German Shepherd Training

Why is it Important?

German Shepherd training and proper socialization is a must for your German Shepherd.

Training a German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherds require lots of attention and exercise. They are bold, determined and smart. This disposition does not make them ideal for first time dog owners. If you are unable to exercise patience, a GSD may not be for you. They may test your boundaries by misbehaving or ignoring commands already learned.

In training a German Shepherd Puppy, make sure you start with the basics:

• Crate Training
• Housebreaking
• Obedience Training

Early Socialization

Socialization is extremely important. An unsocialized German Shepherd can be dangerous. Make sure to expose your GSD to a variety of different people, dogs, other animals, and places.

German Shepherd training should consist of continually exposing your dog to a variety of environments and experiences. 

Introduce your GSD to friendly people so they can distinguish normal behavior versus erratic behavior. Careful socialization will prevent your dog from being suspicious of everyone. This can lead to dangerous guarding and fear biting.

Teach your German Shepherd manners and social skills early on. Training German Shepherds should continue on an ongoing basis.

Nature vs. Nurture

A highly intelligent dog, the German Shepherd is very protective and has a strong herding nature. This needs to be channeled properly. A GSD will be strongly dedicated to you and your family. But, without training and socialization, you may inadvertenly nurture the following traits:

• dangerous guarding
• fear biting
• inappropriate herding traits
• uncontrollable prey drive

A socialized and well mannered German Shepherd should be reserved towards strangers. They should not be aggressive.

Do You Speak Dog?

You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you're RIGHT! I NEVER would've thought of that!'
~Dave Barry

Proper German Shepherd training allows your dog to speak your language. Dogs communicate mainly through dog body language.

There are many different collars you can get that will help you better communicate with your GSD.

Basic Dog Obedience Training

German Shepherds are very smart, showing a high level of dog intelligence, and can generally learn tasks within 2 to 10 repetitions. Since they learn so quickly, it is easy to teach them bad habits if you are not careful. Provide leadership, rules and structure, or your dog will make her own rules.

Since the GSD is so intelligent, she has the ability to find ways to avoid doing what you ask. Contrary to popular belief, the most intelligent breeds are not the easiest to train. My GSD will follow commands, but sometimes "talks back" before doing so.

Training German Shepherds

German Shepherd training tips are offered in a free 6 day ecourse. Start your GSD training on the right foot and sign up for free dog obedience training. There are also several other guides for training German Shepherds.

Basic dog obedience training classes taught by a knowledgeable instructor are extremely helpful for creating the environment your dog needs. Consistency and positive reinforcement work best for all training techniques with German Shepherds.

Dog Training Treats

German Shepherd dog training must be done with a firm, but gentle hand. Use positive reinforcement to reward behavior that you would like for your dog to repeat. Dogs hate to be ignored. Withdraw attention from your dog when she does something that displeases you. She will soon learn to repeat actions that give her positive attention and stop doing things that only get her ignored.

Dog training treats are good for positive reinforcement. You can also use verbal praise or provide a nice scratch on the head.

Do not ever hit your dog. You will only teach her to fear you. Show proper leadership and you will command respect.

German Shepherd Training Tips

Did your GSD come with an owner's manual? Mine didn't either. 

If you've never owned a a dog of this breed, or even if you're an experienced owner, the German Shepherd Handbook is a very good read. It contains a variety of German Shepherd training tips.

German Shepherds must be raised carefully, with a consistent and balanced hand. Learn how to properly train and care for your German Shepherd. Or they will end up making their own rules and training you.

Ask the very beasts,
and they will teach you
~Book of Job

An Amazing Breed

Stories abound of German Shepherds' heroic lifesaving work and dedication to mankind. But, this will require a lot of time and energy on your part to nurture these incredible traits.

Start with puppy obedience training and treat your GSD with love and commitment. You will have the friend of a lifetime.

Otherwise, the talent and dedication of your dog will simply be wasted.