German Shepherds used to be herd dogs, as their name indicates. They also are intelligent and obedient. This can translate to their interaction with children as well. Make sure that your child is aware of the proper way to hug and pet your dog, without squeezing and hurting them. The size of a German Shepherd combined with toddlers may be another factor in creating the myth that German Shepherds are not good with kids. Things can escalate quickly, and you never want to put your child and dog in a compromising position. This myth, like myth number 1, is likely the result of many years of popular culture portraying the German Shepherd as a scary dog. As long as you are dedicated to helping your German Shepherd become a safe member of your family, they can be a wonderful companion for everyone in your home! If you have children, you’ll want to know if the German Shepherd and kids get along before bringing this breed into your life. German Shepherds and Huskies both have reputations for being difficult breeds that don’t get along well with other dogs. Don't miss out on the perfect companion to life with a purrfect friend. If your dog is indoors rather than outdoors with his flock, you'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting. This study found non-neutered male dogs were more than twice as aggressive as females and neutered male dogs. You must provide your GSD with a home that allows them to thrive in order to expect a safe and productive relationship between children and your dog. This means they need you to give them plenty of attention. Basic obedience can also help your pup gain confidence in themselves, making them a safer member of your family. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thegermanshepherder_com-leader-1','ezslot_14',114,'0','0'])); Socialization is the most important part of helping your German Shepherd become a wonderful companion for the children in your home. Yes, Shepherds can be wonderful protectors to their favorite humans, but it’s still important to be safe when it comes to small children and dogs. The German Shepherd is known to be one of the most protective, loyal, and intelligent dog breeds around. German Shepherd Lovers. Teaching the children in your home about personal space is extremely important when it comes to the care of our canine friends. The breed is known to take a long time to mature. In general, German shepherds are good with kids. The most important part of establishing a relationship with your German Shepherd and your child is showing them what not to do in the presence of their canine friend. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'thegermanshepherder_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',112,'0','0'])); This involves proper socialization, obedience training, and plenty of exposure to other children and other animals. Females tend to mature faster than males, which can make them easier to train. Clicker training, which uses a signal to tell the dog when he’s done a great job, is also recommended for this breed. The first German Shepherd Dogs were originally bred to protect their owners belongings, whether it was their land or their homes. Males are more dominant and prone to territorial behavior. German shepherds bond quickly with the children in … Therefore, German Shepherds are built with double-coats and their fur is very thick, especially in the winter. How to find a puppy and raise a happy, healthy dog, August 7, 2019 By Jane Pinzhoffer Leave a Comment. Some people may think a German Shepherd may not be a good choice for a family with kids, but the opposite is true.German Shepherds are great for many reasons, especially when you have kids.. One of the first dog breeds that come to mind for protection, police and military work is the German Shepherd.For this reason, families may not think German Shepherds would be a good fit for a home with kids. Home Trained, Good with Kids. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thegermanshepherder_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_15',115,'0','0'])); By opening up their world and exposing them to new surroundings, you are essentially showing them what positive interactions look like, so they know the difference when they or you are actually being threatened. Now that we’ve covered the most important factors involving the German Shepherd and their relationship with children, let’s review some important tips to keep in mind! In a loving home, they are easy going and approachable, and can be a wonderful playmate for the children and other animals in your family. Read my story here. The best way to keep your children safe around ANY dog is to give your pet the tools to success. When a German Shepherd is raised in a fulfilling environment, they can be a joyful and goofy companion to the children in your home. They can also turn to unwanted behaviors like chewing, digging, and barking. Since this is such a wonderful canine to begin with, it really does not take much once you correctly offer your GSD the love they seek. Unfortunately for German Shepherd lovers, they are not one of those breeds. So, they’re stable dogs that respond well to unpredictability, such as kids. Are German Shepherds good with kids? Are German Shepherds good with kids? So are German shepherds good with kids? The answer to this question is more complicated than a