German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds year after year. They are incredibly strong, fiercely loyal, amazingly intelligent and highly trainable dogs. German Shepherd puppy training is the key to owning a happy pet or a dependable working dog. Start German Shepherd puppy training as soon as you bring one home.

German Shepherd puppy training is essential for the dog’s happiness. They are eager to learn and naturally active. They are also easily bored and way too clever to be ignored without consequence. German Shepherd puppy training is a must.

Here’s the Fastest, Easiest, Most FUN Way to do German Shepherd Puppy Training!

Choosing Your German Shepherd Puppy

When you choose your German Shepherd puppy, try to get a look at the parents. Their color – black and tan, black and red, all black, all white – and their coat – long coated or short coated – is genetic. Parent height and weight is a reasonable estimate for your German Shepherd puppy. Wait until your puppy is at least eight weeks old to bring it home. It should be friendly, alert, active and unafraid, but not aggressive. Have your veterinarian give it a checkup to make sure it is healthy.

German Shepherd Puppy Training – The Basics

Start your German Shepherd puppy training at 8 weeks as long as it has been socialized. Puppies socialize by spending time with other dogs as well as people. They start learning acceptable behavior from these early interactions. You won’t be able to train a dog that hasn’t been socialized.

What do you call it?

Start your German Shepherd puppy training by teaching your puppy it’s name. Call the dog’s name and reward it when it looks at you. Getting and holding the attention of your German Shepherd is a prerequisite for you to be the Alpha leader.

You’re the boss

Next, that wiggling ball of fur needs to understand that you will pick it up and put it down when you want, not when it does. By picking up your German Shepherd puppy and holding it – despite its attempts to get loose – you will start to establish who’s in charge. German Shepherd puppy training can only be effective if the puppy understands that you are the Alpha leader.This video demonstrates a good Alpha leader exercise.

Housebreaking a puppy

At 8 weeks you should also begin house breaking. A housebroken dog goes to the bathroom outdoors, doesn’t chew things in the house and can be trusted alone indoors. At 8 weeks old, just focus on potty training. Use a consistent command when it’s time to go outdoors and a different command (very important!) when the dog should relieve itself. With a German Shepherd puppy, training will be a trial if it stops to go to the bathroom at will. Fortunately, they learn quickly and as long as you pay attention to their signals, you’ll keep a clean house.

Crate training a puppy

Crate training a German Shepherd puppy is a good idea. It will help with potty training your puppy. Dogs don’t like to soil their living space and a crate encourages them to hold it. But don’t leave a German Shepherd puppy in a crate for too long. German Shepherds are smart enough to get out of a crate when they’ve had enough confinement. One of mine chewed its way out of a crate and scared the astounded kennel owner bald when it appeared at his office door.

Stop puppy jumping and biting

German Shepherd puppy training means that you will have to suppress some of your puppy’s naturally exuberant behavior. Don’t let your puppy jump up on you (or anyone else), even if you think it’s just happy to see you. Stop nipping right away. Your dog doesn’t need to teethe on your hand. Never let your German Shepherd sleep in your bed. You have to be firm or this wily breed will take advantage of your inconsistent behavior.

“Once I learned how to stop Janna’s puppy biting, it took less than a day for her to stop. It was so simple.” – Stephen M.

Start German Shepherd puppy training for obedience

You should begin obedience training at 3 – 4 months. German Shepherd pups will quickly learn basic commands like sitting, staying, lying down, coming when called, not pulling on the leash, heeling on and waiting at the door to go out.

Although German Shepherd puppies are fast learners, you will need to continue to reinforce the commands, even if your puppy seems to get it the first time. This imprinting makes it clear that the dog is following your command and not just doing what it wants.

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German Shepherd Puppy training for safety

By nature, a German Shepherd puppy will try to explore. You must train it early to stop at curbs and to not run away in public. You need to train your German Shepherd to heel without a leash, but don’t take it off the leash outdoors until you’re sure it has mastered this skill. It’s important to teach these habits when your pet is young. Once a German Shepherd is full grown, it’s much harder to handle with physical strength alone.

Proper training will earn you the most loyal, attentive and well-behaved dog ever. It will follow your commands, be admired in public and be completely trustworthy indoors. The time invested in German Shepherd puppy training pays off throughout your dog’s life.

Tags: Crate training, German Shepherd puppy behavior, Obedience training, Puppy training