Be sure to carefully supervise these visits so nothing happens that will make it even more difficult for your dog to accept your baby when it arrives. Be it jumping, peeing inappropriately,... Can Golden Retrievers Find Their Way Home | Latest Scientific Answers. A dog finds happiness as much as it gives to… You have to be sure that things like paper towels and baby clothes aren’t in an area where your dog can destroy them. German Shepherds are effective at protecting babies from threats that include aggressive animals and dangerous people. She enjoys visiting the National Parks in New Mexico and Texas with her dogs. So are german shepherds good with babies? Are German Shepherds good with children? Black German Shepherds are no different than other German Shepherd beside the recessive black gene. Remember too that puppies put everything in their mouth so be sure to watch out that your baby is not the recipient of puppy nips. According to Canna-Pet German Shepherds are the second-most popular breed in America, with good reason. Dogs used to the sounds that babies make are less likely to have these noises act as a trigger for their prey drive. German Shepherds are not good with babies. Stacy is a freelance writer who has always shared her life with dogs, especially German Shepherds. Required fields are marked *. German Shepherds are a well-liked and favored breed in the United States. I just wanted to know if they are good with kids. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Be sure to send us your dog's name and picture so we can feature them on our FAMOUS DOG page. You will notice that the steps we outline here should all be started as early as possible. New toys or spoiling your dog are unnecessary measures. German Shepherds have been known to do very well with babies. While you should teach your children how to respect dogs and interact with them safely, German shepherds tolerate pokes, grabs, and occasional tail pulls from little hands quite well. In general, German shepherds are good with kids. Socialization matters just as much when the dog is the newcomer in the household. Both supervision and socialization will make a difference. A shepherd with proper socialization will likely tolerate grabbing and pulling, but they should never be left unattended with a … Preventing jealousy issues before they arise is always better. It’s a good idea to have a checkup for your dog before the new baby arrives. A female german shepherd. The dog toys shouldn’t resemble your baby’s toys, and the baby toys should be off-limits to the dog to prevent accidental bites. German shepherds are very protective of their owners; you want to make sure that you introduce the baby and the dog "right" to make sure the dog doesn't think the baby is "his" or that he ranks higher than the baby in the pack. A complete checkup is most useful. What to Consider If You Get Your Dog After the Baby Comes. They are insecure, fearing losing attention or love, and might see a baby as a rival. All images and video on the site are original or used under a creative commons agreement. As flock guardian dogs, these shepherds have a firm pack mentality that makes them responsive to training and eager to please. If possible, bring in new things over time and show them to your dog so it knows there is nothing to fear. Dogs need to know the habits and social order of their pack to be comfortable and calm. They will usually obtain full maturity around three years of age. Breeder or rescue dog? German Shepherds are considered to be an outstanding family pet. German shepherds bond quickly with the children in their home, often treating them with the same love and attention they would lavish on their own puppies. Some even enjoy a good bear hug in spite of the fact … We explore the GSD temperament, GSDs with babies, kids, children, other dogs + 4 family tips! One of this breed’s strongest traits is its strong protective instinct. 1. Does their protective nature make them an asset or liability for babies? Puppy or adult? Can Golden Retrievers Find Their Way Home | Latest Scientific Answers If you already have a baby but want to add a German Shepherd to your family, you have a couple of decisions to make. Like Our Posts? Yes, Shepherds can be wonderful protectors to their favorite humans, but it’s still important to be safe when it comes to small children and dogs. Feelings of nervousness, worry, or excitability are natural for dogs to pick up on. Well, for the most part, the answer is yes. They can be vicious, disobedient, and too rough to have around your children. Parasites and worms can be hazardous to babies, so you want to make sure these are done away with. You should never leave an unfamiliar German Shepherd alone with your kids. Keep as calm a mind as possible so you can lead by example. Adding a dog to the family demands a lot of analyzing and reflection. The temperament of black German Shepherds is the same as any other GSD. But now they are considered monsters who attack children by many people. German Shepherds were bred to defend sheep by fighting off predators. German Shepherds are a dog that will sit beside their family and watch you carefully from across the street, measuring your intent. Also, dogs do not stare unless trying for dominance and babies may look your dog in the eye too much. If you are a little scared and don’t know what to do, your dog will feel the same way. The individual dog’s personality will also be worth considering, as well as the socialization level. Children’s MD has a good article Dogs And Babies Don’t Mix that has suggestions for helping German Shepherd be good with babies. Just email us at topdog@dogandpuppystuff.com. It is very important that you do not cut exercise and play time when your baby arrives. Get any help you need because your dog wants to know the pack leaders are calm and confident. