German Shepherds are considered to be a very loyal breed and they do remain good with their owners. But you may be thinking twice while bringing your baby in front of your German Shepherd, you may also be wondering will your German Shepherd be good with your baby or not.
So are German Shepherds good with babies? Oh yes! German Shepherds are good with babies because of their loyalty and protective nature. German Shepherds are always good family dogs and love their owners very much. This is due to the bond they make in the family whether they are adults or infants, their love will be forever for them once their bond becomes stronger.
Though there may be many measures that you will have to take like socializing your German Shepherds, training them well, and making them familiar with your family members or the environment again the important measure to take is you should never leave your infant alone with German Shepherds. Apart from their loyalty, no one can predict their behavior so it’s better to not leave your baby alone with them.
This post is fully dedicated to your German Shepherds and the babies that will also enlighten you about each other’s compatibility and how you can introduce your baby to your GSD for the first time and build a bond stronger with them.
Let’s discuss this fruitful topic thoroughly without wasting our precious time:
Table of Contents
Are German Shepherds Good With Kids?
German Shepherds are good family dogs, they obey their owners and love them once their bond becomes stronger. Your German Shepherd dog may recognize all the family members but what about the new ones, When there is a new arrival in the form of a German Shepherd puppy, can they get along with him/her? Are they good with them?
German Shepherds can get along with babies, yes they are good with them but with proper socialization and obedience training as they come from canine families so their behavior is unpredictable. Precaution becomes necessary before introducing your baby to this large breed.
As German Shepherds are a large breed so bringing your babies in front of them is a little bit risky so it’s always important to introduce your baby in front of animals with safety measures. Your German Shepherds may be loyal to you but your baby will need proper precautions before the introduction.
Being German Shepherd owners, if you are again willing to introduce your pet to your baby then there are certain precautions and things you should consider. They are also animals and no one can’t predict their behavior. so it’s important to be safe while introducing your baby in front of them.
How to Safely Introduce Your German Shepherd to Your Baby?
Today it’s a hot topic to introduce any dog breed to your baby but here will be talking about the German Shepherd. This breed is second in demand by every population in the USA and every family has a baby with any type of pet in their house.
From the Trainer’s point of view, it’s always a point to discuss whether your German Shepherd will accept your baby or they will harm them. This all depends on their mentality so it’s always risky to keep your baby in front of this large breed unless they are familiar with them or fully trained.
Many families prefer dogs in their homes especially if there may be children in their home, they do enjoy their company without thinking about the nature of their dog.
So it always becomes important to train your German Shepherd for behaving well with you and your family members including children.
Let’s discuss to safely introduce your baby in front of German Shepherds:
Provide Proper Training
Every dog owners have a desire for their German Shepherd to behave well with their children. This can be done by observing their obedience skills you can also modify after seeing anthem y unusual behavior which can be harmful. It’s important to start training them as soon as possible as you must be wanting to introduce your baby in front of them.
Helping your German Shepherd to successfully change their behavior towards your children will be very important before the introduction. You can also take an example, there may be some time when your German Shepherd must be jumping on you to show their love which they can also do towards your baby as this can be dangerous.
German Shepherds come under the category of a larger breed and jumping over your baby may injure them so this type of behavior must be changed if you are willing to introduce your baby to them.
There are many things your professional may tell you to train your German Shepherd to get rid of such type of behavior.
- Your Trainer may suggest you put a leash on GSD and reward them for keeping 4 feet on the floor when people enter the room.
- Teach your German Shepherd to hold a down-stay on his bed nearby.
- Ask your German Shepherd to sit as you may shower love when their butt is on the floor. If your GSD also jumps on you to show their love then they can be easily treated not to behave in such a way.
- Teach them to play with a toy when someone enters your house as you can allow them to provide them at the entry point.
- Use a crate to avoid any type of mishappening as crating training is also the best option to train your German Shepherd for various activities.
The most important thing to consider while training your German Shepherd is consistency. Most dog owners feel excited when their pet learns a little bit and leave them to obey the rule however this can allow your pet to forget the skill when required. This is also the lack of consistency.
