German Shepherd training is sometimes easier than with other breeds because this type of dog is one of the brighter dogs in the pack!
You will find that German Shepherd training will give you much more enjoyment if you start it whilst the dog is young. You can still train an older dog with more time.
One of the common mistakes that can be made is to try and control in a manner that befits the eventual size of the dog. Just like any other dog your German Shepherd will benefit from sensitive handling and positive reinforcement.
German Shepherd training should begin as soon as possible. These animals grow into big dogs and socialization in particular is a must, so get your dog used to other people and other dogs.
You have to appreciate that this is a working dog and has strong herding instincts. This is a dog with lots of energy and should not be punished for bad behavior but rewarded for good like any other breed. It is no coincidence that this breed is used for security work and search and rescue and also as therapy dogs, because they are so strong yet also intelligent.
Use that intelligence constructively when you start German Shepherd training. A large breed dog needs plenty of exercise on a daily basis, during which you can start your training.
As you know that your dog is intelligent you will appreciate that he or she will have to accept who is boss at an early stage. Establish that you are the leader and this is a big part of the battle.
There are a number of training techniques you can employ about when thinking about German Shepherd training. A method that seems suited to this is clicker training. You could also try German Shepherd agility training as part of the method to give some variety to a dog that is easily bored.
Whilst you should have training daily, you can introduce small changes gradually if you find a particular technique isn't working. This is a dog that gets bored quickly but as an advantage to that it learns quickly so you can introduce variety if necessary.
The more traditional methods also work well in German Shepherd training such as command, putting the dog into the required position and praising and rewarding when successful. This can work well with the sit and stay commands but you should be careful not to confuse the dog.
Bear in mind throughout that you should look at one method of training and try it out, then move gradually to another if it doesn't seem to be working.
Socialization is probably one of the most important parts of German Shepherd training. If you can start this when the dog is a puppy, this is preferable but at any stage, it is worth doing as this will grow into a large dog. You should get your dog used to other dogs in particular and also to other humans including children.
It can be difficult to get it just right sometimes but one of the more enjoyable aspects of owning this dog is the German Shepherd training.
by Marty Moore
