Bladdaow!

German shepherds are working dogs. They need plenty of stimulation… mental and physical. It is important to give them clear boundaries, otherwise they become bored and destructive.

Training German Shepherds involves getting them to respond to specific demands. To do this, they must be given clear signals.

Woolly or confused language is no good. The secret is not to carry on some sort of vague conversation with the animal being trained but to use just one or two words whose meaning he will quickly learn to understand and react to.

Consistency is an important part of the training regime. So is praise. Training your dog is absolutely essential in order for him to grow up to be a well-balanced, well-behaved member of the family.

Microchipping is also important.

A little story from the website About Your Dog serves to emphasise this. When Sinbad, the German Shepherd puppy, was stolen recently, the thieves sold him on to a family who had no idea he had been stolen. However, when Sinbad’s new owners took him to the vet for a check up, the vet scanned him and discovered that he was chipped and registered to Manchester Dogs’ Home.

The Dogs’ Home contacted the rightful owners and he was returned safe and sound.

Fortunately, Sinbad is none the worse for his experience. Apparently, he is currently being trained by his owners’ older German Shepherd dog, Lincoln. So all is well.

German Shepherds are strong, muscular dogs. While it is good to have an older animal in the family training a younger one, the importance of owners taking on the responsibility cannot be over-emphasised.

Sinbad and Lincoln’s owners have only ever wanted the best for their dogs, and that is exactly what they will get in return. Two loyal, obedient and beautifully-behaved dogs.

There are many dog-training couses currently available throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere. It is important to check them out in advance, preferably in the company of your dog, and decide on the one that concentrates on positive methods of training, with plenty of praise.