Increase Their Mental Stimulation
There are two undeniable facts about lack of mental stimulation in a German Shepherd:
Instead of allowing your dog to develop bad habits due to boredom and lack of mental stimulation, increase the mental activities and mind games for your German Shepherd.
There are many DIY brain games to increase your dogs mental stimulation, such as teaching your dog nose work or finding objects you hide around the house.
Another alternative is to play an activity game with them thats interactive.
Try an interesting Activity Flip Board to start with . You can purchase other games and increase the difficulty as they become quicker at earning their treats through playing.
Mental enrichment can help calm a stubborn German Shepherd and increase their engagement with you, giving you both less stress in your lives.
Your German Shepherd might not be stubborn
They might need more enrichment and mental stimulation.
They are one of the worlds smartest breeds and you must consider their mental enrichment needs, too.
Training A German Shepherd Puppy
How Can I Stop My Puppy From Biting
It’s important for puppies to learn to control their bites. This is best taught at a young age.Carefully watch your puppy for signs that he is about to grab your hand. Before he can do that, give him a soft toy or a Kong as an alternative.
If puppy bites you before you can give him a toy, make the squealing sound a littermate would make when it is bitten by another pup “eek” or “ouch”. Then quickly redirect the puppy to an appropriate toy that is “chew safe”.
When a puppy can’t be supervised he should be safely in his crate or an exercise pen with Kongs or other dog-safe toys that can’t be chewed up and swallowed. DO NOT LEAVE STUFFED TOYS IN A CRATE WITH A PUPPY. Talk with your breeder and/or vet about safe toys for puppies.Also, a tired puppy is a good puppy. Be sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise for his body and his brain . Exercise for 10 minutes every hour or so is better than 2 hours at a time. Puppies need naps just like babies.
Start training at an early age in a good puppy class in your area. Puppies of all breeds get your puppy used to other types of dogs.– Cheryl May
For more information: Use Google to search for ‘puppy training’ in your area. Look for local classes that are affiliated with the AKC’s S.T.A.R. puppy training. Also look at our Regional Club listings to see if there is a club that offers puppy classes in your area especially for German Shepherd puppies.
Consider why puppies pull when they are walking:
Read Also: Why Do Cops Use German Shepherds
How Long Does It Take To Potty Train A German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are known for being intelligent and easy to train, which extends to potty training. So, how long does it take to potty train a puppy? Puppies can start learning at around 4 months old, with most being fully trained by 6 months. Like with any dog, the key is consistency and patience. crate training can also be helpful in speeding up the process.
However, how long to potty train a puppy is different from potty training a dog. So if youre wondering how long does it take to potty train a German Shepherd Dog? It really depends on the dog, but typically it takes around 4-6 weeks. With proper guidance and consistent training, your German Shepherd Dog will be potty trained in no time!
Pee Pads Or Paper Are Not Helpful
Although you can easily teach your German Shepherd puppy to use pee pads or paper, it only complicates potty training.
Why?
Well, because at some point they will need to be transitioned from pee pads or paper to outside.
So essentially youre adding an extra step to potty training. This can cause confusion and potty training accidents.
Rather go for gold and get your pup conditioned to using their toilet outside!
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Catch Your Dog Being Good And Reward Them Out Of The Blue
See your puppy acting the way you want? Reward them out of the blue!
Its easy to get caught up in scolding when your pup when they are getting into trouble, but rewarding him out of the blue for being good shows them theyre doing the right behaviors .
Keep small bits of treats in jars around the house out of reach of your pup and use any opportunity your catch your pup doing good to reward them.
Here are some ideas for opportunities to reward your dog:
- If theyre lying calmly on their mat, give them a piece of a treat. But dont make a big deal of the situation or youll wind them back up.
- When theyre playing with the toys you want them to chew, drop a tiny bit of treat out of nowhere.
- If they sit and wait at the door, instead of dashing out ahead of you, reward them!
Training your German Shepherd isnt always about catching bad behaviors, but also about rewarding good things your dog does. Dogs like to do things that you reinforce, even if you dont think they worked for the reward its still part of training.
If you only worry about punishment and corrections, then youre missing out on the opportunities to reinforce positive behavior.
