Effective communication with your German Shepherd doesn’t require a complex vocabulary — just a few key commands can go a long way in strengthening your bond. Whether you’re working on obedience or simply trying to navigate your daily routine, teaching your dog the right commands is essential.
In this article, we’ll cover five everyday commands that will enhance communication between you and your German Shepherd. These simple yet powerful cues will improve your daily interactions and help your dog become a well-behaved, attentive companion.
1. The “Watch Me” Command
Teaching your German Shepherd to focus on you is the foundation of all other training. This command creates a powerful connection between you and your dog, ensuring they’re attentive and ready to learn.
The beauty of “Watch Me” lies in its simplicity – you’re essentially teaching your dog that good things happen when they look at you. Start by holding a treat near your eyes, and when your shepherd makes eye contact, immediately reward them.
As your dog becomes more proficient, you can extend the duration of eye contact and gradually phase out the treats. Soon, you’ll notice your German Shepherd naturally checking in with you during walks or when in new environments.
This command is particularly useful in situations where there are distractions, helping your shepherd stay focused on you rather than getting overwhelmed by their surroundings.
2. The “Place” Command
“Place” is more than just telling your dog where to go – it’s about teaching them self-control and giving them a designated spot where they can feel secure and relaxed.
Start by choosing a specific spot – it could be a mat, bed, or even a raised platform. Make this spot inviting and comfortable for your German Shepherd. When they naturally go to this spot, reward them generously.
The real magic happens when your dog learns to stay in their place until released, even with distractions. This command is invaluable during meal preparation, when guests arrive, or when you need your shepherd to settle down.
This command also helps reduce anxiety in your German Shepherd by giving them a clear task and a safe space to retreat to when needed.
3. The “Leave It” Command
“Leave It” is a potentially life-saving command that teaches your German Shepherd impulse control and can prevent them from picking up dangerous items or approaching unsafe situations.
Begin training this command by placing a treat on the floor and covering it with your foot. When your shepherd stops trying to get it and looks at you instead, reward them with a higher-value treat from your hand.
As your dog masters the basics, you can progress to leaving items uncovered and gradually increase the challenge by using more tempting objects. This command can help prevent your shepherd from chasing small animals or eating something harmful during walks.
The true test comes when your dog can ignore high-value items like food dropped on the floor or a favorite toy when told to “leave it.”
4. The “Heel” Command
A proper heel is essential for any German Shepherd, transforming chaotic walks into peaceful adventures. This command teaches your dog to walk calmly by your side, making outings more enjoyable for both of you.
Start in a distraction-free environment, rewarding your shepherd for staying close to your left side. Take just a few steps at first, treating them frequently for maintaining position.
Gradually increase the duration and add distractions as your dog becomes more proficient. Remember that heeling is more than just walking next to you – it’s about your dog being aware of your movements and matching your pace.
The key to successful heeling is consistency and patience. Your German Shepherd should learn that walking calmly beside you is more rewarding than pulling ahead or lagging behind.
5. The “Break” Command
The “Break” command might seem counterintuitive, but it’s crucial for helping your German Shepherd understand when they can relax and just be a dog. This release command marks the end of a training session or formal behavior.
Teaching this command helps your shepherd distinguish between work time and play time. Use it consistently after formal commands or training sessions to let them know they can return to normal activity.
Your dog will learn that good behavior during commanded activities leads to earned free time. This creates a balanced relationship where your shepherd knows when to be focused and when they can relax.
The beauty of this command is that it helps prevent your dog from becoming too rigid or stressed about maintaining perfect behavior all the time. It’s like giving them permission to take a mental break.
Take Home Message
Training your German Shepherd isn’t about perfection – it’s about building a strong, trusting relationship through clear communication. These five commands create a foundation for understanding between you and your dog, making daily life more harmonious and enjoyable. Remember that consistency and patience are key, and don’t forget to make training fun! Every small success is worth celebrating, and before you know it, you’ll have a well-behaved companion who truly understands you. Keep training sessions short, positive, and frequent, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your German Shepherd picks up these essential commands.
