Is German Shepherd a Guard Dog? Interesting Details + Training Hacks

By /

One of the many things German Shepherds are revered for is their intelligence, loyalty, and energy. This dog breed has a thing for protection as we see them often in the ranks of the police and military helping to fight crime. The major question that this article attempts to solve is whether or not they are good guard dogs. In this article, I am going to take you on a journey into what the German Shepherd breed is about and why they might be suitable guard dogs. 

Is German Shepherd a Guard Dog

Is German Shepherd a Guard Dog?

Yes, from its original design, a German Shepherd is a good guard dog. German Shepherds were originally bred in Germany in the late 19th century by a man named Max von Stephanitz. He was looking to create a versatile working dog breed that could be used in many different capacities, such as herding sheep and guarding property. 

Two other characteristics make a German Shepherd an excellent guard dog: fearlessness and the eagerness to learn. They are an excellent breed for training, as they are quick learners and eager to please. German Shepherds are also very protective and are known for their fearlessness, making them ideal candidates for guarding.

At What Age Does a German Shepherd Start Guarding?

After working with German Shepherds for more than a decade, we can tell you that these dogs typically start to show that they can be guard dogs around 6-18 months of age. This is a key developmental period where their natural guardian traits become more pronounced.

The important thing to understand is that while German Shepherds have a strong protective drive, formal training is crucial to ensure these behaviors are controlled and reliable. Training should begin early, around 8-10 weeks old, to help you develop a strong bond with your pup and teach them essential guarding skills.

During the 6-18 month window, you’ll really start to see your German Shepherd’s protective nature come to the forefront. This is when their instinct to safeguard their surroundings starts to take shape. With the right training during this critical period, you can help channel their protective spirit in alignment with your expectations and public safety.

Without proper training, your German Shepherd’s protective behaviors may become overly aggressive or timid. So it’s essential that you work with them to ensure their natural protective drive is controlled and beneficial.

How to Train Your German Shepherd to be a Guard Dog

Training a German Shepherd to be a good guard dog involves several steps and considerations. The following are some of the tried-and-trusted means we’ve used to ensure that some of our German Shepherds are the best guard dogs you can find:

Socialization

  • Age: Socialization is crucial when your dog is young. It helps them learn to distinguish between threats and non-threats. Without proper socialization, your dog may become overly protective of everything, including strangers and visitors.
  • Exposure: Introduce your dog to various sights, sounds, and experiences, such as playgrounds, loud appliances, and umbrellas, to help them develop a sense of what is normal and what is not.

Basic Obedience

  • Training: Enroll your German Shepherd in basic obedience classes or work with a certified trainer. This helps them learn to follow commands reliably and builds trust between you and your dog.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement training methods, such as clicker training, to avoid harsh techniques that can make your dog more reactive.

Teach “Attack” Command

  • Professional Guidance: It is recommended to work with a professional trainer specializing in protection dogs to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure effective training.
  • Safety Gear: Use protective gear, such as a padded sleeve or mitt, to prevent your dog from biting you or an assistant during training.

Teach “Release” Command

  • Catch and Reward: Catch your dog in the act of releasing the attack and reward them. This helps them learn to let go when commanded.

Teach “Quiet” Command

  • Barking Control: Teach your dog to stop barking on command. This helps maintain a peaceful environment and prevents excessive barking.

Build Alertness and Confidence

  • Territorial Boundaries: Walk your dog around the perimeter of your property to identify boundaries. Do not allow them to bark at people outside or chase them.
  • Confidence Building: Encourage your dog to bark at strangers and then reward them for being quiet. This helps build confidence and control over their barking.

Supplies

  • Treats and Equipment: Use treats and a collar and leash for training. Clicker training can also be effective if you prefer that method.

Will a German Shepherd Protect You Without Training

Even though the German Shepherd is known to protect its owner, they do not come with that ability. In essence, they have to be trained to protect you. German Shepherds have strong natural protective instincts, but training is essential to ensure these behaviors are controlled and reliable. Without proper training, their protective nature can lead to unpredictability and inappropriate responses. 

While German Shepherds may attempt to protect their owners even without training, their success is uncertain, as they lack the specialized bite training and judgment to respond appropriately. Another reason why you will need to train your dog before it can protect you is that a German Shepherd’s protective behaviors may be overly aggressive or timid without guidance. 

We often recommend that professional protection training be given to German Shepherds intended for security roles, as it teaches them to respond with precision, control, and restraint. Proper training channels their natural protective spirit in alignment with the owner’s expectations and public safety. 

Are German Shepherds Always On Guard?

No, German Shepherds are not always on guard. While they are known for their vigilant nature and protective instincts, their alertness and guarding behaviors are influenced by various factors.

Factors Influencing Alertness and Guarding

These are some of the factors that may influence whether your dog stays alert or decides to guide. 

  • Temperament

German Shepherds with a strong territorial instinct and a naturally alert temperament are more likely to be vigilant and protective of their surroundings. However, not all German Shepherds have the same innate tendencies towards guarding.

  • Training

Formal training is crucial in shaping a German Shepherd’s guarding behaviors. Proper training helps them learn to respond appropriately to threats and to release their protective instincts when commanded. Without proper training, a German Shepherd’s guarding tendencies may be unpredictable or excessive.

  • Socialization

Early socialization is essential to ensure a German Shepherd is well-adjusted and less likely to become overly aggressive or reactive. This helps them distinguish between genuine threats and non-threats, allowing them to be selective in their guarding behaviors.

  • Bond with the Handler

German Shepherds form strong bonds with their handlers, which can influence their protective behaviors. They are more likely to be vigilant and protective when they feel a strong connection with their handler, as they see the handler as part of their “pack” to be protected.

Final Thoughts

German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for guarding and protecting property. Their loyalty, intelligence, and athleticism make them ideal candidates for training as guard dogs. However, it is essential to remember that training is the key to developing a successful guard dog. With proper training, a German Shepherd can be an excellent addition to any security plan.

 

Onyekachi Omenuko
Latest posts by Onyekachi Omenuko (see all)

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top