German Shepherd As Service Dog

What Makes German Shepherds Good Service Animals

The top 3 breeds most often chosen to become service animals are:

But many breeds can be used . And they certainly do not have to be purebreds!

The most important qualities a dog should have to become a service animal of any kind are the following:

• Well-tempered: they should be very, very patient, gentle and calm. Whatever the disability a person has, a dog will need to have the patience to provide the proper support. A frantic, uncontrollable dog is going to find it difficult to focus on completing the needed tasks.
• No excessive shedding. This is mostly a practical concern and something that you can work on to some extent .
• Well-socialized: the dog should be very comfortable being in many different environments, surrounded by many different kinds of people . They have to be very tolerant and adaptable.
• Obedient: training requires obedience. A dog will not learn what it needs to learn if its too stubborn to try. But bear in mind, if youve never tried to train your dog until now, you might not know how obedient it is so its worth a shot .

These qualities can be found in many different breeds so its less important that you have a particular breed . The important thing is that it has the right attitude and temperament to help others.

Importance Of A German Shepherds Temperament

Temperament is always vital while considering a service dog. A German Shepherd service dogs fair temper shows how quickly it may learn and obey its owner.

Service dogs do interact with other animals and people in the surrounding. So, temperament is vital for a German Shepherd.

However, the situation is not always calm and peaceful. So, service dogs should keep quiet and tackle the problem without losing their temper.

It is not easy to generalize each German Shepherds temperament. As humans characters differ, similarly, the temperament of dogs varies too.

So, while considering a German Shepherd service dog, you should know the temper. They should not breed strictly.

For example, different service dogs pieces of training are different. If Police have a service dog, it will be indifferent or capable of concentrating on various tasks.

Proper training is essential for a German Shepherd to get rid of ill temperament. A specialized professional trainer treats them well. They teach the dog by giving adequate training about temperament.

What Are Emotional Support Animals

An emotional support animal is any pet that provides emotional support and companionship to its owner daily.

An ESA is especially helpful for people living with certain mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.

Having an emotional support animal comes with certain legal protections, although not as many as having a service dog.

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Protection From Epilepsy Seizures By Service Dogs:

If someone has Epilepsy seizure attacks, they can get assistance from service dogs.

German Shepherd alerts if the owner gets an epileptic seizure.

German Shepherd Service dogs help them to move to a safe location. They protect the owner from injury or seizure attacks. Also, help them by providing medication or any other help.

Gsds Provide Constant Companionship

In truth, German Shepherd owners are never lonely because their loyal canines are always by their side. Although GSDs are sometimes slow to warm to strangers, they are gentle and loving with their families. Their affectionate and dedicated personalities are a bonus of the breed, and they can be particularly fond of children. This means your GSD wants to spend time with you rather than being left alone all day, every day. Allowing your German Shepherd to be with you as much as possible will bring out the best in your dog.

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Are All German Shepherds Well

As you may be aware, there are several German Shepherd bloodlines. These bloodlines are either bred for domestic, working, or show purposes.

Many German Shepherds have had a long history of service in the military, police, and Search and Rescue.

Therefore, each of them has particular temperaments and capabilities. Due to this, not all of the bloodlines will be equally good in the position of a service dog.

Cindy Kelly is an AKC licensed breeder and has been training dogs for over three decades at Regis Regal German Shepherds in Illinois. As she explains it,

The East German working line dogs, which are also used for the canine and police force, are very trainable if they come from healthy bloodlines.

But unfortunately, they are also bred to have a tremendous drive, which makes it difficult for a person requiring a service dog because they generally have no off switch.

This is why you are better off picking a German Shepherd with an ideal temperament and drive to work as a service dog.

Such a dog will respond well to training and have a calmer nature. This will ensure that they are better suited to being around people in various environments.

In Conclusion On German Shepherds As Service Dogs

So, what can you take away from this?

Well, German Shepherds, as service dogs, are an excellent option. And they can be trained to be outstanding service dogs for people with all kinds of medical conditions and illnesses.

Nonetheless, it isnt as simple as all that.

Several factors play into whether or not a German Shepherd will be a good service dog. This includes, but isnt limited to, breeding and temperament.

There is also the fact that German Shepherds arent always the right breed for the job. But, if they are specifically chosen, you can be confident that they will do a fantastic job.

Thus, if you or someone that you know needs a service dog, there is a good chance that a German Shepherd may be the right pick.

