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German Shepherds are amazingly intelligent, loving, loyal, happy dogs. They're fairly easy to train as long as you assert your dominance as the pack leader. NEVER spank a dog - use positive rewards and food treats to encourage good behavior. Because these dogs are so intelligent, they'll learn quickly what they need to do to get a treat. They learn faster if you make them work for their food. Tell them to drop to the floor. Give them a treat when they do it. They'll always do it from that point on. Same thing with 'sit' and 'stay' and 'roll over' etc. They need a LOT of exercise. These are working dogs and they respond best when they're out "hunting" with the pack. They just love it. Always leave challenging tasks for them to figure out. I leave treats hidden around the yard for them to hunt out. I have a toy where I can put food inside that they have to work to get out. This keeps their minds challenged and thinking. Always socialize your dog with other dogs and other people. This will keep them happy and friendly. Last thing - they do need grooming. They will shed hair everywhere. But they're SO worth everything you do for them :)

They are a wonderful dog when well trained. The only negative is that they can be over-protective (may not be abad thing when protecting your kids). When we got our dog, she used to drag our 6 year old to the ground and stand over him. Had to teach her not to do that. Nine years later, she is still very protective of anything that is ours including the barn cats. When she goes, I plan to replace her with the same type of dog, Ours is a Lab/Shepherd cross.