German Shepherds are large dogs that originated, naturally, in the country of Germany. German Shepherd history goes back to the late 1800’s which means they are a relatively new breed of dog. They are a very intelligent and obedient dog breed that originally was used for guarding and herding sheep. Today, because of their intelligence, size, and strength they are frequently used as military and police dogs. Their obedient and loyal nature also makes them popular family pets and are among the most commonly registered dogs with the American Kennel Club.
Even though they can be fantastic, loyal pets, there is a potential downside of German Shepherd ownership. If they are not properly trained and controlled, their size and strength can make them dangerous. They may view other dogs or strangers as a threat to their home and family. When this situation happens, an untrained dog may bite or attack the other dog or person. While there are not concrete statistics on the how likely it is that a German Shepherd will bite, several reputable organizations state that they are more likely than other breeds to attack other dogs or people. This makes German Shepherd training critical for everybody who owns one.
When it comes time for dog training, there are a couple options. Investing in a professional dog trainer is the first option. This could be a group training program at the local pet store or a private dog trainer. Choosing a group training class can be really good because it gives the dog a chance to be around other dogs and people, but a private trainer makes sure the dog gets enough personalized attention. The second dog training option is to invest in a do it yourself dog training program. There are some good programs available on the internet that you can download right away and start your training efforts.
German Shepherds can make fantastic pets if they are properly trained. They can protect your family and your home and be a beloved family member.

