German Shepherd Overview

I have an unregistered pure bred German Shepherd Dog that is 8 months old. She is the most intelligent dog that I have owned. My parents bred Rottweilers when I was young, and they were very intelligent, but my GSD is ideal for my family. My daughter is 2 and my GSD would give her life for any of us. She "herds" my daughter when she goes too far in the yard, and this sometimes includes nipping at her heels when she does not want my daughter doing something. I love my GSD like she is one of my kids. But you cannot confuse that with treating them like a child. They are happiest when they feel that they serve a purpose. You cannot spoil them like you would a child or they will take over as boss of the house and that is NOT good! I love my GSD, but owners of them must be a specific type of person (strong/able to train this dog, and gentle and kind, opening their family to the dog) or else this will not be a happy dog. An unhappy dog = chewing up your house and worse. The dog must be a good fit for the right people.