Training begins early in life. Barely weaned, German Shepherd puppies begin simple 'sit, stay, heel' exercises, much as any other breed. But they quickly graduate to much more complex duties. Obstacle course work, location and sniffing exercises and much more are not far behind.

To train a guide dog for the blind, for example, takes years of effort on the part of the dog and the trainer. An hour or more per day, often as much as four, will be required to mold their natural instincts to the desired purpose.

German Shepherds are strong, intelligent, agile and adaptable. But it takes specific exercises, learned over many months, to open a door, fetch a tray without spilling and perform other tasks. Those who assist people in wheelchairs have to act as the arms and legs of those who can't use their own. For a dog, even one as intelligent and hard-working as a German Shepherd, that takes lots of practice.

Guide dogs for the blind need to halt at street corners, then go at the proper time, without fear or distraction. In busy cities there are plenty of things to go wrong. Yet, how often do you hear of a guide dog leading their companion astray? That skill was acquired over months of training, work that is always ongoing.

Even guard dogs have much more difficult tasks than simply standing in front of a gate. They have to differentiate friend from foe. After all, people on the inside have to leave and authorized visitors have to be allowed to enter. A guard dog that attacked anyone who entered, no matter the circumstances, would be worse than useless. They'd be a legal liability.

German Shepherds, like many breeds, have excellent scenting abilities. But that raw potential has to be honed over years. The ability to smell gas leaks, drugs, bomb components and many other tasks are outside the normal experience of most dogs. Detecting alone isn't enough. The dog has to react properly when the material is found.

Search and Rescue dogs may have the most difficult jobs of all. They have to have the intelligence to detect danger. They need the endurance to work under harsh conditions of extreme heat and cold, in low oxygen. They have to be in top shape to climb rock covered hills and up snow layered mountains.

Then they may not only locate, but actually move victims with broken legs or who are unconscious. It's difficult enough for a strong human to undertake such demanding work. But for a German Shepherd to do so requires dedication, training and peak intelligence. Yet, they perform their jobs superlatively.

German Shepherds love to work. When trained well by someone who loves what they do, the results deserve high admiration. It's earned.

That fame was well earned as these stalwart dogs became police dogs, guide dogs and movie stars who demonstrated their intelligence and loyalty. German Shepherds are among the most highly respected breeds. The reasons are not far to seek. German Shepherds, or GSDs (translated from the German, Deutscher Schäferhund) are highly intelligent, extremely loyal and protective, and very beautiful.

A brilliant blend of gentility and assertiveness, these natives of Alsace are medium-sized (75-90lbs/34-41kg). The male is about 24-26 inches (61-66cm) at the withers (the top of the shoulder bones), the female slightly smaller. With a dual-tone coat - most commonly black and tan - and deep brown eyes, with perky ears and square heads, they look great in motion or at a stay.

There are several sub-breeds, even while still being considered purebreds. Pure white German Shepherds are in heavy demand, the result of both their native beauty and their even dispositions. There is also a long-haired variety that looks like the name. The color is still very German Shepherd-like, but the hair around the face and chest are much longer than the standard, slick look of the regular type.

Today, GSD's are regulars at international dog shows, often winning top prizes easily after years of training, of course. Their lean, angular bodies and eagerness to perform complements well their innate beauty and good manners. For reasons best known to experts, the white and long-haired are considered 'faults' and both are often disallowed at shows. There's no accounting for taste.

German Shepherds are justly famous for their ability to act as guard and rescue dogs and will bond with owner or trainer within a few months. They are strong enough to perform considerable work, but not overly aggressive by nature. Like most dogs, they have extraordinary scent detection abilities and so are widely used by police.

They enjoy training and are a delight to interact with. Yet, unlike other breeds such as Dalmatians or Retrievers, they don't require constant activity in order to be calm and happy. They can be equally happy just watching from the sidelines. They can be content to walk calmly along a border on patrol or just lie on a porch and await the next game.

They're good with children and don't typically threaten the neighbors unless they've been trained to react when someone comes onto the property. They may growl or bark, however, since anyone not of 'their pack' is naturally suspect.

While very robust in general, German Shepherds do have health conditions which they are somewhat more prone to than other breeds. Bloat (GDV, Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) is possible and occurs when the stomach dilates as a result of an excess of fluid, and sometimes twists. Otitis Externa is an inflammation of the ear canal that frequently affects dogs with long ears, such as those of the German Shepherd.

