German Shepherd Training can be a fulfilling journey for both dog and owner. Renowned for their loyalty, intelligence, and versatility, German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds for a reason. However, harnessing these remarkable traits into well-managed behaviors requires dedication, patience, and an understanding of German Shepherd training methods tailored to their unique characteristics. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pet enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to effectively train your German Shepherd, ensuring they become a well-rounded, happy, and healthy companion.

The German Shepherd’s Natural Instincts and Temperament

German Shepherds possess a robust set of traits honed through generations of selective breeding. Understanding these traits is the first step toward effective training. You cannot train out genetically driven traits so make sure you understand the breed before getting a German Shepherd.

Loyalty and Intelligence

German Shepherds are known for their unwavering loyalty and sharp intellect. This intelligence, when channeled correctly, paves the way for swift learning and a strong bond with their human family. However, it can also lead to boredom and behavioral issues if not engaged constructively. My working line German Shepherd, Jasper needs daily training and exercise. Are you up to that both physically and time wise?

Protective Instincts

Their protective nature is unparalleled, making them sought-after as guard dogs and in law enforcement. In a home setting, it’s essential to guide and manage these instincts so that they are protective without being overly aggressive. I am training Jasper as a protection dog under the guidance of our trainer Calvin. You don’t have to train a German Shepherd to alert you to strangers that will come naturally. But if you want an actual protection dog that takes training and requires you start with a physically and emotionally sound dog. Jasper loves everyone he meets. That is perfect for a protection dog. However, he does not love dogs he meets. We have had to work on that and are still working on it.

High Energy Levels

German Shepherds are high-energy dogs, which makes physical exercise and mental stimulation vital components of their daily routine. Engaging them in regular activities and training sessions can prevent destructive behaviors caused by pent-up energy. This is not as hard as it sounds. I’m 65 and fluffy so jogging is out for me! I exercise Jasper throwing balls. I stand still. He runs. Works out well for both of us! But you must be aware your GSD will need some kind of exercise daily. Do not get this breed if you are not willing to put in the time.

The Crucial Role of Training for German Shepherds

Effective training goes beyond teaching basic commands; it’s about establishing a foundation of communication, mutual respect, and trust.

Establishing Leadership and Trust

Leadership in dog training is not about dominance; it’s about being a dependable, assertive, and fair leader that a German Shepherd can trust and learn from. A good leader is consistent and calm, qualities that resonate with the German Shepherd’s pack instincts.

Preventing Behavioral Issues

Starting training early can prevent common behavioral problems such as aggression, excessive barking, and separation anxiety. Consistent training and socialization can nip these issues in the bud, ensuring a well-behaved adult dog. You are ALWAYS training your dog. Every interaction is training. The question is what are you teaching him. If no only means no after the fifth repetition THAT will be what he learns and it will be because that is what you taught him.

Enhancing Natural Abilities

Training taps into a German Shepherd’s innate capabilities, honing skills that can be valuable in various roles, from professional work to simple yet vital home functions.

Best Training Methods for German Shepherds

Various methods can be employed to train your German Shepherd. Each method has its merits, and a combination of these may prove most effective for your dog.

Positive Reinforcement

Using positive reinforcement, you reward your dog for exhibiting the correct behavior. This method is highly effective in shaping behaviors through the use of treats, toys, and praise. From the first day you bring your puppy home start training him. Not in an official way but in daily life activities using luring and treats.

• Teach him to wait to be released with an OK before coming out of his crate.
• Teach him to wait at every door for an OK before going in or out. This one can save his life and yours.
• Teach him to wait for an OK before exiting the car. Again this can be a lifesaver.
• Give him a treat each time he goes into his crate
• If you don’t want him on your furniture start from the beginning teaching him that.
• Teach him to wait until you say OK before eating from his bowl. This is easy to teach. Just don’t set the bowl down until he waits. if he starts to go for the bowl before you say OK just pick it up again.
• Teach him jumping on you is not OK because believe me when he is 80 pound you won’t want him taking a running leap at you or say grandma!

Clicker Training vs Marker Word

Clicker training is a subset of positive reinforcement, wherein a clicker sound is used as a signal to indicate precisely when your dog has performed the desired behavior, followed by a reward. I don’t use a clicker but I know people who swear by them. I use a marker word which is “Yes”. One game to play with your puppy is to load your marker word by saying yes every time he does anything you like such as look at you and give an immediate treat. Spend several minutes a day at this. Alternative you can “load the clicker” the same way.