simple yes or no. Do you have a German Shepherd and children in your life? They’re also active and energetic, allowing them to outplay even the most hyperactive child. The answer to the question of whether a German Shepherd is good with kids is a simple yes, just as long as you understand the nature and temperament of the dog that you are bringing into your home. Yes, German shepherds are a lovely, loyal, and intelligent breed. The German Shepherds are widely used to fill important jobs such as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and military dogs. So it should come as no surprise that they need plenty of daily exercise. Their friendly and sweet behavior is the reason why they are the best choice of dogs for both individuals and families. Rough play with children can result in serious injury to your Shepherd friend. With their fierce loyalty to their families and their striking appearance, they are widely treasured by dog lovers around the globe. Another study on dogs bites in kids found that 82% of the dogs involved were familiar to the children. While your child does not intend to harm your Shepherd, they don’t know that. They’re exceptionally popular as family dogs and for good reason! Today the German Shepherd’s supreme intelligence and trainability allow them to excel at many jobs, such as therapy work, search and rescue, and catching criminals. As long as you teach your children the respectful ways to interact with the dogs in your home, you automatically reduce the risk of canine aggression toward your children. Socialize your German Shepherd from the moment you welcome them into your home, as this will make them a more trustworthy member of your family. link to German Shepherd Pug Mix: Small Dog With a Big Attitude, Setting Your German Shepherd up for Success, Understanding the German Shepherd and Protection, Understanding the Personality of a German Shepherd, Educating Your Children on Safe Interactions, Important Tips to Remember for German Shepherds and Kids. The German Shepherd is one of the most beloved canines for good reason. They’re willing to put their life on the line for the people they love. According to the American Kennel Club, they’re America’s second most popular dog. For these reasons, choosing a female German Shepherd in a home with children could be the better choice. Are German Shepherds good with children? Why German Shepherd Puppies May Be Good With Kids. German Shepherds have a loving nature, just like any other breed of dog, and they are great with kids. German Shepherds and Pugs have only started being cross-bred relatively recently. This way, you can prevent any injuries if your dog becomes too rough or playful. The more socialized your dog is, the less likely they will show signs of aggression and other unwanted behaviors. They can be possessive of things like their toys and bed. This includes responding well to training for child-friendly behavior. Before we proceed any further, it’s important to note that German shepherds develop slower than most dog breeds. While I've lived in many different places and traveled extensively - the places change, my dogs don't. Originally, the breed was developed by a German cavalry officer in the late 19th century to be the ideal herding dog. Though the GSD proves to be a wonderful companion, many wonder if a dog of this size can be safe in a home with children. They’re known to be more sensitive, friendlier to outsiders, and more tolerant of children. So what are the German Shepherd’s qualities that you should educate yourself and your children on? While you may think the main factor behind safe dog and child interactions lie on the dog’s shoulders, this is not entirely true. While this behavior is a huge reason as to why the German Shepherd has become so popular, it is a quality that needs to be fine tuned to ensure safety. Instilling proper training and socialization tools will help your pup shine in the role of your children’s best furry friend. thegermanshepherder.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. German Shepherds as Social Animals You see, German Shepherds are protective by nature, they’re protective of themselves, their environment, but they’re also highly protective of their human family. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thegermanshepherder_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])); Just like with any other dog, you will need to follow a few steps to emphasize these desirable personality traits in your Shepherd, and help to diminish the negative personality traits they can display. The German Shepherd can make a great dog for older kids, though they can pose a danger without proper socializing. While this has a lot to do with their intelligence and eagerness to obey, their ingrained need to protect also plays a major role in choosing GSDs for these jobs. Strong, big dogs can easily knock over a tiny child, causing crying and tears. They don’t enjoy being left alone and prefer to spend all their time with their family. Our German Shepherd Dogs for sale are purebred. 