Are German Shepherds easy to train? Most German Shepherd owners would say their dogs are very smart. They’d likely also say they are very stubborn and very demanding. I knew when I got Jasper this would not be a dog who would be satisfied sitting on my lap all day. I had researched extensively and knew Jasper would need daily exercise and daily training for life. I was not prepared for his eventual development of dog reactivity but I should have been. It’s extremely common even in multi-dog households like mine.
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Innate Characteristics of German Shepherds
German Shepherds are indeed high in intelligence, making them one of the most trainable dog breeds. Their incredible working intelligence leads them to learn new commands quickly and efficiently. However, their temperament can vary. Some German Shepherds are calm and steady, while others may be more energetic and excitable. Jasper comes from working lines. Even so, his dive is middle of the road. Unless you plan to do bite sports which take tremendous commitment, time, and money you probably don’t want more drive than that!
Factors Influencing Training
The ease or difficulty in training a German Shepherd can significantly depend on various factors. The dog’s age during training is crucial. Puppies are generally more moldable, but older dogs can also be well-trained with consistent techniques. The trainer’s experience also plays a significant role in how easy or difficult the training process can be. I had raised many dogs some of them larger breeds. I was not without experience and even so, I have felt in over my head at times.
I think the hardest thing is finding quality help. I was lucky in my breeder and now Jasper and I are off to another trainer she recommended. In the meantime, we will do NASDA trial in a few weeks where Jasper has won titles. NASDA understands dog reactivity and brings dogs out to compete one at a time. This allows Jasper and I a chance to compete while continuing to try to work through his dog reactivity.
Developing a Strong Bond with Your Dog
One of the most important components of successful German Shepherd training is developing a strong and trusting bond between you and your dog. This requires patience, consistency, lots of positive reinforcement, some negative reinforcement at times if needed, and understanding. When you understand how your dog works – their body language, needs, fears and motivations – you’ll be better equipped to train them effectively.
It is essential that you take your time when training German Shepherds, as they can be stubborn and may act out if pushed too hard. Be gentle yet firm in all of your commands and don’t allow the dog to get away with bad behavior. Keep in mind in every interaction you ARE training your dog. Make sure you are training him to do what you want him to do. This takes consistency a perseverance.
Ensuring Motivation with Your German Shepherd
Motivation is key to successful German Shepherd Training. It keeps your pup engaged and focused on the task. I like Leerburg’s course on dog engagement. I’m not an affiliate, I just like them. I also like McCann training videos, especially the Puppy series.
I use verbal markers and physical rewards such as treats or verbal praise, as well as tools and toys to keep Jasper motivated. Be sure to reward good behavior right away so that your dog knows they did something right. You have one second to mark the behavior if you want the dog to make the connection. Timing is everything.
You should also give plenty of breaks throughout the training session so that your pup has time to relax. Five minutes several times a day will serve you better than 15 minutes at a time.
Socialization and its Importance
Socialization is an essential part of training a German Shepherd. This breed is naturally protective and can be wary of strangers and new environments. Therefore, early and frequent socialization is paramount in shaping a well-adjusted, confident, and friendly dog. Exposing a German Shepherd to a variety of environments, people, and other animals at a young age can help to curb any apprehensive behavior that might otherwise develop.
Furthermore, socialization encourages the development of good behavior and aids in preventing the onset of behavioral issues such as aggression or fearfulness. Notably, socialization should be an ongoing process, continuing well into a German Shepherd’s adult life to ensure balanced behavior.
Jasper goes with me everywhere. He still ended up dog-reactive despite having him in classes starting at 4 months. The second class I had him in, was Jasper and two other dogs. Jasper was 6 months old by this time. All three dogs spent the class barking at each other. This was the beginning, I think of Jaspers’s dog reactivity.
The best thing I could have done in that class was talk to the instructor and tell her I was pulling Jasper as I did not think all the barking was helping him. Better yet maybe she should have told me that. I didn’t know any better at that point but my suggestion to you is if that’s happening pull the dog and look for training elsewhere.
However, Jasper has never met a person he did not like and liked with great enthusiasm!
Challenges in Training German Shepherds
Training German Shepherds is not without its challenges. These dogs can develop behavioral issues if not given enough mental and physical stimulation. They are also sensitive to harsh training methods, making positive reinforcement a crucial aspect of their training. They respond well to balanced fair handling and strong leadership.
German Shepherds are large powerful dogs. You must be firmly in charge. When you are a 65-year-old grandmother that may take more than just positive training. Even if you are not a 65-year-old grandmother it will probably take more than just positive training. I like a balanced approach. That includes leash pressure when needed.
I used only positive approaches when Jasper was a puppy. He needed nothing more at that stage. He was eager to please, and had not developed that testosterone-driven drive any unfixed dog will develop as they approach 10-12 months.
He is still eager to please and amazingly cuddly for a German Shepherd. However, if he sees another dog, he loses his mind! Literally! Positive training when he has crossed his threshold does not work. My goal is to find a distance he can be from a dog without reacting and work from there. It’s slow going.
Tips and Techniques for Easy Training
Training a German Shepherd is best done by employing positive reinforcement techniques that reward good behavior and judicious use of pressure when needed. Socializing the dog from an early age can help prevent behavioral issues, while regular exercise can keep them healthy and stimulate their mind. Don’t neglect the exercise. Jasper before exercise and after exercise are two different dogs!
Professional training classes can also be beneficial, especially for first-time German Shepherd owners. Just be aware just because they say they are a trainer does not mean they are a good trainer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, training a German Shepherd can be relatively easy or notably challenging depending on various factors. The dog’s age, the consistency in training methods, and the trainer’s experience can significantly influence the process. Despite potential challenges, with a commitment to consistent, gentle, and positive reinforcement techniques, and firm guidance when needed, German Shepherds can be great companions, displaying the intelligence and loyalty they are renowned for. For all the struggles we have had, I have no regrets about Jasper and look forward to what we will learn together.
This article belong to germanshepherdresources.com published 9-17-23
For more on German Shepherds check out my article on the pros and cons here.