The German Shepherd Dog is intelligent, loyal, and deeply committed to its family, often forming strong bonds with one or two primary people. They can be exceptional family dogs, but their drive, sensitivity, and protective instincts require experienced, consistent leadership and purposeful training.
What to Know About the German Shepherd Dog
Highly intelligent and quick to learn, but easily bored without direction
Strong working drive that needs daily mental and physical outlets
Naturally protective, making early socialization essential
Loyal and attentive to family, often wary of strangers without guidance
Thrives with structure, clear expectations, and consistent routines
Sensitive dogs that respond poorly to harsh or inconsistent handling
Adolescence can be challenging due to confidence and impulse control issues
Requires regular exercise that goes beyond casual walks
Best suited for families who enjoy training, engagement, and active lifestyles
Train the Family Dog, Not Just the Breed
At Alaska Dog Works, we’ve been training dogs to be reliable, confident family companions for over 30 years. We’ve worked with more than 150 breeds and helped over 3,000 clients build practical, lasting relationships with their dogs through experience-based training.
To learn more about our training philosophy and get real-world advice you can apply at home, listen to our podcast at https://dogworksradio.com