Always try to train your German Shepherd when they are young as this is the phase where their mind is open to learning everything and the more effective way. An adult German Shepherd is a little difficult to train, no doubt they are a brilliant breed but they do require regular and proper training to gain the actual skill to behave well among people and of course with the baby.
Allow Your German Shepherd To Smell The Scent Of Your Baby
Your German Shepherd must be familiar with the scent of your baby before you introduce them in front of them. You can also do this by training your GSD to catch their smell. You must also know that German Shepherds has got a perfect sense of smell and once they become familiar with it they will recognize the smell and never misbehave with your baby.
When your German Shepherd becomes familiar with the scent of your baby then you can gradually leave them with your baby. You can also go for a long walk so that they can’t forget the scent. You should always be protecting your baby before the introduction.
Management of Mood
Every dog lover may be a little bit nervous before introducing their baby in front of their dog. The mood of the German Shepherd is also unpredictable as they can easily detect your anxiousness. You should focus on the body language of your GSD before the introduction of your baby.
German Shepherd dogs will also feel your feelings so always be patient with them and never be in a hurry as they can detect the danger that may be harmful. You should well observe their behavior, if there is any chance of mishappening then you should ignore introducing your baby in front of them. You can try it when they will be calm and ready for the new session.
Management of Behavior
It’s also important to manage the behavior of your German Shepherd before the introduction of your baby. The behavior of your German Shepherd must be cool and calm as they must understand that there is no threat and this can be done when you manage their behavior to a great level.
You must realize your German Shepherd is your baby’s guardian and they must protect them in your absence. However this will take some time, you can train them for all these activities. If your German Shepherd becomes so excited after seeing new people then of course you will need to change its behavior as you should also think twice before introducing your baby in front of your German Shepherd.
Gradual Introduction
Once your German Shepherd is fully trained and is aware of the situation then you can start introducing your baby gradually. It is also important that your German Shepherd must be familiar with the scents you as well as your baby. The parents must be calm before entering the house as any type of excitement may excite your dog.
You can allow your German Shepherd to sniff your baby from some distance as it will also teach them that your baby is also going to be a master. However, you can get them close to your child as time passes. You can also allow your GSD to play with your baby as it will also make their bond stronger.
Do German shepherds get jealous of babies?
German Shepherds are always considered as a good family dog, they do have feelings and express their love towards their owners. But if they find another family dog or member to be loved more than them, it may trigger their emotions. Here it may be a little confusing do they get jealous of babies?
Yes, German Shepherds can get jealous of babies. They may feel that they are being replaced in the family, and their attention is no longer the focus. It’s important to provide your German Shepherd with plenty of positive reinforcement when introducing a baby into their home.
This can include extra playtime, treats, and verbal praise. If your GSD starts displaying any signs of jealousy, it’s important to redirect their attention by providing plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise.
With patience, consistency, and proper training, your GSD will learn to accept the new addition to the family. Additionally, it helps if you can show them that you still give them just as much love and attention as before – even if it looks different now than what it used to.
Things To Consider While Introducing Your Baby To German Shepherds
Socialize Your German Shepherds
Socialization is very crucial for your German Shepherds as it makes them learn to behave well when they meet new people or animals. If your GSD is socialized then it will be much easier for them to get along with your baby. When they are not socialized, it’s unfortunate to say that there will be always uncertainty in their behavior.
Your German Shepherd may be from a different world and they may behave in whatever they learned from their mother or outer world. It will be important for you to make them learn your home rule when you bring them home for the first time. They are a very intelligent breed and can learn things quickly.
It would be better to socialize with your German Shepherd when they are young as this is the age where their mind is open to learning things more efficiently. Socializing your GSD will not only allow them to behave well with other animals or people but it will also make your bond stronger with German Shepherds.
Socialization will also allow your GSD to interact with different people with different personalities. They will also be able to adapt to the situation where they meet new children, they will behave well and cannot harm them.
Socializing your German Shepherd will include:
- Exploring the new world on a gradual level.
- Daily introduction to new people or animals.
- Waiting in the public
- Attending children gathering so that they may be aware of the scents.
German Shepherds are always taught to remain calm when they meet new people but this can only be done when they get proper socializing lessons as this will also let them be comfortable when they are around a group of people or animals. Early socialization will always be important that will ensure the safety of your baby.
