A well-behaved German Shepherd is a joy to live with, but good manners don’t happen overnight. From learning to sit on command to mastering leash etiquette, every Shepherd needs a little help in the manners department.
In this article, we’ll share five simple tips for teaching your German Shepherd the basics. With these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll have a polite pup in no time!
1. Start with the Basics: Sit, Stay, and Come
When it comes to teaching your German Shepherd manners, mastering the holy trinity of dog commands – sit, stay, and come – is your first port of call. These fundamental skills form the backbone of good canine behavior and set the stage for more advanced training down the line.
Let’s start with “sit.” This simple command can help calm an excited pup and is a great way to begin any training session. Use a treat to lure your dog’s nose upwards and back, causing their bottom to naturally lower to the ground. As soon as they sit, praise them enthusiastically and offer the treat.
Next up is “stay.” This command teaches patience and self-control, which are crucial for a well-mannered dog. Begin with your dog in a sitting position, hold your hand out in a “stop” gesture, and say “stay.” Take a step back, and if your dog remains seated, immediately return to them with praise and a treat. Gradually increase the distance and duration over time.
Finally, there’s “come.” This command can be a lifesaver in potentially dangerous situations. Start in a low-distraction environment, call your dog’s name followed by “come” in a happy, inviting tone. When they reach you, shower them with praise and treats. Remember, coming to you should always be a positive experience for your German Shepherd.
Practice these commands daily in short, fun sessions. German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please, so they’ll likely pick up these basics quickly with consistent reinforcement.
2. Leash Manners: No More Tug-of-War
Does your German Shepherd think every walk is a sled dog race? Teaching proper leash manners can transform your daily strolls from a test of strength into a pleasant bonding experience. Plus, it’s an essential skill for navigating the world politely with your four-legged friend.
Start by choosing the right equipment. A front-clip harness can be helpful for strong pullers like German Shepherds, as it gives you more control without putting pressure on their throat. Begin in a low-distraction area, like your backyard or a quiet street.
The key to leash training is to make walking beside you more rewarding than pulling ahead. Every time your dog pulls, stop walking. Wait for them to turn back to you or create slack in the leash. As soon as they do, praise them and continue walking. This teaches them that pulling gets them nowhere, while walking nicely by your side is the ticket to forward motion.
Incorporate plenty of rewards for good leash behavior. Whenever your dog is walking calmly by your side, offer verbal praise and occasional treats. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to stick close to you.
Remember, consistency is crucial. Every walk is a training opportunity, so stick to your guns even if you’re in a hurry. With time and patience, your German Shepherd will learn that polite walking is the way to go.
3. Curb the Jumping: Four Paws on the Floor
German Shepherds are known for their enthusiasm, and sometimes that excitement manifests as jumping up on people. While it might be cute when they’re puppies, a full-grown German Shepherd launching themselves at guests isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Teaching your dog to keep all four paws on the floor is an important part of canine etiquette.
The key to stopping jumping behavior is to remove the reward – in this case, attention. When your dog jumps up, turn your back and ignore them completely. No scolding, no pushing them off, just a total lack of engagement. As soon as all four paws are back on the ground, turn around and calmly praise them.
For persistent jumpers, try teaching an incompatible behavior. “Sit” works well for this. When someone approaches, ask your dog to sit. If they comply, reward them with attention and treats. This teaches them that sitting is a more effective way to greet people than jumping.
Practice makes perfect, so enlist the help of friends and family members to act as “guests” for training sessions. With consistent practice, your German Shepherd will learn that calm greetings earn rewards, while jumping gets them nowhere.
4. Manage the Mouthing: Gentle Jaws for a Happy Home
German Shepherds, especially as puppies, often explore the world with their mouths. While this is natural behavior, it’s important to teach them to be gentle with their powerful jaws. A dog that knows how to control its bite pressure is safer and more pleasant to be around.
Start by teaching bite inhibition. When playing with your dog, allow gentle mouthing, but if they bite too hard, let out a high-pitched yelp and stop playing immediately. This mimics how puppies learn from their littermates and teaches your dog that biting too hard ends the fun.
Redirect mouthing behavior to appropriate chew toys. Always have a variety of toys on hand, and when your dog starts to mouth you or your clothes, quickly offer a toy instead. Praise them lavishly when they choose to chew on the toy rather than you.
For adult dogs with more persistent mouthing habits, you may need to take a firmer approach. Use a clear, stern “No” when they mouth, followed immediately by redirecting to a toy. If the behavior continues, give them a short time-out by leaving the room for 30 seconds to a minute.
Remember, consistency is key. Make sure all family members and visitors follow the same rules to avoid sending mixed messages to your German Shepherd.
5. Crate Training: A Safe Haven, Not a Prison
Crate training is an invaluable tool for teaching your German Shepherd manners and providing them with a safe, comfortable space of their own. When done correctly, a crate becomes a positive place for your dog, not a punishment.
Start by choosing the right size crate – it should be large enough for your German Shepherd to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Make it inviting with comfortable bedding and safe toys.
Introduce the crate gradually. Leave the door open and toss treats inside, allowing your dog to go in and out freely. Feed meals near the crate, gradually moving the bowl closer and eventually inside the crate.
Once your dog is comfortable entering the crate, begin closing the door for short periods while you’re in the room. Gradually increase the duration and start leaving the room for brief periods. Always make sure your dog has had exercise and a potty break before crating them.
Never use the crate as punishment. It should always be associated with positive experiences. With patience and positive reinforcement, your German Shepherd will come to view their crate as a cozy den where they can relax and feel secure.
Take Home Message
Teaching your German Shepherd basic manners doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these five easy tips – mastering basic commands, improving leash manners, curbing jumping behavior, managing mouthing, and implementing crate training – you’re well on your way to raising a well-behaved canine companion. Remember, the key ingredients are patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Every dog learns at their own pace, so celebrate small victories and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. With time and dedication, your German Shepherd will not only be a loyal friend but also a model of good behavior. So keep those treats handy, your praise ready, and enjoy the rewarding journey of shaping your furry friend into the best dog they can be!
