The German shepherd is a breed known for their loyalty, bravery, and intelligence. They also boast a tough, athletic build and have plenty of energy to spare. While these qualities allow them to excel in the police field as a protection dog something they’re particularly renowned for they also make this pup a great candidate for service work.
Whether you’re considering adopting a German shepherd to become your service dog, or you are simply curious about this beloved breed, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss the German shepherd’s capabilities as a service dog and the kinds of tasks they can perform. We’ll also help you determine if this breed is suitable for you.
What is a Service Dog?
A service dog is a working animal specially trained to perform tasks that alleviate symptoms of a disability. This includes physical disabilities like deafness, mobility issues, and hearing difficulties, in addition to mental health disorders such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In the US, service dogs are protected under federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They are granted legal protections such as:
- Public access rights
- Reasonable accommodation within the workplace
- Air travel rights
- Exemption from housing-related pet policies and fees (such as a landlord’s no-pet policy)
Service Dog vs Emotional Support Dogs
Service dogs and emotional support dogs (ESA dogs) are both animals that offer therapeutic support to people with disabilities. However, an ESA dog provides relief solely through their companionship, presence, and loving nature. They do not perform specialized tasks and aren’t legally required to undergo any training.
Emotional support dogs also receive different legal protections due to this distinction. At a federal level, emotional support dogs are only entitled to housing rights (as per the Fair Housing Act). They do not receive public access rights or travel protections.
German Shepherds as Service Dogs: Top Qualities
Choosing a service dog breed is no easy feat, but the German shepherd has several attributes that make them well-suited to this line of work.
Loyalty
The German shepherd is exceptionally loyal and forms a strong bond with their owner. They naturally give their owner their undivided attention and seek to please them — an attitude that allows them to effortlessly stay focused on their service tasks and not get sidetracked by distractions.
Protective Drive
The German shepherd was selectively bred to protect and guard their owner, and they still retain this instinct today. They are naturally alert and attentive to their owner’s needs, and they also go to great measures to ensure they stay safe.
The German shepherd’s protective drive can help put their owner at ease, allowing them to feel calm in stressful or unfamiliar situations. It also makes them particularly adept at service tasks such as crowd control and threat deterrence.
Highly Trainable
German shepherds are some of the most intelligent dogs in the world. They also enjoy having their brains put to good use and thrive when given a job to do. Thanks to these traits (and with the right guidance!), they’re capable of mastering advanced service tasks effortlessly.
Strength
Thanks to their muscular, athletic builds, German shepherds are physically well-equipped for more demanding service tasks, such as wheelchair pushing, deep pressure therapy, and crowd control.
As a high-energy working breed, they also have plenty of energy to spare, meaning they won’t lose focus or get tired throughout the day.
Is the German Shepherd the Right Service Breed for You?
While the German shepherd has plenty of traits that make them well-suited to service work, they aren’t suitable for every person’s needs. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding whether the German shepherd is the right service breed for you:
Exercise Needs
German shepherds are energetic dogs who need at least 2 hours of exercise per day. Without adequate exercise, German shepherds may release their energy and occupy themselves through destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking, scratching, or chewing up furniture.
Due to this, the German shepherd isn’t a suitable service dog breed if you lead an inactive lifestyle and don’t have the capacity to exercise them for at least two hours daily.
High-Maintenance Coats
German shepherds have thick double coats that shed moderately throughout the year. Like other double-coated dogs, they also have periods of heavier shedding during spring and fall.
If you’re considering this breed for service work, you need to be prepared to brush them at least two to three times a week, or even daily during their heavier shedding periods.
The German shepherd’s high shedding frequency also means they aren’t suitable for people with fur allergies.
Your Living Environment
While you may adore the German shepherd, you do need to be mindful of whether your living space can comfortably accommodate them.
The German shepherd is large and energetic, and they fare best in a house with a backyard where they can roam freely and play. They will struggle to feel at ease in a small, cramped apartment.
Get a German Shepherd Service Dog Today
German shepherds can be exceptional service dogs for individuals with disabilities who can meet their care needs.
If you believe that the German shepherd is the right service dog breed for you, the next step is to get in contact with a licensed healthcare professional who can offer further guidance and support. They will be able to evaluate your needs and assess whether a German shepherd service dog is a suitable treatment measure for your disability.
