How to Train a German Shepherd
Are German Shepherds more difficult to train than other dogs? The simple answer is no. Training German Shepherd dogs is easy. Start with teaching polite greeting manners, leash manners and body handling.
Anytime a dog trainer is training a German Shepherd to learn polite behaviors, the trainer will utilize about 90% of the same techniques to train any dog breed. All dog breeds learn in the same ways.
Top 3 Dog Training Behaviors
Let’s discuss the differences between German Shepherd dogs (GSDs) and other breeds of dogs.
German Shepherd dogs, as with all dogs, do not respond to authoritative or punishment-based training methods. GSDs understand consequences and will respond quickly when set up for success. Pushing, pulling or forcing a GSD to comply with a behavior will mostly likely result in a dog bite or your dog will become afraid of you.
Top 3 German Shepherd Behaviors
- Polite Greetings: With any herding and guarding dog breed, it’s vital they learn how to greet other people and dogs politely. German Shepherd dogs are big so they should learn how to sit when approached by visitors. Also, they should learn to ignore other dogs. This is easily taught during a group dog training class.
- Polite Leash Manners: German Shepherds need to learn not to pull on the leash. You can train your dog not to pull by holding still when he does. Once he learns to stop pulling, then walk forward. Front clip harnesses work great for GSDs, as they control pulling.
- Body Handling: As with most large breed dogs, it’s important for GSDs to allow body handling. Start by touching your GSD’s ear, then click and treat. Next, touch his nails, then click and treat. Practice this everyday for one minute.
VIDEO: How to Train a Dog – Body Handling
Similar to all dog breeds, German Shepherd owners should socialize their dogs at an early age before they hit the 16-week mark. This means introducing your puppy to lots of new people and dogs. Want to bring a German Shepherd into your home? Learn more at National List of German Shepherd Dog Rescue Groups and German Shepherd Dog Club of America.
Tell us about your GSD and what polite behaviors you taught them in the comments below.
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