Aim for one of these healthy treats that are the best for German Shepherds and pick carefully to ensure your dog stays athletic and fit. Food-based rewards are very motivating when training and disciplining a puppy.
Click More Reward Less
After several weeks, you should be able to have your German Shepherd perform several tricks before giving a reward. However, its important to continue to use the clicker to let them know that they have done correctly and a treat is coming.
If your dog starts to look anxious or frustrated, it may be that youre asking too much of them between rewards. Go back and reward for every trick for a little while to let them know that theyre doing great.
Something to keep in mind is that each of these training sessions should be 5 10 minutes in length. You want to give enough time for your dog to learn something new and repeat that trick several times but dont want to go so long that they start to get bored.
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Train Them At Any Time Of The Day
It is not necessary to follow a structured routine or time to train your German Shepherd. You can teach them new commands throughout the day. Always try to find some opportunities to train your puppy in order to get muscle memory movement associated with the command. You can add additional time slots in their normal daily routine in order to teach obedience for real-life situations.
How Do I Socialise A German Shepherd Puppy And Why Is It Important
All puppies have a socialisation window. This is a sensitive period where theyre the most eager to learn about the world and make connections that affect how they view things, often for the rest of their lives.
Within this period of time, theres another one called the Fear Period. This is where puppies learn to interpret hazards for example, children, loud noises, or unfamiliar surfaces. In German Shepherds, the time they have to interpret these hazards is shorter than other breeds so you must socialise them early so you dont run into any trouble later. Studies say that German Shepherd puppies are more afraid of new objects and sounds than other breeds. Ironic isnt it, that theyre often in charge of saving us from danger.
Here are easy ways to socialise your German Shepherd puppy:
- Find out what your breeder is doing to socialise your puppy before they leave them good puppy socialisation programmes to send them are Puppy Cultureand Avidog.
- Follow the exercises in this training article .
- Dont be afraid to take your puppy out before they are vaccinated, but do it safely! German Shepherd puppies get quite big and hefty, so why not be like Yogi Bear here and invest in a carriage for your puppy to keep them safe? Save your arms from working extra hard.
Also Check: Are German Shepherds Allowed In Apartments
Training Goal #: Crate Training
This is also a good time for crate training, which Adams recommends as well. GSD trainer and dog sports enthusiast Alexa Hagood, LVMT, agrees: Crate breaks, even when brief, can help the puppy become acclimated to going in the crate and having some alone time. She notes that this can help reduce the risk of a puppy developing separation anxiety, and recommends beginning with using the crate for feeding times , and at times when the owner needs to do daily chores.
How To Potty Train A German Shepherd Puppy: 13 Tips To Do It Right
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Learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy does not have to be stressful or worrisome but it does take time and persistence.
When you bring your puppy home the first house rule she should learn is not to poop and pee in the house. If you do it right youll see its easier than you think.
Ive had the pleasure of potty training many German Shepherd pups. Today Id like to share my techniques and tips with you
The key is to teach your puppy that eliminating inside is out of bounds. If you dont do this, youll have a half-trained dog that will eliminate inside when its convenient.
Learn exactly how to do this! Get your hands on my Flawless Potty Training Guide.
Heres some feedback from students who have had awesome results using my Flawless Potty Training method
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Activate Anchors Start Recall Training
In weeks 8-11, you established anchors for some of your puppys positive behaviors. These included a clicker, whistle, clap, or saying a specific word to show your German Shepherd is doing a good job, generally followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work!
You used to whistle when your GSD approached you now, you must whistle for him to start his run. You are training your 3-month-old German Shepherd puppy to associate the whistles sound as your cue for him to run towards you. This is the foundation of his recall training.
Theres no need to be disappointed if this doesnt work immediately. Its a never-ending task to teach good recall. I didnt observe a significant improvement in my German Shepherds recall until she was about 12 months old. Dont try to force the dog, as this will confuse him.
If your German Shepherd isnt responding when you activate the triggers, keep re-establishing the anchors and try again after a few days.
Speedy Ways To Train A German Shepherd
Are you excited to begin training your German Shepherd and wondering how to train a German Shepherd because youre eager to get started?
