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German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal and all-round dogs, which are ranked among the most obedient dogs. Whether you are breeding your German Shepherd for family use, business, or security, it is essential to know the right approach. Below is all the information that you will ever need to know about how to train a German Shepherd correctly.
1. Start Training Early
Training is best started when the German Shepherd is still a puppy, but it is never too late to start. It is also important to train them early so that they do not grow up with some habits that are very hard to change. Dogs are very sensitive and can be trained very easily to do or respond to something in a particular manner. The basic commands that should be taught to the dog include simple ones such as sit, stay, and come.
However, it is not impossible to train your German Shepherd even if your dog is already a senior one. New behaviors can be trained in adult dogs but it may take longer time and more effort.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
Bribing your German Shepherd is one of the most effective methods of training the dog. This involves rewarding your dog with a treat, a verbal praise or by playing with the dog once the dog demonstrates the right behavior. German Shepherds are very willing to work and should be encouraged.
Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement, as this will only worsen the relationship between you and your dog. However, it is suggested to praise the positive behavior and scold the negative one, so the positive behavior would be repeated again.
3. Be Consistent
German Shepherd requires consistency when training. They should use the same commands, cues, and routines at one time of the day as they do at another time. This helps your dog to understand what is required of them and, therefore minimize confusion.
For example, if you train your dog to do the ‘down’ where it has to lie down, do not use ‘lie down’ or ‘get down’ commands. In this way they do not get confused between the two commands and find themselves doing the wrong thing.
4. Socialize Your Dog
Training is not complete without socialization. German Shepherds are known to be protective dogs and may over-protect or even become aggressive due to fear if not trained or exposed to different situations. Introduce your dog to different people, places and other animals from the time it is still young.
Bring them to parks, expose them to other sounds, and let them play with other dogs. This makes them well-developed in their social relations and self-assured in different circumstances.
5. Teach Basic Commands First
While training your dog, you should spend considerable time practicing the basic exercises before going to the next level. These commands are the basis of all the following training and make your dog obedient in everyday use of commands. The essential commands include:
- Sit
- Stay
- Come
- Down
- kneel
These commands assist in building authority and also assist in creating a friendly relationship with your dog. Perform them on a daily basis and when your dog masters the exercises, make them more challenging.
6. Incorporate Advanced Training
After your German Shepherd has understood the basic commands, you can proceed to the next level of training with your dog. This could be in the form of obstacle courses, sniffing exercises or other tasks such as picking up items. It also benefits their brains to be busy, and they have something to look forward to in the day.
German Shepherds are very good at tasks that require their heads and their muscles. They are happiest when they are working, whether it be herding, searching and rescuing, or just doing tricks in the home.
7. Be Patient and Persistent
The German Shepherd needs to be trained, and this is not a joke, it takes time and energy. They may be intelligent and fast at following some of the instructions, but every dog is unique and may sometimes take some time to understand some of the instructions. Regardless of how long it might take, do not get angry and stressed up.
Do not spend many hours training your dog because this will make your dog bored. However, it is more beneficial to organize the learning process into several sessions during the day and each session should not exceed 10-15 minutes. It is always good to close a session on a positive note so that the dog can be motivated to learn more.
8. Preventive Management of Behavioral Problems
If your German Shepherd has some problems with behavior like barking, jumping, or aggression in dogs, it is high time to correct it. Issues of this kind, if not addressed, are even more difficult to address at a later stage in the development of the given project.
If you are unable to handle the dog’s behavior, consult a professional dog trainer or a behaviorist. It can provide you with suggestions and assist you in undertaking the measures that would be appropriate for your dog.
9. Maintain a Structured Routine
German Shepherds are highly structured and need a schedule to follow. This way, they are able to have a routine of feeding, exercise, and training throughout the day and hence feel secure.
Ensure that they undergo training in order to ensure that good behavior is corrected consistently. In the long run, this structure will enable your dog to learn what is right and wrong and change their behavior for the better.
Conclusion
Training a German Shepherd is not a difficult task when done in the right way. With the help of these tips on how to train a German Shepherd, you and your dog will become the best friends and your dog will become the best dog it can be. Regardless of the level of training, from the basic ones to the more complex ones, one must be patient, consistent and use positive reinforcements.
Along with training, you need to take care of the health of your dog as they age.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the right time to begin training my German Shepherd?
German Shepherds can be trained at a very tender age of 8 weeks and above. Preparatory training lays a good foundation for more complex training to be conducted in future so that the dog is well-trained.
2. How many minutes should training sessions last?
The training sessions should be brief and to the point and should not exceed 10-15 minutes. This helps to keep your dog busy without overloading their brain. It can be done several times a day.
3. What can I do to prevent my German Shepherd from barking so much?
To eliminate nuisance barking, first determine the reason for the barking (boredom, anxiety or alerting) and then deal with it through exercise, training and distraction. Positive reinforcement assists in rewarding quiet behavior.
4. Is it possible to train my German Shepherd without the help of a professional?
Of course, it is possible to train a German Shepherd at home using positive reinforcement methods. However, it is always advisable to consult a professional trainer for certain behavioral problems or for further training.
5. What is the best way to train my German Shepherd to walk on a leash?
Begin with short strolls in a low traffic area, using a word such as ‘heel’. Praise them when they are walking quietly by your side. Progressively increase the distance and distractions as they advance.