But apart from diseases, GSDs are relatively easy to care for. Coat, nail and other aspects require only a small effort to keep them healthy and looking good.

German Shepherds have a double-layered coat comprised of a short, thick, wiry overcoat and a soft, dense undercoat. The fur sheds somewhat in Spring but requires only modest care. Bathing the water-resistant coat is needed only occasionally, while regular brushing is enough to keep the skin and hair healthy.

As with any dog, it's important to search carefully for an individual that has a good genetic background. With the popularity of this breed, among the 10 highest in the USA, poor breeding programs have sometimes produced problematic dogs. Seek out a reputable breeder, insist on good documentation relating to Hip Dysplasia and other problems and you can generally rest easy.

It's undoubtedly true that certain features of a dog's personality, as with humans, derives from genetics. But, as with humans, where to draw the line between nature and nurture is a difficult task.

When you see a behavior repeated across generations, it's a sign that something genetic is at work. That behavior is frequently (at least partly) the result of an inborn temperament. But characteristics like intelligence are notoriously difficult to measure objectively. Attributes like 'loyal' are difficult to define at all.

Certainly an individual dog and by extension the German Shepherd breed has to have a certain basic potential in order to do the sometimes amazing things it does. The ability to navigate complex environments to sniff out a bomb containing a certain compound is such a task. Opening a door and guiding a blind person through it, or delivering a tray of food to a wheelchair-bound person have to be learned. Without some raw intelligence, those things couldn't be taught.

But in each of those examples, the dog has been trained. The result is a combination of nature and nurture.

With simpler behaviors it's more difficult to judge how much is due to temperament and how much to training. If a Shepherd spontaneously grasps your hand in its mouth, then tugs you forward, that's probably temperament, to a large extent. When you see an untrained German Shepherd pacing back and forth behind a chain link fence, 'patrolling' its border, there's likely a certain amount of basic nature at work.

But even here, the dog had to learn for itself how to grasp a hand without doing harm. It had to observe the fence and make a decision to patrol in a certain area. There is some learning involved even in these situations.

Some things are very clearly not taught. German Shepherds will bark at the approach of strangers, even when there has been no other dog in their lives to 'show them how'. That behavior is an instance of separating those inside the home from those outside. The home dwellers are 'part of the pack'. Those outside are a potential threat. That display of 'loyalty' can most logically be interpreted as protectiveness and is probably innate.

Some traits are likely inherent. Others are brought out only with training. Still others are probably due to a kind of free will, similar to that possessed by humans. But whichever the case, one thing is certain: German Shepherds are excellent combinations of many fine qualities, whatever their source.

Most dogs benefit from socialization. The people around them do too. But German Shepherds and a few other breeds are special cases. They're often asked to perform special roles, such as police or guard dog, guide dog and other jobs. That means that socialization, while still useful, needs to be carried out much more carefully.

Dogs that aren't exposed to others early in life in non-threatening circumstances, even German Shepherds, can become fearful and/or aggressive. They may be comfortable with their owners and immediate family or friends. But they can react with mistrust, and hence become violent, when strangers approach. That's not a healthy situation, even for guard dogs.

Even when the German Shepherd is just a family pet, it needs to be socialized correctly. Strangers will come to the house who have legitimate business. Having to lock up the dog every time one does is a burden.

German Shepherds need to be able to differentiate friend from foe. A dog that leapt at an authorized visitor would be worse than useless. They'd be a legal liability. Socialization, in that case, gets mixed with training to allow a stranger to approach given the right signal. A poorly trained dog can fail in that task and be a danger to others where they shouldn't be.

On the other hand, those dogs that do have special roles shouldn't be encouraged to be friendly with everyone automatically. German Shepherds are particularly well suited for those jobs precisely because of their tendency to be wary, to make distinctions between known friend and stranger.

Guard dogs are a clear instance where such an attitude is essential. But there are many other jobs where it's necessary, as well. A guide for the blind wouldn't be performing properly if it greeted others while leading. Incorrect socialization would lead, in this case, to a dog that was too easily distracted. That would put its owner in jeopardy, or at least make the dog ineffective for its role.

All socialization, as with any other form of training or learning, should begin early in life. Provide the dog with clear, consistent signals to follow. Develop a hand sign and a vocal command that allows them to follow your cue about who is a friend and who needs to be watched.

