German Shepherds’ loyalty to their owners is unparallel and can be trusted in almost any situation. That said, they are also very keen on “shadowing” of their owners – no matter where they go (bathroom included). So do you want to know why German Shepherds are so loyal?
Intelligence, alertness, protectiveness and willingness to please make German Shepherds one of the most loyal dog breeds. The more bonded to their owner, the more loyal a German Shepherd will be. This sense of loyalty is what makes them such a perfect working breed as well as household pets.
In this article, you’ll learn just how loyal German Shepherds are, why that is, and how to mold their loyalty into something you can manage. Plus, we’ll also look at why a German Shepherd might not be loyal and what you can do to train them properly for loyalty without aggression.
How Loyal Are German Shepherds?
German Shepherds are regarded as the most loyal dog breed for their fiercely protective and territorial nature. These fearless dogs are so loyal that this trait is what the breed is known for.
Watch this video when Rocky protects his owner from being attacked (fake situation):
Learn more: Will A German Shepherd Attack an Intruder Untrained?
It’s also said that this high sense of loyalty causes separation anxiety in this breed. This loyalty also triggers eagerness to please and the ability to be an incredible working companion, no matter what the job is.
German Shepherds can also show loyalty through shadowing, where they follow their owners around wherever they go.
Learn more: Why Does My German Shepherd Follow Me Around Everywhere in the House?
The downside to their loyalty can be that they can become territorial. That’s why proper training and socialization are vital to your German Shepherd’s life as a companion.
Why Are German Shepherds So Loyal?
German Shepherds are often chosen for their loyalty, but this is a trait you just can’t breed into a dog. It comes naturally to them, for the most part. Let’s talk a little bit more about German Shepherd loyalty.
Also read: Do German Shepherds Have Good Temperament?
German Shepherd Breed History
The German Shepherd breed was first developed in the 1800s by Max von Stephanitz, who was in pursuit of the perfect working dog. He bred wolves and other mixed breeds until he got the first German Shepherd. And that’s when it all began.
They became much more popular after WWI, as soldiers raved about the breed’s loyalty to their handlers in combat, often acting as an additional line of defense and weaponry.
Now, they are more popular for their superior work ethic, loyalty to their owners, and loving nature as family dogs.
Loyalty As A Working Breed
Because they’re so smart and obedient, their abilities as a working breed are second to none. German Shepherds are also versatile. But, their true gift is livestock protection. In military, security, and law enforcement roles, they put their lives on the line for their handlers.
Learn more: Why Are German Shepherds More Than Just a Herding Breed? 6 Facts You May Not Know
Common German Shepherd Personality Traits
German Shepherds are not just known for being loyal, affectionate, and very protective. They’re also extremely intelligent and brave as lions. These dogs are capable of any job given to them, from protecting the family to bomb detection.
This breed is not for first-time dog owners, but with experienced handlers, it’s much easier because of this inherent personality.
Are German Shepherds Only Loyal To One Person?
Every dog is different, but generally speaking, German Shepherds are not just loyal to one, but to their whole family. However, this usually comes with a large amount of bonding and socialization.
Also read: Can a German Shepherd Have Two/Multiple Owners?
Will A German Shepherd Be A Good Family Dog?
With their fiercely loyal nature, you’d think German Shepherds would only be suited to one person. However, they can make excellent family dogs. Not just because of their loyalty. German Shepherds are also very protective, affectionate, and loving towards their whole family.
What Could Cause Disloyalty In A German Shepherd?
Every dog is different, and the breed standard can only give you so much information. Plus, there are so many factors going into a dog’s personality. Here are some factors that could cause a German Shepherd not to be loyal.
Abuse And Neglect
Abuse and neglect are at the top of what could cause your German Shepherd not to be loyal. Abuse can be damaging, and it takes a long time to recover.
So, if you’ve recently adopted a German Shepherd with a history of abuse, be cautious. But, also show them there’s nothing to fear. Over time and good training, loyalty will come.
Fear
No animal can show loyalty out of fear. A frightened dog is only likely to hide or become aggressive in defense of itself.
If your dog is fearful of you or someone in your family, do what you can to immediately diminish the threat so a dog can feel comfortable, safe, and loved. When they do, your dog will likely develop the sense of loyalty you’re looking for.
