How to Train Dogs in Both German and English Commands

Training a dog in English and German is a very simple process. For many dogs, such as police, working or Schutzhund dogs, being trained in two languages is a necessity. Dogs don't see language as we do. They don't understand any word that we use. They merely connect the sound of a word with the action we bait them into doing. While English is often used for household training, many dogs respond better to the deeper, more guttural, easily distinguished sounds of German, especially in the high-stress environment of a Schutzhund field or police exercise.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
  • Clicker
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research the German commands you need. Common commands are "sitz" (sit), "platz" (down), "bleib" (stay) and "hier" (here).

    • 2

      Train your dog to sit using one of the two languages. For example, if you use English first, you would lure your dog into a sit with a treat, click once its bottom was on the floor, say "sit" and hand it the treat.

    • 3

      Incorporate the alternate command before you give the original command, once the dog has learned the original. For instance, if you picked English first, you would say, "Rover, sitz, sit." Your dog will respond to the second command but will be conditioned to the sound of the German command.

    • 4

      Begin picking one language or the other, after a week of using both commands. Have treats on hand to help your dog with the second and newer language if necessary.

    • 5

      Repeat the steps for each command you wish to train in both languages.