Look for signs that your German Shepherd is becoming too aggressive, or acting in a threatening way in the wrong circumstances. A badly trained Shepherd doesn't just become a risk to others, but also can become a little paranoid. That makes for an unhappy dog. And, hence, an unhappy owner.

The infection can be limited primarily to the outer skin layer, or may penetrate deeper into the subcutaneous levels. In extreme cases, the infection actually occurs under the skin and spreads upward. The result is usually some kind of lesion resulting in a hot spot.

Hot spots are a common and easily recognizable problem that are associated with Pyoderma. They appear as red, moist and often itchy spots where hair has been lost or scraped away.

The severity of a hot spot can vary depending as much on location as any other cause. Treatment with Neomycin or other common antibiotics is relatively simple and the sore can heal within a few days if left undisturbed. But the challenge is to keep the dog from continuing to irritate the wound by scratching, rolling or other mechanical scraping.

If it occurs on a foot or leg, a simple gauze wrap, held in place by vet wrap is usually effective. 'Vet wrap' is a 3M product, a type of breathable, elastic bandage that comes in various thicknesses. It's not adhesive but does stick to itself partially. Securing the gauze/vet wrap by white medical tape is quick, easy and sure.

For hot spots in other areas, such as the neck or back, it may be helpful to find a big t-shirt to pull over the dog. Sometimes, it's necessary to bind socks onto the dog's feet with velcro straps. In extreme cases, a plastic cone collar (or other style) is needed to prevent scratching the affected area.

Skin problems can occur for reasons other than bacterial infection. Often they're the result of diet. Many German Shepherds are sensitive to wheat in their food, a main ingredient of many commercial dog foods.

Dogs are carnivores by nature. Their stomachs are relatively straight, making it more difficult for them to digest vegetable matter. It takes longer for that material to break down, which is why humans and other omnivores have evolved very long, convoluted digestive tracts. Their ancestors might ingest some plant matter while feeding on the stomach of prey, but the amount was already partially pre-digested and/or a small portion of the total.

Sensitivity to wheat, corn and other plants can manifest itself as itchy skin. The dog scratches the itch and, voila, a hot spot. Treatment is the same as above, with one additional step needed: changing the diet.

Even though the initial problem isn't bacterial, once the wound is created, antibiotics are needed to prevent infection. Keeping it gauze/vet wrap wrapped is important for healing. But at the same time, the dog's diet should be changed. Consider an all meat diet, or at least change dog food brands. Not all use the same proportion of ingredients.

Treating skin problems is easier if you don't let the problem, literally, fester. Quick treatment keeps the problem small and more easily cured.

For show dogs, police dogs and other specialized work a pure bred is generally the preferred choice.

Shows are interested in displaying the finest possible examples of the breed and only very specialized categories admit mixed breeds (and then, rarely). Even pure bred German Shepherds with white coats aren't admitted to many shows. Some highly trained specialty acts that aren't purebreds may perform, but they don't take prizes in the regular categories.

Police dogs, whether trained for simple guard duty, drug search or other tasks, are almost always purebreds. True, you read articles or see films from time to time about a special exception. But they're talked about because they are the exception. Most are acceptable only if they meet a very strict set of guidelines about body characteristics and parental background. Others don't make the cut.

But for those just looking for a companion, the guidelines are looser.

Some mixed breeds are actually very beautiful. Though rare, a cross between a German Shepherd and an Irish Setter makes for an unusual, long-haired beauty with a sweet disposition. German Shepherds don't have the tolerance for cold that, say, a Huskie would and getting a mix may be a good idea for those who live in the far north.

Mixed breeds may combine the best of both types, if the sire and dam for several generations back are chosen carefully. Mixing genes from different lines lessens the likelihood of certain diseases. That's why mating is discouraged between closely related males and females. Genes that increase the odds of a disease and that are 'recessive' are more likely to be passed on and get expressed when both parents have them.

But mixed breeds are most often so because their ancestry is simply unknown. Here you get into risky territory. Certainly a mixed breed dog, from a shelter or private individual, can be a stellar companion. But the odds of behavioral problems increase, simply because you don't know the dog's history.

Problems can occur in purebreds too, of course. Some unscrupulous breeders will mate anything to anything just to make a buck, when they can get away with it. But most breeders are reputable and take great care to thin out genes that would lead to Hip Dysplasia and other genetically sensitive conditions.

