will my dog be protective of me?

[Maria99F4]

hi,
i have a 4.5 month old shepherd pup. i just got him about 3 weeks ago. i am the one that feeds him every day and i spend almost all day with him. he follows me around the house and lays at my feet if im doing dishes, folding laundry exc. will he eventually be very protective of me?

[brembo]

That is a very loaded and misleading question. "Protective" has many connotations, do you mean will he actively defend you from outside harm with violence on his part? Do you mean will he bark and alert you possible threats? Layer on top of that the unique personality that every dog has and you come up with the gold-plated answer...who knows? I have an eight year old GSD that probably thinks I control the sun setting and rising, he is bonded incredibly well, and I have no clue how he'd react if someone came up threw me to the ground. I know it would upset him, but his actions beyond being upset I do not know. I also have a Malinois that I know without a doubt would try and rip said persons arm off. She was trained at great expense (not mine) to behave in that manner. Normal behavior does not point to the difference in the dogs at all, both are lovie, cuddly dogs. One is an unknown and the other is proven and tested.

[Chicagocanine]

There's no way to tell when your dog is 4.5 months old, you'll just have to wait and see.
It does help to make sure to do a LOT of socialization when they are puppies. This helps them to be well-socialized to the world so they will be able to tell the difference between a threat and someone goofing around, be comfortable with "strange" things and helps to avoid any fearfulness. A lot of it is genetics but socialization begins where genetics lets off so it is also important.

[Wild Wolf]

I assume you're wondering if he has those instincts? Depending on his pedigree, German Shepherds typically have protective qualities genetically (but that's not to say yours will or won't, it depends on the dog/pedigree).

There are a lot of cases around the world of dogs, regardless of breed, defending their owners in times of need. That is a natural instinct in animals with pack drive (dogs, lions, wolves, apes). Also, you and everyone else can appreciate the intimidation factor that comes with German Shepherds - our natural deterrents!

At this point, your pup won't develop "protectiveness" (if you will) until maturity.

[doggiedad]

with the proper training it might be protective
or it might not. some are protective some aren't.

[Samba]

What are the parents like? Were they protective? Was he bred to have that characteristic? Not all dogs turn out like there intended breeding but it is an indicator of how the dog may be when mature.

[Emoore]

Are you loyal to, and protective of your dog? I find it tends to be a two-way street.

[Kittilicious]

Originally Posted by Emoore

Are you loyal to, and protective of your dog? I find it tends to be a two-way street.

Thats the best answer so far!

Even a mutt with no pedigree can be protective

[doggiedad]

so true Emoore. i always say "whatever it is i want to be
protected from i want my dog protected from it also."

Originally Posted by Emoore

Are you loyal to, and protective of your dog? I find it tends to be a two-way street.

[VegasResident]

Time will tell. My boy is 18 months old from West German lineage SCH 3 parents competition level. High drive and I mean high drive. He is go go for 15 hours a day. About 14 months of age, his protection side appeared. Now comes the part where I am having to teach him appropriateness of this behavior since I am trying to help him understand I am the one that protects him ....dang adolescent. The good thing is that we have a exclusive GSD trainer here in town.