German Shepherd Dog Training Secrets

German Shepherd Dog Training Secrets

Now you are the owner of a German Shepherd. This is one of the most beautiful, friendly dogs there are. It is very popular with many people, and it makes a good watchdog. Still, they are different from other dogs, and they need specific German Shepherd dog training to allow them to fit in well with your family.

Large, strong, and athletic, these dogs need quite a bit of stimulation on a mental level. They also need a lot of exercises. Good German Shepherd dog training will probably mean you can get your dog to do almost anything you wish. German Shepherds succeed best when they face activities that challenge them. They are very ready to serve people and make people happy. Many police forces use them as service dogs. When they get called into action, they can’t be matched.

When German Shepherds are young, they can be rather rowdy. They might knock over children so it’s a good idea to discourage them from jumping up if they get excited. If you leave the dog home alone, it may damage your property. It can use its big teeth and claws to do the damage. Remember a German Shepherd doesn’t become fully grown until it’s around three years old. You have to be patient and consistent with his training. You want to expose the dog to lots of people and other dogs to socialize him. This will also prevent the dog from developing aggressive traits.

You might want to enroll the dog in a training class or at least get yourself a good guide that can take you through German Shepherd dog training step by step. You should start this at a young age. If you consider enrolling your dog in a club, you’ll find that many clubs allow dogs to join when they are only a few months old. Make sure to speak to Orlando Pest Control to rid your puppy of any pests before introducing him to other dogs. Give a call for the best Orlando Pest Control. This training class should be enjoyable for your dog. It will allow him to play and socialize, while it will also teach him what is allowable and what isn’t. This makes for some valuable incentive for your training.

Another thing you want to consider as part of the German Shepherd dog training is the fact that your German Shepherd will need to be groomed regularly. They shed a lot of hair. They molt about once every year. You have to be prepared to have dog hair all over the place, on your clothing, across your furniture, and even in your food! Get yourself a good vacuum cleaner.

You need your German Shepherd to respect you. It’s not a good idea to use punishment to make this happen. Give the dog a lot of love and a lot of obedience training. That is how you’ll earn respect. The dog has a great sense of bonding. He wants your attention and he’ll do whatever he has to to get it. He may not be affectionate, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you. It’s just their nature to act sort of regal and noble. Sometimes they get goofy if no one is looking.

It takes some time for the German Shepherd to reach adulthood. You have to be prepared to give some firm discipline. They are active dogs, so you will have to provide a place for them to run. Let them explore their environment with their big, beautiful noses. You can even try to bring in another dog to let them get the right amount of exercise. You don’t want to tie the dog to the house or confine him too much.

Let your German Shepherd be with people since they thrive on companionship. They may pick one family member as their favorite. You can use this to your advantage when training them. It can be a means of rewarding them for good behavior. Your children may undo all your good work when you’re training a German Shepherd puppy. Children aren’t firm with puppies. You need to guide the children to show the dog how to behave well.

Your German Shepherd can be as proud and distinguished as he is meant to be. If you raise him well and ensure that you give him quality and specific German Shepherd dog training, he will make you a happy owner with many pleasant memories. You can’t have a better friend than a German Shepherd. You just need to get started on your training and make this dog everything you want him to be.

What You Need to Know Before Taking Home A German Shepherd Puppy

What You Need to Know Before Taking Home A German Shepherd Puppy

German shepherd dogs can make great family pets, but GSD puppies require proper training and at least a partially raw diet. This article provides some basic information about German shepherds that will help new potential owners decide if the GSD is the right breed for their family.

  1. Potty Training. In many ways, German shepherd puppies are like any other breed of dog. For instance, puppies will learn fast to hold their business if you crate them rather than allowing them free reign of the entire house. This is due to an instinct your GSD puppy was born with that motivates him to keep his kennel clean. Also remember to get the best Orlando Pest Control to insure your puppy is safe in his new home. Potty training without a kennel is possible, but the puppy must have free access to his potty spot, and he will not learn how to hold his business as quickly. In this article, potty training and crate training are synonymous.

