Are German Shepherds Good With Kids?

GSDs and Kids

If you’re thinking about getting a new dog, you might wonder, “Are German Shepherds good with kids?” You’re on the right track by conducting preliminary research. Bringing a dog into your life is not a decision to be taken lightly, especially with such a large breed! We’ll give you the best tips for choosing a long-time friend for your family to make your decision easier.

Are German Shepherds Good With Kids?

Is a German Shepherd kid friendly? Yes, a German Shepherd is child-friendly. It enjoys children when properly socialized and trained. They are an extremely intelligent breed people bred throughout history for their family loyalty and watchfulness.

When you teach your children to respect the dog and the dog to respect the children, a properly trained GSD is a good addition to a family with children. They bond quickly with children in the home and strive to protect their families. If not properly socialized and trained, they may become overprotective of family members.

Reasons Why GSDs are Excellent Family Companions

Because of their protective instinct, German Shepherds make excellent family dogs. It comes naturally to them to protect you and your family. They become affectionate and loyal to their family if you treat them well. They can also be excellent with children if you train and socialize them properly. Below are reasons why GSDs are great family companions:

They Safeguard Your Family and Home

To us, home and family are everything. We must keep going because we know we have someone or something to go home to. But what if you knew your German Shepherd could protect your family and home? That is simply comforting.

Your German Shepherd is more than just a pet. They are a vital member of your family. Furthermore, they may act as your protector. Also, your German Shepherd can serve as a watchdog or a guardian depending on the situation. They have a natural protective instinct. And it only activates when the situation calls for it.

They are fearless and self-assured, which makes them ideal protector animals. They will put their lives in danger to protect their family and you!

They are Devoted

Dogs, in general, are loyal and dedicated companions. They may be more loyal than others you know. Their loyalty strengthens their bond with their owners. Dogs teach people about love and devotion; a German Shepherd will be your dependable best friend.

They are Affectionate

Don’t be fooled by their appearance. German Shepherds appear less friendly than Golden Retrievers or as adorable as a Welsh Corgi. They seem to be fierce. They even appear to be ready to bite you at any moment.

As a result, it may surprise you how affectionate German Shepherds are. These large canines are suckers for cuddles and kisses. They also enjoy your attention. They ask for your attention by resting their head on your lap. They could also nudge you with their nose. Even if they grow quite large, they will still try to sit on your lap!

They are Fantastic With Children

Do you have any young children? Or nephews and nieces? The most pressing question on your mind right now is probably, “Is a German Shepherd good with babies?” YES! That is, with proper training. German Shepherds get along well with children. They’re both amusing and protective.

Do not let your children and German Shepherd stay home alone, they might not get along! The secret is to start training your dog as soon as possible. This means that training must begin as soon as the puppy is born. In short, don’t leave your German Shepherd with kids at home.

They are Intelligent and Quick to Learn

Your dog deserves to brag about its intelligence! German Shepherds are so intelligent that they rank third among the smartest dog breeds. You are responsible for an intelligent dog. And do you want to know the best part? They’re effortless to train!

After a few repetitions, your German Shepherd can perform a trick. This is why German Shepherds are the most popular choice for police and service dogs. Another reason they thrive in these ‘professions’ is a simple attribute: they want to please their owners. These dogs enjoy collaborating with and working alongside humans. Being around people makes them happy.

They are Friendly, and Sweet

German Shepherds are police dogs. That doesn’t mean they can’t have a good time. Aside from their intimidating appearance, German Shepherds are sweet and friendly. They’re the ideal companion for you and your children.

This is due to their ability to be both silly and fun-loving simultaneously. Spending time with them can help to alleviate the daily stresses of work.

They Make Excellent Road Trip Companions

A road trip with your German Shepherd is more enjoyable. So, whether you’re traveling alone or with your family, bring your dog. Some German Shepherds enjoy car rides and travel. You can train them to enjoy car rides, although it takes time and perseverance. But once they get used to the car, you’ll have a traveling companion.

This is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with your dog. They also see more of the world and meet new people, and GSDs are adaptable to any lifestyle.

Whatever the change, your German Shepherd, will adjust. They can thrive in any environment. They are adaptable to your needs. Are you relocating? Are you expecting a child? No worries.

The German Shepherd can also adapt to any situation, whether hot or cold. Whether you have a large backyard or live in an apartment makes no difference. Adapting is simple whether they stay inside or outside the house.

They Get Along Well With Other Animals

It can be a real pain if your pets do not get along. Some dogs are constantly fighting. Or perhaps a dog and a cat are having problems that they can’t resolve. Fortunately, German Shepherds get along well with other animals. Some German Shepherds can develop a soft spot for other animals, such as kittens.

How to Keep Your Child German Shepherd Safe?

When it comes to German Shepherds for kids, safety is paramount. Many issues arise between children and GSDs when neither understands the other’s body language. Small children become overly excited, moving quickly and unexpectedly, and screaming in high-pitched voices.

GSDs may interpret these actions and noises as invitations to play. When, in fact, the child may perceive the dog’s interaction as a frightening event. When a GSD attempts to play with a child, it may appear to the child as an attack, resulting in long-term mental trauma.

Making your pets “child-safe” can be a difficult task, but it is one that you must complete. Remember that even if you don’t have or aren’t expecting children, you may have visitors who do, or you may encounter them in public places.

