Have your German Shepherd training challenges? You’re not alone! We asked members of the German Shepherd community on Facebook the following question: What is your #1 tip for training a German Shepherd? The following article summarizes some of their best feedback and advice.
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21 German Shepherd Dog Owners Share Their Top Training Tips
Positive praise. German shepherds love positive praise, just like babies.
Author: Dorothy H.
Prefer: 42
Take him/her to obedience training with a coach who has worked with GSD before. Believe me, it will make a world of difference. Remember that training doesn’t just stop at classes, you also have to practice at home.
Author: Michael J.
Prefer: 17
Be consistent, and lots of positive praise. Your voice means everything. Don’t give up…they want to please you but they need to be needed.
Author: Jamie T.
Prefer: 3
Love, patience, Praise, Treat, Steadfast, don’t give up, it will come, I always train my own dogs and everyone will go without a leash and never leave I
Author: Terry S.
Prefer: first
Be honest / caring / assertive but respectful ? I have raised 3 German Shepherds and have NEVER had a problem with any of them? People often ask if I use ‘professional’ dog trainers because of how well-behaved and well-behaved all my dogs are.
Author: Less than.
Prefer: 3
I am a very soft spoken and very petite 66 year old woman. When I received my puppy, I paid for private training sessions in which the trainer taught me how to be an alpha. I don’t know that I could have mastered that without professional help. It has made such a difference. COMBINATION is the key. I am a sweet, quiet, lovable ALPHA and my dog respects me as such. Together we are great!!
Author: Kathy S.
Prefer: 52
Don’t listen to people who tell you it has to be done a certain way!! All dogs are different, just like people, it’s finding the right path for you. Patience and commitment are a must
Author: Cheryl L.
Prefer: 0
Consistent repetition. And praise & treat. Get started easily. They are smart and will pick up on things quickly.
Author: Jennifer L
Prefer: 0
Consistency. Every day, same order. Lots of compliments. GSD just wants to please you. No dog, regardless of breed, can be more intelligent than their trainer.
Author: Steve H.
Prefer: first
In 8 weeks our her he will train you how smart GSD is, the best dogs ever fence your yard so they can run if they can, a real dog door help them enjoy freedom this is my 4th child and i will always own a GSD love them and they will love it
Author: Herby S.
Prefer: first
Always love and cuddle me…he often lies and let me paint his nails with nail polish and put on his eyeshadow!!! When my sister had my nieces, he was great with them….I never heard him growl even when we took his bones or food….he just looked like want to say ‘what are you doing’?!!! He’s never been roughed…just cuddled, that’s why I think he’s so calm and soft.
Author: Claire G.
Prefer: first
Never let them forget that YOU are always in charge. Yes, most of the time. Okay, sometimes. Oh damn, I can also admit that she owns me. I am well trained.
Author: Chelsea B.
Prefer: first
Be an Alpha or someone else… The rule of love, but don’t let it overcome anything. Be positive and loving. Also remember that YOU AND YOUR BENEFITS him or her. Thus, they will protect their property rights. be prepared.
Author: Eric A.
Prefer: 0
Very intelligent puppies like our Shepherd, sometimes need training due to boredom. Depends on individual personality. We’ve got some.
Author: Nora Scott F.
Prefer: first
They are guard dogs, if you don’t want them to be…. socializing……it’s also good to start at an early age and make sure they are not aggressive towards food by putting their hands around the food as they eat, and letting them get used to being touched on their feet and cut the nail
Author: Jennifer M.
Prefer: first
Include them. They want to work with you and are eager to learn. They love to know what’s going on and want to be involved as long as they have boundaries.
Author: Aaron Meredith K.
Prefer: 0
If you are a first time Shepherd owner, I recommend professional coaching. In fact, it’s people who are trained.
Author: Donald Skippy S.
Prefer: 4
I’ve raised GS all my life, plus countless other breeds, large and small. To me, any description of a puppy is like a child, you have to invest a lot of time, patience and love. I don’t want my dog to be the most obedient, all I need is a dog that listens to me, until I call them, for their own safety, gets along well with other dogs, young children and adults. I could never have a dog that has to take the lead all the time – what a boring life for everyone, especially that dog that needs to run out of energy all the time.
Author: Karen N.
Prefer: 2
If a German Shepherd loves you, he will do ANYTHING for you. Be someone the German Shepherd will love and teach them your expectations.
Author: Gail Copeland D.
Prefer: first
Love and share discipline. First learn how dogs talk. Mine tells me when to go out, need water, need food. When to play, and always say ‘I deserve a reward’ The damn dog trained me. Have fun learning doggie. They are love and loyalty is forever.
Author: Joseph G.
Prefer: 0
Patient positive reinforcement and playtime plenty of playtime
Author: Kiet H.
Prefer: 0
Please note the above advice is from the German Shepherd community on Facebook. This advice has not been reviewed by professional dog trainers. Always use distraction and consult your own trainer or veterinarian for advice specific to your dog.
