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How To Train 8 Month Old German Shepherd

How To Teach Your German Shepherd Puppy To Not Bark

8 Month Old German Shepherd | Best GSD Dog Training | Offleash K9 | Board & Train

German Shepherds are known for liking the sound of their own voice. It makes a lot of sense though, its essentially because they want to guard and alert people for danger. What can they do, they just love you?

They also find barking self reinforcing, so once they start they can really rather enjoy it. While barking is a very natural and normal behaviour for dogs, it can be annoying for humans its not quite like music, is it.

Heres how you get them to stop barking:

First, find out why they are barking. Dogs can bark for a variety of reasons, but usually, its one of the following:

  • Territorial reasons: Alerting you to a threat. Cant blame them, they just want to make sure no one comes and gets you.
  • Fear or Anxiety: Barking or whining makes your puppy feel good and is often self soothing. Kind of when you sing in the shower.
  • Attention: A German Shepherd bark is loud and hard to ignore. Again, like your shower-singing habits.
  • Excitement: This happens most often when playing, theyre just letting you know how happy they are!
  • At other dogs: Theres always time for a chat. Who knows what theyre really saying, it can really be anything from Where did your owner get your lead? to Your breath is disgusting, please stay away.
  • Boredom: Barking makes dogs feel good when theyre bored. Strange, but true.

Although these are all good reasons to bark, barking can become a problem in the human world. Heres a couple steps to follow to help you out on this:

Find The Ideal Reward 8 Month Old German Shepherd Behavior

Every animal has something for which it is willing to work. We call this the inspiration. The right education of your pet dog will depend upon how much you have made him associate the appreciation with the particular circumstance. The pet dog needs to right away comprehend if he has actually done something right or incorrect and can only discover it in this way. One approach to be precise is reward-based training. This might sound troublesome or complex, however can be extremely easy. You have actually probably seen the use of a yummy snack in canine training as a benefit. However, the preferred benefit can differ greatly per dog. 8 Month Old German Shepherd Behavior

The overall style may likewise differ. Not every canine is food-oriented. A single person may think the best benefit is by offering him snacks, and the other is going to be crazy with a favorite toy. On the contrary, a satiated pet dog is not likely to be corrupted by a snack. So take care to find the correct time.

Training German Shepherds Not To Bite Or Chew On Things

Dogs explore the world through their mouths, and most puppies go through a biting stage. This type of biting is not aggressive, but it still needs to be addressed before they get bigger when a playful bite can become dangerous.

Chewing is another popular puppy past-time. They may do it simply out of boredom, because their teeth are coming in, or as a way to learn about their world. Once again, its a natural behavior that should be curbed as early as possible.

Here are some tips for teaching your German Shepherd puppy not to bite or chew on things:

  • Yelp or cry when they bite during play. This is what their mother and littermates did to let them know they got too rough, so its a very natural way to teach them not to bite you. Let your hand go limp and then ignore them for 30 seconds to send a clear message: if you bite me, I will not play with you.
  • Provide toys. You need to provide them with something theyre allowed to sink their teeth into, especially when theyre teething. Have a variety of toys for your puppy to choose from.
  • Use an anti-chew spray. Chew Deterrent Spray is just one example of a non-toxic substance that you can put on nearly anything. It has a horrible taste, so one nibble and your puppy wont go back to chewing on whatever you sprayed.

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German Shepherd Training: The 7 Golden Rules & Basic Commands

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Im sure youll agree when I say:

A well-trained dog is a pleasure to have around.

If you own an untrained pooch you know the frustration it causes.

Whether youve just brought home your first German Shepherd.

Or if youve finally decided its time to teach your old dog new tricks

Youve come to the right place to get the 101 on German Shepherd training.

It is a fact that German Shepherds are among the brightest and most intelligent working dogs.

Preceded only by the Border Collie and the Standard Poodle.

This is according to a book published by Stanley Coren in 1994 The Intelligence of Dogs.

You can read more about his study and the metrics here.

Thanks to their ability to understand new commands in less than 5 repetitions and obeying the first command 95% of the time or more.

And the desire to please you most owners can succeed at training their dog on their own.

Because of their intelligence, German Shepherds can sometimes be stubborn. They need a firm hand and a smart approach to their training.

Training your German Shepherd is exciting. But sometimes dog training can seem overwhelming if you don’t even know where to begin.

So heres the deal:

Youve got to get inside your German shepherds head

And Im about to show you exactly how you can do this:

The Ultimate Guide To German Shepherd Training

8 Month Old Hyper Puppy

German Shepherds are one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world. Its not surprising, though, since theyve held the number 2 spot of most popular dog breeds for the last five years.

They can be found in every city in every state in the United States. They live in big cities, suburban homes, and rural areas. Their loyalty and devotion to their family make them excellent watchdogs, family companions, and service dogs.

