German Shephard Dogs Training Tips

German shepherds are friendly, energetic dogs that get along well with other animals and people. However, training this breed of dog requires particular attention, especially when the dog is young, to ensure your pet is fun and safe to have around. You can train a German shepherd much like any other dog, but there are a few things to remember.

  1. Consistency

    • German shepherds have short attention spans, so work with them regularly. Establish a regular training schedule and stick to it. At the same time, however, don't worry if your dog is sometimes inconsistent and seems to regress in the training. Dogs, like children, want to test your limits, according to the German Shepherd Training website. However, daily training sessions shouldn't last for more than 10 to 15 minutes.

    Praise and Rewards

    • When your German shepherd does something correctly, no matter how small, praise it immediately. When you praise the dog, it will learn to associate obedience with good results and make it willing to work to earn more praise. Rewards can take the form of positive, enthusiastic comments, which encourage friendliness and eagerness to obey. You can also give the dog good physical interaction, like petting and scratching. Treats work, too, although be careful to not spoil your dog with too many treats.

    Discipline

    • You need to establish your role as the alpha dog, but treat your dog with respect. Don't be afraid to discipline the dog or worry about upsetting it. If your dog chooses not to listen during training, which it will do periodically, as German shepherds are spirited animals, tell it "No" sharply, followed by a clap of the hands or a loud tap of a folded newspaper. Also do this if your dog growls at you during training.

      Do not slap or hit your German shepherd puppy; they do not respond well to physical discipline. If you discipline it verbally using a sharp tone, the dog will associate that tone with your disapproval.

    Socializing

    • Have your children play with your German shepherd, especially when the dog is young. This will give your dog a long-term affection for children. Also, keeping your puppy around other dogs will help it establish good social habits. Give your puppy lots of room to play and run around outside. Not having enough room to roam can cause confusion.