German Shepherd Dog Training
German Shepherd dogs are highly versatile. A well trained, correctly bred German Shepherd can turn into the kind of dog that you are looking for; a wonderful pet for the family, competitive obedience dog, or a trained attack dog, you name it and they can probably do it. The all-around dog is what this breed is all about. German Shepherd dog training will need to be taught to make all of this happen.
These great dogs are capable of learning at the early age of seven weeks old. The puppies brain, by seven weeks of age, is ready to begin absorbing some of the easy commands, but it will take many months for his body to catch up. You need to teach your puppy games that he will play for the rest of his life.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise because this will help improve him both mentally and physically. It’s enjoyable to teach tricks and fun, too. Your dog will be more self assured with more learning. Teaching your dog new commands and signals will be helpful throughout his learning. Using treats while teaching tricks is best. As your puppy matures doing some tricks for some praise will be very exciting for him.
German Shepherd dogs train best by using positive training methods. Training your dog without hurting them is the best way. Positive training uses positive reinforcements to reach the desired behavior. Using positive training doesn’t allow your dog to do whatever it wants to do. In order to get a reward, they must show acceptable behavior. Using positive training gives a dog that is happy and eager. Positve training lets your dog to obey out of trust. This method will make the two of you a team.
Tips for Training Your German Shepherd
Leash Training
In the beginning, while walking your dog, they might want to carry the leash in their mouth. Chewing isn’t allowed while carrying the leash. While holding the leash in your left hand, keep the dog to your left side. Start the dog with short lessons. Remember, things don’t happen over night, it could take some time.
The Sit and The Down
The basics for teaching a dog to sit. Positive training using treats for teaching the sit. Take a treat and hold it in front of his nose, lift the treat up and back. This will encourage the dog to fold his back legs under him. While lifting the treat, repeat the word “sit”. When the dog sits, reward him.
You start in the sit position, when teaching the down. Move the treat down and forward in front of the dog’s nose. This will get the dog to lower the front legs for the down. While lowering the treat don’t forget to say “down”. After the dog lays down reward with the treat and lots of praise.
In Closing
Many German Shepherd dogs have been ruined by incorrect training or lack of training. The experience that you have in training these dogs will be very exciting. Your well trained German shepherd dog will feel you’re your “Gift of a lifetime”.
