When training a German Shepherd, the first priority is making sure the dog clearly understands your spoken commands so it can obey and respond to hand signals. Because German Shepherds have strong learning ability, the difficulty of training is not especially high.
1. Training the dog not to jump up on people
When a dog sees its owner return home, it may happily leap up against the persons body. Many owners dislike this behavior and want to stop it. In principle, this should be corrected early. If it is not corrected while the dog is young, the dog may continue using this direct and emotional method to show happiness.
One old fashioned method is to make the dog lose balance or feel slight discomfort when it jumps, so it associates jumping with an unpleasant outcome. Another method is to interrupt the jump and immediately ask the dog to sit, then reward the sit. After enough repetition, the dog learns that calmly sitting brings affection more reliably than jumping does.
2. Training the dog not to chew things randomly
Dogs may chew furniture or trouser legs, and this should be stopped immediately. Dogs have reasons for chewing. Puppies are curious about the world and treat objects like playmates. Between about three and six months old, when baby teeth are being replaced by permanent teeth, they especially like to chew because their gums itch. A strong growing puppy may also have too much energy and no outlet.
Besides correction, owners should also review daily management. After entering the house, limit the dog to appropriate play areas. Provide toys such as rawhide type chew items, hard balls, or safe old objects. Increase outdoor walking and exercise. During the chewing stage, keep movable valuables out of reach. A puppy with no chewing tendency at all may be unhealthy or have poor spirit, but a puppy that chews can still be taught well if guided properly. Redirecting that strong energy into training can be very effective.
3. Training to correct harmful biting habits
Dogs naturally like to chase moving objects, and this is especially obvious in puppies. If not corrected, it can develop into nervous or troublesome behavior. To train against this, expose the dog to weak temptations in a controlled way. If it tries to rush forward, stop it with a clear no command or correction and pull it back with the lead. Repeating this teaches the dog what displeases the owner.
If the dog has already harmed a bird, fish, or another animal, some traditional trainers would make the dog inspect the result and then correct it so the dog connects the owners anger to the act. The same idea applies to damaging plants or household items. Some smaller dogs may also bite at visitors heels because of fear based defensiveness, and this must be corrected early. A dog that is often locked in a cage or tied up for long periods may develop biting habits because of long term frustration and poor social balance. A dog needs exercise, play, and familiarity with people and the outside world.
4. Training to walk at your side
Having a dog walk beside your left leg may look simple, but it requires real teaching and is extremely important. In cities with many people and vehicles, an uncontrolled dog can easily be involved in danger or traffic accidents.
At the beginning, use a short lead and keep the dog close to your left side. Do not let the lead out too far. After about six months of age, more formal training can begin, building a deep habit of heeling from an early stage. Once the habit is established, the lead can gradually be lengthened or removed for advanced off lead heel work.
If the dog rushes ahead, pull it back immediately. If it refuses to move, guide it forward. Some trainers use corrective collars to help. If the dog stays too far away, you can use a wall or curb edge as a natural guide. Reward and correction should both be used, but you must not make walking feel frightening.
5. Training the dog to jump
This is a more intense exercise, so before starting you should consider whether the breed or individual dog is suitable. Very small breeds may not be appropriate, while medium or athletic dogs handle it better. For dogs that naturally enjoy jumping, the lesson is not difficult, and if treated more like a game than a harsh drill, it becomes much easier.
Start with a low obstacle and move across it together while giving the jump command. Because the obstacle is low, it is easy to cross. Later, place the dog on one side and stand on the other, call it to you, and say jump as it crosses. After the command is understood, raise the obstacle slowly, practice a few times each day, and praise success immediately.
If the obstacle becomes high enough that the dog runs around it instead of over it, correct that choice and guide the dog back to try again. Food or a ball can also be used to encourage the jump. Jumping can be trained as height or distance depending on the dog, but expectations must remain realistic.
6. Training the dog to fetch the newspaper
It can be entertaining to send a dog for the morning newspaper. To teach this, use the moment the newspaper arrives each day. At first the dog will not understand. Bring it to the paper, say newspaper, praise it, place the paper in its mouth, and lead it back inside. Repeat this several times across several days. Eventually, when you say fetch the newspaper, the dog may go out, pick it up, and bring it back for praise.
7. Training the dog to ride in the car
Taking a dog shopping, on an outing, or on a trip can make travel more enjoyable. For safety, the dog must learn to sit quietly in the car. Curious dogs that stick their heads outside are at risk of injury, so calm car behavior should be trained in daily life.
A puppy should first overcome fear of the car. A family member in the back seat can comfort it and help it settle down. Start with short trips such as going to the market or a local event, then gradually increase distance so the dog adapts to long travel.
Before getting in, take the dog to the car door and tell it to wait. Once you are seated, open the other door and invite it in, then ask it to sit or lie down. Keep windows closed at first. Later, if the dog tries to put its head outside, correct it immediately. On arrival, wait until the vehicle stops and the door opens before telling the dog to come out. Also limit food and water before the trip to reduce vomiting, and let the dog eliminate before departure.
8. Training the dog not to scatter food
Why do dogs often make a mess while eating? Part of the answer lies in how their teeth are structured. Dogs tear at food with the canine teeth more than they grind it. Some people also believe dogs are instinctively motivated to grab the best parts quickly and move them to a safer place.
To teach cleaner eating, supervise meals closely. If you notice the dog beginning to toss food outside the bowl, stop it at once and remove the dropped food. However, avoid disturbing the dog so much that it becomes anxious and tries to eat too quickly. The amount of food offered each time should also stay consistent. If the dog learns that only food in the bowl can be eaten, and dropped food is immediately removed, it gradually becomes neater during meals.