German shepherds can be trained to excel in a variety of roles.
Not only is the German shepherd one of the most popular purebred dog breeds as proven by the registration statistics of the American Kennel Club, it is also one of the most trainable. Whether he will be trained as a guard dog, police dog, search-and-rescue dog, seeing-eye dog, show dog or family dog, a German shepherd has the intelligence and temperament to excel in any role. It is the owner's responsibility to give the German shepherd the training that he needs to be a healthy, well-mannered dog.
Alpha Dog
German shepherds instinctively operate under a pecking order of leadership. As a result, the first step in training a German shepherd is to establish yourself as the alpha dog or leader of the pack. Doing so will earn a German shepherd's respect and ensure that he follows your commands. If you don't, a German shepherd will assume that he is the leader and you are his subordinate, making him less likely to follow your orders.
Socialization
An important part of training a German shepherd is to take her out to parks and other public places where she can experience people and learn to play with other dogs in a nonthreatening manner. German shepherds must be socialized as soon as possible to get them comfortable with other people and dogs. German shepherds who are not properly socialized can become skittish or overly aggressive. It's important to teach your dog the difference between dangerous situations and people and those that pose no threat to their family and home. Enroll a German shepherd puppy in a local puppy school as soon as possible to introduce him to other people and dogs. If your dog continues to display aggressive behavior, check your city for local obedience classes designed for aggressive dogs. Look for trainers who specialize in aggressive dogs.
Proper Training
Lack of or poor training can result in an overly aggressive German shepherd. Aggressive behavior should be reprimanded with a gentle shake of his neck, not through abuse or humiliation. German shepherds respond positively to rewards and encouragement. Reprimanding in an angry or humiliating way can cause German shepherds to shut down.
Tasks and Formal Training
Formal training plays an important role in shaping a dog's personality. By nature, German shepherds want to work and spend time with their masters. Training brings these two aspects together to create happy, well-mannered dogs. Owners that do not have time each day to work with their dogs need to bring them to specific training centers or hire independent trainers. Though dog training is a time and financial commitment, it's worthwhile. German shepherds are particularly intelligent. Without training, they can become bored, which manifests in mischievous and destructive behavior. German shepherds must be given consistent roles within the home and/or family structure to keep them intellectually stimulated and happy.
Importance of Exercise
German shepherds are extremely active and fit animals. They have incredible amounts of strength, stamina and energy. Daily exercise is a necessary component of developing healthy and happy dispositions in a German shepherd. Since they are also fiercely loyal and love to spend time with their masters, a daily walk or run that is strenuous enough to tax the musculature of this animal is an ideal way to accomplish this. German shepherds do well in a home with a large, fenced yard where he is free to run and play each day.
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