German Shepherd Dog Training

Who is in control right from the beginning?

One of the first questions an owner of a large dog must answer concerns his responsibility to the dog. German Shepherds are some of the larger dogs in the world and just because of the size, the owner must always know that he is in control of the dog and the dog is not in control of the owner. The owner must become the “alpha” leader of the pack even if the pack has only two members, the dog and the owner. Once the dog understands this complex relationship, training should flow smoothly and the owner will be happy and the dog will be comfortable fitting into his owner’s home. As the “alpha”, the owner must never surrender his authority for even one minute. Dogs are smart and the shepherd is one of the smartest. German Shepherd dog training is not as difficult as it might seem.

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Where and when does the training begin?

It is easier to train a shepherd when the dog has to respond to just one person. Establishing the “alpha” role is quickly accepted by the dog. When a German Shepherd puppy moves into a family setting, things must be worked out so the dog will see all of the family in a position of authority. In most families this concept can be developed easily, as long as one person sets the commands and responses for the animal and the rest of the family adheres to the instructions. The one thing that must be avoided at all costs is not providing training for the new puppy. Just like a child who is learning every day, so must the life of the shepherd puppy be, an instructional unit in his life. All German Shepherd puppies will come equipped with their own understanding of how life is to be led and given the chance, they will demonstrate their intelligence by assuming the leadership position. This is the very reason that German Shepherd dog training must begin immediately.

What you must know about  German Shepherd Dog Training.

Intelligence and independence will characterize all German Shepherd puppies. The shepherd comes from a long line of the herding family. That means they like to have their own way and will do everything within their ability to realize that station in life. When given a job to do, the shepherd responds quickly and thrives on doing the job correctly. This single fact will demonstrate to the new owner that this is an animal that must be challenged and German Shepherd dog training is just the beginning of his education. The shepherd requires a considerable amount of exercise which can be coupled with his regular training.  When considering the shepherd, one must realize that as a herding or guardian dog, even the puppies will not be the best of friends with other dogs. Socialization is a must for the shepherd and should begin as soon as the dog is brought home for the first time. If raised in the presence of cats and other dogs, socialization could come very quickly.

Time is always going to be important to the dog and the family or owner. The dog will begin to understand what you want from the very beginning. Remember, do not change your method of rewarding a good response by your dog. All commands must be very simple, usually one word is all that is needed and it does not make any difference what that word is. If you have been training the dog to move on the command of “walk”, do not substitute any modification of that command.  In other words do not tell the dog to “stroll” and expect him to know what you want him to do. German Shepherd dog training requires that the command needs to be clear and when completed by the dog, a treat should be awarded. This allows the dog to understand that when he does what his owner wants him to do, a treat is in the offering.
Expectations on your part.

As an intelligent dog, the German Shepherd puppy will demonstrate that his attention span is not quite as long as you might want. This fact alone can influence your German Shepherd dog training in a negative manner, if you let it do so.  Don’t get frustrated with the dog as he will grow out of that phase of his life. Pick a simple command such as “sit” and work with that command only until the dog comes to understand what it is that you want. Your shepherd puppy will be headstrong as it is their nature to be so. Remember that you must be more headstrong than the puppy. Now, begin your German Shepherd dog training, and enjoy your puppy and know that you are on the long road of learning together and you have just gained another family member.