I love your dog. I grew up with Shepherds and we had one until she got hip dysplasia and had to be put down as she couldn't get around anymore. Now that we live in the city and are renting we can't have one. All of ours came from German bloodlines and Dad used to do Shutzhund training with them. It is very similar to what police dogs go through with tracking, obedience and protection except that they are not allowed to bite during the protection part. We went to a lot of trials growing up. I was never afraid of anything when I was out walking one of our dogs!