If you have a German shepherd, Will German shepherds protect if not trained? This post will show you if there is a chance to protect you and how to protect yourself.
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So, will the German shepherd be protective if not trained? If your German shepherd is not trained to protect you, it is unlikely to protect you substantially. However, untrained German Shepherds are known to protect their owners and they are a strong preventive.
Will German shepherds protect if not trained?
German Shepherds are naturally protective dogs due to their breeding history. They were originally bred to herd sheep, and this required them to be alert, agile, and protective of their flock. Over time, these protective instincts have been preserved in the breed. However, the degree of protectiveness can vary from one German Shepherd to another.
Natural Instincts:
Even without formal protection training, many German Shepherds possess a strong innate desire to protect their owners. This instinct can manifest in various ways:
- Alertness: German Shepherds are known for their sharp senses. They are vigilant and quick to notice unusual or suspicious activities in their surroundings. They may bark or growl to alert their owners to potential threats.
- Loyalty: These dogs are incredibly loyal to their families. They develop strong bonds with their owners and often feel a deep sense of responsibility to keep them safe.
- Territorial Behavior: German Shepherds can become territorial and protective of their home and family. They may become more assertive when strangers approach their property.
Real-Life Example:
Imagine a family living in a suburban neighborhood. They have a German Shepherd named Max, who has never received formal protection training. One evening, as the family is watching TV, they hear a noise coming from the backyard. Max, without any prior training, immediately springs into action. He starts barking loudly and rushes towards the back door, ready to confront whatever is causing the disturbance.
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The family quickly realizes that someone is trying to break into their home. Max’s protective instincts kick in, and he positions himself between the intruder and his family. His imposing presence and aggressive stance deter the intruder, who quickly flees the scene. Thanks to Max’s natural protective instincts, the family is safe, and their property is secure.
In this real-life example, Max’s natural protective instincts and loyalty to his family were enough to deter a potential threat. While formal protection training can enhance a dog’s skills and response in such situations, the German Shepherd’s innate qualities played a crucial role in protecting his owners without prior training.
It’s important to note that while German Shepherds have these protective instincts, individual temperament can vary, and not all German Shepherds will respond in the same way. Socialization and positive reinforcement training can help ensure that their protective behavior is well-balanced and appropriate in various situations.
At what age do German shepherds start barking at strangers?
This is natural with most GSDs. German shepherds can be a playful puppy up to 6 months old.
However, like a human toddler, they soon develop a strong sense of identity and territory and develop a deep attachment to home, family, and pets, among which they are severely protected.
At 2 to 4 weeks of age, you may notice that your German shepherd puppy is trying to make a voice by whispering or wailing.
Then he starts yipping for about 2 months. When he reaches 4 months of age, a German shepherd puppy usually barks. Some GSDs flare up before or after 4 months due to changes in nature.
But it is not always advisable to be aggressive with strangers, not every stranger is a thief or someone who may harm you.
Start training your GSD at an early age. Put your GSD on the leash and go to public places like parks. Expose him to the company of other dogs. If he is calm, give him a treat.
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If he becomes aggressive, stop praising him and ignore him. Create your GSD connection and do it several times until he learns to stay calm while with other dogs.
German shepherd behavior stages
Neonatal stage
This is the initial step of going through your German shepherd. Simply put, this is a helpless baby stage when your puppy’s eyes are closed and he is completely dependent on his mother.
She feeds him, washes him, and cleans him after the first two or three weeks of accidents.
His eyes open in about 10 days. At this point, your puppy is little more than a feeding machine – filling his stomach for his little body to grow and develop.
Transition phase
Although it is small and not obvious, the transition phase from the neonatal to the socialization phase is important for your puppy’s development.
This brief step – only a week after his eyes were opened – marks the beginning of the time when your German shepherd began to observe his weather.
He starts looking at interesting things and needs to be aware of the sounds around him. Before this, he was in his little world with no scenes or sounds beyond his own body and his mother.
When his eyes open, the immediate atmosphere – along with other creatures – is suddenly a part of the life he has to deal with.
Socialization Stage
In about 3 weeks, your puppy will begin to learn how to deal with others – animals and humans around him.
He had already done some practice with dogs through daily contact with his mother and litter companions, but now he began to extend his circle of contact to other dogs or cats in the home and to the family of humans around him.
This is a very critical stage in the development of your German Shepherd and will help determine his subsequent suitability to work as a rescue, service or family dog.
During this time, he should have the opportunity to meet new animals and faces in as many different situations as possible, so that as he grows older he will be comfortable meeting people and other animals in different situations.
This stage lasts until about 3 months of age and is the most impressive and playful period for puppies.
Juvenile stage
From the age of 3 to 6 months, your puppy will begin to see the larger world around him beyond the biological world of dogs, cats and people.
