by Kelly Dynes

Created on: January 29, 2007   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

I believe all dogs communicate with their owners in one way or another. But my experience with German Shepard Dogs has shown that they are one of the most expressive and vocal dogs! I currently have two GSDs, Jake and Sierra, and both are very vocal. They have this "talking" that they do to each other and to their humans. They literally have a talking sound that they make in different tones and pitches that have different meanings.

My male GSD, Jake, will start talking to me when I'm on the computer and he wants my attention. Or if I give him a command, he will talk back to me if he doesn't want to follow it. I'm trying to teach him that talking is cute but sassing or talking back is not good. He will even go up to the television and talk to dogs on there.

GSDs are also very expressive with their eyes, ears, and head movements. They truly try to understand what you are saying to them and will tilt their heads to one side and look at you with curious eyes. Their ears are plastered back to their heads when they've done wrong. They are straight up when they are in "protect" mode. When they are agitated or fearful, they are up and turned into one another. But the cutest is the one ear up and one down simultaneously!

They are awesome at reading your moods also. They know when you are sad and just need them near you. They know that they are your protectors when you are sleeping, showering or sick. Other times, they know it is their job to entertain you through their wildly funny and playful actions! And they use their paws like cats! They will "bat" at each other in play. They offer their paw to their humans no less than 25 times a day! Sierra will offer both paws at the same time!

I had a GSD, Zoey, who would check on me at 4 a.m. every night. She would come over and put her paw up on my side of the bed until I gave her a quick pat and then she would go lay down until morning. I believe it was her way of checking on me and letting me know that she was still on guard and that I was protected.

Although, I have 5 dogs (2 GSDs, 2 Black Labs, and a Shepard mix) and they all communicate with me, the GSDs are by far the most expressive of the breeds I have had the pleasure of being involved with so far. I cannot imagine life without one!

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