Often used as working dogs, German Shepherds are direct and fearless, eager and alert. Bold, cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. Known for their tremendous loyalty and courage. German Shepherds are calmly confident, but not hostile. German Shepherds are serious and almost human in his intelligence. German Shepherds have a high learning ability. German Shepherds love to be close to their families, but they are very wary of strangers. The German Shepherd breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. German Shepherds generally only bark if necessary unless they are bored and under exercised or not provided with enough mental stimulation. German Shepherds have a very strong protective instinct, so they should be extensively socialized to prevent over-guarding when they are an adult. German Shepherd aggression and attacks on people are largely due to poor breeding, handling and training. A well bred, well-adjusted, and trained German Shepherd is for the most part generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. German Shepherds must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. It is extremely important to purchase your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder. Some German Shepherds are timid and skittish and may be prone to fear biting. Research a German Shepherd puppy's lineage carefully. To be successful pets, German Shepherd dogs should be trained and socialized from an early age with a firm and loving hand. Coercive or angry training does not succeed well with German Shepherds. To be truly happy, the German Shepherd needs a task in life. The German Shepherd is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, flyball, and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders, and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. The German Shepherd is also a popular show and family companion.