Relationship-Based Training

This method focuses on the quality of the relationship between the dog and the owner. It emphasizes communication and understanding, reinforcing the connection between you and your German Shepherd. This requires you be calm, fair, and firm. It also requires time. If you don’t have the time to spend with your GSD get another less demanding breed. This breed takes LOTS of time to train into a good companion. They need a firm leader to feel safe and if you don’t provide that they will feel the need to take over the job. This will cause all sorts of problems for both you and the dog.

Being a firm leader is not about overpowering the dog. I’m 65 Jasper has been stronger than me since he was 5 month old. It’s more about an attitude that allows your dog to relax and believe you will take care of any business that needs taking care of such as another dog approaching or a stranger. I suggest carrying pepper spray and a big stick on any walks.

Obedience Training

Obedience training is crucial for every dog, especially one as intelligent as a German Shepherd. It involves teaching commands like sit, stay, come, and heel, and forms the basis of control and safety. With a puppy or even an untrained adult, start with luring and treats. Correction has no place in early training, particularly with puppies, when your dog does not know what it is you want him to do. Only after he firmly knows what sit means or down means should any type of pressure be used. Also assume he does not know for a few weeks after YOU think he does know. You must always keep in mind there is a difference between disobedience and confusion.

Fulfilling The German Shepherd’s Need for a “Job”

German Shepherds thrive when given a job. This could be anything from learning agility skills, participating in dog sports, or even becoming a certified therapy dog. It can also be something as simple as your daily training sessions and/or jogs. The point is this breed must have a “job”. Also, the more working line genetics your dog has the more of a job he will need to be happy. A working line GSD is happiest in bite sports, police work or actual herding for which they have been bred. They can also make good assistance dogs such as seeing eye dogs. They will not be happy living in your back yard or doing nothing more than hanging out on the couch with you. If that’s what you want from a dog get a different breed.

Utilizing Intelligence and Energy

Daily training sessions, agility exercises, and play can provide a constructive outlet for your German Shepherd’s boundless drive and smarts, warding off boredom and resultant behavior problems.

Non-Demanding Sporting Activities

Participating in activities like fetch, running, and swimming can provide a fun and healthy way to exercise your dog’s body and mind, without the formalities of competitive training.

Warning About Working Line German Shepherds

If you’re not prepared to involve your German Shepherd in demanding dog sports or other high-level physical and mental activities, then a working-line German Shepherd may not be the best fit for you. Jasper is a working line GSD with all his genetics in East German line and just a bit of West German. He was bred to work. His genetics drive him to work. He is happiest when he is working. You get the idea. Don’t get a dog like this if you are not willing to put the time and probably money into him.

Positive vs. Negative Behavior Modification

Choosing the right approach to behavior modification is critical in ensuring your German Shepherd becomes a well-behaved, happy dog.

Positive Behavior Modification

Encouraging the desired behavior with a rewards-based system is generally more successful in the long term, as it creates a positive association with good conduct.

Negative Behavior Modification

Addressing undesired behaviors requires careful consideration. Methods involving punishment should be used sparingly and with the guidance of a professional. Overuse can lead to adverse behavioral outcomes. There have been cases where the dog comes back on the handler. I personally prefer  balanced approach where mostly positive mod is used but when needed pressure is an option.

Balance and Consistency

Maintaining a balanced training regimen that is consistent, firm yet fair, and patient will support your efforts to mold the behavior of your German Shepherd positively.

Ensuring a Lifetime of Training and Socialization

Training should be an ongoing process that evolves with your dog’s changing needs. Socialization is equally important and should continue throughout your German Shepherd’s life. You will never be done training and if you are expect “backsliding” and when your dog does something wrong roll up a paper and hit yourself on the head for failing your dog. It isn’t quite as hard as it sound though if you simply incorporate training into your dally activities. Remember every interaction with you dog is training.

Continued Education

Constant exposure to new situations and continuous reinforcement of good behaviors will ensure your German Shepherd remains an obedient and well-adjusted dog. Take your dog with you everywhere you can safely so so. Expose him to sound, cars, bikes, wheelchairs, walkers, umbrellas, hats, strollers, different animals, children, adults, old and young, men and women, different surfaces, and places. But do so safely for both the dog and the situation.

The Role of Socialization

Properly socializing your German Shepherd with various people and animals from a young age is crucial. It helps to curb aggressive tendencies and fosters tolerance and adaptability. However, this does not mean allowing strangers to come up and pet your dog without permission. Look at it from your dogs perspective. Why is my pack leader not setting boundaries with this strange? Is there stranger danger here? Do I need to bite something? Just tell the person your dog is in training and please don’t pet. Or if you want the dog to meet this person put him in a sit stay and tell them to let the dog sniff their hand then slowly pet the dog. But you better know your dog is friendly if you are going to do this.

