Throughout my life, I’ve had the honor of raising, training, and loving fifteen German Shepherds. Each one with their own distinct personality—loyal, strong, sensitive, playful, stubborn, brilliant. Together, we’ve navigated everything from puppy mischief and rigorous training sessions to healing walks after long days. Looking back, I realize that these incredible dogs weren’t just companions. They were mentors in their own right—showing me, in their unspoken wisdom, what it truly means to lead.
Here are just a few powerful lessons these magnificent creatures have instilled in me and how they shaped me into the leader I am today.

Trust Is Earned, Not Demanded

German Shepherds are intelligent and protective by nature, but they don’t freely give their trust away. Earning their trust required patience, consistency, and clarity. I learned that the same is true for leading people—whether it’s a technology team, a boardroom of executives, or a startup founder stepping into uncertain territory.
Once earned, trust creates a bond that makes collaboration seamless and powerful. It doesn’t happen overnight, but when it does, the strength of that relationship is unshakeable.

Clear Communication Is Everything

With dogs, you don’t have the luxury of a long-winded speech to explain your intentions. They rely on your tone, energy, consistency, and presence. Early on, I discovered that leadership isn’t about how many words you use but how clearly and confidently you communicate.
Whether guiding a puppy through its first obedience class or aligning a team around a strategic vision, clarity breeds confidence.

Leadership Is a Relationship, Not a Role

German Shepherds thrive in relationships where they feel safe, understood, and challenged. They are not unthinkingly obedient—they are intelligent collaborators. If you treat them with respect and engage with them daily, they rise to meet expectations. If you neglect them, they retreat.

People are no different. Titles don’tinspire loyalty—relationships do. The deeper the relationship, the more empowered your team feels to follow, contribute, and grow.

Presence Is Power

I’venever had a dog that respected a distracted leader. If I was distracted, so were they. If I showed up fully present, they gave me everything they had.

Being present is one of the most underrated tools in leadership. Your presence—your genuine attention and awareness—can calm anxiety, build trust, and inspire action. Whether working in the garden or walking into a boardroom, I bring that same grounded energy I learned from training a German Shepherd puppy: be here now.

Loyalty Must Be Reciprocated

German Shepherds will give you everything—they will guard your family, wait by your side, run into danger for you—but that kind of loyalty must be honored and returned. It’snot one-sided.

In leadership, I’velearned to protect my team, stand up for them, give them credit, and support their growth. Leadership is a commitment. It’snot just about people following you—it’saboutyou walking beside them, shoulder to shoulder.

Every Shepherd Is Different—So Is Every Person

Some of my German Shepherds needed firm direction, while others thrived with gentler guidance. Some were instinctively protective, while others were wildly playful. Leading each one required me to adapt, understand their nature, and train them in a way that aligned with their strengths.

The same applies to people. There’sno one-size-fits-all approach. Outstanding leadership is intuitive. It’sabout recognizing each individual’spotential and guiding them with a personalized touch.

Leading Means Loving

The greatest thing myGerman Shepherds taught me isthat real, lasting, impactful leadership is builton love.

Love for your people, love for your purpose, love for the work. It’swhat drives you to wake up early, go the extra mile, and keep showing up when things get tough.

Like with a dog you’veraised from puppyhood when you lead with love, the loyalty and joy that return to you are beyond measure.

*** Raising fifteen German Shepherds wasn’t just about being a dog mom. It was a masterclass in leadership, taught over decades in muddy fields, quiet walks, training pads, and late-night cuddles.

They reminded me—day in and day out—that the best leaders don’t just lead the pack. They care for it, grow with it, and protect it wholeheartedly.

And for that, I’ll always be grateful.

~Christine