How to Train German Shepherd Puppies

German shepherd puppies should begin training at a young age.

German shepherds are extremely intelligent and are able to master tasks that may be difficult for other breeds of dogs to handle. Like most puppies, the first thing a German shepherd puppy needs to learn is that you are the pack leader and that your job is to teach your dog what sort of behavior is acceptable in your home. Dogchannel.com states that the first 20 weeks of a dog's life are the most important weeks for training, as this is when its mind is the most open to learning and accepting new behavior.

Instructions

1. Teach your dog a marker word. This is a positive word that you will use every time your dog does something correctly. The marker word can be something as simple as "good," "good boy" or "yes." Pair the marker word with food or a treat. Whenever your dog does something good, say the marker word and immediately give it a treat. This will teach it that the marker word is a positive thing and means that it is doing a good job. You may also use a clicker or snap your fingers along with the marker word and treat to signal to your dog that it is doing a good job.

2. Get your dog used to being touched by touching its paws, ears, head and behind while giving it a treat and telling it the marker word. This teaches your dog that it is OK for it to be touched and handled, so that it won't show aggression when being handled.

3. Teach your dog a simple command such as sit. You may need to gently push the puppy's behind down into the sitting position with your hand. Every time your dog sits, even with your help, praise it with the marker word and/or clicker along with a treat. This will reassure it that it has done a good job. Repeat the command until your dog follows it immediately every time.

4. Teach your dog a different command by repeating the process. Be consistent with your training. It takes time and patience to properly teach a puppy to become a contented, behaved member of your family.

Tips & Warnings

• Socialize your puppy with other dogs and humans so it gets used to being around others. This should help decrease any aggression towards other dogs or strangers.

• When praising your dog, use a happy, high-pitched voice. Use a stern, lower voice when correcting it. Correct wrongdoing within three to five seconds of the bad behavior; otherwise your puppy will not understand what it did wrong.

• Never use physical punishment to correct your puppy. Not only is this harmful to your puppy, it can also cause aggressive behavior in the future.

References

• Dog Channel: Training the German Shepherd Puppy
• The Dog Training Secret: German Shepherd Puppy Training
• German Shepherd Dog: Training