German Shepherd Dog Training Basics
January 22nd, 2009
German Shepherd Dog training is a lifelong process that has to begin somewhere! These working dogs love to have a job to do, and their first position should be ‘faithful student.’ A well mannered German Shepherd dog will be a joy to have in your home, and will also elicit much attention from others who meet your new companion.
You should teach your dog two basic things first – sit and stay. The first thing you need to teach your dog is to sit. The key to any training is to find the reward that works for your German Shepherd. Personal preferences may differ, but often these working dogs are highly motivated by praise for a job well done. Some pups may be more ‘food oriented,’ and in this case, a ready supply of treats is a must.
Make sure that you choose a place free from distractions for this training. “Sit” is the best command to use-stay consistent with your commands. Don’t use “sit” one time, and then “sit down” the next. Choose the command you are going to use, and use it 100% of the time.
OK, lets get to the how-to. First ask the dog to sit while you hold the treat (or your empty hand) out in front of his face. Slowly raise it up, so he follows your hand with his gaze. In doing so, he will have to turn his head up, which naturally brings his backside down. As soon as his rear hits the floor, reward him with the treat or a hearty dose of praise. German Shepherds are very smart, and catch on quickly. This means the reward must happen immediately after the desired behavior. If the reward is delayed, the dog may not associate the reward with the sitting behavior, but with whatever immediately preceded the treat.
If he doesn’t sit, gently push down over his back hips with your other hand to nudge him in the proper direction. When you have made him sit, praise him and give him his treat. If you repeat the word ‘sit’ as he is moving in the right direction with his back hips, your dog will realize that the command is related to sitting and will obey you to receive his rewards.
The next thing you need to teach your dog is to stay. This part of the training can be a little difficult. Once he’s started to catch on to “sit,” ask him to sit, and then “stay”. I like to use one hand out in front of the dogs eyes as a visual cue for “stay” as well. If he stays seated, and does not move, provide the reward quickly the first time. Repeat this exercise, each time waiting a little longer before the praise and release. Then start repeating the command “stay” as you gradually walk back away from your pup. Maintain eye contact with the dog, and if he rises from his position, say “no” and start over.
Once your German Shepherd has figured out to stay while maintaining eye contact, try walking away with your back to the dog. He will probably get up to follow you. Tell him “no” and repeat the process asking him to stay as you move away. Continue this routine until you can walk away and divert your attention to something else while the dog stays seated without moving until you release him.
Remember, the key to your German Shepherd Dog training is praise, not punishment. Continue to work on these commands every day with your dog, and once the training session is over, remember to have some play time with man’s best friend!
