German Shepherd Puppy Training – Puppy Training Tips For all Dog Lovers

German Shepherds: the rockstars of the dog world, known for their smarts, loyalty, and all-around awesomeness.

Originating in Germany in the late 19th century, these dogs were initially the VIPs of herding, but their talents didn’t stop there. They quickly became the go-to for everything from police work to search and rescue missions. Talk about a versatile pup!

Picture this: a sleek, athletic dog with a shiny double coat (usually rocking a black and tan look, though they come in other colors too), pointy ears that seem to catch every sound, and an expression that says, “I’ve got this.”

That’s your classic German Shepherd. Their brains match their brawn, making them super quick learners and perfect for all kinds of training. No wonder they’re the Swiss Army knife of the dog world.

During the World Wars, German Shepherds were the unsung heroes, bravely tackling jobs like messenger duties, search and rescue, and even sniffing out mines. Their stellar performance under pressure earned them a legendary status that still stands strong today.

Fast forward to now, and German Shepherds are still stealing the show. Whether it’s guarding the house, playing therapist, or just being a loyal family pet, these dogs do it all with style.

They’re protective but gentle, making them the ultimate multi-taskers of the canine universe.

Thinking about adding a German Shepherd to your family?

Get ready for a whirlwind of fun and activity. These dogs need plenty of exercise, mental challenges, and consistent training to keep them happy and healthy. But give them what they need, and you’ll have a furry friend who’s loyal to the core and always ready for the next adventure.

So, if you’re up for it, buckle up and enjoy the ride with one of the coolest dogs around!

German Shepherd Puppy Training Article Contents

1) Potty Training German Shepherd Puppy

2) Crate Training a German Shepherd Puppy

3) Leash Training German Shepherd Puppy

4) How to Get a German Shepherd Puppy to Stop Biting?

5) German Shepherd Puppy Obedience Training

6) House Training a German Shepherd Puppy

Potty Training German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherd puppy potty training is not at all an easy task. While some pups tend to get toilet trained fast, others tend to take ages to train. On your part, you need to be patient, calm and be ready to help (your beloved pet).

Here are a few German Shepherd potty training tips:

The Introduction:

When you pup arrives at your house, show him around and take him only to those places that are needed to be shown. You need not take the puppy to a room or areas of the house that are ‘off limits’.

Know More about Your Puppy Toilet Habits:

Spend some time researching the internet in order to ascertain the behavior of your German Shepherd pup. This is with special regards to how often he shall ‘pee’ or ‘poop’ in a day. Take notes on these vital habits of your pup. This shall stop you from forgetting.

Understand the Tell-Tale Signs:

Whenever your adorable pup starts to sniff or scratch the floor, it is a clear sign that he needs to poop. Even sudden whining and circling is an indicator of the same. So, you need to be alert and watch out for these signals. React with speed whenever your pup wishes to ‘go about his daily business’.

Catching Him in the Act:

If your dog has defecating or urinating in a place where you do not want him to then, simply warn him with a loud clap of the hand.

@ Thereafter, lead him outdoors to the designated litter area. A defecating pup cannot be stopped (midway in the act) but a urinating one can. After a while, your pup would get used to littering at a ‘spot of your choice’.

@ Never reprimand your pup for littering indoors. If you do so, your pup would get scared and poop in places where you cannot access. So, train him in a firm yet gentle manner.

Designate a Potty Area:

You need to designate a place where you want your pup to poop. Introduce him to the area and make him familiar with the surroundings.

Avoid taking him to a park where other dogs poop as your pup is young and has to undergo several vaccinations. If you have a garden then, set aside a small area (within the garden) for your pup (to be used as his litter box).

In case you do not have a personal lawn, take him to a scheduled spot. Use a dog leash to ensure that he stays within your control at all times.

Learn to Speak to Your Pup:

While it sounds silly but if you learn to give a simple command such as ‘time to go’, your pup shall respond. He would understand that it is time to go to the designated litter box and poop or urinate. So, try a few commands and pick the one that works best on your pup.