This time he wants to explore new places rather than new faces – which can often get him in trouble. This is an active and trying age for puppy parents.
Your puppy will most likely look like an adult dog but will behave completely like a puppy.
Your shepherd has other things on his mind, but foster parents need to persevere because this is the best step to address the obvious aggression or anxiety problems your puppy exhibits.
If those problems are not solved initially, they can turn into bigger problems later.
At 5 months of age, your German Shepherd will begin to mature sexually.
Adolescent phase
Beginning with sexual maturity and up to the first two years of his life, your puppy’s hormones will be uncontrollably angry if he is not initially neutral.
This stage is usually marked by mounting – anything and everything – identifying his territory and fighting with other male dogs.
During this time females enter their first estrus period and may try to escape from the yard or else cause problems. T
The puppy’s body has grown big, and his brain is fully alert and capable, but his emotions are in a tumultuous transition stage from teenager to full adult.
When do German Shepherds learn to protect their owners?
German Shepherds, like many dog breeds, have a natural inclination to protect what they consider their territory. This protective instinct typically starts to emerge as they mature, usually around the age of 1 to 2 years. However, it’s important to note that the exact age can vary from dog to dog.
Protecting Their Territory
Dogs, including German Shepherds, often protect what they perceive as their property. This includes their home, their family, and sometimes even their toys or food. Their sense of ownership is rooted in their instincts, which have evolved over centuries of domestication.
The Bond Between You and Your Dog:
For a dog to become protective, it’s essential for them to form a strong bond with their human family. When they see you as their “pack leader” or “alpha,” they are more likely to feel a sense of responsibility towards you and your home. This bond takes time to develop and is based on trust and positive interactions.
Introducing a New Dog
If you bring a new dog, such as a German Shepherd puppy, into your home, it’s crucial to give them time to acclimate. Young puppies are still learning about their environment, and their protective instincts are not fully developed. As they grow and establish a sense of belonging, their protective behavior may become more apparent.
German Shepherd Protection Training
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, strength, and loyalty, making them excellent candidates for protection training. Protection training for German Shepherds is a specialized form of dog training that teaches them how to protect their owners or property while also being well-behaved and obedient. Let’s break down the details of German Shepherd protection training:
1. Unique Characteristics of German Shepherds
German Shepherds are a popular choice for protection training because of their unique characteristics:
- Intelligence: German Shepherds are among the most intelligent dog breeds. They are quick learners and can understand complex commands.
- Loyalty: They are extremely loyal to their owners, which makes them dedicated protectors.
- Strength: German Shepherds are strong and agile, making them physically capable of protecting effectively.
- Temperament: They have a balanced temperament, being both friendly and protective when needed.
2. German Shepherd Dog Intelligence
German Shepherds are known for their high intelligence, ranking consistently among the top dog breeds for intelligence. They can quickly grasp commands and adapt to various training techniques. This intelligence allows them to excel in protection training, where they need to understand and respond to specific cues.
3. Types of Protection Training for German Shepherds
There are different types of protection training that German Shepherds can undergo, depending on their intended roles:
a. Police Training:
Police-trained German Shepherds are used by law enforcement agencies for various tasks, including:
- Patrol Work: They help in apprehending suspects and detaining them until officers arrive.
- Search and Rescue: German Shepherds are used to locate missing persons or evidence.
- Drug Detection: They are trained to detect drugs and other illegal substances.
- Bomb Detection: Some are trained to sniff out explosives.
b. Military Training:
In the military, German Shepherds play crucial roles:
- Combat Roles: They can be trained for tasks like scout and sentry duty.
- Search and Attack: Some are taught to locate and engage enemy combatants.
- Explosive Detection: Similar to police work, they detect explosives on the battlefield.
c. House Guarding:
For personal protection and guarding property, German Shepherds can be trained to:
- Bark and Alert: They will alert their owners to potential threats by barking.
- Physical Protection: When necessary, they will protect their owners by confronting intruders or threats.
Here’s a simplified chart highlighting the main types of protection training for German Shepherds:
| Type of Protection Training | Purpose | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Police Training | Law enforcement support | Patrol, search, drug, and bomb detection |
| Military Training | Military and security roles | Combat, search and attack, explosives |
| House Guarding | Personal protection and property guarding | Barking alert, physical protection |
Remember that protection training should always be conducted by experienced trainers to ensure the safety of both the dog and its owners. It’s also essential to socialize the German Shepherd properly so they can differentiate between real threats and everyday situations. Proper training and care can help unlock the full potential of these intelligent and loyal dogs.
Final Points: When training your German shepherd, it is important to train him to behave well with the people who know and mingle with him. You treat him when a friendly person is around you and it behaves well.
