How to Train a Working Dog From a Puppy

Working dogs, such as German shepherd and great danes, are big, strong and generally loyal. Working dog puppies are typically hyper, a bit wild and in need of some guidance---this is where puppy training comes into play. Training your working dog will mold your puppy into an obedient adult that respects its owner and those around it.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Establish dominance in your household. Working dogs, such as German shepherds, are tough dogs that are capable of becoming extremely dangerous if not trained properly. The first step is showing your working dog puppy that you are the one in charge, not it. Practice this by holding your puppy in your arms as you would a baby, with its belly facing up, a few times a day. This dominance exercise puts your puppy in a vulnerable position and literally shows the puppy that you are on top. A puppy that has a leader is much easier to train than one that thinks it is running the show.

    • 2

      Walk your working dog puppy on a leash at least once a day. Providing your working dog puppy with exercise is not only important for its well-being, but a key part of the training process. The nature of working dogs is to exercise; therefore, providing this outlet for its energy is essential to its mental health. Walking next to your dog and controlling its movements on the leash shows it that you are leading him. Walking with your pooch is also a time for bonding.

    • 3

      Provide your working dog with a place to call its own, such as a crate. This helps with potty-training and also keeps your puppy from getting into trouble when you are not around. Working dogs need constant mental stimulation or they will become bored. A bored working dog pup usually results in chewing or other destructive behavior. Keeping the pup in a crate when you are not around will prevent this from happening.

    • 4

      Hold a treat in your hand and place it above your working dog puppy's head to encourage it to sit. As your puppy falls, say "sit," then give the treat. Knowing this basic command is important when attempting to control a big dog, which your puppy will become.

    • 5

      Take your working dog puppy to puppy playgroups once it has received all of its puppy shots in order to socialize it. Some working dogs, such as great danes, are often timid around other dogs and people. Exposing your working dog puppy to these types of situations will help to prevent any shyness in the future around people and pets.