{"id":1346,"date":"2025-06-25T06:39:14","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T06:39:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/?p=1346"},"modified":"2025-06-25T07:01:48","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T07:01:48","slug":"berger-allemand-enfants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/dressage-et-education\/berger-allemand-enfants\/","title":{"rendered":"German Shepherd and Children: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The German Shepherd is a dog renowned for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Used for decades as a working dog, it has also always been a regular companion in homes.<\/p>\n<p>But can they really live with young children? The answer is yes, in some cases, but not without precautions. Here are the things you need to know before welcoming a German Shepherd into a family with children.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-425\" src=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250422_183921_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_63477253692920-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\u00c9levage de Berger Allemand - Enfant\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250422_183921_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_63477253692920-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250422_183921_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_63477253692920-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250422_183921_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_63477253692920-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250422_183921_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_63477253692920-1-768x767.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250422_183921_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_63477253692920-1.jpg 1204w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Page contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/dressage-et-education\/berger-allemand-enfants\/#1_Un_chien_naturellement_proche_de_son_groupe_social\" >1. A dog naturally close to its social group<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/dressage-et-education\/berger-allemand-enfants\/#2_Une_puissance_physique_qui_impose_des_regles_claires\" >2. Physical power that imposes clear rules<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/dressage-et-education\/berger-allemand-enfants\/#3_Aucun_chien_ne_doit_rester_seul_avec_un_enfant_en_bas_age\" >3. No dog should be left alone with a young child.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/dressage-et-education\/berger-allemand-enfants\/#5_Un_chien_qui_peut_bien_vivre_avec_des_enfants%E2%80%A6_sils_sont_aussi_eduques_au_respect_de_lanimal\" >5. A dog that can live well with children... if they are also educated to respect animals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/dressage-et-education\/berger-allemand-enfants\/#6_Un_bon_compagnon_mais_pas_adapte_a_toutes_les_familles\" >6. A good companion, but not suitable for all families<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/dressage-et-education\/berger-allemand-enfants\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Un_chien_naturellement_proche_de_son_groupe_social\"><\/span>1. A dog naturally close to its social group<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The German Shepherd is a breed that is very attached to its home. It is often attentive to what is happening around it and easily develops bonds with family members, including children.<\/p>\n<p>Some individuals will even naturally adopt a posture of vigilance or protection towards younger people.<\/p>\n<p>But this closeness can sometimes be misinterpreted: the dog is not a babysitter. Its reassuring presence does not replace parental education or active adult supervision.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Une_puissance_physique_qui_impose_des_regles_claires\"><\/span>2. Physical power that imposes clear rules<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Even though he is well-intentioned, the German Shepherd remains a large, powerful dog with developed muscles.<\/p>\n<p>His enthusiasm can translate into abrupt behavior, especially when he is young: running, jumping, pushing without wanting to.<\/p>\n<p>This can be enough to cause a small child to fall, or to injure them unintentionally during poorly supervised play.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-433\" src=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20210430_195001_144-2-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Berger Allemand Enfants \" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20210430_195001_144-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20210430_195001_144-2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20210430_195001_144-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20210430_195001_144-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20210430_195001_144-2.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It is therefore essential to set boundaries early on, teach the dog not to rush at children, and manage moments of excitement. Training in calmness and impulse control should be an integral part of daily life.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Aucun_chien_ne_doit_rester_seul_avec_un_enfant_en_bas_age\"><\/span>3. No dog should be left alone with a young child.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It&#039;s a basic rule, valid for all breeds: a child should never be left alone with a dog, no matter how reliable it is.<\/p>\n<p>Communication between a young child and a dog can be confusing: sudden movements, shouting, unpredictable reactions can generate stress or inappropriate behavior in the animal.<\/p>\n<p>Because the German Shepherd is a sensitive and highly reactive dog, it can be difficult to cope with certain clumsiness or feel cornered if it doesn&#039;t have the opportunity to isolate itself. It is essential to respect its signals, give it its own space, and not force it to interact.