With German Shepherd training, remember that the German Shepherd (also known as the Alsatian) is a strong dog and highly intelligent. He understands virtually everything you say to him and when motivated will do everything in his power to please.
A German shepherd who implicitly trusts his master will become his lifelong friend and soulmate. They will bond together like two halves of a whole.
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How to Train a German Shepherd
Proper training is a must for anyone inviting one of these big athletic dogs to become part of their family. So first of all, you need to lay down some ground rules. He will need to know who is boss.
German shepherds not handled firmly are liable to take over the so-called Alpha role and overdo the protection of master and territory. That is why it is so important to lay down rules as early as possible.
For that reason, German Shepherd dog training should begin as soon as the animal is old enough to understand what is happening and most dog training courses will accept these little ones when they are about four months old.
Boisterous and ‘full-on’
Meanwhile, it might help to buy or borrow some recommended dog training books, of which there are currently several on the market.
Play is also very important for the German shepherd puppy. As with all large, athletic dogs, this is likely to be boisterous and ‘full-on’, so watch out if there are small children around.
Left to his own resources, thid dog will bore easily, and we all know how boredom can result in agitation and aggression, which is not something to be encouraged.
Do your homework
Thinking of adopting a German shepherd from a rescue centre?
Then it is even more important to do your homework in advance.
While any rescued dog needs time to settle in, the German shepherd really does appreciate being left alone for a while familiarising himself with you and your home. As with any other potential adoptee, you should spend a little time with him at the kennel in order for him to get to know you and you him. Ask if you can take him for a short walk – even if only in the grounds of the centre – so that you can relate to each other. Erect ears and a wagging tail provide their own answer.
Let him sniff around
When training German shepherds, be aware of the fact that they take a while to accustom themselves to changes in their life and on arrival at your home they need to get their bearings before being surrounded by lots of strangers
So don’t crowd your new friend with a ‘welcome to your new home’ party. Just let him sniff around the house and garden at his own pace, first ensuring that no outside doors or gates have been left open. Having him escape on the very day he arrives is not to be recommended.
All a big act
At a recent visit to a British rescue centre, we met a beautiful adult German Shepherd with melting eyes that pleaded: ‘Take me home…’
Or so we thought… until the centre’s manager explained that it was all a big act.
The dog had been to three different homes, had escaped from all three by opening gates, leaping over fences, squeezing through hedges and even crossing main roads.
Somehow, he managed to find his own way from each of those houses back to the rescue centre, which he regarded as his home. His trips involved covering several miles of previously unknown territory. They still don’t know how he did it.
‘He’s not up for adoption any more,’ we were told. ‘All he wants is to be in his kennel. He loves it here and he’s happiest when visitors come in to look around. Don’t be fooled by those pleading eyes. He’s a real con-merchant.’
Establish a routine
Assuming that your new dog is happy with his surroundings and you’re happy to rehome him, then it is important to establish a routine from the start. That is what dogs expect, need and enjoy.
German Shepherd training can be a lot of fun too. With plenty of exercise, training and play everything should work out just fine.
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