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You do, however, need to make sure he or she understands that they only enter when you’re with them. This emphasizes that you are all members of the pack together. For example, pit-bulls were known as “the nanny dog” in the 1920’s because they were so good with kids. Imagine if you came to work and your desk was gone…moved to another area without discussion. Bear in mind that you will need to train your dog and that some rescue dogs may have come from abusive homes. The German Shepherd can make a great dog for older kids, though they can pose a danger without proper socializing. Owners who socialize their dogs properly will be likely to have well-adjusted dogs, but there are aspects of the breed’s personality to keep in mind. Dogs (and most humans) don’t like abrupt changes. Many humans don’t realize that your dog may have forgotten what certain commands mean and may need a refresher course. Supervising your baby’s interactions with pets is always a necessity. If you love dogs, you'll love our site! One of the best ways to socialize a German Shepherd to a baby is to help them accept the infant as a fellow pack member. What if the dog arrives after the baby? Everyone’s life will change and that can be stressful. Copyright 2021 JAFA Productions. Your dog can easily get to know your new baby without kissing, licking or sleeping with it. With a calm nature, caring temperament and strong desire to protect their loved ones, German Shepherds are without a doubt a wonderful family dog. Are German Shepherds good with children? However, dogs act like dogs and babies act like babies so training and supervision are key. Avoid shady breeders who breed dogs of questionable health or personality, or refuse to take back a dog who doesn’t fit in with your family. While this is mostly true, the answer to are German Shepherds good with kids isn’t totally black and white. All rights reserved. Maybe...it depends on training, socialization, and more. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. My experience and my research indicates that the breed does not matter as much as the way you socialize and introduce your dog and baby. They are useful because your dog will still see or hear the baby, without being able to get into their space without your knowledge. Your dog is used to that and expects it every day. That is how your dog may feel if suddenly this baby shows up and its food bowl and water is moved, its bed and crate are moved and maybe the treats are moved. If you realize you won’t be able to walk daily until noon and that you will only have time to walk half as far, start gradually changing the time you go and the amount you walk long before the baby arrives. You also want to watch out for territorial behavior when other people are around the baby. Allowing your dog to sniff around the room without the baby present is okay. Regardless of the dog’s age, you’ll have to give him or her exposure to as many different people as possible to gain better social skills. On April 25th 2016, an article appeared in the daily mail that described an amazing feat by an English sheepdog. I know that german shepherds are very loyal dogs and I've never seen a vicious one myself but I would just like to know. For example, let’s say you have always taken your dog out for an hour walk with you at 6:00 AM. Another important boundary is keeping your dog off furniture in the nursery. Some breeds are easier for first-time dog owners, while others require a little more time and patience whilst training. There is no such thing as a bad dog as it usually comes down to poor training and socialization by the owner, right from puppyhood. Everyone in your household, especially the baby, will benefit from a calm mindset. They are known to be protective of their owners. There are a few signs that a dog might be prone to jealous behavior. Once whichever family member has the baby is settled, allow your dog to sniff, from a reasonable distance. Babies are a big change in your family dynamic. Present the dog with a special one-time gift that will provide a positive association with the presence of the baby. Even though no dog should be left unattended with an infant, their urge to protect will make them more aware of threats to a child. Read on to learn more. Border Collie Training Solution Yes And No, You Need A Good Introduction To Make German Shepherds Good With Babies, Start Early To Make Your German Shepherds Good With Babies- This Is Why God Gave You 9 Months, Review All Training – Before The Baby Arrives, Give Your Dog Love & Attention While The Baby Is Awake, Dogs Can Smell Without Touching Or Licking, Breed Doesn’t Matter As Much As Careful Introduction, Don’t Adopt A Dog Without Considering 10 These Factors That Prevent Adoption Mistakes, Are Pitbulls Dangerous | 13 Surprising Truths You Need To Know, https://dogandpuppystuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/dogs-are-awesome-new.mp4. The