German Shepherd Conformation Dog Shows

When breeder Max von Stephanitz created the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde as a means to standardize the German Shepherd breed, his vision was that of utility over aesthetic quality. The German Shepherd is a working breed above all else, and von Stephanitz worked hard to ensure that only the strongest, most intelligent and most capable dogs would represent the breed.

Unfortunately, von Stephanitz's vision has since faded. Conformation shows that promote visual beauty over working ability have given rise to an influx of show line dogs. True working line protection dogs are getting harder to find. However, not all conformation shows focus exclusively on aesthetic quality. Some trainers and breeders have set out to award working line dogs based on conformation standards that promote the breed's working ability. Only working line dogs are permitted to enter, and awards are given to dogs who will improve the integrity of the breed by their physique, intelligence and nerves.

True conformation standards should focus on how the dog's build will effect its working ability. Physically, a good protection dog must be healthy, strong, agile and well-balanced. Aside from the obvious lack of nerves and confidence found in show line dogs, many show line dogs are also poorly balanced, and as a result, are not as agile as their working line counterparts. Mentally, a German Shepherd needs to show intelligence, loyalty and strong nerves.

While many aesthetics-based conformation shows have contributed to the development of poor bloodlines, the efforts of a select few trainers and breeders are helping to preserve the true strength of working line dogs.

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.