German shepherds are the most intelligent dog breeds. They enjoy learning and can easily adapt themselves to a new environment. They can be trained easily. Training a German shepherd requires patience and time.
When to start
Time to start training matters a lot a puppy German shepherd can be easily molded into the desired personality. Adult German shepherds are strongly dominant and they can become reluctant to train. By showing aggressive behavior. Start training your German shepherd puppy when he is 7 to 8 weeks old. Before this time do your homework and make a descriptive plan for training your puppy. Gather some information and training tips from the trainer. Remember that your puppy is like a baby he doesn’t understand your language or command. He also doesn’t know which behavior is acceptable and which isn’t. Puppy brain may take time to comprehend the meaning of your command so start to be patient and consistent.
Basic commands training
This is the first step of training your German shepherd and is a prerequisite to other training practices. In this practice, your German shepherd is introduced to the training process and learns his first basic commands. The first thing which your German shepherd needs to learn is to recognize his name. He will recognize his name when you call him by his name. While looking at him do this several times till he completely understands his name. Other basic commands which your German shepherd needs to learn are sit, come, stay, heel, etc. Associate these commands with different actions or hand gestures. So that they become easy for your German shepherd to learn.
Tips
Keep your commands short and simple. Always use the same command, do short training sessions and give a break between them. Do several repetitions of every command. 95% of German shepherds learn new commands in five repetitions. Positive reinforcement will help you a lot in getting results and building a healthy relationship with your German shepherd.
Potty training
The first rule that your German shepherd puppy needs to learn after you’re brought him home. Is to urinate in a specific place. And not everywhere take advantage of the new environment and start potty. Training your puppy the day you bring him home. If a puppy remains with his mom for the first few weeks. He already would have an idea not to urinate in his living area. Crate training can help you a lot in potty training.
Near German shepherd puppies, it actually makes them understand that their living area shouldn’t be made dirty. Designed a specific area that your puppy should use for potty. It could be a potty pad or a specific area in your yard. Once established in his mind your German shepherd puppy goes to that specific area by himself. Whenever the need to potty has a schedule. This means your German shepherd puppy will go for the potty at specific times. This will make your life much easier. Some recommended times for taking out your puppy are in the morning. Before the puppy goes to bed, almost 20 minutes after eating some food. After playing for some time after taking a nap.
Signs of potty
If you noticed any one of these most probably it means your German shepherd puppy needs to potty. So take him outside these are if the puppy cries or whimpers. If the puppy stands in front of the door and looks at you. If scratches the door leading outside walking oddly or circling sniffing. Doesn’t happen overnight it takes time. Giving rewards in the form of treats or praise will be more helpful. Associate going to the potty with a specific command. So make your life easier so when you give that command your puppy will go for the potty.
Crate training
keeping your German shepherd in a cage crate may look cruel at first. But it is an effective way to control and train your German shepherd. Also living in crate-like places in their nature. Because German shepherds used to make scenes in caves and trenches. To live their crate training can help you in a number of ways to control dog aggressive behavior. Helps a lot to potty train your puppy dog feels safe and comfortable. Helpful and dog separation anxiety a safe place for your dog when you are away. Being the owner of a beautiful German shepherd. It is your responsibility to know about the crate specifications.
Some of the available crate types in the market are wire mesh type, plastic-type, and wooden box type. It is totally up to you what kind of crate you want for your German shepherd. However, there are some requirements for a crate. With enough space for a German shepherd dog to stand to turn around and sleep comfortably. The bottom of the crates should be soft and comfortable. Put a blanket or towel there put some dog toys and crates. So that he can play with it when become bored. Freshwater and food should be available close to the crate. Put the crate in a place where your German shepherd spends most of the time. The recommended place is the bedroom.
How long does it take
Every German shepherd dog is different there is no specific time period for crate training. It could take days or weeks till your German shepherd is comfortable with the crate.
Leash training
One of the main obedience training your German shepherd needs to learn is leash training. It is required to keep your German shepherd safe and under control whenever you can take him outside.
when to start
The best time to start leash training is when your German shepherd is a young puppy. This way your puppy will learn those leash manners quickly. Finding the right collar and leash for your German shepherd is extremely important.
choosing a leash
A soft collar and a strong short leash would be a perfect choice for your German shepherd. To keep him in your control and prevent him from going away use a short leash.
Leash pulling
Leash pulling is the main problem you will face while leash training. Near a German shepherd, it is a natural behavior of any dog. So don’t be worried and don’t yell at your German shepherd. Use the paws method to overcome leash pulling. When your German shepherd tries to pull the leash and drag you towards a direction or object. Just stop and don’t move with your dog
your German shepherd will look back at you and will understand you don’t want to go there. This way he will come to know what he is supposed to do. Repeat this every time whenever your German shepherd tries to wander away. It will teach your German shepherd that he should follow you. Whenever you both are outside and the leash should be loose. Like any other dog training process using rewards and treats will help you a lot in leash training. Near the German shepherd, at first use a treat to lure him into the leash. Make sure the associate treats and praises walking nicely on a leash. Using force may create a negative association between your German shepherd and the leash. Don’t make a tight noose or pull hard.
Stop biting
German shepherds begin using their jaws for many reasons. When their teeth begin to erupt, they exercise biting inhibition. Because they weren’t given the correct instruction. This is something important that you need to know biting is totally normal. The thing every dog starts biting when they are a pup they may do it when they are adults. If not trained early it is not specific about your German shepherd. So take it as a normal thing to let your German shepherd know that biting is unacceptable behavior.
Discourage you puppy
discourage him. You can do it in several ways through hand or body gestures. When he bites you saying “ouch” or “no”. After he bites you showing grief on your face, stop playing and move away.
Biting inhibition
Another practice in which your German shepherd puppy comes to know. That biting is not good and is wrong behavior. So basically, what happens in this practice? If you start playing with your German shepherd and your puppy bites you accidentally or intentionally. You make a yelping sound to show that you are hurt. Also, your hand goes limp and you ignore the puppy at the same time. Your German shepherd witnesses this whole thing and understands he has done something wrong. This way he might associate biting with prohibited behavior. Any may not repeat it in the future repeat this practice several times. Till you get the desired results. Using toys could be an easy way to handle your German shepherd and teach him not to bite.
Using toys
Use a soft rubber or fluffy toy your German shepherd will soon learn that. He should use his biting skills on toys and not humans.
Be an alpha leader
To make a pact and become the leader of the pack. Is an important step for training your German shepherd puppy. You don’t need other German shepherds for pack formation. They adjust themselves easily to our families. Make sure you assume the charge as the alpha leader. So the rest of the training process goes easily. If you fail to establish yourself as alpha the German shepherd will take the charge by himself. And will be reluctant to follow your commands or show rude behavior. Becoming an alpha leader doesn’t mean that you should create fear in your puppy. Or yell at him instead you need to make a love bond with your puppy. And also teach him that you are the one in charge.
Positive reinforcement
It is the key to your German shepherd training. This helped you to make an association with your German shepherd. And to enforce your commands more efficiently using food treat and toys are very effective. Also, praise your German shepherd whenever follows your commands. Punishing or using force during training will ruin your relationship with your German shepherd.
Consistency requirement
Be consistent and don’t give up. You will not train him well if you want results fast having a well-trained German shepherd. As a life companion is worth all time spent on its training.
know dog psychology
Each dog is unique and behaves differently so every German shepherd learns. Some knowledge about your German shepherd’s psychology and his common behavior.