Doesn’t Feel Like Part Of The Family
Dogs are social animals, they must have a place in the family. Not just German Shepherds, but any dog that doesn’t feel like a part of the family will not be loyal to you.
An estimated 80% of owners consider their pets to be family members.
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Make sure that you treat your pup like a member of the family. The way to go is to show your GSD lots of love as a family member.
Lack Of Training
Without proper training, your German Shepherd may not know how to be loyal to you and your family. They’re obedient and intelligent, but German Shepherds still need guidance.
You can reverse disloyalty through proper training, bonding with the whole family, and most of all, socialization with people and other animals. If you don’t have experience in dog training, it’s best to seek a professional.
How To Encourage Loyalty In Your German Shepherd
If your German Shepherd has come from a hard life without much love or training, it’s not hard to understand why they aren’t loyal. Here’s what you can do to encourage more loyalty in your German Shepherd.
Showing Love & Affection
The best way to encourage your German Shepherd to be more loyal to you is to show them love and affection. Make your dog know that you love him, and he will be loyal to you for life. That’s all a dog ever asks for.
Socialization & Bonding
A dog needs a bond with its owner to be loyal. It’s just that simple. But, another important piece to the German Shepherd’s loyalty puzzle is socialization with other animals and people. If not, they can become possessive and territorial.
Never Use Negative Reinforcement
One thing you should never do with a dog like a German Shepherd is discipline using negative reinforcement. Any smacking or physical punishment will only result in fear, which leads to disloyalty.
Give Them A Job To Do
Any German Shepherd owner knows that these pups are wicked smart and super strong. This combination can become difficult to deal with when they have nothing to do. German Shepherds thrive when working. So, the best thing to do is help them release energy through something productive.
Are German Shepherds Dangerously Loyal?
It’s not often, but yes, a German Shepherd can be dangerously loyal. In the case of mishandling or lack of training and socialization, a German Shepherd can become aggressive and territorial over its owner.
Can A German Shepherd’s Loyalty Result In Something Bad?
This is something that no pet owner ever wants. But, if your German Shepherd becomes aggressive, that could get someone seriously hurt or even killed. And, if your dog is loyal to the point of being overprotective, then this is a real possibility.
For example, if your dog is territorial and overprotective, and isn’t properly trained, he could end up biting your new significant other, a friend, or even a child they haven’t met yet.
Protective Aggression
When you’re in danger, protective aggression could save your life or your family, it could fend off predators from your herd, and it can protect your home. But, these are the only times when protective aggression is a good thing.
Otherwise, it can be horrible. In the best case, protective aggression manifests itself in growling and barking. However, in the worst case, protective aggression can cause a dog to attack anyone (or animal) that goes near its owner.
What Aggression Can Mean For Your German Shepherd?
When your German Shepherd becomes aggressive with another person who isn’t a threat to you, it can be a big problem. If your dog actually bites someone and causes injury, it will be added to your county’s dangerous dog list.
If this behavior continues, you will have to put your dog down. And if your dog bites another dog and causes injury, you are liable for damages, meaning you will be legally responsible for footing the vet bill for the injured dog.
Training Tips For German Shepherd Loyalty
The number one way to prevent aggression is proper training. As mentioned, German Shepherds are strong, smart, and fast.
But that doesn’t mean they are unmanageable without for first-timer. All you need is patience and lots of love when it comes to training your GSD. Here are some tips to help you train a loyal German Shepherd.
10 Best Training Tips for German Shepherd Puppies
Positive Reinforcement
Nothing is learned from negative reinforcement. Instead, use positive reinforcement and consistent firm yet positive discipline methods. For example, a firm “No” is followed up by distraction with something productive.
Discipline, Don’t Punish
The days of “sticking the dog’s nose in it” are long gone. We now know that the only thing this teaches is fear, which can cause aggression. Remain firm, but never be forceful or violent.
When You Need A Pro Trainer
German Shepherds can be intense for starters. Without experience with German Shepherds or dogs like them, you might need a professional trainer to help you. And, if he’s going to be a working dog, that requires professional training so your dog can perform at its best.
Conclusion
German Shepherds are not for the faint of heart. They are a breed unlike any other. They’re intense but can make great pets for experienced owners and even families. Their pension for love and affection is just as strong as their sense of loyalty. And the best way to nurture your German Shepherd’s loyalty is through lots of love, bonding and training. Combined, you will have the best companion you could ever have in your life.
