German Shepherds are smart, but that doesn’t mean they always do what you want. Stubbornness can be a challenge, especially when you’re trying to train or correct behavior. But fear not—there are proven techniques to turn that stubborn streak into cooperation.
These eight tips will amaze you with how effective they are at getting through to even the most hard-headed Shepherd. With a little patience and consistency, you’ll see positive changes in no time, and your dog will be back on track to being the perfect companion.
1. Understand the Root of Stubbornness
Before we jump into training techniques, it’s crucial to understand why your German Shepherd might be acting stubborn. Often, what we perceive as stubbornness is actually a sign of something else.
German Shepherds are working dogs by nature. They were bred to herd sheep and assist their human companions. This means they have a strong drive to work and a need for mental stimulation. When these needs aren’t met, they might appear stubborn or disobedient.
Another factor to consider is fear or anxiety. Sometimes, a German Shepherd may refuse to follow commands because they’re unsure or scared of a situation. This is especially common in rescue dogs or those who haven’t been properly socialized.
Lastly, health issues can manifest as stubbornness. If your usually obedient dog suddenly starts ignoring commands, it might be worth a trip to the vet to rule out any underlying health problems.
Understanding these potential causes will help you approach training with empathy and patience, setting the stage for success.
2. Establish Clear Leadership
German Shepherds thrive when they have a clear leader to follow. This doesn’t mean being harsh or domineering, but rather providing consistent guidance and boundaries.
Start by setting clear rules and sticking to them. If your dog isn’t allowed on the furniture, make sure everyone in the household enforces this rule consistently. Inconsistency can lead to confusion and, you guessed it, stubbornness.
Practice the “Nothing in Life is Free” method. This means your dog should earn their rewards through good behavior or following commands. For example, ask your dog to sit before putting down their food bowl or to lie down before throwing their favorite toy.
Remember, leadership isn’t about punishment. It’s about showing your dog that you’re a reliable source of guidance and that following your lead results in positive outcomes.
3. Make Training Fun and Rewarding
One of the best ways to overcome stubbornness is to make training so fun that your German Shepherd can’t resist participating. Think of it as turning training sessions into play sessions!
Use high-value treats that your dog doesn’t get at any other time. This could be small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or specially formulated training treats. The key is to find something your dog goes crazy for.
Incorporate toys and games into your training. Many German Shepherds love playing tug or fetch. Use these games as rewards for following commands. For example, ask for a “sit” before throwing the ball.
Keep training sessions short and sweet. Multiple 5-10 minute sessions throughout the day are often more effective than one long session. This helps keep your dog engaged and prevents boredom or frustration.
4. Practice Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in overcoming stubbornness. The idea is simple: reward the behaviors you want to see more of, and ignore or redirect the behaviors you don’t want.
When your German Shepherd follows a command or exhibits good behavior, immediately mark the moment with a clicker or a verbal cue like “Yes!” or “Good!” Then follow up with a treat or praise. This helps your dog associate the desired behavior with positive outcomes.
Avoid punishing your dog for not following commands. This can lead to fear or anxiety, which often manifests as more stubbornness. Instead, if your dog doesn’t respond to a command, simply withhold the reward and try again.
Remember to be patient. Learning takes time, and every dog progresses at their own pace. Celebrate small victories and keep building on them.
5. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation
A bored German Shepherd is often a stubborn German Shepherd. These intelligent dogs need plenty of mental and physical exercise to stay happy and cooperative.
Incorporate puzzle toys into your dog’s daily routine. These can be as simple as a Kong toy filled with treats or as complex as interactive puzzle games designed for dogs. This gives your pup a chance to problem-solve and work for rewards.
Regular exercise is crucial. Aim for at least an hour of physical activity each day. This can include walks, runs, playing fetch, or even agility training. A tired dog is usually a more compliant dog.
Try new activities together. This could be hiking new trails, learning scent work, or even practicing obedience in different environments. The novelty keeps things interesting for your dog and strengthens your bond.
6. Master the Art of Redirection
When your German Shepherd is fixated on something they shouldn’t be, sometimes the best approach is redirection rather than direct confrontation.
If your dog is stubbornly pulling towards something on a walk, instead of yanking them back, try suddenly changing direction and encouraging them to follow you with an excited voice. Make following you more interesting than whatever had caught their attention.
Use commands they know well to redirect their focus. If they’re stubbornly refusing to come inside, try asking for a “sit” or “down” instead. Once they comply, praise them and then try the “come” command again.
Always have a high-value treat or favorite toy on hand. Sometimes, the quickest way to break a stubborn standoff is to present something even more enticing.
7. Consistency is Key
Consistency might just be the most important factor in overcoming stubbornness in German Shepherds. These intelligent dogs quickly pick up on patterns and expectations.
Use the same commands and hand signals consistently. If you use “come” one day and “here” the next, it can lead to confusion and apparent stubbornness.
Ensure all family members are on the same page with training methods and rules. If one person allows jumping up while another discourages it, your dog will have a hard time understanding what’s expected.
Be consistent with your reactions too. If you sometimes laugh when your dog does something naughty and other times scold them for the same behavior, it sends mixed signals.
8. Seek Professional Help When Needed
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we need a little extra help. There’s no shame in seeking the assistance of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
A professional can offer personalized advice based on your specific situation and your dog’s individual personality. They might spot issues you’ve overlooked or suggest techniques you haven’t tried.
Group training classes can be beneficial too. They provide structured learning environments and opportunities for socialization, which can help reduce stubbornness rooted in fear or anxiety.
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows how committed you are to providing the best for your German Shepherd.
Take Home Message
Training a stubborn German Shepherd can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Remember, what we often perceive as stubbornness is usually just your intelligent, hardworking dog trying to communicate or fulfill their needs in the only way they know how.
By understanding your dog’s motivations, providing clear leadership, making training fun, using positive reinforcement, keeping them mentally and physically stimulated, mastering redirection, staying consistent, and not being afraid to seek help when needed, you can transform your relationship with your German Shepherd.
The key is patience, persistence, and a whole lot of love. Every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating. Before you know it, you and your German Shepherd will be working together as a dream team, with mutual understanding and respect.
So, the next time your German Shepherd gives you that classic “I’m listening, but I might not obey” look, take a deep breath, smile, and remember: with these tips in your toolkit, you’ve got this! Your journey together is just beginning, and the bond you’ll forge through patient, positive training will last a lifetime.