, mother or older child is fine, but it is important for the family to decide who is in charge, or the dog may decide that he or she is number one, which represents the ‘leader of the pack’ in the world of the original dog, the wolf. Protector dogs are pre-disposed to the idea of a ‘pecking’ order. They tend to pick up on the order of dominance in the family very early on.

The shepherd’s ‘best’ is everything will be seen when the required daily exercise is provided. German shepherds need to run frequently and intensely. A degree of play involving an adult and the children is important for bonding to occur and for the shepherd to feel included. Allowing any pet special toys that can be chewed on, snuggled with and possibly torn up ensures necessary nurturing for any animal. Everyone needs something to call his own.

Respecting the shepherd’s rights and boundaries is a component of ‘who’ the dog will become. Acceptance of him and his role in life is critical for the shepherd’s own sense of self-respect. Neutering a shepherd is important and will create a gentler animal.

Healthy food is vital for growth, yet giving the shepherd the variety of foods that he loves and really enjoys shows how much his master and family care for him. If at all possible, he master needs to do the feeding. It is important that pets sleep inside the house with their family as well. Tying a dog outside and leaving him is a cruel and sure way to create negative changes in his or her temperament.

It is vital to encourage friendliness with trusted people. The concept of protection comes naturally to a German shepherd and if all is well within the family structure, he will never let his owner or his family down. Shepherds will always ‘go to the mat’ for both.

 

Find more German Shepherd Information