Read also:Comparison of best dog food for your German Shepherd

German Shepherd dogs are highly intelligent and trainable. In fact, they may be too smart for their own good, which is why early training and socialization are a must. Failing to socialize and properly train a German Shepherd puppy could make for a nervous, overprotective, and otherwise unbalanced adult dog.

For that reason, weve put this guide together on German Shepherd training, so you can start your puppy off right and continue to teach them throughout their life.

Contents & Quick Navigation

  • Additional German Shepherd Training Tips and Tricks
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    German Shepherd Breed Overview

    The German shepherd as a breed originated in Germany. No surprises there. But, believe it or not, their name was changed soon after the war. Before the war this breed was commonly called the Alsatian in Great Britain and parts of Europe.

    There are still parts of Europe that refer to the German shepherd as the Alsatian however, most of the world has converted back to calling them German shepherds.

    Pretty interesting, right?

    As for life expectancy, German shepherds normally live for around 9-13 years.

    The color of a German shepherd can range considerably from gray to black to tan, and even a silvery color.

    The males grow to be approximately 24 inches at the shoulder and the females tend to be a little shorter, measuring around 22 inches at the shoulder.

    As for weight, males average around 80 pounds and the females are a bit lighter at around 60 pounds. There is no denying that these are big dogs!

    Now, as I mentioned earlier, German shepherds are known for their physical strength and intelligence. As working dogs, they were bred to be confident and powerfultwo traits which often scare people away from wanting anything to do with the breed.

    Its this combination that makes them quite incredible beasts. They have strong muscles. Theyre obviously large, and yet, in their minds, theyre also very confident, watchful, and alert.

    If you have a puppy, I encourage you to check out my Puppy Coach training program.

    How German Shepherd Training At Home Helps You

    German Shepherd training at home is important not only for your dog but also for you and your family. Obedience teaches your dog how to experience success both inside the home and out.

    Training your German Shepherd at home gives you the opportunity to practice as much as you want when convenient for you. It saves you time and money.

    But there are many more amazing benefits!

    Read Also: When Do German Shepherds Lose Their Puppy Teeth

    Focus Three: Crate Training

    If youre not inclined to use a crate, thats fine, youre more than welcome to skip this section.

    But dont be fooled by scaremongering online its not a cruel thing to do, and can actually be very beneficial for your German Shepherd puppy.

    Its especially useful for the times when they need to be in the crate for travelling, like going to the vets for instance.

    Likewise, as long as they have enough room to fully stand, sit completely upright and lie down comfortably with their legs outstretched, most dogs quite like being in a crate.

    It offers them a safe, comfortable, private space to relax if stressed or have some alone time. Like us humans, your pup might just want to hang out by themselves for a bit!

    Worried about accidentally doing something neglectful, or just stressed about crate training in general?

    Here are some tips to follow that should help you succeed and keep your German Shepherd happy at all times.

  • Leave the door open at first: were just talking the first, second and possibly even third time here, depending on how anxious your puppy is, but this should keep them from getting anxious knowing they can leave at any time will be a great help. Gradually begin closing it, just for a few seconds and then longer, increasing the amount of time they spend in the crate little by little.
  • Ensure it is temperate: avoid any drafts and dont place the crate anywhere that will be exposed to direct sunlight
  • Tip : Stick To A Feeding Schedule

    Leo | 8 Month Old German Shepherd | Off Leash Obedience | E-Collar Training

    Having regular mealtimes isnt just part of establishing a routine. It will also help you more accurately predict when they need to go potty.

    For young pups, free-feeding also means free pooping, and thats exactly what you dont want while youre potty training.

    Try to limit feeding times to three times a day for puppies younger than 6 months. German Shepherds that are at least 6 months old can eat once in the morning and then again in the evening.

    While potty training, it is also ideal to keep snacks and heavy treats at a minimum when you cant take your pup outside immediately.

    Also Check: German Shepherd Dog Growth Chart

    Do Not Offer Old Possessions As Chew Alternatives

    Some dog owners think that it is ok to offer their German Shepherd old shoes, rags, or cast-off clothes to chew instead of the valuable ones still in use. Wrong thinking!

    If you give your dog an old shoe to chew, you are reinforcing his preference for chewing shoes. Once the old shoe is all destroyed and no longer good to chew, your German Shepherd will look for your latest purchase to replace the consumed one! Dogs are dogs, and they do not know the difference between an old shoe and a brand new one!

    Never Discipline By Pushing Your Dogs Nose In Their Accidents

    Never discipline a German Shepherd puppy for having accidents during potty training.

    Whether your German Shepherd is potty trained or not, never push their faces into their potty accidents.

    Even if you think your dog soiled in your house on purpose, punishing them for having an accident indoors wont necessarily prevent it from happening again.

    This also isnt discipline for a German Shepherd, its abuse, both physically and mentally.

    Your dog is counting on your leadership to show them the rules in a positive manner. Work on setting a consistent schedule with feeding and walks to avoid potty accidents indoors.

