German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that quickly learn new behaviors; however, without proper training and socialization they may develop some unwanted habits that become bothersome over time.
how to train a german shepherd
These problems include disobedience, fear and boredom in your dog. To combat them, ensure your training with an expert who uses positive reinforcement methods for training german shepherds.
Disobedience
German Shepherds are highly intelligent canines and require mental stimulation on a daily basis to remain compliant and bark less excessively - something a dog behaviorist can help address.
Positive reinforcement should always be the goal when training your German Shepherd; punishment-based methods rarely produce optimal results and may even endanger its health, particularly among puppies who tend to have shorter attention spans and become distressed quickly.
At every 50 feet or so on your walk with your German Shepherd, include a short training session using both words and hand signals to teach him or her that sitting is a requirement before continuing the walk. Use cue words such as "sit" along with hand gestures to get this done quickly.
If your German Shepherd is no longer responding when training them, this could be due to them moving or initiating behavior on their own. If this occurs frequently it could indicate a health problem and you should consult a vet to ascertain why; possibly medication or diet changes might help your pup feel better.
Fear
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and eager-to-please dogs that are easy to train when provided with a confident leader. Unfortunately, due to their fast learning capabilities it's also easy for them to develop bad habits if their training is inconsistent or mixed signals given. For instance, scolding your pup for jumping on guests but permitting him/her to jump on you instead can teach your German Shepherd that some jumping is OK while it isn't on others - effectively teaching it an entirely different message about when jumping is allowed and not.
Training should begin as soon as a German Shepherd puppy comes home, since their first 16 weeks of life is when they are most open to new experiences and open to learning new things. Delaying training could result in behavioral problems later on.
These dogs also tend to possess strong guarding instincts, making them overprotective if not given proper training and socialisation at a young age. Without proper training in order for them to interact positively with other pets and members of the family, these breeds may become bossy and aggressive if not introduced gradually as puppies. To prevent this happening again later on, introduce new people and animals gradually while you still can.
Positive reinforcement is the best approach to training a German Shepherd. Rewarding desirable behaviors with treats or play will far more effectively teach your German Shepherd than using punishment-based measures that only serve to confuse or misdirect them.
Boredom
German Shepherds require daily physical activity to dissipate excess energy and remain mentally stimulated, otherwise they can become destructive due to boredom. Signs of such include excessive chewing, digging or barking behavior.
Lack of exercise may cause your German Shepherd to reduce its food consumption. If he/she appears disinterested or depressed about eating regularly, this could be an indicator of depression or boredom.
Your German Shepherd may have simply aged and become less energetic over time; or something may have occurred such as having a new baby or moving home that has altered his/her energy level.
If your German Shepherd has taken to pacing around the house, this could be a telltale sign of boredom. They require plenty of exercise such as long walks and spending lots of time outdoors exploring, in addition to mental stimulation such as playing mind games - there are a variety available on the market that specifically target dogs' cognitive capabilities.
An bored German Shepherd may become aggressive, biting people or damaging items around the house. Proper training should be carried out to teach this behavior is inappropriate and will not be accepted, using positive reinforcement to get them to behave and setting up plans limiting access to areas in which they could potentially destroy things.
Health Issues
German Shepherds need daily physical (like jogging or playing in the dog park) and mental exercise (training sessions), otherwise pent-up energy could lead to chewing, digging, barking and other destructive behavior from your German Shepherd. Excessive barking could be an indicator that they're bored - possibly manifested as chewing up socks!
Lack of daily exercise can contribute to digestion, weight issues, and joint health issues in dogs. On average, German Shepherds require at least two hours of activity each day - including walks and off-lead exercises in safe areas as well as play time and training time.
As herding dogs, German Shepherds require both physical and mental stimulation in order to remain happy and healthy. When left without either, their restlessness and frustration can manifest into behavior issues like resource guarding or aggression; that's why early socialization with people, places, and situations is crucial - starting with puppy classes!
If you don't train your German Shepherd, they may attempt to obtain exercise through escape attempts or aggression, which is another reason for early training with positive reinforcement rather than punishment; excessive or frequent punishment will only drive a wedge between yourself and your pet, potentially leading to long-term damage.