In any case, ensuring that your dog understands how to interact with children is critical. When properly trained, the dog-child relationship is one of the most fulfilling on the planet.

Another factor to consider is child training. That is, they must learn to respect the GSD. They will need to learn which behaviors are acceptable and which are not. It’s a good way to reduce erratic behavior.

And if your children aren’t older to understand proper dog behavior, they’re probably too young to play with them. You should establish ground rules for interacting with the German Shepherd. Of course, this will depend on your children and the specific dog. However, to get started, here’s a good set of ground rules:

• Before playing with the German Shepherd, always seek permission.
• Never pull on the skin, tail, or ears of a German Shepherd. It has the potential to cause pain and an aggressive reaction.
• Don’t try to ride on the back of the dog. Again, this may cause discomfort to the dog.
• Avoid making loud noises at or near the German Shepherd, such as yelling or banging.
• Running at the GSD may frighten the dog. Approach the dog slowly instead.
• Similarly, never flee from the GSD. This may activate their prey drive.
• When the German Shepherd is eating or playing with a toy, don’t bother it. Allow them some breathing room.
• If the dog tries to jump on you, turn your back on them. Don’t give them attention for negative behaviors.

Children are similar to dogs in that they are excellent visual learners. So, it’s best to demonstrate how to follow these rules and properly interact with the dog. The more frequently you expose them to these behaviors, the faster they learn. In this case, the German Shepherd and kids will need safety training.

Groomers’ Land Top Safety Tips

Shepherds are large dogs who are affectionate toward their owners. When considering this energetic breed, keep the following in mind:

• A GSD, like other dogs, enjoys licking children’s faces. However, such behavior increases a small child’s fear.
• The dog may knock over a child due to a thrilling game of chase and tag. Your dog may interpret the child’s distress as a sign of play, and a large GSD may jump on top, exacerbating the situation.
• GSDs enjoy jumping and are very active. As a result, small children are easy targets for unintentional knockdowns during greetings.
• To avoid misunderstandings, both shepherds and children require supervision. Never leave children or dogs unattended!
• Even children who aren’t always afraid of large dogs should be cautious when interacting with them!

Should I Get a Puppy or an Adult?

GSD puppies require a lot of attention! Young families with pre-school-aged children should wait until the youngest child is at least five years old before getting a puppy. Some families with small children believe puppies are safer and easier to train than older adult Shepherds. However, this is not always the case.

Puppies are delicate. They require more time and attention and are prone to scratching, jumping, and biting during play. They are not the best for families with young children.

For many families, the best option is to find a young adult German Shepherd with a history of living successfully with children. This means the previous owner is aware of the German Shepherd’s child-friendliness due to the dog’s history.

Check with local German Shepherd rescues or other dog organizations for adoptable adult dogs who have proven good with families. GSDs that receive positive, family-friendly training, proper socialization, appropriate amounts and types of exercise, and attention are the best German Shepherds for kids.

What to Look for in a Kid-Friendly GSD?

A German Shepherd can be a wonderful addition to any family, but there are some preventive measures to take first. With this breed, it is best to get a young pup who can grow and develop with the children, and early socialization and training are essential.

In addition to these critical points, it’s always a good idea to learn the fundamentals of any breed you intend to add to your family dynamic. Here are some interesting facts to look for in a kid-friendly GSD: 

Size

The German Shepherd grows to be between 22 and 26 inches (55.8 to 66 centimeters) tall and weighs anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds (22 to 40 kilograms), making it a true member of the large breed club! 

In other words, this is not a small dog who will remain small. Because of this dog’s size and high energy level, it can easily overpower your children when they are playing, which is why proper training is so important.

Life Expectancy

A German Shepherd has a shorter lifespan than other dogs, averaging 7 to 10 years. Although you may be undecided about whether to adopt a puppy or an older dog, it is critical to consider all the pros and cons of getting a puppy. While you can raise the puppy alongside your children, it comes at the cost of your child’s best furry pal, likely passing away while your children are still young.

Grooming Needs

This dog sheds frequently, but a lot of the hair gets stuck in its double coat, so brushing it regularly will help eliminate the loose hairs and keep them from accumulating on your clothing or furniture. This pooch requires an occasional bath, proper dental care, and regular nail trims in addition to its regular brushings.

Health Issues

Most German Shepherd puppies are relatively healthy, especially if purchased from reputable breeders. They screen their breeding stock for various health conditions, such as hip dysplasia and eye issues.

German Shepherds, like other large breeds, are susceptible to bloat, which can be a potentially fatal condition. So, it’s always important to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to keep your dog happy.

Training

You must socialize a German Shepherd from a young age, and it is critical to begin a training schedule with your dog as early as possible. Enrolling your dog in puppy classes and obedience training is essential for raising a well-mannered and patient canine.

Fortunately, this breed is eager to please and trainable, and training your pup can be a wonderful bonding experience. You can even train your dog to a wide range of entertaining tricks that will make it the star of any show. 

Final Words

Your dog requires training to learn to control its behavior around your family. Fortunately, this breed is among the world’s smartest dogs and responds well to obedience orders.

According to the article, German Shepherds get along with children when both the child and the dog take active and successful steps to coexist. You will need to teach your kids to be German Shepherd savvy for a peaceful co-existence. Adult participation, planning, and direction are essential for success.