Be Kind and Giving:

When your pup is ‘going about his daily business’, you need to be patient. Never interrupt him and never scold. Let the pup poop or pee in peace. Reward him with a cookie if he poops or pees in the place designated by you.

Leave No Evidence Behind:

In case your pup defecates or urinates in an area that is off-limits then, remove the dirt and wipe the smell clean. Use an enzymatic detergent or vinegar to clean the area and clear the smell. If you pup cannot smell his litter, he would not go there again.

Leave No Scope for Error:

While training a German Shepherd puppy, you need to ensure that you keep him in a secure area. A room that opens to your garden is an ideal place. If not, you need to secure his area via a small enclosure, gates (ones used for babies) or railing.

The area where your pup is placed should be clean, clutter free and easy to access. You might want to place a small leash on the puppy to lead him wherever you want without running after the pup.

Make Notes to Get the Poop Timing Right:

You need to instill discipline in your puppy. For that you need to be self-disciplined. Make sure that you take your German Shepherd pup out to the same litter spot, using the same route and at the same time (or times) every day.

When you get a routine in place, you pup would follow suit. Moreover, you need to get the meals timings right. Never compromise on your pup’s meal timings – be regular with them and your beloved pet would never litter your carpet again.

 

>>> Click Here to Learn How to Potty Train Your German Shepherd Puppy<<<

Crate Training a German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherd puppy crate training is not an easy task. When you ‘crate train your pup’, you are teaching him the art of dwelling in a disciplined manner. A crate not only provides a safe environment for your beloved pet, it also helps them feel secure and ‘calms’ them down.

Well, here are a few tips to crate train a German Shepherd Puppy:

Get a Crate that is Good for Your Pup:

You need to be careful while buying the crate. It should be big enough for the dog to move around but not too big. A kennel is ideal (for transporting your pup) but you should use wired crates. They shall keep your pet safe and secure.

Make it Nice & Cozy:

As your pup is small, you should include cushioned mats onto the floor of the crate. If your pup tears it down, use a harder mattress that is impossible to tear yet comfortable for the pet to lie onto. The mattress should however be comfortable for the pet.

Take Baby Steps:

You cannot simply place your pup inside the crate and lock him in. Take him inside for a few minutes before letting him out. Repeat this process a couple of times daily until your puppy is comfortable with the idea of slipping into his crate. This is a lengthy process. So, you need to be patient.

Trick or Treat:

Whenever your pup enters the crate, you need to reward him for doing so. Speak to him softly or pat him gently on the head. Give him a dog biscuit to nibble. This would help your pup understand the importance of him getting inside the crate. So, making use of the reward system is highly recommended.

Encourage Your Pup:

In order to make your German Shepherd pup to feel at home while entering the carte, you should place a treat inside his enclosure. This shall prompt your pet to enter the crate often. Once again, you are making effective use of the reward mechanism to ‘win over’ your pet’s confidence.

Maintain a Schedule:

You should have a clear idea when your pup wishes to poop or urinate. Only after having identified the timings should you place your beloved pet in the crate. If you fail to do so, your crate shall usually be soiled. So, make a note of your pet’s routine and take decisions according to the pet’s daily pattern.

Test and Assess Gap Related Results:

With this, I am implying that you leave your dog for a while within the crate and step outside your home. Take a call on how your beloved pet reacts to your absence (assuming it is not more than an hour in length).

If you pup starts to get nervous, whines, paces around or urinates then, you need to take him out of the crate. If he is calm then, do not forget to give him a cookie as reward.

It Doesn’t Happen Overnight:

German shepherd puppy crate training can last anywhere in between 4 months to 6 months. It is a time taking process and involves your co-operation. If all goes well, within 3 to 4 months, your beloved pup shall be entering the crate on his own and staying put.