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. An intelligent dog, but one that needs structure<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The German Shepherd understands quickly, but that doesn&#039;t mean he obeys without limits. His quick wit means he sometimes tests the rules. He can also be in constant need of stimulation, which can tire out a family that is not available or already overworked.<\/p>\n<p>Consistency in training is essential: the dog must understand what is and isn&#039;t allowed in its interactions with children. This requires time, patience, and sometimes the help of a dog training professional.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Un_chien_qui_peut_bien_vivre_avec_des_enfants%E2%80%A6_sils_sont_aussi_eduques_au_respect_de_lanimal\"><\/span>5. A dog that can live well with children... if they are also educated to respect animals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Respect must go both ways. Many incidents occur not because a dog is aggressive, but because it is being harassed, continually solicited, or handled without its consent.<\/p>\n<p>Pulling ears, riding the dog, playing in the dog&#039;s basket: these are all common behaviors among young children, but should be avoided at all costs.<\/p>\n<p>Even before the dog arrives, it is therefore important to educate the child about the presence of an animal: do not disturb it when it is eating, do not wake it up, do not hold it tightly, and above all let it move away if it feels the need.<\/p>\n<p>To go further, also consult the official recommendations <a href=\"https:\/\/www.anses.fr\/fr\/content\/chez-les-chiens-la-race-ne-suffit-pas-pour-predire-et-prevenir-le-risque-de-morsure\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ANSES<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Un_bon_compagnon_mais_pas_adapte_a_toutes_les_familles\"><\/span>6. A good companion, but not suitable for all families<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The German Shepherd can become an excellent companion for a dynamic, present family, capable of supervising interactions and meeting its needs.<\/p>\n<p>It is not recommended in a home where adults are rarely available, where dog training is neglected, or in families looking for a passive and undemanding dog.<\/p>\n<p>This breed requires commitment, both physical and mental. It thrives in a stable environment, where rules are consistent, activities are regular, and relationships are balanced.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-431\" src=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG20230122160554-1-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Berger Allemand Enfants \" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG20230122160554-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG20230122160554-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG20230122160554-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG20230122160554-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG20230122160554-1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The German Shepherd can live very well with children, but it&#039;s not a dog for everyone. Its strength, intelligence, sensitivity, and need for activity make it a demanding dog, demanding as much from its owners as it can give them. Proper socialization, careful training, and mutual respect between the dog and the child are the keys to a successful cohabitation.<\/p>\n<p>You can also consult our section <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/vivre-avec-un-berger-allemand\/\">Living with a German Shepherd? Here<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/articles-et-reflexions\/\">Back to Articles and Reflections<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 10px; margin-top: 30px;\"><span style=\"color: #666666; text-align: center;\">\u00a9 2025 \u00c9levage des Crocs V\u00e9ritables<\/span><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 20px;\"><strong>Quick navigation:<\/strong><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 20px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/\">Home<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/en\/le-berger-allemand\/\">The German Shepherd<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/sante\/\">Health<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/selection\/\">Selection<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/vivre-avec-un-berger-allemand\/\">Living with a German Shepherd<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/education-et-dressage\/\">Education and training<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/elevage\/\">Breeding<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/photos-et-videos\/\">Photos<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/contact\/\">Contact<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/liens-et-bibliographie\/\">Links <\/a> | <em><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><a style=\"color: #339966;\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/articles-et-reflexions\/\">Articles and Reflections<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Le Berger Allemand est un chien r\u00e9put\u00e9 pour son intelligence, sa loyaut\u00e9 et sa polyvalence. Utilis\u00e9 depuis des d\u00e9cennies comme chien de travail, il a \u00e9galement toujours \u00e9t\u00e9 pr\u00e9sent dans les foyers comme chien de compagnie. Mais peut-il r\u00e9ellement cohabiter avec de jeunes enfants ? La r\u00e9ponse est oui, dans certains cas, mais pas sans [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1346","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-dressage-et-education"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1346","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1346"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1346\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1354,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1346\/revisions\/1354"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1346"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1346"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1346"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}