Protection inspired training (no bite work) with a more submissive dog?

Can I hear any success stories of dogs who were or are a bit more on the submissive side than dominant – mostly noticeable in the fact that they’re still excited/submissive pees at 5 mo. old, otherwise the pup’s confidence is average – but still ended up being able to successfully and enjoyably do hobby obedience?

I am interested in training (beyond the obedience foundations first) things like a bark and hold, guard, growl, maybe scent work or rally. I do not want to do any bite work, and am also not looking to necessarily compete (and certainly not to any high level). Dog in question is a GSD, raised in a breeder’s home, driven more by handler attention and praise but a little on the softer side, not a high drive, bitey or dominant dog.

I am trying to evaluate this aspect of a particular dog and whether it’s the right fit for us (among other things I’m taking into consideration. My intention has been to hopefully end up with a dog who would be active family companion who is people-oriented, can live happily in a household with a smaller dog and a younger child, and is confident enough but not super high drive/high energy, but enough to dabble in hobby obedience like I mentioned above (I appreciate some scary dog privilege just in terms of people not being as likely to approach sometimes, like night walks).