Puppy Training Your German Shepherd

Puppy training and proper socialization is a must for your German Shepherd. Your pup may be small, but don't forget that this is a large breed dog. Behaviors that seem cute now will not be quite as adorable when your dog reaches 80 pounds.

It important to properly train, care for and exercise German Shepherds. As working dogs, they are happiest when they have a job. And they love to learn new things.

Early Socialization

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

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, dangerous guarding, fear biting, inappropriate herding traits and uncontrollable prey drive instincts will result.

Continually expose your dog to a variety of environments and experiences. Teach your German Shepherd manners and social skills early on. And on an ongoing basis. A socialized and well mannered German Shepherd should be reserved or friendly towards strangers. They should not be aggressive.

If your German Shepherd shows aggression, excessive shyness or is extremely skittish, have her evaluated by a professional trainer immediately.

Do You Speak Dog?

Proper training allows your dog to speak your language.

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

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

Top of the Class

German Shepherds are very smart 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.

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.

Types of Puppy Training

Crate Training
Housebreaking
Obedience Training

Crate training seems to be of great assistance for most dogs in house-breaking. The time it takes to housetrain a German Shepherd will depend on the dog and the method you use. Obedience training lays the foundation for other activities you may want to become involved with.

German Shepherd Owners Manual

Did your GSD come with one of these? If you've never owned a German Shepherd, or even if you're an experienced owner, the German Shepherd Handbook is a must read.

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

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 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.

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