🎓 Does Your German Shepherd Know These 7 Basic (But Super Important) Commands?

These essential commands keep your German Shepherd safe, confident, and well behaved. If they’re missing even one, it’s never too late to teach it.

German Shepherds are magnificent creatures with the loyalty of a medieval knight and the energy of a caffeinated squirrel. Without proper training, though, that combination can turn your home into a disaster zone faster than you can say “who ate the couch?” The difference between a well-trained GSD and an untrained one is like the difference between a sports car and a shopping cart rolling down a hill.

These seven commands form the foundation of every well-behaved dog. They’re not optional extras or advanced tricks. They’re the basics that every German Shepherd needs to navigate the world safely and happily.

1. Sit

The sit command is basically the gateway drug to all other training. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it gives your German Shepherd a default behavior when they’re feeling overwhelmed or excited. Think of it as your dog’s “pause button.”

Why is this so crucial? Because a sitting dog isn’t jumping on Grandma, bolting out the door, or knocking over your toddler. This command creates a moment of calm and control in situations that might otherwise spiral into chaos. For a breed as energetic and enthusiastic as the German Shepherd, having this built-in brake system is invaluable.

Teaching sit is usually straightforward. Hold a treat near your dog’s nose, move it slowly backward over their head, and their bottom naturally drops. The moment it touches the ground, click (if you’re using a clicker) and reward. Repeat until your GSD associates the word “sit” with the action. Most German Shepherds pick this up within a few training sessions because they’re food motivated and eager to please.

This isn’t just about obedience. It’s about giving your dog a tool to self-regulate when the world gets too exciting or overwhelming.

2. Stay

If “sit” is the pause button, then stay is the extended freeze frame. This command keeps your German Shepherd in place until you release them, and it’s a genuine lifesaver. Picture this: you drop a glass in the kitchen, and shards go everywhere. A dog that knows “stay” will remain safely out of harm’s way while you clean up. A dog that doesn’t? They’re investigating the crunchy floor decorations with their paws and mouth.

The stay command requires patience from both you and your dog. Start small. Have your GSD sit, then take one step back. If they stay put, immediately return and reward. Gradually increase distance and duration, but never set your dog up to fail by pushing too fast. German Shepherds are sensitive souls beneath that tough exterior, and repeated failures can dampen their enthusiasm for training.

Common mistakes include standing directly in front of your dog (which is intimidating) or staring them down like you’re in a Western showdown. Instead, position yourself at an angle and keep your body language relaxed. Your goal is to build their confidence, not test their willpower.

3. Come

The recall command might be the most important skill your German Shepherd will ever learn. This is the command that brings them back when they spot a squirrel, prevents them from running into traffic, and ensures they return to you at the dog park instead of making friends with strangers indefinitely.

Here’s the brutal truth: a dog that doesn’t reliably come when called is a dog whose freedom is limited. They can’t enjoy off-leash hikes, beach runs, or the simple pleasure of exploring a safe, enclosed area. You’re stuck with a leash forever, not because you want to be, but because you have to be.

Training recall requires making yourself more interesting than everything else in the environment. Use high-value treats (we’re talking chicken, cheese, or whatever makes your dog lose their mind), practice in low-distraction environments first, and never call your dog to you for something unpleasant. If you need to trim their nails or give them a bath, go get them. Don’t burn your recall cue on negative experiences.

4. Down

The down command puts your German Shepherd in their most vulnerable position, which is why some dogs resist it initially. It’s not stubbornness; it’s instinct. A dog lying down can’t run from danger as quickly as a dog that’s sitting or standing. For your GSD to reliably go “down” on command, they need to trust you completely.

This position is incredibly useful for vet visits, grooming sessions, and those moments when you need your dog to be calm and settled. A German Shepherd in the down position is also less intimidating to nervous visitors, which matters when you own a breed that some people find scary (unfairly, but still).

