Due to the intelligent nature of the German Shepherd breed, they are often used as service dogs or companion animals. Since they are easily trained and an obedient breed, they make for a great fit. They also have a tendency to be loyal and fierce if they need to be, so you can be sure they will be protecting you at all times. With a German Shepherd, you can be sure that you will be in great hands – or paws!
What is a Service Dog?
A service dog is a dog that is raised to perform specific tasks and help people with disabilities, such as hearing and vision impairment, mental illness (such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and other disorders, such as a seizure disorder or diabetes. Dogs that work with people who have visual impairments are often called “Guide Dogs” or “Seeing-Eye Dogs,” because they help those who cannot see or have limited vision to avoid obstacles and potential hazards. For those who cannot hear, service dogs can alert the individual to noises – such as a doorbell or a smoke detector. These dogs alone save thousands of lives each year.
Some dogs are trained to work with individuals with mental or physical illness – for example, the dogs are trained to help a person with a seizure disorder by recognizing the signs of an oncoming seizure. The same can be said for those with diabetes – the dogs can help if a complication, such as a severe drop or spike in blood sugar, arises and needs to be taken care of before anything serious occurs. Dogs that are trained to work with people who have specific mental illness, such as those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Autism Spectrum Disorder have the ability to be a companion and help relax and calm the person they are working with, making them feel safe and secure.
While many service dogs are not German Shepherds, a lot more of the breed are being trained, as well. They are smart, loyal dogs who will protect and help care for those to whom they are assigned to and develop a bond with.
German Shepherds as Police Dogs
German Shepherds are wonderful as police dogs and dogs who perform search and rescue services. Again, because of their intelligence levels, they are easier to train and more willing to work with their trainers to learn new information and work well with others. Because of their strength, they make wonderful additions to search and rescue teams. They are able to crawl under things, pick up heavy branches and move them off of people in need of being rescued, and calm those people down until another member of the rescue team can safely remove that person from harm. German Shepherds are also wonderful additions to a police force, as they are loyal and will do their best to protect those in trouble. Since they are such a smart breed, they are able to learn verbal command and hand gestures, which come in handy while working in the field.
German Shepherds make wonderful additions to any service team – whether it be a police force, a guide dog, or a dog that is trained to help people with conditions such as diabetes, anxiety, and seizures. They are loyal, friendly, and will work to the best of their ability to ensure the safety and well being of their humans.