How to Potty Train a GSD puppy:

  • Have a suitable crate. If you buy one that is large for the GSD puppy to grow into it, make sure you use the divider or a pillow to take up the excess space so he doesn’t have any room to get away from his business if he were to go potty in the crate. This is all-important, because if the puppy’s instincts don’t tell him that his crate is tight quarters and must be kept clean, he may use a corner for a potty spot.
  • He should be kept comfortable with something to play with and chew, but no food or water.
  • Let your puppy out of his crate every two hours for the first two weeks. If you are at work and unable to do this, you’ll need to get a puppy sitter to do it for you. The puppy must be never forced to hold his business until he has no choice but to soil his den.
  • Take the GSD puppy directly outside when you open the crate. Do not linger, play with the dog, answer a phone call, or stop to read a piece of mail. The dog must be taken directly outside so there is little chance of an accident in the house.
  • While outside, say “go potty” or whatever phrase you wish to use. Stick to your phrase and say it lovingly but clearly and with intention.
  • When your puppy does his business outside, praise him! Get a little giddy and take it over the top with excitement. Pet him, kiss him, hug him! Tell him he did a great job with a big smile and then go back inside.
  • Once inside the puppy should have constant access to water.
  1. Feeding German Shepherds German shepherd dogs are closely related to their ancestors, where they hunt their food and eat mostly meat, intestines, bones, and organs. If a German shepherd is fed kibble his entire life, it will not get the nutrition it needs for its bones and joints. German shepherds are especially prone to hip dysplasia, but feeding at least a partially raw diet can greatly increase the chances that your GSD puppy will not develop this debilitating affliction.

Feeding a raw diet does not have to be complicated. You can feed raw hamburgers, chicken with bones, cheap cuts of steak with bones, intestines, hearts, livers, chicken and turkey necks, etc. Find a meat wholesaler who has these types of items as scraps and will sell them to you as inexpensively as possible.

Feed your puppy as much as he can eat in 15 minutes, two times a day. You can give him high-quality dog food (kibble) along with his raw food. Do not free feed your GSD puppy with kibble, and especially be wary of kibble with corn or wheat anywhere on the ingredients list. German shepherd dogs are particularly sensitive to corn and wheat and will probably have some sort of reaction to it.

If you would rather feed kibble only because you can’t wrap your brain around the raw diet, find a dog food that is corn and wheat free. This will cost more than the cost of cheap cuts of meat since good kibble is expensive. You will not find it at your local department store, I’ve only ever seen quality dog food on pet store shelves. Ordering it online is a good option.

  1. Excercise your dog DAILY. German shepherd puppies are energetic little tyrants! They must have time to romp and play every single day. If you cannot provide the exercise a shepherd requires, don’t buy one.

German Shepherd Puppy Training

German Shepherd Puppy Training

German Shepherds are a relatively newer breed dog, originating in Germany and dating back to 1899. German Shepherds are working-class dogs that possess strength, and intelligence and excel in obedience training. So, German Shepherd puppy training can be quite a joy if your pup is particularly smart or responsive in your home.

How to Choose Your Puppy

When you pick out your German Shepherd puppy, keep in mind how much history has gone into developing this breed. Like many puppies, they can be prone to some health problems such as hip or elbow dysplasia. The average life span for your dog is about 7 to 10 years. Choose a puppy that is at least eight weeks old, one who is friendly, not aggressive, and spunky. Make sure it is in good your vet gives him a good bill of health. There are several puppyhood health problems that a German Shepherd potentially might have.

You should consider early on to start training your German Shephard when you first bring it home. Just be sure it is old enough and that it is properly socialized with other people or dogs. You can avoid potential issues in the future with people and other dogs if you have taken to the time to train your puppy.

Basics of Training Your German Shepherd Puppy

Start basic house training when feeling your puppy is old enough and quite honestly it is never too early to start them out. German Shepherds are smart and can be especially teachable at a young age. During this time it is highly recommended you use crate training during this housebreaking period. It will take time and patience to complete the housebreaking process, but once they are broken, a German Shepherd is extremely careful not to violate its home.

