German Shepherd Training Problems

German Shepherds are among the most trainable of all the breeds, as evidenced by their popularity as service, rescue and police dogs. Shepherds have individual personalities, however, offering unique challenges to the trainer.

  1. Personality

    • The Shepherd is "distinguished for loyalty, courage, and the ability to assimilate and retain training," according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Shepherds are confident and can become domineering, but are also bright, requiring mental stimulation.

    A Firm Hand

    • Shepherds are bred for work. Firm, consistent training should begin within three days of the puppy's introduction into the home and continue for a lifetime.

    Training Tools

    • A leather or canvas leash with a slip or martingale collar will help keep the dog's attention. Treats, toys, a crate and a mat or doggie bed may also be appropriate for your training philosophy.

    The Training Session

    • It is best to work with your Shepherd twice a day for up to 20 minutes, teaching only one new command at a time. Sessions should end on a high note and play should always follow.

    Obedience Commands

    • Obedience training can help make your German Shephard a good citizen.

      Obedience provides confidence, forestalling bad behavior. Shepherds should learn the commands for "come," "sit," "heel" and "go to a bed." It is recommended that "stay" be treated not as a separate command but as implicit, so a release command is appropriate.

    Aggressive Behavior

    • Any signs of aggression from your Shepherd should be taken seriously and should lead to a consultation with a professional behaviorist immediately.