 

>>> Click Here to Learn How to Crate Train a German Shepherd Puppy<<<

Leash Training German Shepherd Puppy

Getting home a German Shepherd puppy is a joyous occasion indeed. Nonetheless, taking good care of the pup requires a lot of time and effort on your part. If you are still considering how to train a German shepherd puppy to walk on leash, simply read on:

A Soft Collar & a Sturdy Leash:

As the neck of your puppy is soft and delicate, you need to compliment it with a soft collar. The leash should be light in weight. Always purchase the collar from a reputed pet supply store. Avoid going in for cheap products as saving a few dollars can make your pup uncomfortable.

Time and Patience:

You need to wait for your pup to get used to the collar. Each time your pup wears a collar, give him a small chewable treat. Make sure the collar is snug and not constricting the throat. You need to be very patient while dealing with your puppy. So, always keep this in mind before initiating any training method.

Play & Toy Rewards:

If your German Shepherd pup starts to bite the collar or whine, take it off and start playing with him. Get him a toy to play with before slipping the collar back on. Continue to play with your pup. Over time, he shall begin to get used to it. Get a stock of chewable goodies for your pet. You should never run out of these.

Let the Pup get Used to the Leash:

You pup needs to be introduced to the leash casually. If he creates a fuss, simply let go of the leash and let him play with it. Give your pup a treat each time he permits you to hold the leash. Once again, be very gentle and avoid raising your voice while training your pet.

Take Small Steps Before a Long Walk:

Continue to treat your pup whenever he lets you hold the leash. Take him for short walks around the house holding onto the leash. Extend the distance in a slow and steady manner. You need to avoid over-training. Instead, follow a simple baby-step based plan of action to train your pet.

Low Pull Harness:

After your pup has become habitual of walking on the leash, introduce him for long walks. If he pulls, simply opt for low pull harness.  You may shorten the leash to about 4 feet to gain control over your pup. The ‘tug’ from your end needs to be super-gentle. It should in no way hurt the animal.

How to Get a German Shepherd Puppy to Stop Biting?

Your German Shepherd pup has 28 needle sharp teeth that can draw blood if you do not train your pup to stop biting. This is normal for a pup in the wild. Puppies also bite because they are teething.

Tips on how to make a puppy stop biting:

Teach Your Pup Bite Control:

By placing your pup on a leash or inside the crate when he bites too hard, your pet would realize that he has indeed bitten you way too hard. As long as he nibbles you, it is all right. If he bites you too hard then, simply place him in a crate or walk away stopping all play with him.

A Shout Out & Play Over:

If the pup bites over and over again then, you can shout out aloud thereby signalling your pup that his actions were uncalled for. You can also stop playing with the pup and step away from him silently. Unlike cats, dogs learn this command fast. So, you need to learn a few commands to stop the pup from playing.

The Nibbling Toy:

To ensure that your teething German Shepherd pup bites a toy and not your hand, get him a suitable toy to chew onto. If you are still wondering how to get puppy to stop biting hands then, simply offer him a chewable toy each time he snaps at you. Doing so shall divert the animal’s anger towards the stuff toy.

The Jump and Rest Strategy:

German shepherd pups are very energetic and they often pounce on your legs as they walk beside you. There is nothing much you can do apart from offering them a treat each time the pet walks soberly with you. Whenever the pup pounces on you, place him gently in a crate for a short while.

The Energy Expenditure:

Another trick is to allow your pup to run in the garden whenever he starts to bite. Maybe he is tired and wants a rest – so let him rest. Perhaps he wants to poop- so take him to his litter box. Start to understand what your pup wants rather than imposing your will on him.

No Hitting Just Gentle Petting:

In order to teach your dog to trust your commands, be gentle with him. Avoid hitting and always pet him gently on the head to win his confidence. A pat on the head and a super-gentle tap on the nose, is enough to make your pup understand that he needs to stop what he is currently doing.