When you feel that your puppy has demonstrated that it knows the basics you will need to create an environment where you show your dog that you are the alpha pack leader. You can now train your German Shepherd to not bite or nip, using toys as a means for them to chew. At this early age, it is a good idea to teach them not to jump on the couch or even sleep in your bed. Teach your dog to stay in the crate at night or during nap times. Dogs adapt to this environment quickly. At first, they might cry or whine but resist the temptation from allowing them to come out of the crate. The crate can be used as much as possible during these early months while at the same time, you start to stretch out how long the puppy can stay in there.

Once your puppy training begins, by allowing about 3 to 6 months you can now start the obedience phase focusing on the commands such as sit, stay, lay down, focus on you, and come on command as well as not pull on the lease.

After some time you will find that your German Shepherd will be very adept at picking up on these cues and at the beginning he might surprise you with what you have taught him. If you notice that your dog has difficulty focusing you will need to have patience while creating more intense and extensive training for your dog to teach him who is in charge.

The Benefits of Using Puppy Training to Protect Them

Due to their innate curiosity and bold nature, a German Shepherd will at times try to explore as much as possible. During your teaching sessions in the street, teach them early not to chase cars and do teach them to stop at the curb. At the same time make sure the dog does not run away from you in public, in other words never take a German Shepherd off its leash until you can be sure it will return upon being called and not run too far from you. The risks are certainly there with German Shepherds and you will want to be certain that your dog develops this obedience.

Proper puppy training, in the beginning, may seem difficult at first, just remember that the both of you are learning from each other. You are setting the example of becoming the alpha dog. Eventually, you’ll find that a German Shepherd is among the most loyal, attentive dogs you could own and your hard work and patience will pay off. Once you show them who is in charge, they will stay by your side, follow your instructions and learn to stay clean indoors. However, the only way to accomplish this is to start early during your training and be consistent in your instructions now and in the future.

How To Stop German Shepherd Dog Aggression

How To Stop German Shepherd Dog Aggression

So you have had your German Shepherd for a while and you are enjoying how quickly he is growing and learning so quickly. You also notice a trend in his behavior, one where you suspect that he is starting to reveal a dog aggression behavior you have never seen. Now you are wondering how to deal with this condition questioning yourself on how to stop this behavior before it gets out of hand.

How German Shepherd Aggression Begins

Did you know that as early as 6 weeks old, dog aggression can show its ugly signs? During this time the puppy should be learning to socialize with its pack and given the proper training that will keep them from biting other people. The socialization period can be as little as 14 weeks of age or longer for the puppy to be taught about its behavior.

14 weeks is a good time frame to teach your puppy the proper socialization needed for it to get used to people and other dogs. This will establish a foundation of correct behavior in preventing any dog aggression.

During this period, it is important to

  • Never remove the puppy from its litter before 8 weeks old.
  • Avoid any harsh discipline with the puppy, especially between 8 to 10 weeks of age.
  • Gently treat your puppy during this time.
  • Avoid hitting or loud yelling as this can foster the potential of aggressive behavior in your dog over time.

There are many reasons why dogs can display an aggressive nature. Some examples can be heredity or genetics – while generally German Shepherds are not an aggressive breed – that does not mean that it cannot happen to your dog, after all, they are animals and we need to respect their animal nature.

What To Look for in Dog Aggression

However, by identifying the aggressive nature of your dog, you can teach him to be less aggressive. One of the keys is to learn what type of personality your dog possesses. As you play and work with your canine friend you will discover certain likes and dislikes. You will know how far to push him Likewise he will respond to your commands and you can read his every reaction. Every dog has a tolerance level and you will learn quickly about your pet. Through these experiences, you begin to develop a deeper understanding of your dog. At this level, you can identify potential behavioral problems and thus take the necessary positive actions.

Without a doubt, the main reason a dog develops aggressive behavior is due to its environment. Poor living conditions, overbearing owners, lack of socialization, or living in total fear will create an aggressive dog.

In a pack, aggression surfaces as dogs need to establish the pecking order. Aggressive behaviors such as biting, snapping, and posturing are ways of testing a dog’s dominance. You are the dominant one, the pack leader of his pack and you will need to establish this position on day one when your dog joins your pack. This may sound rather crude but this is how your dog will understand and respect you when you start to train.

