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. October 22, 2020 at 8:20 PM. They are particularly good at focusing on complex tasks. They’re exceptionally popular as family dogs and for good reason! German Shepherds need a lot of activity and exercise. 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. It’s why they’re such exceptional guard dogs. In general, a purebred and properly socialized German Shepherd should be fantastic with children within the home, and behaved around those they’re unfamiliar with. As the owner of a powerful breed, it takes dedication to provide this dog with all they need to become a well-adjusted pet and a trusted family member. Basic obedience can also help your pup gain confidence in themselves, making them a safer member of your family. Find out what happens when. Any time a German Shepherd is lacking this daily play, they are more likely to turn to destructive behavior and other undesirable behaviors. One of the most important lessons for a child to learn is to never approach a dog while they are eating, especially a large dog like the German Shepherd. The German Shepherd can be a loyal and trustworthy protector for the children in your home as long as you understand what it takes to help your German Shepherd become the best version of themselves. An unsocialized dog may feel threatened by a child coming into their personal space, or by the friend that your kid invites over to your house after school. With the proper introduction, early socialization, and good training your kids and German shepherd should develop unflinching support for one another. German Shepherds as Pets The German Shepherd is one of the most popular pets in America. To help you better understand your Shepherd, let’s now take a closer look at their specific qualities. Home Trained, Good with Kids. In some ways, the German Shepherd and kids were made for each other. Once you are sure that your German Shepherd and child have a safe bond, try to implement different activities to help them bond. 1 Year Health Guarantee. Anatolian Shepherds shed a good deal. Can German Shepherds and... German Shepherd Pug Mix: Small Dog With a Big Attitude. Rough play with children can result in serious injury to your Shepherd friend. Another factor to keep in mind is how a young child is less likely to follow the basic rules of canine respect. German Shepherds are great with kids, and will develop a strong loyalty to you and your children. Start training sessions right away with your German Shepherd puppy. Children visiting the home of a German Shepherd should be taught ground rules for respecting their space. A daily game of catch or a quick game of tug of war can be a wonderful routine that your child and dog share. That is the only way to raise a confident, well-adjusted dog. German Shepherds can be both gentle pets and dedicated guardians. I have a 4 and 6-year old (both boys), and are wondering if the German Shepherd is a family dog. According to the American Kennel Club, they’re America’s second most popular dog. This can translate to their interaction with children as well. Teaching the children in your home about personal space is extremely important when it comes to the care of our canine friends. The German Shepherd is known to be one of the most protective, loyal, and intelligent dog breeds around. German Shepherds who have been extensively socialized from an early age can, and often do, live happily with children. Females tend to mature faster than males, which can make them easier to train. 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. With their fierce loyalty to their families and their striking appearance, they are widely treasured by dog lovers around the globe. However, they might remain cautious with unfamiliar children from outside the family. Does the dog in your life have a cat in theirs? To understand if German Shepherds are good with kids, we need to take a closer look at their history, temperament, and natural instincts. They’re also less muscular and have a distinctly feminine appearance about them. I'm originally from Indiana, though I've lived in many different states and traveled extensively. 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. Toddlers should always be supervised around any dog. So, they’re stable dogs that respond well to unpredictability, such as kids. Their sweet and friendly behavior makes them a great choice for you and your family. In the household, it’s common for them to become attached to their humans. 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. This means taking your German Shepherd puppy out and introducing them to the world. 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