These essential commands build safety, trust, and communication every German Shepherd needs for a well balanced life.
Owning a German Shepherd without training them properly is like having a sports car with no brakes. Sure, they’re powerful and impressive, but things can get dicey pretty fast! These dogs were bred to work, think, and problem-solve, so they need mental stimulation and structure to thrive.
The good news? German Shepherds are eager students who genuinely want to please their humans. With the right approach and consistency, your GSD will pick up these crucial commands faster than you can say “good boy!” Get ready to transform your intelligent furball into the obedient companion of your dreams.
1. Sit: The Gateway Command
If obedience training were a video game, “sit” would absolutely be the first level. This command serves as the foundation for practically everything else your German Shepherd will learn. It’s simple, effective, and incredibly useful in countless daily scenarios.
Why it matters: Teaching your GSD to sit on command gives you instant control in situations that might otherwise spiral. About to bolt out the door? Sit. Getting too excited greeting visitors? Sit. Begging at the dinner table? You guessed it – sit.
Start training this command early, ideally when your German Shepherd is still a puppy. Hold a treat close to their nose, then slowly move your hand up and back over their head. Their bottom will naturally lower as they follow the treat. The moment their rear touches the ground, say “sit” clearly, give them the treat, and shower them with praise. Repeat this process until they associate the word with the action.
The beauty of “sit” lies in its versatility. It’s not just a trick; it’s a pause button for your dog’s excitement and energy.
Practice in different locations with varying levels of distraction. Your living room is easy mode; a busy park is the boss level. German Shepherds are smart enough to learn that “sit” means the same thing everywhere, but they need practice to generalize the command.
2. Stay: Building Impulse Control
Once your German Shepherd has mastered sitting, “stay” becomes the natural next step. This command teaches patience and self-control, two qualities that don’t always come naturally to these energetic, driven dogs.
Begin with your dog in a sitting position. Hold your palm out in front of you like a stop sign and say “stay” in a calm, firm voice. Take one small step backward. If your dog remains in place for just a few seconds, immediately return to them (don’t call them to you!) and reward generously.
The key here is gradual progression. Increase the duration by just a few seconds at a time. Then work on distance, moving further away before returning. Finally, add distractions like toys, other people, or sounds. This process requires patience, but German Shepherds excel at it once they understand what you want.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Increasing distance and duration simultaneously (too much, too fast!)
- Calling your dog to you, which releases the stay
- Getting frustrated when they break the stay (they’re still learning!)
3. Come (Recall): The Lifesaver
Let’s talk about the command that could literally save your German Shepherd’s life. A reliable recall means your dog will return to you immediately, even when distracted by squirrels, other dogs, or whatever fascinating smell just caught their attention.
| Training Stage | Environment | Distraction Level | Success Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Indoors, quiet room | Minimal | Comes 8/10 times |
| Intermediate | Fenced yard | Moderate (toys present) | Comes 7/10 times |
| Advanced | Park with long line | High (people, dogs, wildlife) | Comes 9/10 times |
| Expert | Off-leash approved areas | Variable | Comes every time |
Start training recall in a boring, enclosed space where your dog has no choice but to succeed. Get down to their level, be wildly enthusiastic, and make coming to you the best possible experience. Use high-value treats (think chicken or cheese, not boring kibble).
Never, and I mean never, call your dog to you for something they perceive as negative. Don’t recall them to give medicine, end playtime, or scold them. Coming to you should always equal good things, period.
Your recall command should trigger an automatic response: “My human called, and I need to go NOW.” Nothing else should matter in that moment.
Practice this command constantly, even when you don’t need it. Random recalls during walks, playtime in the yard, or while they’re sniffing around the house keep the command sharp and reliable.
4. Down: More Than Just Lying Down
The “down” command puts your German Shepherd in their most vulnerable position, which means it requires trust and submission. This makes it one of the more challenging commands, but also one of the most valuable for managing your dog in various situations.
Teaching “down” works best when starting from a sit position. Hold a treat in your closed fist and lower it slowly to the ground between their front paws. Your dog’s nose will follow, and their elbows should touch the ground as they try to get the treat. Say “down” as they achieve the position, then reward immediately.
Some German Shepherds resist this command because it feels submissive. If yours is stubborn about it, try using a treat to lure them under a low obstacle like a coffee table or your bent leg. They’ll have to lie down to fit underneath, creating an opportunity to reward the behavior.
