How to Potty Train a German Sheppard

German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that can quickly adapt their behavior to their environment. However, similarly to other breeds, these dogs require absolute consistency in training for best results. Inconsistencies may cause confusion or, in extreme cases, allow a dog to develop a dominant attitude toward its trainer. This is particularly important in potty training German Shepherds where dedication to the training process can make a difference between a few days versus many months for a completely housebroken dog.

Things You'll Need

  • German Sheppard
  • Leash
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a designated area outside as a housebreaking spot and stick to that one spot throughout the training process. Wait patiently until it relieves itself then praise it and give it a treat before taking it inside.

    • 2

      Develop a strict feeding and watering schedule for your new puppy to help prevent any unexpected accidents. If you are not able to watch the dog, put it in a crate or another closed-off area that can be designated as its sleeping area. German Shepherds are generally clean animals and will avoid making messes in areas where it will spend a lot of time. Avoid leaving food and water with the unattended puppy.

    • 3

      Choose a method that you would like the dog to use to alert you when it needs to go out such as scratching at the door or ringing a bell set up near the door. After you put the leash on the puppy and walk to the door, demonstrate this chosen method by walking it through the actions. Use a selected phrase to indicate going outside and take it to the same area you selected before. Wait until it relieves itself, give praise and a treat just as you did initially, and bring the puppy inside.

    • 4

      Take your puppy out as often as you can and always repeat the same set routine. You must take it out immediately after it wakes up in the morning or after naps, before it goes to sleep at night and 20 minutes after every meal. Try to take it out more than just these important times initially to familiarize the puppy with the process quickly. Also, take your new puppy outside in the middle of the night if it is young since the younger the puppy, the smaller the bladder and the more frequently it needs to be relieved. This will become unnecessary once it grows older.

    • 5

      Should you catch your German Shepherd in the act of relieving itself indoors, quickly grab it, say a selected phrase like "out" and take it outside to its usual spot. Avoid using "no" as the phrase since it is usually reserved for negative acts and the act of relieving itself shouldn't be considered a negative act. Only take action if you witness the process happening and never after.

    • 6

      Immediately clean up any accidents the puppy has indoors. Use special cleaners from pet supply stores to effectively deodorize the spots since they are designed to break up invisible enzymes other cleaners don't. Always clean the area very thoroughly or else the puppy may interpret even the smallest odor as a sign that this is an acceptable potty spot.