If you choose a dog of unknown or mixed parentage, that's a perfectly valid choice. But be prepared for a possible increase in problems to deal with. Dogs from shelters have often come from homes where they weren't cared for and have absorbed bad lessons. Dogs of mixed parentage may well have weaknesses that aren't obvious as puppies, since their breeding is usually unmonitored and uncontrolled.

Bred at the end of the 19th century to serve, as the name suggests, to herd sheep, these animals are superb at patrolling, corralling and watch dog-type activities in general. From that background derives many of their prototypical behaviors.

Within a few months after entering a family, German Shepherd puppies will show a marked tendency to interact easily with them while being suspect of strangers. Kept in check, that's not a problem. GSDs don't readily attack. Just a mild growl or the occasional bark serves to show where their loyalties lie. But neither are they passive or fearful, common causes of suspicion of strangers in other breeds.

As a result of their high intelligence, German Shepherds can be molded to do far more than what their breeding provokes automatically. That behavior comes out most clearly when they're being actively worked. Whether as bomb sniffers or rescue dogs, they display a high degree of physical activity when needed but will wait quietly for hours if need be. That's another sign of the breed's fascinating dual aspect.

That's a marked difference between this and other breeds. Labrador Retrievers, for example, at least until very late in life, have a hard time staying put for very long. They long to be active. Collies, on the other hand, can be mellow from a relatively young age with little or no training, even though they too are very loyal and protective.

One example of how the German Shepherd displays this dual-personality is easily seen in guide dogs for the blind. When out in the street they're alert, agile and ready to halt or go as need be. But once they lead their companion into a store, they alter the pace dramatically and gently curve around obstacles or just sit peacefully at attention until it's time to go.

Much of that behavior is the result of months or years of good training, of course. But training is ineffective without something on which to build. German Shepherds have the body-type, the temperament and the willingness to undertake that kind of work. Many other breeds, even though the right size, do not.

German Shepherds are sometimes mistakenly seen as aggressive dogs. But that assertiveness isn't the sort that will be displayed by, say, a Rhodesian Ridgeback. They're protective and may snarl or bark loudly when necessary. But that's a trained response to a perceived threat. It's not fear, which is the source of much aggression in others. It's not a natural desire to harm, as is the case with many dogs.

Though sometimes a little clumsy as teenagers, German Shepherds quickly mature into stable, steadfast companions. They can keep up with you on a run or sit by the poolside enjoying the day. That's the dual-personality of the breed.

A collar is fine for ordinary walking. But during training, a chest harness will work out better for both dog and trainer. They're made of leather or very strong nylon with either metal or composite plastic buckles. They fit around the chest, over the shoulders and under the front legs and they're adjustable.

That makes it possible to fit the harness to be comfortable but also slip proof. A dog in attack mode is going to strain at a leash to the point that even a dog's strong neck provides inadequate protection against harm, not to mention being tough on your hand. A chest harness is safer for the dog and makes it much easier for the owner to exert control.

Because German Shepherds can be very mouthy, it's sometimes necessary to strap on a muzzle. It's not common, but those incidents which have resulted in bites help fuel the German Shepherd's unwarranted reputation for being aggressive. In public areas, where the not-yet-fully-trained Shepherd may be nervous or prone to bite, a muzzle protects others from bites and you from lawsuits.

Muzzles can be leather or nylon, and there are styles that still allow the dog to open its mouth part way. That provides the ability to drink without removing the muzzle, while preventing the dog's jaws from opening wide enough to look threatening.

Like other breeds, German Shepherds enjoy chewing. A good rawhide bone is a start. But provide these intelligent animals with lots of variety to allow them to practice while they play. Denta-bones are good for health, but provide balls with peanut butter in the center or other 'puzzles' to keep them mentally sharp, too.

Never give your German Shepherd chicken or beef bones that might shatter. Some large beef bones are safe provided they've been cooked to soften them. But the easiest and wisest alternative is to stick with commercially supplied bones that are designed to be safely chewed.

Obstacle courses provide a great way to keep your energetic Shepherd active, well exercised and mentally alert. A search and rescue or a police dog, to name only two examples, will find it necessary to leap hurdles and navigate through complex environments.

An obstacle course should be adjustable, provide tunnels and hurdles, and have various levels. A mixture of wood, metal and plastic will simulate the circumstances in which the dog may find itself. Being able to balance on slick metal or walk over wood without losing scent gives them challenges to solve.

