Are German Shepherds Good with Kids?
German Shepherds can be if they are socialized well. They might not like children that they don’t know.
Children should be taught ground rules for respecting the space of German Shepherds.
German Shepherds are known to be among the most famous dogs in America, and they make great pets for families. They’re loyal, intelligent, friendly, and protective. But is a German Shepherd right for your family? This article will show everything you need to know about whether or not this breed is good with kids so that you can decide if it’s the right dog for your family!
The Noble German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd is a brilliant and brave dog. They are the best guard dogs in the world.
Another thing that makes them one of our favorite breeds is their intelligence.
The American Kennel Club says that the Labrador Retriever is America’s second most popular dog.
This dog is strong and has a natural urge to protect. It could be a good friend for children, but it could also be a threat.
Are German Shepherds Good With Kids?
The answer to this question is quite difficult. To understand if German Shepherds are great with kids, we need to know more about their history, temperament, and natural instincts.
The Amazing German Shepherd
Initially, the breed was made by a German cavalry officer. Today they are good at many jobs, such as being therapy dogs, finding people who are lost or hurt, or catching criminals.
German Shepherds are very popular dogs. Male German Shepherds can be 24-26 inches tall and weigh from 65-90 pounds. Females are smaller, being 22-24 inches tall and weighing from 50 to 70 pounds. They have a powerful stance and an alert demeanor that makes them recognizable.
German Shepherd Temperament
German Shepherds can be pets and guardians. They are very loyal. They’ll risk their life for someone they love. You need to give them a lot of attention because they might not behave well if you don’t.
Protective by Instinct
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because they are watchful. They make sure that people don’t come to your house.
German Shepherds have protective instincts. They can be territorial and might not like strangers.
If you have children, you will want to know if the German Shepherd and children get along before you bring a German Shepherd into your life.
The Importance of Socializing a German Shepherd
Dogs require socialization and training. But when you have a strong dog like a German Shepherd, it is essential to make sure they are trained. It is even more important if there are children in the house.
This study found that children are the most common victims of dog bites and that dog owners often don’t know what makes a dog bite someone.
Young children need to be around other people. That is how they can grow up to be social.
This means letting your German Shepherd puppy go outside and meet new people and animals. The more different things the dog meets, the less likely they will show signs of aggression and other destructive behaviors.
Training a German Shepherd
German Shepherds are very obedient dogs. When this breed is young, they are eager to please their owner. That makes them easy to train.
This includes training your puppy in German Shepherds. Start right away once you acquire your puppy. The more time you have, the better it will go! You can use rewards that are positive and give them when they do something good. Clicker training is recommended for this breed.
Exercising a German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a dog that needs to go on walks every day. It used to work with sheep, so it should not be surprising that they need a lot of exercise. Dogs who have not been walked in a long time can get angry and want to fight back.
Some dogs can turn to unwanted behaviors like chewing, digging, and barking. An adult German Shepherd should get about 2 hours of daily activity to make sure it is healthy. These dogs would do well at agility, herding, or tracking activities.
Are German Shepherds Kid Friendly?
Germans Shepherds are good to have around kids because they both have energy. German Shepherds can learn new tricks, too, which will be fun for the kids. It will be like a special bond if they grow up together because Germans Shepherds are gentle and calm.
However, it is essential to train your dog to interact safely with children. That being said, it is also necessary for children to learn how to behave around dogs.
German Shepherds and Young Children
Toddlers should always be with an adult when they are around a dog. This is especially true if the dog is big, like a German Shepherd. A study shows that toddlers are more likely to provoke dogs before being bitten than older children.
Even the friendliest animals can accidentally hurt children.
The German Shepherd With Kids That Aren’t Part of the Family
German Shepherds who are socialized to people will quickly get to know their family, including children. They will also treat your children with as much love and care as they would their puppies.
But what do they think about your friends and other kids who live in the neighborhood? Like other breeds of dogs, their protective instincts can make them wary of strangers.
Studies Show
This study found that German Shepherd puppies are more likely to have stranger-directed aggression.
The other study on dogs biting children found that 82% of the dogs who bit kids were ones that the children knew.
German Shepherds need to be trained to know the difference between when they are in danger or when they are playing with their neighbors.
Dogs only understand human behavior by watching us.
The more different things a child encounters, the better.
Teach your dog that not all stranger means them or the family harm. That is how you can raise a confident, well-adjusted dog.
A well-socialized German Shepherd should be friendly with kids in the home and good with other kids.
Does Gender Affects a German Shepherd’s Behavior With Kids?
Female German Shepherds are different than males. They are smaller and less muscular but also cute.
Males are more active and dominant. They can also be possessive of various things like their toys and bed.
Male German Shepherds usually bond closely with the person they spend a lot of time with. They can become protective and jealous of them too.
Feminine Touch
This study found that non-neutered male dogs were more than twice as aggressive as females and neutered male dogs. Females usually love the whole family, so this is usually not a problem for them. They are also known to be sensitive and nicer to outsiders.
If you have children, then a female German Shepherd might be a good choice for your family.
German Shepherd Maturity
The size of a dog changes over time. When they get bigger, they learn to adapt to the size.
These dogs grow really big, but they don’t always know how big they are. Females grow more quickly than males. They can be easier to train too. If you have children, choose a female German shepherd dog.
German Shepherds and Kids
German Shepherds are a type of dog that can be very friendly. They need early socialization, consistent training, and love from their owner. It takes a lot of dedication to providing this dog with all they need to become a well-adjusted pet and trusted family member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a German Shepherd is friendly with children when it is trained and socialized. They are brilliant dogs. People have been training them for hundreds of years to make sure they are loyal and watchful around their families.
The German Shepherd is commonly known as a gentle family pet and steadfast guardian. This breed has had patience and tolerance in the past, which are traits that many people look for in pets.
GSD puppies are a lot of work! Young families with children who are younger than five years old should wait to get a puppy.
Can I walk my dog? Yes, but first, you must ask an adult. Dogs are intelligent and need the training to behave well.
The best way to train your dog is to make sure that everyone in your family follows the same training program. Put up instructions for the training program where your children can see them every day.
Absolutely! German Shepherds are a type of dog that can be an excellent pet to have if they are given exercise and care. They will follow the commands of their family members, especially their children.