German shepherds require firm, but not harsh, discipline.
A German shepherd thrives on discipline. This is not to say it enjoys it, but this dog greatly enjoys the benefits of it: an established dominance order and the security of knowing exactly what is expected of it. When a German shepherd sees you as "pack leader," it is relieved of the stress of trying to assume that role itself. You will also be a happier dog owner, which increases the happiness of your dog.
Instructions
1. Discipline consistently. German shepherds are intelligent dogs; they will pick up on patterns, but only if a consistent pattern exists. If they receive discipline for an action one day and not the next, they will become confused and stressed.
2. Reprimand the dog firmly, but do not yell. German shepherds have acute hearing and are sensitive to differences in tonal quality. If you are consistent in your discipline, your dog will learn to recognize the displeasure in your tone as a sign that it has failed to please you.
3. Use a short, authoritative word or phrase, like "no," when correcting your dog, but never in conjunction with its name. Use this word consistently when correcting the dog so that it learns to recognize the word as a command.
4. Shake the dog gently by the scruff of the neck to stop serious behavioral problems, such as aggression toward other dogs, but never strike it. German shepherds associate striking with fear, not punishment, and may view you as socially inferior to themselves if they believe that you are afraid of them.
5. Refuse to give your German shepherd attention, affection, treats or freedom so long as it refuses to obey. For example, turn around, leave the room, refuse to pet it, withhold a treat or put the dog in its kennel if it repeatedly refuses to respond to your "no."
6. Discipline your dog at the moment of the offense. If you punish it hours or even minutes after the deed is done, your German shepherd will have forgotten what it did that displeased you.
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