With other dogs your goal should be benign ignoring by your dog and hopefully the other dogs owner will have control of their dog but don’t count on it, thus the need for a big stick and pepper spray. If you want your dog to play with other dogs make sure you know the dogs and the owners well. I do not recommend dog parks. Big risk.

The Benefits of Professional Assistance: Be Careful

Enlisting the help of a professional trainer can be invaluable, especially when addressing complex behavior issues or refining advanced training for specific tasks or roles. Be careful here. Anyone can say they are a trainer. No trainer is better than a bad trainer who can do irreparable harm to your dog. Any trainer should be fine with you watching them train. If not take your dog and leave. They should be able to provide references upon request. They should insist you be trained as a part of the dogs training.

Training Classes: The Good the Bad the Ugly

AKC classes can be good if they have decent trainers and you have time to work on these exercises. The problem with group classes is that the instructor can not give enough individual attention in an hour but I still found the first class helpful. However, in the worst outcome your dog may actually learn bad habits hard to break as Jasper did regarding being reactive to other dogs. I did not know enough to realize what was happening in the second class and the trainer who in AKC is just a dog owner volunteer did not either. This was an expensive mistake as we required board and train to get the issue under control. Also with any large breed you may get the “is your dog dangerous bias” from other owners which is understandable but you need to know this is a thing.

Dog clubs can be a good place to get training help but the same issues apply as with the AKC classes. There is a group dog training class here whose name I won’t mention. I will only say they use electric collars from the get go. Electric collars in my opinion, used correctly, can be a life saver and I use one on Jasper. It’s much like a TENS unit. I tried it on myself first. However, it was a last resort not a first one. Jasper had been trained using only positive reinforcement and luring and had a firm understanding of what commands meant before we went to a collar for the dog reactivity. The collar is for direction NOT training. He was already well trained. He just became hyper aroused around other dogs. The collar broke that loop in his brain. People in the dog community have strong opinions on the topic and will be happy to tell you about them! Just don’t go there. Do what’s right for you and your dog. The dog community can be a persnickety bunch. I’m happy to have Jasper take part in dog sports where it’s possible but after living 65 years I understand what is worth getting upset over and what is not.

Additional Benefits of Training Classes/Dog Clubs

Apart from providing basic obedience training, dog clubs that are good fits for you and your dog also offer a variety of other benefits. These include:

1. Socialization: Attending classes and being around other dogs helps your furry friend learn how to interact with their own species in a positive way. This is especially important for puppies who are still developing their social skills.
2. Mental Stimulation: Dogs need mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise. Training classes provide a fun and challenging environment for dogs to learn new skills and keep their minds active.
3. Bonding with Your Dog: Training classes offer an opportunity for you and your dog to bond through the shared experience of learning together. You will also be able to strengthen your communication with each other.
4. Training Beyond Basic Commands: While basic obedience is essential, dog clubs also offer a variety of specialized classes such as agility, rally, and even therapy dog training. These can be great opportunities for you and your dog to learn new skills and have fun together.
5. Support from Other Dog Owners: Joining a training class or club allows you to connect with other dog owners who share the same interests and concerns as you. This can be a great source of support and advice, especially for first-time dog owners.
6. Improved Behavior: Consistent training can lead to improved behavior in your dog, making them easier to handle and more enjoyable to be around. This is particularly beneficial for dogs with behavioral issues or those who may struggle with certain situations.
7. Strengthened Relationship: Beyond just bonding, training can help strengthen the overall relationship between you and your furry companion. As your dog learns to understand and respond to your commands, you will build trust and establish a deeper connection.
8. Socialization for Owners: While training classes are primarily focused on dogs, they also provide an opportunity for owners to socialize with others who share their love for dogs. This can be especially beneficial for those who may feel isolated or have difficulty meeting new people.
9. Confidence Building: As your dog learns new skills and improves their behavior, they will also gain confidence in themselves. This can be particularly beneficial for shy or anxious dogs, helping them become more comfortable and confident in various situations.
10. Stress Relief: Training can also be a form of stress relief for both you and your dog. The focus and structure of training sessions can help to calm and relax your dog, while the satisfaction of seeing progress in their skills can bring joy to owners.

Conclusion: A Well-Trained German Shepherd

Training a German Shepherd is not just about teaching commands. It’s about fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding. By recognizing the unique traits of your German Shepherd and tailoring your training approach to meet those needs, you can ensure a harmonious and fulfilling companionship that lasts a lifetime.

Take your time, be patient, and remember that the investment you make in training your German Shepherd will pay off in the form of an exceptional, well-mannered dog that you can be proud of. With commitment and the right techniques, you’ll be well on your way to having a German Shepherd that is a true asset to you and your family and a loyal companion for life!