Instructions
Work on the German shepherd's social skills early on, and continue throughout its life. After the GSD's second round of puppy shots, take the dog with you wherever dogs are allowed to get it used to different people and noises. At the same time, work on basic obedience skills, such as sitting, staying and heeling.
Start formal obedience training at four to five months of age. The formal obedience training helps both you and the dog by teaching you how to train your dog to listen to you. If you wish to allow the dog off-leash, obedience training is pertinent, as the dog must have a 100 percent recall.
Decide what you want to do with your dog. You can choose from many activities and sports, such as agility, conformation, Schutzhund, police work, guide dog and search and rescue.
Bring your German shepherd to classes for the sport or activity you chose. The dog is a fast learner, but you can succeed quickly by working on your techniques at home. The German shepherd's temperament dictates that the dog remain active to stay happy, and your dog will thrive on home practice sessions of at least an hour each day.
Walk the German shepherd every day, for at least an hour. The walk refreshes basic obedience throughout the dog's life, gives it exercise (which this breed craves) and serves as a daily training routine. During the walk, incorporate your chosen activity---jumping things for agility or searching for a hidden friend (play hide and seek) if you are doing search-and-rescue work.
Raising & Training a German Shepherd Working Dog
The German shepherd dog (GSD) has a strong temperament in soundly bred dogs. The temperament makes it popular as a working dog, not only for herding, its original job, but also for police work, guiding and search and rescue. The temperament must be carefully molded when the GSD is a pup, or you could end up with a potentially dangerous dog.