German Shepherds?

ESA

Hi all, just curious. I have autism and social anxiety, I literally cannot go anywhere on my own because I don't feel safe, I was thinking of getting a German Shepherd to help me feel safer- as they're seen as guard dogs by most people, I feel it would make me feel safer in public (I feel really unsafe when I'm on my own without someone I trust). I also love how fluffy they are, family have huskies and their fur is amazing for sensory soothing.

My question is: would it be possible to train them not to react if I get a panic attack, and to instead be a calming presence for me? I don't mind taking any amount of time to train, I trained the huskies so I have the patience. I would train with the help of my support person so wouldn't throw the dog in the deep end, I can take small steps. Just wondering if, as sensitive dogs, a German shepherd would be able to be trained to do some of the tasks that an autism service dog might do? I don't need them to become an official service dog, just to be able to help and do things like blocking. I'm also happy to socialise it, I can do so with the help of my support person, and also happy to take it to classes to help socialise.

Would any of this be possible or am I delusional? I've just been thinking lately, how would I cope if I didn't have my support person (an older family member btw), I wouldn't be able to go anywhere as I wouldn't feel safe.

Thank you in advance, I know this would be hard work but just wanted to know how possible ❤️

Posted Jul 29, 2026, 1:00 PM UTC

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