German Shepherd Training : You have experience with dogs and want a devoted canine buddy who is loyal to the family, good with children and a good house dog. Congratulations! You have just described the German Shepherd! Working in German Shepherd training is very beneficial.. So read on to learn our best tips and tricks!
German Shepherd Dog Characteristics :
The German Shepherd is both intelligent and sensitive, which means that in the right hands, it makes an excellent family dog. When a teenager walks alongside an obedient German Shepherd, it boosts the teenager’s self-confidence and reassures you as a parent, knowing that hardly anyone will take liberties when someone has a German Shepherd on a leash.
Likewise, a German Shepherd is an option if you want a dog that will get out in the fresh air and exercise. They like to be active and need an outlet for that energy. Their quick learning ability means they will flourish when faced with advanced obedience training or physical activities like agility testing.
Police and security forces use German Shepherds for a reason. What makes the German Shepherd perfect for guarding the family is their luxurious presence. It is indeed a daring burglar who enters a house where a German Shepherd lives. Your guard dog is also a devoted and loyal companion who loves to be with you and adores the ground you walk on.
In short, the German Shepherd is great for the experienced dog owner who thirsts for exercise and wants the challenge of advanced German Shepherd training. It also makes a devoted companion and an imposing guard dog – for the right person.
German Shepherd Dogs: Points to Consider
Due to the intelligence and quick-wittedness of the German Shepherd, this breed is not suitable for beginners. The dog learns bad habits as easily as it learns good ones, so a reluctant trainer can quickly become overwhelmed. Some form of training will likely be essential!
The GSD is an energetic breed, and if left for long periods of time without the opportunity to run and chase, it can develop bad habits. These habits include barking, chewing, and destructive digging. So if your lifestyle doesn’t allow you to take long walks every day, you either need to employ a dog walker or consider another breed.
They also have certain traits, such as a tendency to butcher. This tendency should be corrected at a young age to reduce the risk of severe bites, which can be painful and dangerous even when done for fun. It should also be remembered that these dogs tend to be alert – it is their nature – which can become unmanageable if not brought under control by sheepdog training.
Another peculiarity of the breed is that they love their own voice. This means they don’t hold back when it comes to barking, displaying an impressive range of yelps that will cut off your ear. Beware of a bored German Shepherd! He might enjoy singing – and not in a way that pleases the neighbors.
Despite their majestic appearance, German Shepherds are sensitive, meaning they are prone to stress, and more so if they are socially weak with people.. This can be corrected with training and the help of a confident dog owner who knows how to react (and when not to!) when the dog shows signs of fear aggression or is reluctant to approach a strange situation.
health problems. These problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, and allergic skin problems. Treatments can be expensive, especially for a large dog like the German Shepherd.
Be aware that the German Shepherd is a working dog.
The German Shepherd is descended from working dogs and is therefore thirsty for exercise. If you cater to his need to run, chase, jump and retrieve on a daily basis, you will have a happy dog who is eager to please. This means that when he is exercising, he is listening instead of being distracted and looking for problems. Be aware that boredom is the enemy of training. Your first task is to meet your dog’s need for exercise. Get an overview and consider what adjustments you can make to schedule at least two 45-minute active exercise sessions per day. If your work schedule doesn’t allow for this, consider a dog walking service.
The 3 Cs: Clear and consistent signals!
Good German Shepherd training requires a combination of exercises and mental stimulation. To be effective, you need to follow some basic rules, including the 3Cs. Be clear and make sure you have a set of simple commands that everyone uses. Remember that English is a foreign language to your dog. If you use “down” and “drop” for the same action, it will confuse him. Decide on signal words and tape the list to the refrigerator door so the family knows which signals to use.
Be consistent and apply all rules in the house consistently. It is illegal to bring food to the table seven days a week! Also, use signals. This means using the tone of your voice to guide your dog and giving him verbal signals to mark good or bad behavior. Let your dog know he’s about to make a bad choice by saying “Uh no” followed by a joyful “Good dog” when he does what you ask.
Reward-based training.
The dominance theory has been disproven. Yes, sheepdogs need a firm hand, but alpha roles and harsh punishments can produce a nervous, submissive dog that behaves erratically and resorts to aggression. Instead, try training sheepdogs by rewarding their good behavior. The rules are simple! You use a treat, a compliment, or a game to reward the dog when he performs a command correctly. Guide him with a disapproving “no” when he makes wrong choices. This way he learns that treats can only be earned by being a good boy, and training is fun. This is the basis for our own training techniques here at Royvon.
Consider the character of the German Shepherd.
Realize that your German Shepherd is intelligent, but also sensitive. German Shepherds feel you, so show empathy, kindness and knowledge when training them so that your dog learns to behave well. Appeal to your dog’s intelligence and motivate him with things he likes to do. For example, if he likes to play ball, use that activity as a reward for a well-executed command.
Likewise, remember that German Shepherds are capable of learning complex routines as long as they are broken down into individual steps. For example, offer your dog mental stimulation by teaching him to put his toys in a crate. Teach him one step at a time (pick up a ball and drop it, retrieve a ball and drop it, retrieve a ball and drop it in a box). Do not move on to the next step until he has mastered the first.
Do not be a baby for your German Shepherd.
A German Shepherd feels safer when he knows and understands the rules. He needs firm, consistent and fair leadership when it comes to training a German Shepherd. For this purpose, you should not treat him like a lap dog, because this will confuse and unsettle him. A happy dog is looking for guidance and a good routine that is reassuring to him.. Once again, write down the house rules and tape them to the refrigerator for the whole family to use. Be aware that offering your dog an occasional hug on the sofa will only confuse him!
Health issues
The problem of German Shepherds is that they are susceptible to hip dysplasia and joint diseases. A young dog’s developing joints should be protected by a quality diet designed for large breed growth. Also, avoid overly intense exercise and training sessions, such as agility training, until his bones are fully developed, around 12 to 18 months of age.
Problems with weight
German Shepherds have a wedge-shaped build and a high waist. However, it is too easy for a German Shepherd to gain weight and lose definition in his belly. Watch out for the hidden calories in dressage treats. Continue to reward him, but be sure to reduce the amount of dry food at meals. Weigh his ration at the beginning of the day and set aside a portion of it in a pot to use as a dressage treat.
Use the right tools for training German Shepherds.
The perfect recall doesn’t happen overnight! Be realistic and ease the pressure by using the right tools for the job. For the one that doesn’t respond, attach a long leash to his collar. He has the option to respond voluntarily, but if he is too distracted, maintain control. Similarly, consider a muzzle if your dog is too reactive and behaves aggressively. Reassurance that he can’t do anything bad will ease your tension, which in turn will help the dog be more relaxed.
German Shepherd Training: Get professional help
German Shepherds are strong and demanding dogs. If training is not going as planned, do not hesitate to seek professional help. It is best to set up a plan before the bad habits take hold! Otherwise, they may be too difficult to correct.
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