German Shepherds are famous for their work ethic and intelligence. They're athletes and scholars used extensively for police work, bomb and drug detection, search and rescue and as guides for the blind among other things. Their stable temperaments and willingness to work along with great capacity to learn make them among the hardest working of all breeds.
All these qualities make German Shepherds good family pets in the hands of owners who have some experience with dogs and who are able to handle such large and active dogs.
The sad plight of many German Shepherds is often the result of inexperienced people who fail to find out about the breed or do any research before getting a dog. When they discover that they're out of their depth they frequently abandon dogs who have been confused, depressed and often developed aggressive behaviors.
No breed of dog, including German Shepherds, is inherently aggressive. The lack of socialization and proper training as well as neglect and abuse can make an aggressor out of any dog. The problem is not the dog. The problem is the owner. German Shepherds are powerful working dogs with lots of intelligence and energy. They require firm and fair handling to become good pets and companions.
Shepherds can develop aggressive behaviors in certain circumstances. Because they are bred to be territorial guard dogs they are instinctively suspicious and wary of strangers and those they don't trust.
Aggressive actions such as snapping, barking, growling and lunging are his way of expressing his mistrust and his territorial instincts. Careful socialization will minimize this behavior. On the other hand, a poorly socialized dog may be so nervous and timid with strangers that they snap and bite out of fear rather than in an effort to dominate. This is known as fear aggression.
Early socialization of the German Shepherd puppy is the best deterrent to aggression problems later in life. It's a lot easier and more effective to start out right than to correct a problem later. Older dogs can be trained but it takes patience and more time than with a puppy.
As you start training to correct or prevent aggression in your Shepherd you have to be sure you are behaving as the alpha dog. Start this the moment you meet your dog. He will recognize this and training will be much more effective. This doesn't mean the use of rough or painful correction or even humiliation. A quick and gentle shake by the scruff of the neck is all that you'll need to get the message across.
Reward good behavior throughout training with praise and treats. Trainers call this positive reinforcement. Dogs respond well to this, learning to enjoy and look forward to training. Negative corrections such as humiliation, loud scolding and corporal punishment cause them to withdraw, shut down and cease to benefit from training.
Everyone in the dog's family needs to take part in his training and daily life to help him avoid over attachment to one person.
Again, the earlier you start training the better. As soon as your puppy is vaccinated get him into a puppy class where socialization with other dogs and people will start him on the right track. Socialization is the single most important thing you can do to raise a well adjusted and well behaved pet. Even after he's grown beyond puppy hood be sure he has the opportunity to meet plenty of other dogs and people. It's never too early to start house training and the simple sit and stay commands that form the foundation of later training.
Basic obedience training is invaluable for your German Shepherd. Remember that you're dealing with a large and powerful dog. Training him through the intermediate level will be time well spent. The adequately trained Shepherd will respond to basic commands such as “Leave it,” or “Come here,” when a potentially aggressive situation is brewing. This can mean the difference between a tense moment and a full fledged dog fight.
Enough exercise is the next key to a well behaved German Shepherd. These are extremely active dogs who love to go with you jogging or biking. Vigorous games like fetch and Frisbee can help him get work off some energy. He'll need at least 45 minutes a day. This is in addition to short toilet walks.
It's a good idea to keep a German Shepherd on a lead at all times when other dogs are around, even if they're off lead. If your dog is known to like stirring up trouble around other dogs put a muzzle on him when you're out in public.
Many areas offer special obedience classes for dogs with aggression problems. The trainers here are well qualified to deal with aggressive dogs and the trainer to dog ratio is high. These classes are extremely helpful in dealing with a dog who has developed a problem.
Becoming the owner of a German Shepherd is a big commitment. Remember that it's your responsibility to see that the dog is provided with his physical needs, food, shelter, medical care and EXERCISE, but equally important is his socialization and training to help him become a good dog citizen. I strongly recommend German Shepherd Dog Training.
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used extensively for police work, bomb and drug detection, search and rescue and as guides for the blind among other things. Their stable temperaments and willingness to work along with great capacity to learn make them among the hardest working of all breeds. 
