German Shepherd Training
I wanted to write this article specifically about German Shepherd Training for one very important reason; I love them. They are my all time favorite breed. That said much of what I talk about here will apply to most breeds, specifically the larger breeds. When you are dealing with a large potentially aggressive breed it is extra important that you not only have their respect and trust, but that you know they will obey you. Proper training starts when your German Shepherd is young. You need to know how to train your German Shepherd puppy the right way if you want to have the happiest and most obedient dog. These tactics we will be talking about in this article will work both with puppies and full grown dogs.German Shepherd Aggressive Tenancies
All breeds of dogs can get aggressive, even the little ankle biter types. It is just that the larger they are the more potential damage they can cause. So it is important that you establish your self as the leader of their pack. Once you have done that two thirds of your battle is won. Then you just have to make sure you are consistent in your training with them. Whenever you see dogs who are perfectly behaved and obedient, it is because their masters are always training them and consistent in their requests.Training Away Excessive Barking
Whenever you have a house dog who barks a lot at noises it hears outside of the house or that it sees out the window, the dog is trying to alert the pack (you) to danger. At least that is what he is doing subconsciously and instinctively. If you have done everything you need to do to establish yourself as the leader of the pack, then when your dog barks you need to let them know that what they see or hear is not something to be concerned with.The best way is to walk over and look at what they are barking at so that they know that you see it, and then say something kind to them like "its okay" very calmly. Then turn your back to them and walk away as though it doesn't matter. Do this a couple of times until they get the message and stop barking. If you are consistent with this your dog will begin to learn not to be concerned if you, the leader of the pack are not concerned. If they ever keep barking then very gently and calmly lead them to a small room like a bathroom and put them in there until they completely calm down and stop barking. Then let them out.
In a wild dog pack the leader decides what the pack needs to be concerned with and pay attention to and what they don't. If you let your dog bark you are actually stressing your dog out because you are letting him be the leader for a moment. You are giving him mixed signals. If you yell at him your dog thinks that he is justified in barking because you are barking too. Try this method and be consistent at it and before you know it your dog will be much less stressed and more relaxed and will look to you for leadership in these areas. This is especially important with big dogs that you want to control the aggression of.
Well Balanced German Shepherds
Remember a well balanced well rounded German Shepherd will be comfortable around strange new people without feeling threatened. They will be friendly. If trained properly for protection they will also learn to recognize legitimate threats and only be aggressive when either commanded to by his master or if a real threat is present. Other than that he will be fun and a joy to be around. This comes from proper German Shepherd training on a consistent basis.Remember be an active German Shepherd owner. Get your dog out doing things and around people and children. Give him attention and make his life fun and worth living. That is a gift when given is returned to you in abundance. Don't be afraid to join local dog clubs and the like. This is a chance for you and your dog to socialize and learn.