Whistles, clickers and other attention devices aren't for the dog per se, but they definitely make the trainer's life easier. Check out a variety and choose one in the presence of your dog to see how they react.

That doesn't mean German Shepherds have to be fed nothing but raw, or even cooked meat, though many advocate just that. But if you examine the ingredients list on most dry, commercial dog foods you'll see that meat or meat byproducts comprise the major elements. The percentage of ingredients follows the order in which they're listed, even though they sometimes don't give the numbers themselves.

It's better to pay a little more and feed a higher quality dog food. That's better for your dog and better for you. High quality dog food has no cheap fillers, which can cause digestive upset. Even when they don't produce stomach problems, they often produce more stool, making clean up for you more trouble.

Nutro Natural, Eagle Pack, Prairie by Nature's Variety and other commercial dog foods provide a balance of quality ingredients. Most adult German Shepherds will consume about 30-40 lbs per month of dry food. At a current cost of about $30-$35 that's a very modest expense for providing a main ingredient to good health.

Some owners may find their dog needs a little extra help. That can result from a tendency to Hip Dysplasia, skin problems or other reasons. A number of supplements are safe and easy to add to their diet. Some common commercial supplement mixtures contain one or more of the following:

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Omega 3 fatty acids
Cod liver oil
MSM/Glucosamine
B-complex
Iodine
Flavinoids

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps connective tissue and muscles. MSM/Glucosamine is beneficial for joints. Fatty acids are a boon to the immune system and cod liver oil is good for the coat. Kelp contains iodine, an aid to proper thyroid functioning. Garlic contains bioflavinoids that are good for the heart.

For those who prefer an all meat diet made from fresh ingredients, the following recipe is a good one:

Get 10 lbs of regular hamburger meat. Dogs need fat so it shouldn't be too lean. Mix it together with a box of Total cereal if your dog is not sensitive to wheat and a box of oatmeal flakes. Add in 10 eggs and a jar of wheat germ, softened with 1 1/4 cup of canola oil and 1 1/4 cup molasses. For extra firmness, you can add in 10 small packages of unflavored gelatin.

Mix the ingredients together and roll into meatballs about an inch or two in diameter. Freeze anything you don't use within a day or two.

German Shepherd Dogs can digest this raw meat and grain combination very well, but you may have some concerns about possible organisms. Freezing will usually take care of that, but for an extra level of security, the meat can be cooked until medium well done. Then cool and feed. Add supplements as needed.

GSDs, as they're sometimes known, will patrol a border for hours, keeping strangers at bay and protecting those within. Seeing some dogs roam back and forth along a fence would suggest a mental problem, or at least a high level of frustration. But German Shepherds enjoy routine, never tire of doing their jobs and thrive when they have a role that keeps them active.

Their training should work with that nature, not against it. While German Shepherds can be content to sit and stay for long periods, a certain amount of activity keeps them mentally and physically healthy.

Start young.

At around three months, a German Shepherd is ready to begin more than just 'sit, stay, heel' though those should be part of the routine. Start slowly, keeping in mind that their bones are still developing. Still, early obstacle course training can begin at that time. Learning to navigate through barriers, and finding a desired object at the end, isn't just for police dogs. It can keep even a household companion alert and satisfied.

Take care not to stress their hindquarters and joints excessively, however. The dog should be chosen from a line that lacks Hip or Elbow Dysplasia, but the condition is possible even when undetected in ancestors. Look for any sign of weakness in running and jumping, which will sometimes manifest itself as early as six months of age.

As your German Shepherd matures, they can take on more strenuous tasks. At 6-8 months, they are not far from entering their 'early teen years'. Their minds and bodies have developed to the point that more complex routines and active tasks are possible.

A mile-long gentle run, a short hike up hills, or a 10 minute game of Frisbee are good exercise for your dog by this time. At the same time, you can begin to train their minds for taking on more complicated jobs. Even non-working dogs do well when their minds are stimulated. Training them to fetch a newspaper, locate and return a favorite toy or open a door can start now.

By the time your German Shepherd reaches 18 months to 2 years of age, they are mature enough to take on any training regimen. The actual training will take weeks or months depending on the ultimate goal and continues for years. But they can do just about anything you ask by now. Many drug sniffing dogs, guard dogs, guide for the blind dogs and others with regular jobs are at work by this age.

Work with your German Shepherd every day, for at least an hour if you can. They learn quickly, but even the best of breeds needs regular reinforcement, especially at the younger age periods.