My family has owned German Shepherds my whole life, and eventually this love has grown into an adventure in Breeding. I can say that while I love and have loved dogs of all breeds...I will never allow myself to bring home another big dog of another breed. Off the so-called aggressive breeds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Pitbulls,
Chow Chows, and German Shepherds, all have a hard time being put into the critical spotlight. I feel however, that the german shepherd does a beautiful job of balancing the aggression with passive love for family. They arn't a pushbutton breed though. A few critical factors determine how easy your training will go:
1. Genetics - luck of the draw vs. selecting a well bred dog
Some of the best German Shepherds I have met were rescue dogs...but if you go to a breeder, make sure you do your homework. If you choose to rescue, just make sure you are ready to devote plenty of time to acclimation.
2. Socialization - It is PARAMOUNT that these dogs recieve early exposure to every challenge they may have to face later in life, if you can provide it. Kids...other dogs...cats..o n and on.
3. A Job! - These guys were bred to work. While they make outstanding family pets, they do get bored. They have a tendency towards developing emotional/behavioral problems from neglect rather than outward "bad puppy" behaviors such as chewing, barking, etc. This makes it twice as difficult to "FIX" a problem later on. They thrive on feeling they have served their purpose. Throw the ball a few times a day..go on walks...or integrate them into your daily routine around the house.
4. Easy on the Compulsion Training. This is debatable and everyone has their own opinion on this, but I don't touch my dogs in a negative manner either with a leash, training collar, or any commands aside from sit or down for treats until they hit about a year. I take the first year of the puppies life to allow them to bond to me, and learn by experience. This isn't to say that you should not set boundaries. With these dogs it is important to remember that less is more. Never use another method when your voice will work as well. The same goes for shouting...nev er shout if a normal tone gets the job done. While German Shepherds are tough dogs, people mistake them as being "hard" when in fact they are really quite soft. You allow them to become hard by conditioning them and giving them confidence. If you push them into it you get a fear biter..or a nervous wreck.
German Shepherds act aloof towards all others outside their family because you are their WORLD, remember this, and adjust your mindset to that understanding. Once you have owned one, and been around them for a bit..it's like it all just clicks. They really are a whole new ball of wax..but really very simple. They have an amazing ability to reason out situations...s o while you fret and disect the situation, they do the same thing. Two heads are better than one..! If they can figure out a way to fix something that isn't right, a German Shepherd will always do it.