The German Shepherd's Instincts
and
Their Importance

 
German Shepherds of quality all come from a strong and educated program of selective breeding. Top breeders are not in the business of breeding puppies to turn a profit and make money, but, rather to enhance and improve their canines. Just as human beings have certain inbred characteristics, so too does the German Shepherd. There are five built-in instincts that are worth mentioning and are the most important. These five instincts are similar to a signature of the breed. They all work together to form the unique qualities that all German Shepherds of good breeding possess. If any one of these traits was to be missing you would end up with a less than desirable dog.

Today’s breeding programs have been enhanced and fine tuned into a scientific art. Breeding is a serious business and is not taken lightly. Shepherds of quality are desirable in structure and behavioral traits. The first two instincts that will be mentioned are hyper critical to the makeup of the breed, sometimes referred to as Critical Instincts. The other three instincts, although they are referred to as Non-Critical help to round out the nature of the Shepherd.
  • The Prey Instinct is absolutely vital in protection work. German Shepherds instinctively chase moving objects and then grasp and hold onto them. They act or react with a highly motivational power and striking speed. Somewhere around the age of five to seven months this instinct will become apparent and recognizable.
  • The Fighting Instinct controls the German Shepherds ability to be on the Offensive or use Active Aggression. This can be recognized by the sudden explosive yet rhythmic barking. When the Shepherd barks he becomes stimulated into a highly alert level of protectiveness.
  • The Self Preservation Instinct sometimes referred to as Re-Active Aggression increases the development of their protective nature and their inherent territorialism. This instinct follows closely on the heel of the first two mentioned instincts in that it is triggered by stimulation which causes a reaction.
  • The Pack Instinct is highly developed in the Shepherd. It is the Pack Instinct that keeps the German Shepherd in close contact with his pack. His pack includes any other animals or people in which he is involved with in his ‘home’ or ’work’ environment. The Pack instinct stimulates protectiveness. This trait works hand in glove with the final instinct.
  • The Social Aggression Instinct is characterized by a deep ominous growl and/or bark. It is an expression of dominance and warning that remains dormant until the Shepherd is comes face to face with a threatening situation.
Understanding all of the above instincts is vitally important to owners of German Shepherds. Although it is true that they are a wonderful extension of a family, they are also powerfully defensive and require socializing and training through their lives. These wonderful and beautiful canines are a joy to own and include in your family but beware, they are also quite a responsibility.

Thank you for viewing our site. We are always looking for tips and techniques so please visit our Dog Blog on the GermanShepherd Dog and share your thoughts, ideas, and stories with us and other pet owners.