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Gsds Are Super Active

Therefore, so are you. Thinking of lounging on the couch? No way! German Shepherd owners know that wont happen until youve walked your dog, gone to the park, or provided some sort of exercise. This breed only thrives with enough regular exercise to burn off all that excess energy. If you dont give your GSD daily workouts, watch out. Your dog will get that energy out somehow, and most likely in ways you dont want. To be sure your German Shepherd is happy and a pleasure to live with, you will definitely get all the exercise you need too.

Whats The Difference Between Service Therapy & Emotional Support Dogs

Whenever you see a dog in a vest, it is easy to assume its a service dog or a therapy dog.

You may think that a dog assisting a blind person and another that visits a nursing home fall under the same category.

However, these dogs have different duties, responsibilities, and rights, thus its important to distinguish them from one another.

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Whats The Difference Between Service Dogs And Therapy Dogs

There is a significant difference between therapy dogs and service dogs.

Service dogs are trained to perform a particular task for a particular person. They are required for their owners wellbeing. They have access to public places, as their owners require them.

However, therapy dogs are very different. They are not designed to perform a particular task for a particular person. Instead, they provide affection for people in hospitals, retirement homes, schools, and similar areas. Theyre stress-relief pure and simple.

Some therapy dogs are utilized by libraries for reading, for instance.

They dont have access to public spaces, though. Therapy dogs need permission before they are allowed into any public space, whereas service dogs do not. Typically, therapy dogs have to be working in order to be let in places where animals are otherwise not allowed. They cant just go into a school because they want to, for example.

Therapy dogs are not required to access any public space. They arent allowed in places where other dogs arent allowed. They dont have any special privileges, whereas service dogs do.

German Shepherds Are One Of My Favorite Service Dogs But They Are Not For Everyone Though

Maybe buying a German Shepherd Service Dog will be the best investment you ever make, but you need to be realistic about the temperament of the breed.

A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that since German Shepherds are very smart and a lot of police use them that smart means easy to train and good with disturbances and distractions. It is important to remember that all dogs exhibit certain behaviors, but that just some breeds exhibit them a lot more. For example, all dogs bark, but Chihuahuas bark a lot more than most other breeds.

There is not an one trait that would rule out using a German Shepherd as a service dog, just that German Shepherds have a lot more instinct and genetics that can make them a handful unless you are an experienced large breed dog handler.

If you want a service dog that does not shed much, then you probably do not want to own a German Shepherd.

Of course, you could always brush and groom your German Shepherd to reduce the amount of shedding hair, but that would require a few minutes of work.

It may seem silly to you thinking of brushing your dog as work, but some people who own dogs do not want to do any work.

A lot of German Shepherds like to chase cats.

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What Traits Make A Good Emotional Support Dog

Not all dogs make good emotional support dogs. There are certain traits that make a dog more suitable for the role than others.

To be an effective emotional support dog, the following traits are must haves:

• Calm and gentle: If youre suffering from low energy, a dog with a more calm temperament might be more suitable for you than one who is always excitable and running around.
• Loyal: A loyal dog who sticks with and is willing to please you is an ideal emotional support companion.
• Friendly: A friendly dog is just a joy to be with. Since you will be taking her to places with you, its essential that shes also friendly to strangers and other animals, too.
• Obedient: An emotional support dog must know how to obey basic commands.
• Consistent: Your dog must be consistently well-behaved especially when youre out in public and on flights. Unpredictable behavior may indicate that you probably cannot rely on your companion in adverse situations.
• Attentive: An attentive dog will be more attuned to your needs than one who has the tendency to be aloof.
• Patient and affectionate: Some dogs just dont like being showered with too much attention. If you think youd want to cuddle your dog for hours, she must be okay with receiving affection! It will also be more rewarding for you if your dog is the type who gives affection in return.

Does German Shepherd Serve As Service Dog

Yes! German Shepherd does serve as a service dog. German Shepherd is one of the well-known breeds serving as a service dog.

If you look at the history of a service dog, you may find that the German Shepherd is the first service dog breed.

These dogs are kind in nature, they are friendly with your other pets such as cats. Their greater size and powerful strength help them assist and support their owners.

German Shepherd utilizes its bigger size and incredible strength to help disabled people. Their excellent senses enable them to guide deaf and blind persons.

The intelligence of German Shepherds reminds the owners to take proper medications. Yet, they also detect an anxiety attack.

Suppose you get interested in having a German Shepherd. There are few points about a German Shepherd you need to know.

