german-shepherd-ballLove is always better than fear. Especially when you’re training your German Shepherd puppy.

It’s important that your GSD respects you, but that respect doesn’t have to come with a side of fear and intimidation. An intimidated GSD will act out in defence, instead of compliance.

With that in mind, here are a few tip on how to start training your German Shepherd.

Patience and Practise

As the trainer, you’ve got to expect hiccups. Messes will happen and things will break. That’s life. If you go into this experience with open eyes and an open heart, you’re going to have a lot more patience in the reserve tank when things may not be perfect.

Remember: It’s your attitude that will dictate the success for this training.

Repetition and Rewards

The first thing to understand is that good behavior has to be learned. You’re teaching the good habits that will ensure a long and loving relationship with your GSD puppy.

You need to reward your dog for good behavior, so they learn that’s the cause and effect for being good. Teach them to do things. Don’t just tell them to do things.

Some people will just aggressively tell the dog what to do, and get upset with it when it doesn’t happen.

Walking the Walk

A lot of people ask us how to get their young German Shepherd dog to stop pulling on the leash in all directions when they’re out for a walk. They marvel at these other well-behaved dogs in the parks and wonder, “How’d they do that?”

First of all, yanking to correct them isn’t going to do anything besides hurt the animal and sour your relationship.

When you feel your GSD veering away, stop where you are and wait for them to stop pulling. Don’t worry, they will. And when they stop, reward them for the good behavior. Then proceed with your walk.

You may think that stopping like that will take you a half an hour to walk a city block. But your puppy will pick up on this behavior fairly quickly if it’s done consistently and with love.

Invest in Professional Training

At the end of the day, it’s always a good idea to start building good habits under the helpful tutelage of a professional. Vom Issam Haus German Shepherds offers training in Ontario for all dog breeds in basic and advanced obedience.

We are committed to the rules and regulations set out by the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) in Germany. The SV established guidelines for good breeding over 100 years ago, standards we believe are essential to healthy and happy German shepherd puppies.

We’re located in Cookstown and we’re short a drive from Barrie or Toronto, but we have satisfied clients from all over the world.

Let’s talk! You can reach us by clicking here.