    German Shepherds are easy to train given the right attention.

    And they need to understand their schedule by having you teach them using consistent patterns, rather than receiving punishment or discipline.

    Keep a potty schedule posted nearby so all your family can see it and help prevent your puppy from having an accident.

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    How To Make A German Shepherd Sit

    Its quite easy to make your dog listen to you if you have the patience you need. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence so it would be really easy to make your pet know what you want. In a matter of a few weeks, you would find your German Shepherd knowing just when you want it to sit.

    Start with finding suitable treats. Dog biscuits or even a meal of bowl can be used. You can the dog tied or someone else holding the leash.

    If you have time you should cook your own dog treats. In so many ways, cooking your own dog treats is a lot healthier than buying. You know exactly what kind of ingredients that you put into.

    But sometimes, we are too busy to cook our own dog treats. In that case, you can buy ready-made dog treats. As a general rule, when you are looking to buy dog treats, you should always check the ingredients contained. If you are unsure about specific ingredients, open your browser and Google the ingredients.

    How To Do Clicker Training For German Shepherds

    8 Month German Shepherd Puppy

    Clicker training is a popular reward-based training method. Its a great option for German Shepherd owners because its direct. The dog wants to please their owner, and is a simple way of letting your dog know what you want so you can instantly reward them once they comply.

    If youre interested in clicker training your dog, the good news is that you only need one thing: a clicker. A clicker is a small plastic device with a button makes a distinctive clicking noise when you press it.

    There are tons of different clickers on the market, and they all pretty much do the same thing. The brand and model you choose will be based largely on personal preference. The difference is mostly in the sound: some are loud, while others make a softer clicking noise.

    Youll want to find a clicker that you wont lose, and that is comfortable to use. Some, such as the Downtown Pet Supply clicker, come with a bracelet so you can wear the clicker around your wrist during training sessions.

    Others, such as the Starmark Pro-training clicker, have a keyring and can easily be attached to your house keys, which is particularly useful if youre using the clicker to help with potty training. Its also great to be able to train on-the-go.

    Whatever clicker you choose, the methodology is much more important than the hardware involved. When clicker training your dog the most important thing is consistency.

    Heres a simplified step-by-step guide to clicker training:

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    German Shepherds And Barking

    As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. If youre having problems with excessive noise or barking, we recommend seeking the advice of an accredited behaviourist.

    They’re A Herding Breed

    On top of that, this is a herding breed, so the pups like to chase and gather moving things and they often accomplish this by using their mouths .

    In the old days, the herding style of German Shepherds encompassed for a good part what was known as boundary patrol, or flock containment. These dogs had to ensure the sheep were properly contained and the rebellious sheep were controlled by gripping the top of the neck, the ribs or just above the hocks.

    Breeder and herding expert Ellen Nickelsberg explains how puppy herding trials are conducted and how puppies are selected based on gripping style which may range between damaging and less damaging bites, full-mouth bites and puppies who bite and hold on. These preliminary tests are done when the pups are very young.

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    Decide On A Potty Area

    Choose an area thats not only easily accessible from your home but also easy to keep clean. Ideally, choose a relatively quiet place. Its ideal for your dog not to have any distractions so they can quickly do what theyve been brought there to do.

    German Shepherds, like many other dog breeds, are creatures of habit. Having a designated potty area and using it consistently is key to making this process work smoothly.

    When dogs eliminate, their urine and feces leave behind a unique scent. Even after picking up and cleaning up after them, theyre still able to pick up that scent. Smelling it will signal to their brains that it is, indeed, time to go potty.

    German Shepherd Puppy Training Socialization Tips:

    Zues | 8 Month Old German Shepherd | Athens German Shepherd Board & Train
    • Never separate a puppy from his mother and littermates before the age of 7-8 weeks. During this time, mom teaches her puppies some important rules of the dog world like body language communication and they start to learn bite inhibition by plying with the other puppies.
    • After you get your baby German Shepherd and visit the vet, start socialization RIGHT AWAY! Unfortunately many vets will tell you not to take your puppy out of the house until they have had all of their shots. This is old school thinking and can have extremely bad consequences that will become apparent only when your canine becomes an adult.

    Without the full set of shots, your puppy is vulnerable to infectious diseases, however taking your pup to early socialization classes where all other dogs have also been immunized reduces the risk for becoming sick AND will make your German Shepherd a confident, well adjusted and friendlier dog. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior promotes early socialization, even before the full set of vaccines are given to the pup.

    • Take socialization in your own hands. Spend the first 4 weeks holding parties at your home! What???? Yes, parties! Invite all your friends and family for Karaoke, sports watching, boardgames, etc. Ask them to bring their kids too! And always make sure socialization is about positive interactions. If any of the kids or adults make your puppy a little scared, simply remove the threat and let the puppy explore other things.

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