Train Your German Shepherd
Training your German Shepherd is always important from various perspectives whether to potty outside, crate training, or training for getting along with your baby. All this training lets your dog be smarter and be a good pet. Training will also allow you, German Shepherd, to exhaust your energy in right place.
Relationship training will allow your German Shepherd to behave well with various people they meet one day whether they are adults or small children. German Shepherd learns to communicate with the people they live with and this is also implemented with the family members. They should be aware of the situation the German Shepherd is facing.
Regular Interaction
There should be regular interactions between your German Shepherd and your baby. Regular interaction allows your German Shepherd to recognize your baby and they are also able to smell their scent.
German Shepherds need time for interaction which you can provide by providing them with various activities, this may be gameplay or doing a little bit of exercise with your baby. The more time your German Shepherd interacts with your baby the more they get attached to them as it also lessens the chance for them to get harmed.
The interaction should be regular, you should do this daily as weekly or monthly exchanges will not allow them to recognize them well. Your baby will also start understanding your German Shepherd and they will also start loving their company.
Precautions To See Before Introduction
German Shepherd Is a Large Breed
You should never ignore the physical structure of German Shepherds as they come in the category of the large breed which will be an alarming sign before introducing your baby in front of them. You should always be present when this large breed is near your baby.
Your baby is too small to handle its weight. If your German Shepherd falls on them accidentally that causes serious injury to them. They should learn to sit near them not on them which can only be done when you train your German Shepherd properly.
Again the temperament of your German Shepherd will play a very crucial role, they should be well-socialized and must be familiar with all the family members. They must get all the training properly. be sure that anyone from your family member is present when you introduce your baby in front of them.
The Temperament Of the German Shepherd Can’t be ignored
German Shepherds are a large breed and their temperament is unpredictable. There may be some situations where they feel bored or anxious to meet their owner, they may even become too much excited so it’s also important to introduce your baby in a much safer way.
You must observe their temperament, they must be relaxed and calm. However, your baby must also be aware of the temperament of this large breed. They must come closer in a much safer way. You should try to be with them before they go close to your German Shepherds.
Provide Friendly Environment
The environment where your German Shepherd is living must be friendly to them. There should be no place for ignorance or unfamiliar condition. They must know about your family members as they are a loyal breed they will love you as well as your family members.
Never Become Too Much Excited
As a dog owner, you must remain calm when you want a good relationship with your child. This only implies when you enter your home with your baby, it’s obvious your dog can become too much excited after seeing you for a short interval of time.
You can keep your German Shepherd away when you enter the house and bring your baby gradually as this will provide a little bit of safety to you as well as your baby. Always be calm while entering the room, it will also allow your GSD to be calm and behave well with you as well as your child.
Never Leave Alone
You should also not leave your German shepherd alone as this may lead them to face separation anxiety. Leaving alone for a longer period leads them to become overexcited when they see you around and try to jump over you.
If your baby and German Shepherd are in the same room then there will always be some dilemma in your mind as they will need proper training so that they can protect your child if you are absent in your home. German Shepherds are very protective and they will protect your family too once they become familiar with them.
Final Thoughts:
Its natural behavior to feel unsafe when they leave their baby with German Shepherds considering their nature to be unpredictable. But a well-trained German Shepherd protects your family member including your baby unless they become familiar with them.
Provide your German Shepherd proper training and give them actual time to spend with you as well as your family members, this will allow them to recognize them and as per their nature, they will also be loyal to them.
Make your German Shepherd familiar with the scent of your baby before you introduce your baby in front of them but always be calmer and they should feel your presence.
If you have an adult dog do consider first they are properly socialized before introducing them to your new baby. You should never become excited while introducing your baby as observe their behavior first and when they are ready to get along with them then you should introduce them otherwise you can take some time.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):
Do German Shepherds Tend To Bite?
German Shepherds are strong dogs, but they tend to be non-aggressive and gentle with people. While it’s true that any dog can bite, German Shepherds rarely do unless they feel threatened or scared. With proper socialization, training, and care, a German Shepherd is usually quite friendly and makes an excellent companion.