The German Shepherd has been a long time favorite as a family pet and of course a popular choice as a police dog because of their excellent tracking instincts. Not only are they wonderful security dogs, but are great family pets too, showing intelligence and loyalty.

What are some key tips for training your German Shepherd?

Many people think German Shepherds are aggressive dogs, but that largely stems from their role as Police dogs and in security work.  The fact is they are intelligent animals with strong instincts that make great family pets.

They are however trained and often instinctively inclined towards being inquisitive and alert in a manner that can appear aggressive.  Their inherently suspicious nature makes them ideal as guard and security animals but needs to be controlled under proper training.

If your German Shepherd is not properly trained it can react with unnecessary aggression.  You need to ensure that a proper and comprehensive training program is adhered to, which is not at all difficult and will make your dog far better socialized and a better pet.

My #1 Recommended Guide To German Shepherd Training

Training for Aggressive Behaviour

You need to develop a good rapport with your German Shepherd.  This does not mean aggressive behaviour from you, but rather praise and pats  and a clear indication that aggressive behaviour is unacceptable (a sharp jerk on the leash, for instance) but certainly nothing harsh or inhumane.

Basics of Aggression Training:

Make sure you’re acting like a leader or alpha from early in the German Shepherd training so that your dog knows that you are the boss and in charge of things.  If you don’t, then you may experience resistance at first when trying to assert your control over your dog.

When dealing with aggressive behavior from your German Shepherd make sure that you use the proper ‘authority technique’ and reprimand without being rough or inhumane treatment.

They’re big dogs and you can shake them, but don’t abuse them and always remember that in showing control over your dog you are also building a mutual respect, without which you will not have the right relationship.

When he’s behaving calmly and appropriately, reward him with praise, pats, and a food treat.

Good behavior must be rewarded during training. This is  positive reinforcement training, which will pay dividends in future.  It recognizes that most dogs – especially intelligent ones like Shepherds – respond eagerly to rewards and encouragement, whereas harsh corrections (loud angry voices, corporal punishment, humiliation) results in the dog ‘shutting down’ and being unable to learn.

Ensure that all members of the family are well up to speed on the concepts of the alpha status, on dog psychology, and dog communication.
Make sure all members of the household take part to prevent him from becoming a one-man dog.

Start Training Early

German Shepherd training should begin at an early age. Contrary to popular belief, there is no ‘minimum age’ for a Shepherd to begin obedience training. As soon as you acquire your pup you can start with housetraining and basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’.

Socialization is absolutely mandatory for this breed. ALL dogs need to be socialized, but especially guarding breeds like German Shepherds. A lack of socialization it THE primary reason that dogs become aggressive.

Enrol him in puppy school as soon as he’s had his vaccinations and make sure he meets plenty of people and dogs throughout his life.

Make sure your German Shepherd gets enough exercise: lack of exercise is one of the primary causes of aggressive behavior in dogs. Shepherds are VERY active dogs who need a lot of vigorous exercise each day. Take him jogging, running alongside a bike, Rollerblading, hiking, and play several interactive games with him as well (like fetch). At the VERY LEAST he should be getting a 45 minute, vigorous power-walk every day.

Shepherds should be kept on leashes in public places. If your Shepherd is exhibiting signs of aggression, this is mandatory, even in areas where other dogs are running free.
If your dog is a confirmed trouble-causer, you will have to equip him with a muzzle whenever you go out in public.

There are special obedience classes for aggressive dogs available in most cities and towns. Sometimes they’re called ‘Feisty Fido’, sometimes they’re called ‘Growl School’, but they all have a very high trainer/dog ratio and all trainers are highly qualified in dealing with aggressive dogs.

At the very least, you should be taking your Shepherd to standard obedience classes to at least the intermediate level.

You need to be keeping his mind occupied and stimulated, for a start, but it will also come in very handy during danger times: if your Shepherd is about to get into a fight, for example, you’ll be able to break the build-up of tension which is crucial to the beginning of a dogfight with a ‘Come here’ or ‘Leave it!’.

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