Teaching down is similar to teaching sit. Start with your dog in a sitting position, hold a treat near their nose, and slowly move it straight down to the ground. Many dogs will follow the treat into a down position. If your GSD is struggling, you can lure them under a low obstacle like your outstretched leg. The moment their belly hits the floor, reward enthusiastically. German Shepherds respond brilliantly to positive reinforcement, so make success feel like winning the lottery.

5. Leave It

Leave it is the command that saves lives, destroys, and vet bills. This tells your German Shepherd to ignore whatever they’re fixating on, whether it’s dropped medication, a rotting squirrel carcass, another dog’s toy, or that mysterious “food” on the sidewalk that’s definitely been there since last Tuesday.

German Shepherds are curious and have strong prey drives. Without “leave it” in their vocabulary, they’re going to investigate everything with their mouths. That’s how dogs end up eating socks, swallowing sticks, or munching on things that lead to emergency surgery.

Start training by showing your dog a treat in your closed fist. They’ll probably lick, paw, and nose at your hand. Ignore all of it. The instant they back off, even slightly, say “yes!” and reward them with a different treat from your other hand. You’re teaching them that ignoring what they want actually gets them what they want. It’s counterintuitive for dogs, but German Shepherds are smart enough to figure it out quickly.

The power of “leave it” extends beyond physical objects. It teaches impulse control, a skill that translates to every aspect of your dog’s life.

6. Heel

A German Shepherd that pulls on the leash isn’t just annoying; they’re a legitimate safety hazard. These are strong dogs, and when they hit the end of the leash at full enthusiasm, they can yank you off your feet. Heel teaches your dog to walk politely beside you, matching your pace instead of treating every walk like a sled dog competition.

Walking nicely on a leash is actually a complex skill. Your dog needs to pay attention to your movements, resist every distraction in the environment, and ignore their natural inclination to explore at their own speed. For a breed as energetic as the German Shepherd, this takes serious practice.

Use the “stop and go” method. Every time your dog pulls, stop walking immediately. Don’t move an inch until the leash goes slack. When they look back at you or return to your side, praise them and continue walking. Yes, your first few walks will be painfully slow. You might cover 20 feet in 15 minutes. But consistency pays off, and German Shepherds learn patterns quickly.

7. Wait

People often confuse wait with stay, but they serve different purposes. “Stay” means “don’t move until I release you,” while “wait” means “pause here briefly until you get permission to proceed.” It’s the difference between parking your car and stopping at a red light.

Use “wait” at doorways, before getting out of the car, and before meals. It teaches your German Shepherd that good things come to those who have impulse control. This command prevents door dashing (a common and dangerous behavior), keeps them from leaping out of the car into traffic, and establishes you as the decision maker.

Training wait is straightforward. Before opening any door, tell your dog to wait. If they try to push through, close the door and try again. When they hold position, even for a second, open the door slightly. If they stay put, open it fully and then release them with an “okay!” or whatever release word you prefer. German Shepherds respect structure and boundaries, so they typically embrace this command once they understand the pattern.

The Big Picture

Here’s what these seven commands really do: they give your German Shepherd a framework for navigating the world. They’re not about domination or making your dog into a robot. They’re about communication. When your GSD understands these commands, they know what you expect from them. That clarity reduces anxiety, builds confidence, and strengthens your bond.

Training takes time. German Shepherds are intelligent, but intelligence doesn’t equal instant obedience. They need repetition, consistency, and patience. The good news? These dogs are built for training. They thrive on having jobs to do and problems to solve. Teaching them these commands isn’t a burden; it’s enrichment.

Start today. Pick one command and spend five minutes practicing. Tomorrow, add another five-minute session. Within weeks, you’ll have a dog that’s not just well-behaved but genuinely happier because they understand what you’re asking of them.

Training isn’t something you do TO your dog. It’s something you do WITH them, building a shared language one command at a time.

Your German Shepherd has the potential to be an amazing companion. These seven commands unlock that potential and transform your relationship from chaotic to collaborative. And honestly? That’s worth way more than any trick they could learn.