How to Train a German Shepherd Puppy to Bite & Tug

Given that a German shepherd is a versatile working breed with well established guarding instincts, actively training biting and tugging behaviors can seem a million miles away from how most people want their dogs to behave. Training these behaviors can, however, help some nervous or unsocialized dogs become more outgoing and to enjoy life, and teach a German shepherd to know exactly what is "too much" excitement and what is not. Training in this way can also initially help school a dog for a security role in a very positive manner.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Lead
  • Towel or tug toy
  • Tennis ball
  • Food reward
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your dog on lead and leave the lead on him during training. Excite your dog a little by playing with a favorite toy or ball at first so that he is in a playful state of mind before you begin training in earnest.

    • 2
      Is that for me?

      Find a quiet area where there are few distractions, such as a garden or secluded area of a park, and then introduce the tug toy. There are many durable tug toys on the market to choose from.

    • 3
      I like the look of that...

      Let your dog see and smell the article. You should express great interest in the item too, making a great fuss of your dog whenever he shows interest in it.

    • 4
      I'm coming back for a game of tug.

      Throw the article and motivate your German shepherd to get excited with his new play toy. Encourage him to take hold of it and, in a playful manner, ask him to come back to you and then begin to play "tug."

    • 5
      This is awesome!

      Once your dog bites on one end, then play tug safely with your German shepherd for a few seconds, associating words like "pull" or "get it" in an excited tone whenever he is really getting into the game. Continue for only a few seconds initially, repeating the process of throwing the article, asking your dog to come back to you and again engaging in the game.

    • 6
      I find this "leave" thing veeerrry tricky!

      Train the "leave" or "off" command when you want your German shepherd to surrender the article so that you can ask him to stop whenever you decide the exercise should cease. Simply produce another toy--a tennis ball is usually a good alternative--and show it to your dog and ask him to "leave" the tug toy. The offer of an alternative or a treat is usually enough to motive a good "leave."

    • 7

      Once he releases the tug toy, immediately throw the ball and switch the focus of the play session away from the "tug" game. End the exercise in this positive playful manner, remembering to always place the "special" tug toy in a safe place away from your dog until you decide to begin training again.