14 Photos Prove That German Shepherd Is a Real Child`s Friend : https://bit.ly/3mWiZdK. They also have a protective nature, and they are very intelligent and obedient. Exposing your German Shepherd to other surroundings, people, and dogs is an important part of their development, but even more important for a German Shepherd that will be around children. The Happy Puppy Site is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, The Happy Puppy Site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Females are smaller, standing 22 to 24 inches tall and weighing from 50 to 70 pounds. A German Shepherd can be a wonderful family companion for children and a well-mannered dog around others. They are a highly intelligent breed that is specially selected throughout history for their loyal, watchful temperament with their families. Even the sweetest of dogs can experience food aggression. Positive, reward-based methods that are consistent will produce excellent results. I have a 4 and 6-year old (both boys), and are wondering if the German Shepherd is a family dog. These exceptional dogs will shine at canine activities such as agility, herding, and tracking. This is because they can act as good guard dogs as well as good pets. Dogs who are frustrated and bored can be more prone to aggression. German Shepherds who have been extensively socialized from an early age can, and often do, live happily with children. As they grow, they learn to adapt to their size. German Shepherd is an intelligent dog breed – The largest percentage of police dogs all over the … Even the sweetest of dogs can accidently harm a small child due to their size alone, so it’s important to be aware of this if you have any young children. In short, a well-socialized German Shepherd should be exceptional with children within the home and well-behaved with other kids. Those that have been raised together will share a special bond as they grow. They are known to be protective of their owners. The answer to the question of whether a German Shepherd is good with kids is a simple yes, just as long as you understand the nature and temperament of the dog that you are bringing into your home. Though you may trust your German Shepherd completely, it’s always best to supervise each interaction that your child has with your furry friend. I've owned and trained German Shepherds for over 18 years now. Some important things to teach your child about what not to do in the presence of their German Shepherd and other canine friends include: When it comes to proper interaction between your GSD and your child, it all comes down to respect for animals. This elegant breed is naturally playful but will not wander off from their owners, making Collies the perfect match for newbie dog owners. You must provide your GSD with a home that allows them to thrive in order to expect a safe and productive relationship between children and your dog. Female German Shepherds are not only smaller than males. Can German Shepherds and Huskies Live Together? But how do they feel about your children’s friends and kids who live in the neighborhood? German Shepherds are a well-liked and favored breed in the United States. Toddlers and babies are unable to understand the importance of being kind to dogs, meaning they can easily cross boundaries without being aware of the dangers. Are German Shepherds Good With Kids? Our team goes a step further, personally selecting each dog that we place with our clients, and training them from day one. A couple of kids come up and ask if they can play with Odin! eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'thegermanshepherder_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',109,'0','0'])); When it comes to a specific breed being safe around children, it’s important to remember that each dog is a product of their environment. Once you are sure that your German Shepherd and child have a safe bond, try to implement different activities to help them bond. Much of their socialization process is about teaching them appropriate interactions with the other people and animals in their life. There are several reasons why german shepherds are good with kids, and they all are based on understanding the temperament and basic personality traits that make this dog ideal. There is only one way dogs are able to understand human behavior. With the combination of a German Shepherd’s herding experience and their need to protect, you end up with a dog that has a deep need to protect their family. This breed’s calm, gentle nature can allow them to tolerate pokes and prods better than other dogs. The standard description of the German Shepherd’s personality is dignified, loyal, and easy going. Always supervise your German Shepherd when you first bring them around children. While these behaviors are necessary at times, proper socialization will prevent this stern behavior from occurring when it’s not needed. Your email address will not be published. But how much truth lies behind these reputations? Same Day Delivery. All dogs require socialization and training. