All dogs need to be handled differently while training them, and training a German Shepherd is considered the most difficult challenge. The necessary process can be learned quite easily and a dog can be very self-sufficient.
Although we tend to associate this breed with police and guard dogs, this is an extremely loyal and intelligent breed. Those that have been trained make excellent pets and are great with children.
A well-trained dog is always a better pet than an untrained animal and much easier to control. Here are some suggestions for reaching your German Shepherd puppy at that stage.
The Alpha dog will always be instinctively sought after by the German Shepherd. This instinct came in handy in their original roles when they were used to herding their owners’ sheep.
Being a strong authority figure for a puppy may seem difficult, but for training to be successful, you must assume the role of alpha. Your pup needs to know who’s boss.
Be the boss of your puppy, but never be a puppy and try to train him by physical means. A happy and full of life German Shepherd puppy can become a very disturbed adult dog due to his sensitivity.
Be firm and strong and don’t lose your temper when your pup is naughty, they all are and you should know it. They will soon learn who is boss if you are firm but fair, a change in your tone of voice will soon be all your dog needs to know that he has gone too far.
Ideally, you want mutual respect between you and your dog, and this is easily achieved by giving him praise when he deserves it. This makes them very eager to please and they will do anything you ask of them in return for the praise or treatment that makes them feel great.