 

>>> Click Here to Learn How to Get a German Shepherd Puppy to Stop Biting<<<

 

German Shepherd Puppy Obedience Training

Obedience training for German Shepherd puppies is not a daunting task. You can easily teach your puppy to be obedient. Simply teach him a few commands. If you succeed, the pup would be obedient for life:

Command # 1 – Asking the Dog to Come to You:

Assuming that you have already named your German Shepherd pup, you should call out his name. He should come running towards you when called.

@ To start with, call out his name and the moment he looks at you, give him a treat. Keep widening the gap between you and the pup. The treats should be thrown on the floor as the distance grows.

@ After a few days, you should be calling out your dog’s name a 100 yards away and then, running off in the opposite direction. If trained properly, your pup would run towards you and catch up with you.

Command # 2 – Making Your German Shepherd Pup Walk on a Leash:

@ The second command is to convince your pup to walk on a leash. For that you need to first introduce him to a snug-fit collar and ensure that he is allowed to play with the ‘light’ leash.

@ The second step is to allow the pup to walk, tug, stop, sit – when you have the leash in your hand.

@ If your German shepherd puppy does not like being on a leash, just leave him be. Let him run around with the leash hanging by his side (without you taking hold of it).

@ Give your pup a treat (chewable) whenever he permits you to hold onto the leash.

@ If he tugs when you make him walk with a leash then, simply stop and allow him to release his energy. Soon, your pup would realize that it is in his best interest to obey and walk while on a dog leash.

Command # 3 – Making Your German Shepherd Pup Sit & Stand:

@ Teaching your pup this command is easier than you think. For a starter, you can simply speak the word ‘sit’ and look into your pup’s eye.

@ When he responds then, gently pat him on the lower back and slightly push down with your palm. He would be forced to sit. If he starts to get up then, gently keep him in a sitting posture (by pushing him back using your palm).

@ Do give him a chewable treat. Repeat this process a couple of times a day. Within a week, your dog shall learn to sit by just a command – ‘sit’.

@ To make him stand, simply say the word ‘stand’ aloud. Make eye contact and raise the treat (held in your hand) slightly higher than your pup’s head. He will grope for it and this is when you need to raise your hand higher.

@ When your pup is on two feet with his front paws in the air then, give him the treat. Make him sit (by using the command) and repeat the ‘stand’ command steps.

@ Do this a few times. Slowly reduce the height of the treat delivery till it comes down to the height of the pet’s head. After a while, your pup would understand the command ‘stand’ and start to follow it diligently.

Command # 4 – Making Your German Shepherd Pup Stay Put:

@ This is a simple command that can be taught to your pup using treats.

@ Simply say the word ‘stay’ aloud and make a hand motion to indicate that your pup should stay put.

@ If you pup starts to come towards you, gently place the palm of your hand on his forehead. Stop him from moving forwards. If he backs away, simply put another hand on his back.

@ Do this a couple of times and give your pup a treat when he stays put. Repeat this trick a couple of times daily. Slowly, your pup would realize that the command ‘stay’ stands for him (the pup) staying put (as he gets a treat for doing so).

Command # 5 – Making Your German Shepherd Pup to Lie Down:

@ This may seem tough at first but in reality, it is an easy command to teach your beloved pet. Simply hold a treat in your hand and shift your hand down.

@ The pup would follow your hand and eventually lie down as this is where your hand is headed. Give him the treat only when your pup lies down.

@ Repeat this process ensuring that you give the command ‘lie down’ several times a day.

@ Within a week, your pup shall learn what this command means and shall begin to follow your instructions.

Command # 6 – Making Your German Shepherd Pup to Fetch:

@ This command teaches your pet to get a ball or other objects back to you (that you throw).

@ Simply throw a ball a few feet away and watch your pup run after it. This is a natural reaction. Go towards him and pull the ball out of his mouth. Give him a treat thereafter.

@ Use the command ‘fetch’ and watch for a reaction from your pup. Again walk towards him and pull the ball out of his mouth. Give him a treat- only this time, make him walk towards your ‘starting position’ before releasing the treat.

@ Repeat this process a few times daily. Assuming that your pup has already learnt the above 5 commands, learning this one should not prove to be a daunting task.

