They must have a shepherd or they will be lost. Even today ranchers use dogs to tend sheep. You could never use a sheep to herd a pack of dogs around. But one dog can control a whole flock of sheep. I wish Jesus would compare us to some smarter animal than a sheep.
Sheep are only safe when they are in the presence of a loving shepherd.
And-We are only safe in the hands of Jesus. No one will snatch them out of my hand. The shepherd of the east was a symbol of bravery and love. Many of the OT leaders were shepherds. Shepherds have hearts more in tune with God.