Such as temperament, nature, and some issues are arising if the dog has not trained adequately.

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This Very Good Boy Is Not Very Good At Being A Service Dog Unfortunately

Dogs are angels on earth in every discernible way. Some are great at being lifelong companions, others have talents in the service arena as K9 police dogs, service dogs to those in need, etc. And some dogs have higher hopes and dreams than theyre capable of achieving, but that doesnt make them any less Good. Take this guy, for example.

In a video thats quickly gone viral all over social media, a German Shepherd named Ryker can be seen trying so very hard to meet the standards of a service dog. But Ryker, like many of us out there of the human variety who can relate, falls short during his test. In every single way.

Please enjoy the funniest, most adorable animal video you will see all day.

OH. MY. GOD.

The complete demolishing of the wheelchair is one thing, the total meltdown over the trainer using a walker is just oh, poor Ryker. You sweet, untrainable thing. He simply cannot be bothered with people in distress there are balls to catch, yall!

Every dog has a purpose, the caption on the video read. Clearly, Rykers purpose is not to be a service dog. That may be true, but hes trying! He really is. Hes just very excitable and easily distracted. Probably not great for service dogging, but definitely normal and good for regular dogging.

Bless the people at the Double H Canine Training Academy in Louisville, KY for sharing this boy with the world. Ryker here was an instant viral sensation, with many people applauding his efforts in spite of the result.

What Ailments Or Disabilities Can Qualify You For Getting An Emotional Support Dog

To qualify for an ESA, your condition or disability must be listed under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition .

People with the following mental health disorders or impairments can qualify for an ESA:

• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Keep in mind that your family doctor or any other general practitioner is NOT qualified to give this assessment. Only licensed mental health professionals like psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists can give you an ESA letter! This is important since landowners and airline companies will reject your letter otherwise. If your ESA letter is invalid, you will not be protected under the law.

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Gsdca Canine Service Awards

In 1996 the GSDCA adopted a scheme for the recognition of German Shepherd Dogs for outstanding service throughout Australia.

A number of German Shepherds attached to the Police Forces have been injured or killed and others have performed bravely in the line of duty. The GSDCA acknowledges these German Shepherd Dogs for their work by presenting GSDCA Canine Awards to worthy recipients.

Financial Support For Adoption

For many people, the cost of a service dog is out of reach, but one could make an immense difference in their lives. Luckily, there are a number of organizations that help people with disabilities to afford a service dog. Many of the agencies that train assistance dogs offer financial assistance contact these organizations directly to find out what support might be available.

The following organizations may be able to help you get a German Shepherd service dog for free or at a reduced cost:

• Paws with a Cause: for people with physical disabilities affecting their limbs
• Freedom Service Dogs: for active-duty military and veterans
• Guide Dogs for the Blind: for the blind and visually impaired
• 4 Paws for Ability: for children and veterans

Have you considered getting a service dog?

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The Best Ways To Train Your German Shepherd As A Service Dog

Whether you need German Shepherds trained to help people with physical disabilities or German Shepherd dogs trained to support people with mental illnesses, if you are going to use your German Shepherd as a service dog, you have two options.

You can either train your dog yourself or you can use a professional service to train your German Shepherd as a service animal. If you are planning on training your dog yourself, here are the best ways to go about it.

How To Train A German Shepherd As A Service Dog

Training service dogs can be difficult. It requires expertise, patience, and a strong desire to do good in the world. There is a little financial gain to be had when training service dogs, but it is gratifying work to know how much youre helping those in need.

Here are some tips on how to train a German Shepherd as a service dog:

• Socialize them. This is so important because a service dog needs to be prepared to do their job without being distracted by people. They shouldnt be afraid of people or show aggressive towards them. Service dogs will also need to be properly socialized with dogs and other animals.
• Set goals. Make sure these goals are both attainable but challenging. As the dog achieves the goals you set, keep giving them new ones to reach for so they can continue to grow in their training.
• Be patient. While German Shepherds are intelligent, it will still take the time to learn everything that youre trying to teach them. Be patient with them and willing to repeat lessons as often as they need to understand them.
• Be the Alpha. You need to step up from the moment your dog enters your home and present yourself as their leader. If you dont, you will not only have a difficult time training them, but you will also risk them getting into a lot of trouble as they try to lead your family.

Beyond that, youll just want to train your service dog using the same methods as any German Shepherd in training.

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