German Shepherd Guard Dogs

German Shepherds make excellent guard dogs for a number of reasons. They are strong, clever and highly obedient which makes training German Shepherds a pleasant task. Only specific dogs have the ability to be trained to work with people and the public. Guard dogs are used by the police, private security companies and for personal use. Many people have bought a German Shepherd as a family dog and if the dog shows potential during basic obedience training they might want to advance and train the dog to be a guard dog.

Training should start when the dog is still young because this is when the dog will want to learn. You can train your German Shepherd the basic skills of obedience training and scent discrimination yourself without any assistance. After your German Shepherd has mastered the basics and if you are prepared to advance you might want to approach your local dog club for advice in training a guard dog. In order for your dog to become an official guard dog you will have to attend guard dog trials. Guard dogs are required to complete various tests as well as be able to past a character test.

The following criteria are included in most guard dog trials:

• Basic obedience exercises
• Scent discrimination
• No gun shyness
• Protective instinct
• Listening skills
• Following of orders

Trainers and officials will assist you in preparing your German Shepherd for guard dog training trials. Your German shepherd needs to be able to perform a number of exercises in order to pass the test. Some examples of the exercises asked in guard dog training are:

• Simulated attacks on the dog and its master
• Flight of the attacker
• Pursuit by the dog
• Barking and alerting of danger
• Locate hiding persons
• Keep a supposed criminal in place

Having a German Shepherd trained as a guard dog can be an asset to your personal protection and the safety of your family. Remember that not all dogs are able to under go the advance training of becoming a guard dog as it requires special behavioral traits and personality.