The one dog that has the potential to do just about anything is the German shepherd. 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. All around working skills is what this breed of dog was designed for. German shepherd dog training will be the glue that holds the pieces together.
German Shepherd Dog Training
These great dogs are capable of learning at the early age of seven weeks old. As long as the commands are simple, the puppy’s brain is able to begin to absorb them at seven weeks old; an important note to remember is it will take awhile for the body to catch up. Teach your puppy games that he will enjoy for years to come.
Exercise will help your dog improve physically and mentally. It’s fun to teach tricks and enjoyable to do. Your dog will become more self assured the more he learns. Your dog will learn new commands and signals that can used at a later time. Offer your dog treats while teaching tricks. As your puppy matures, doing some tricks for some praise will be very exciting for him.
German shepherd training is best done with positive methods. Training your dog without hurting them is the best way. Positive training uses positive reinforcements to reach the desired behavior. Training your dog using the positive method doesn’t mean the dog gets to do whatever it wants to do. Acceptable behavior allows them to get their reward. Using positive training produces a dog that is happy and eager. Positive training lets your dog obey out of trust. Your dog and you will become 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. They can carry the leash for the first few times, but aren’t allowed to chew on it. While holding the leash in your left hand, keep the dog to your left side. The dog should always be trained with short lessons. It could take several lessons before the dog starts to figure out leash training.
The Sit and The Down
Positive training using treats for teaching the sit. The treat is held in front of the dog’s nose, and then lift it up and back. This helps the dog fold his legs under him. While you’re using the treat to get him to sit, don’t forget to say “sit”. When the dog sits give him his treat.
You start in the sit position, when teaching the down. Slowly move the treat down and forward in front of the dog. The dog will lower his front legs. Don’t forget to say “down”, while lowering the treat and 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. Living with a well trained German shepherd dog is a trip of a life time.
German Shepherd Dog Training