Ive trained German Shepherds and will show you the quickest ways to get the behaviors that you want
While having fun and bonding with your dog!
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How To Train A German Shepherd Puppy The Ultimate Guide
Fully Qualified COAPE Behaviourist and Registered Training Instructor with The Animal Behaviour and Training Council
In this article:
Welcome to the German Shepherd Club! Word has it youve picked up your new puppy and now youre looking for information on German Shepherd training? Well youve come to the right place, were going to teach all you need to know about how to train a German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are special because theyre such hard workers! Theyre even in the working dog group, says something doesnt it? It means theyre quick to learn and easy to train, theyll relish being in a partnership with someone and enjoy clear loving guidance. Theyre known for their loyalty and bravery but are also actually super sensitive awww.
How Can I Tell If My German Shepherd Is Potty Trained
If your German Shepherd is potty trained, you will be able to tell by the way they behave when they need to go to the bathroom. They will likely go to the door or a specific spot in your home that you have designated for them to relieve themselves. If your German Shepherd is not potty trained, they may have accidents in the house or try to go to the bathroom in inappropriate places.
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Dos & Donts For A Healthy Dog
It is unhealthy for a dog to be overweight. Overfeeding is NOT a sign of love.
Your German Shepherd is the right weight when you can tell there are ribs and there is a slight waistline behind the ribs, before the rear legs.
- Stages:- Puppies eat more and are highly active- Adult dogs have normal routines and food intake- Older dogs might require special diets & limited exercise
- Feed a really good quality dog food. Quality foods have good protein sources and few fillers. Quality foods cost more but you will feed less because your dog will get more nutrition for the food. Good food will decrease your daily pickup chores.
- Set Regular Mealtimes. An irregular eating schedule can affect your dogs digestive system and ultimately cause chronic digestive disorders.
- Keep the water and food bowls in the same place every day. If you have more than one dog, make sure each dog has its own food and water bowl. Wash them often. Stainless steel is a good choice.
- Dont worry about your dog getting hunger pangs between meals. Unless instructed by your veterinarian, your dog should only need two meals daily.
- Set a 15 minute rule. If your dog has walked away from its bowl, it has probably had enough to eat. Take the bowl up, dispose of the uneaten food & wash the bowl.
Based on information supplied by The American Kennel Club, Inc.
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The Best Ways To Leash Train Your German Shepherd Puppy
When you have a German Shepherd puppy, you know eventually you will need to train him to behave civilly on a leash.
A leash is not so much to gain control over your GSD but is more a means to establish an open line of communication.
Have you ever seen the Toy Poodle who seems to read her owners mind even without a leash? She stays within a few feet of her persons heels, keeping her eyes trained for every possible cue.
Police dogs have an equally intangible partnership with their handlers. Such communication usually begins with weeks of leash work.
While leash training a German Shepherd puppy takes time and patience, it does not have to be a labor of frustration.
Like other skills, leash training should have a foundation of positive reinforcement.
Establishing proper leash etiquette involves accustoming your Shepherd to collar and lead, de-sensitizing her, and introducing advanced skills.
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Getting Your Puppys Attention
The goal of this puppy training exercise is to condition your puppy to always look at you when you call his name. Get a handful of healthy treats that your puppy loves. In a quiet area with minimal distractions, approach your puppy and call his name. If he looks at you, say Yes! and give him a treat. If he doesnt look at you, wave your hand in front of his nose, so he can smell the treats, then say his name again. If he is focused on the treat but is more or less looking in your direction, say Yes! and give him the treat. Do this five times in a row, several times a day for two days. If your puppy is a genius, and if he is a German Shepherd the chances are high that he is, do the exercise anyway several times per day as described. The point is to establish a conditioned response so that every time you say your puppys name, he is conditioned to look for a reward. Eventually, you can transition from using treats to simply praising him when he gets it right, but for now, use treats.
To clarify one point, your puppy is not born speaking English. You can use whatever word you choose to let him know when he has done what you are asking him to do. You can say Good! or Awesome! in place of Yes! The word isnt important its meaning is. This is the marker you will use throughout his lifetime to let him know when he has performed on cue correctly. Be consistent. If you say Good! one time and Yes! the next, your dog will be hearing Maybe!