more calm leadership you demonstrate, the more your German Shepherd will accept your new baby’s place in the “pack.” A dog that treats every human in the household as a leader is a dog that will relate well to the rest of their family. In the words of the great Derek Zoolander, German Shepherds are “really, really good looking.” … But, they don’t always inherently know how to behave around them. However, how does this translate to how German Shepherds relate to children, particularly babies? In addition to the health benefits, altering also stops your dog from engaging in sexual aggression, which can result in severe injury to a baby. It’s also a good idea to be sure your dog is feeling well because dogs in pain or with health issues may become irritated with your baby. Have other family members bring the baby into the house while you’re still walking your German Shepherd. They are large dogs and can do a lot of damage. Dogs should not be used as babysitters, regardless of their temperament. You should avoid both jerking the dog away from the baby too suddenly or forcing them to get close to the baby before they’re ready. The more your dog recognizes your position as a leader, the more he or she will want to please you. 6 Critical Things You Need To Know, German Shepherds Good With Babies? A dog with proper socialization is less likely to act out against a baby over healthy baby behaviors. Please Share Them With Dog Lovers. Your negative energy could give your dog negative associations with the baby. Today we talk about 'are German Shepherds good with Children'. Yes, German shepherds are a lovely, loyal, and intelligent breed. Bad behavior could have a medical basis, especially if your dog usually is well-behaved. Remember that dogs have far more powerful senses of smell and hearing. German Shepherds are extremely loving, and they are quick to befriend others, including babies, toddlers, and young children. They are as good as any dog. Of course, each dog (whatever their coloring) has a unique personality. Most German Shepherds are Good With Babies With a few exceptions, German Shepherd Dogs are considered to be outstanding family pets and particularly good with babies and children. So are german shepherds good with babies? Other household members, including pets, and the German Shepherd’s temperament can all play a role in whether the dog becomes jealous. Your email address will not be published. Their advice and support give you the tools to help overcome your dog’s more challenging behavior. Videos like this one from Sad Cat show that a German Shepherd can get along well with a baby. They often tend to be calm and gentle, although sometimes they can be a bit too energetic for the children. One of the most important things to remember is that a dog that doesn’t feel neglected will be better-behaved. Your email address will not be published. Everything smells different and there are lots of toys for the baby too. Otherwise, they might try to play with an infant the same way they might play with another dog. Do a careful introduction over time with lots of exercise, love and support and your dog will learn to love and accept the newest pack member. The dog will also be less likely to associate a change in routine with the baby. One of the best features that this breed possesses is a high trainability level. Send them to: topdog@dogandpuppystuff.com A veterinary checkup can help identify any health issues that might influence your dog’s behavior. Dogs are creatures of habit, with schedules and boundaries that they become used to. No matter what breed your dog is or how well behaved it is or how friendly and non-aggressive it is, remember that your dog is an animal. Well, it doesn’t which is why German Shepherds don’t make good family dogs. Your dog will need to become accustomed to new routines, respect important boundaries you have set, and get used to what is likely a whole new attitude in your home. So, they’re stable dogs that respond well to unpredictability, such as kids. When you are researching a German Shepherd’s ability to be a great family dog, you will likely see photos of babies cuddling on top of their German Shepherd pets. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Read on to learn more. Start keeping your anticipated schedule well in advance of your child’s arrival. However, your routine changes with a new infant, and pets are conscious of these changes. As you read on, you will see logical steps to take to keep everyone happy and to start your baby’s journey with a wonderful friend. They may be fine with babies and then inexplicably turn on them and we don’t know why. One thing that stands out about German Shepherds is their loyalty to every person in their house. I am getting a puppy tonight. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Dogs from a breeder who uses sound, professional practices are more likely to have excellent temperaments. The Amazing German Shepherd Originally, the breed was developed by a German cavalry officer in the late 19th century to be the ideal herding dog. Are German Shepherds Good With Kids? Their friendly and sweet behavior is the reason why they are the best choice of dogs for both individuals and families. We have insightful articles on topics of interest, unbiased product reviews and humorous dog videos. 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