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'thegermanshepherder_com-box-3','ezslot_8',108,'0','0'])); In this article we’ll dive into the question of whether the German Shepherd is good with kids, and ways you can help your GSD become a safe member of your family. While you may not put two and two together, your German Shepherd’s exercise habits can play a huge role in how they interact with children. Humans require respect during our daily interactions with others, and our dogs deserve that same level of respect as well. Yes, a German Shepherd is child-friendly and enjoys children when properly socialized and trained. German Shepherds can be amazing with kids because they are playful and sweet. A daily game of catch or a quick game of tug of war can be a wonderful routine that your child and dog share. By helping your German Shepherd gain confidence with proper socialization and training, your GSD is more likely to be the goofy and trustworthy dog that you love rather than a dog you have to question around your children. The German Shepherd can be the most loyal and trustworthy companion that your family could ever dream of, but they need a little help in order to get there. Another factor to keep in mind is how a young child is less likely to follow the basic rules of canine respect. But according to the ATTS, the GSD has one of the best pass rates (85.3%) for temperaments. These protective instincts can also make them territorial and leery of strangers. The places change, my dogs don't. I love every aspect of training them and simply just having them around. They will tolerate not only hugs and snuggles but also pulls, pokes, and grabs from little ones. Children visiting the home of a German Shepherd should be taught ground rules for respecting their space. 1 Year Health Guarantee. Some may have doubts about this statement, so let’s take a look at the reasons why German shepherds are good family dogs. If the dog was raised with childen and if the children are well-behaved, most German Shepherds with a normal temperament are fine with them. German Shepherds as Pets The German Shepherd is one of the most popular pets in America. The German Shepherd is an extremely energetic breed that requires anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise each day. But if you have young children, you need to be especially careful about bringing an adult German Shepherd with an unknown background into your home. German Shepherd. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'thegermanshepherder_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_17',116,'0','0'])); If a German Shepherd is bursting at the seams with extra energy they are unable to run off, they may be a bit more rough with the children in your home. In fact, many German Shepherds will treat your children with as much love and care as they would their own puppies. This will allow your kids to enjoy their company throughout their childhood. But when you’re dealing with a dog that’s as physically powerful and mentally adept as the German Shepherd, you can’t emphasize the importance enough, especially when children are involved. In fact, there is very little they cannot do with grace and style. And the German Shepherd’s ability to learn new tricks can be an endless source of joy for both of them. However, they might remain cautious with unfamiliar children from outside the family. Just like any other breed of dog, the German Shepherd will be an incredible friend to your children if they are brought up in a home that offers them proper training and support. When you socialize your GSD, you are showing them how to positively respond to non-threatening factors. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge about German Shepherds with the world, and I encourage all future dog owners to consider one as a companion as well. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'thegermanshepherder_com-leader-4','ezslot_20',120,'0','0'])); No matter how wonderful of a companion your German Shepherd may be, you should ALWAYS supervise their interactions with your small children. If you want a GSD that can be your child’s best furry friend, just make sure to socialize them and offer obedience training from the moment they enter your home. The best thing you can do for your Australian Shepherd is socialization … Tell us about your experiences in the comments. Therefore, these dogs are considered puppies in their first three years. A well socialized GSD can be an incredible friend for your children to grow up with. Mild-mannered, gentle, and good with kids, the Collie has been bred to be highly aware of human emotions, which is an important trait for parents considering a dog for a child on the spectrum. The German Shepherd is an active breed that once worked herding flocks of sheep. Children visiting the home of a German Shepherd should be taught ground rules for respecting their space. While each German Shepherd offers a number of qualities that would make them a wonderful addition to any family, these same qualities can be dangerous when they are not in a home that allows them to thrive. Teach your dog that not every stranger means them or the family harm. Their sweet and friendly behavior makes them a great choice for you and your family. But does their natural urge to protect make this large, powerful dog a good companion or a potential threat to children? Can German Shepherds and... German Shepherd Pug Mix: Small Dog With a Big Attitude. Overall, your German Shepherd has the ability to be the best friend your child could ever ask for. A neglected German Shepherd is far more likely to behave badly. They’re also less muscular and have a distinctly feminine appearance about them. You Can’t Take Them Anywhere. With the proper introduction, early socialization, and good training your kids and German shepherd should develop unflinching support for one another. 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