5. Leave It: Impulse Control on Steroids
“Leave it” might just be the most underrated command in your training arsenal. It tells your German Shepherd to ignore something they desperately want, whether that’s a dropped pill, roadkill on a walk, or your cat’s food bowl.
Start by placing a treat in your closed fist. Your dog will sniff, lick, and paw at your hand. Ignore all these behaviors completely. The instant they back off or look away, say “leave it,” open your other hand, and give them a different treat. You’re teaching them that ignoring one thing gets them something better.
Progress to placing treats on the floor while your dog is in a stay position. Cover the treat with your foot if they lunge for it. Only reward when they make eye contact with you instead of fixating on the forbidden treat. This builds incredible self-control.
Real-world applications:
- Preventing your dog from eating something toxic
- Stopping them from picking up trash on walks
- Teaching them to ignore the neighbor’s cat
- Keeping them from snatching food off counters
6. Heel: Walking Like a Partnership
Walking a German Shepherd who pulls like a freight train is nobody’s idea of fun. “Heel” transforms your walks from an arm-wrenching ordeal into a pleasant stroll where your dog stays calmly by your side.
This command means your dog walks with their shoulder roughly aligned with your knee, paying attention to your pace and direction changes. It’s different from just “not pulling,” it requires active engagement and focus from your GSD.
Begin practicing in your home or yard without distractions. Hold treats at your side, and when your dog is in the correct position, mark it with “yes!” and reward. Take a few steps, and if they stay in position, reward again. Gradually increase the number of steps between rewards.
Use directional changes to keep your German Shepherd engaged. Turn randomly, and reward when they adjust to stay with you. This teaches them to pay attention rather than just mindlessly walking beside you.
Heeling isn’t about dominance; it’s about cooperation. You’re teaching your dog to work with you as a team.
7. Wait: The Patience Builder
While “stay” means “don’t move until I release you,” “wait” is more like “pause briefly until given permission to proceed.” This subtle difference makes “wait” perfect for doorways, car exits, and food bowls.
Teaching “wait” at doorways is straightforward and practical. With your dog on leash, approach a door. As you reach for the handle, say “wait.” If your dog surges forward, simply close the door (gently!) and try again. Only open the door when they’re calm and holding position.
The release is crucial. Use a specific word like “okay” or “free” to signal that waiting is over. This prevents your dog from releasing themselves whenever they feel like it.
Practice opportunities:
- Before exiting any door
- Before getting out of the car
- Before being released to their food bowl
- Before being allowed off leash
8. Drop It: Crisis Management
“Drop it” is your emergency override when your German Shepherd has something in their mouth they absolutely shouldn’t. Unlike “leave it” (which prevents them from taking something), “drop it” makes them release what they’ve already grabbed.
Start with low-value items during training. Let your dog take a toy, then offer a high-value treat right by their nose. Most dogs will drop the toy to take the treat. As they open their mouth, say “drop it” and immediately give the treat. Practice with progressively more valuable items.
Make dropping things rewarding enough that your dog wants to do it. If they think dropping their prize means losing it forever, they’ll run away or gulp it down faster. Trade with them, and often give the original item back after they drop it.
9. Place (Go to Your Bed): The Calm Button
“Place” sends your German Shepherd to a specific spot (usually a mat or bed) where they remain until released. This command is pure gold when you have visitors, need to answer the door, or just want your dog to settle down for a while.
Choose a designated mat or bed that will always serve as their “place.” Lead them to it with a treat, and once all four paws are on it, reward generously. Gradually add duration, starting with just seconds and building up to minutes.
The beauty of “place” is that it gives your dog a job (staying on their spot) while giving you peace of mind. It’s especially helpful for German Shepherds who struggle with over-excitement or protective behaviors around the door.
Final Training Tips
Consistency beats intensity every single time. Five minutes of training twice daily will yield better results than an hour-long marathon session once a week. German Shepherds thrive on routine and clear expectations.
Keep training sessions fun and upbeat. Your energy directly influences your dog’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn. End each session on a high note with a command they’ve already mastered, ensuring they finish feeling successful.
Remember that training never truly ends. These commands need regular reinforcement throughout your German Shepherd’s life. The bond you build through this process? That’s the real reward, and it’s absolutely priceless.