@ As time passes, your pup would start fetching whatever you throw at a distance (in return for a treat).

@ After he learns this command, stop treating him. You pup would still continue to ‘fetch’.

House Training a German Shepherd Puppy

Your goals via house training a puppy should be to develop a long lasting bond with the animal. For this, you need to be able to put in the desired effort, be patient and reward your pet from time to time.

Here are a few tips on German Shepherd puppy training in the house:

>>> If you are wondering how to start training a puppy, worry no more. An ideal age of when you can begin to do so is 3 months.  This is when your German shepherd pup learns to have a certain degree of control over his mind and bladder.

>>> You should begin by maintaining strict meal timings. There should be no snacking between the meals to instill discipline in your pet.

>>> While toilet training your puppy, ensure to take them out of the house to a ‘predetermined litter spot’ within 45 minutes of the pup waking up in the morning.

>>> You need to take them for walks outside the house a couple of times daily. Do so once before they sleep.

>>> You need to teach your puppy to sleep in his crate. This shall make him self-sufficient and secure.

>>> Give him food and water 2 hours before your pup sleeps. This eliminates the need for your pup to urinate at night.

>>> Reward your pup each time he obeys your command.

>>> When your puppy has learnt the basics, you can leave him alone in your home garden. This shall help him become independent.

German Shepherd Weight & Breeds

German Shepherd dogs attain a height of 24 to 26 inches. Bitches have an average height of 22 to 24 inches. The dog weighs in between 30 to 40 (66lbs to 88lbs) kilograms whereas the female weighs in between 22 to 32 (49lbs to 71lbs) kilograms.

@ East European Breed: This breed of German Shepherd dog originates from the former USSR. It adapts to colder areas and is presently a native of Russia.

@ The Swiss Breed: White in color, this breed of German Shepherd is native to Switzerland. It was originally native to America and was relocated to Switzerland in the year 1966.

@ The King Species: This is a native to the United States and has been bred successfully throughout the country.

@ The Shilon Breed: It is large, strong and black in color. This is a breed developed in the United States and known for its intelligence and a swift gait. It is also known for accepting dog training methods quickly.

@ The White Breed: This is a native of Germany and has a white coat. In Germany it was banned from being registered owing to its color but in America, it is recognized as a genuine breed.

What are German Shepherd Dogs used For?

The main purpose of German Shepherd dogs is to rear sheep. Back in Germany, they are used as working dogs. They are obedient, intelligent, hard-working and are willing to get trained.

In the present era, German Shepherd dogs are used by the police for rescue and research operations and even as guard dogs.

They also assist men and women suffering from disabilities by helping them carry out their daily chores. The American Kennel Club rates this breed to be the third highest registered breed in America.

The Coat and Color

German Shepherd dogs have two coats. The first is a furry coat followed by a think undercoat. The long haired breed is rare whereas the medium hair breed is easier to find.

The most common colors are tan-black or red-black. The face is usually black. The body of this breed is covered in black spots. Lesser known colors include full black, white, panda, blue, sable and liver.

Are German Shepherds Intelligent & How is Their Temperament?

Yes, this breed of dog is considered to be very intelligent. They have a loud bark and are used by the police as guard dogs. They also assist the military in search and rescue operations. German Shepherd dogs are quick to react to commands and can execute tough tasks with ease.

They are overprotective and are eager to learn new commands. These dogs are also known to be protective about their owners and property. These species do not befriend others easily.

Do German Shepherd’s Bite?

Yes, German Shepherds do bite and their bite often requires hospitalization. In Austria, this breed is reported to have caused ‘third highest’ bites in the country. A bite force of a German Shepherd dog is 238 pounds per square foot.

Takeaway

>>> Click Here to Learn How to “Brain Train” Your German Shephard Puppy <<<

References:

1. https://www.germanshepherdrescue.co.uk/german-shepherd-training-i-163.html
2. https://www.trainpetdog.com/breed/German-Shepherd/