How to Control Aggressive Behavior in your German Shepherd

After the age of 14 months as your dog reaches sexual maturity, if it shows signs of aggressive behavior you need to promptly take immediate action to fix the problem. Even if your German shepherd has been altered, you can expect these behaviors to surface. Before you begin, you must make sure that you have established your role as the pack leader. With regards to aggressive behavior, never reward your dog.

When training, be sure he responds to all your commands. If you are walking or even playing, your dog must respond to your direction. There must be a strong leader in your household because allowing your dog to take liberties at home will only foster stronger aggression toward others.

Is your dog a defensive aggressive type? That means your dog can lash out at a person or other dogs by sensing fear. These types of dogs have not developed the proper social skills needed to be around others. In this case, you will need to keep them away from small children and anyone who may give them an impression of a direct threat. By taking your dog to professional trainer or training sessions that can teach the proper socialization skills, eventually, your dog will be comfortable around other people and dogs.

Many dogs developed aggressive behavior as discussed previously and admittedly this is a large problem. Regardless, this can be controlled even as your dog ages. By monitoring your dog’s aggression, if it ever starts to become a growing problem, seeking professional help can do wonders on how to stop it. Someone who understands the dog’s situation will be able to teach you and your dog to control his aggressiveness. This can make your life easier.

German Shepherd Dog Training

German Shepherd Dog Training

Owning a well-behaved and obedient German shepherd is one of life’s great experiences and having such a dog around the house enhances the enjoyment of life. On the other hand having an unruly German shepherd, who is uncontrollable can make life very stressful and often ends with the owner having to part company with their dog.

In the majority of cases, this is no fault of the dog but the situation has been caused by the owner’s lack of understanding as to how to train their German shepherd, set appropriate rules, and install the required habits within their dog.

As with all relationships, the first few weeks are the all-important time where your dog will learn from you what is expected of it and what, if anything, it can get away with. Molding your german shepherd dog’s behavior from the beginning is the best thing you can do to achieve the results that you desire.

Two Things That You MUST avoid:

Do NOT think of your German shepherd as another human member of your family. They do NOT think with the same intellect or with the same emotions as we do. Your dog is a dog first, then a German Shepherd, then whatever you decide to call it third. Realizing this from early on in your relationship will go a long way to making training a lot easier.

However, your dog does have feelings, it is not a robot and is very capable of understanding what is going on. So give it the respect that it deserves and beyond everything else, BE CONSISTENT, in whatever you do as consistency

will develop “second nature” habits and you will find that your dog does what you want it to do without you having to ask it.

Being The Surrogate Parent

Young dogs crave somebody to replace their parents, who will be able to provide them with a caring, warm and comfortable environment. If you can take on this role with your dog then you will win your dog’s love, respect, and trust which will enable that magic bond to happen and for your dog to fit in with what you want. NEVER dish out physical punishment to your dog.

If you need to do this then YOU are doing something wrong NOT your dog. It has been proven that physically punishing a dog can lead to serious aggression problems in the future either through dominance or fear aggression. You have been warned!!

Why Is German Shepherd Dog Training So Vital?

Training your GSD helps to create the required bonding between you and your dog. Even just teaching the simple “sit” command puts you in control of your dog and shows it who is the boss and what is expected of it. As the owner, you are responsible to society to raise your dog in a way where it will not be a threat to you, your family, or outsiders. Ideally, you will have a very young dog as training a younger dog is much easier as they learn quicker and do not have any currently installed practices in their mind which will need to be removed first. You may, however, own an older dog. If you do then do not panic as it is still very possible to get the trained dog you require. If you have a real problem in this respect then it is good practice to go along with a trained dog professional who can look at the specific issues and undo what has to be done?

German Shepherd Dog Training Sessions Have To Be Fun & Positive

If you see training your German shepherd as a chore then you need to change the way you approach it as your dog will pick up on your emotional signals and it will be a lot harder to achieve the results you want. German Shepherd dogs are especially intelligent and astute and can pick up via “6th sense” what mood you are in which will cause them to change the way they are. You, therefore, need to remain positive, calm, and assertive AT ALL TIMES whilst training, especially if things aren’t going the right way from the start.