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German Shepherd Puppy Training

Updated on April 29, 2013

German Shepherd Puppy Training

German Shepherds are wonderful loyal dogs, but it is extremely important to take plenty of time to train them from the day you bring them into your home!

My husband has been a proud owner of German Shepherds for over 20 years. Baron (in the photo) is the first German Shepherd we got together. I love the breed and have learnt quite a few great German Shepherd Puppy Training tips from my husband. In this article, I am sharing my husband's tips for training a well-balanced and obedient German Shepherd as well as our German Shepherd dog food recommendations and best products for flea and tick control, bathing, grooming, and cleaning up after your new puppy.

German Shepherd Puppy Training

Puppy Care

I remember the first day we brought Baron home - big lazy puppy that looked like a little Bear. I was so tempted to cuddle him and put him on my lap. That's when my husband (an experienced dog trainer) made the first rule clear - No dogs on the couch or any furniture.

The next few months were a lot of work for my husband and a lot of learning for me. My husband took Baron out for long walks (to keep his energy level down - and that helps with the training) and potty trained him. The potty training involved taking Baron out as soon as he was showing any signs of "pre-potty pattern" and pointing out any accidents and then taking him outside. My husband always remained calm but made sure that our puppy realized that he didn't do what he was supposed to. If we didn't catch Baron "doing it", we didn't punish him.

Another important part of the German Shepherd Puppy Training was Socializing. When he was little, we took him out in public and let him play with other dogs. We wanted Baron to be a good guard dog, but it was also important that he was ok with the people (and dogs) we knew.

"Obedience School" is also a must for puppies. When we went out for walks, my husband made sure that he or one of us was the leader, and Baron was the follower, and not the other way around. You have to learn to control the dog when he or she is still a puppy - so that the dog is not dragging you on the leash when it's over 100 pounds (that's how much Baron weighs now at 4 years old!). Baron turned out to be a very energetic and daring puppy. He was curious about everything around us, but my hubby corrected his behavior when we needed him to walk in a certain direction or follow instructions.

The coolest part of the training... My husband trained Baron to understand German commands. Like "Bleib" is "stay" or "Voraus" is "outside" - my husband and Baron learned German together. The reason for training in German? Strangers couldn't give any commands to Baron (well, unless they happen to be German...) and well, just to be different...

There are so many things you need to know when bringing home a new puppy! It is such a great responsibility to care for a German Shepherd, and you certainly have to do a lot to turn your puppy into a well-balanced, friendly, and safe Dog. Even with years of experience in dog training, my husband never stops learning. Cesar Millan is who my husband looks up to. In my opinion, there's no other person in the world that knows dogs better than Cesar Millan. I highly recommend that you read his books and watch his videos when training a new German Shepherd puppy or working on correcting your dog's behavior. You may also know Cesar as the "Dog Whisperer".

German Shepherd Puppy Training - Book and DVD Recommendations

I have watched most of Cesar Millan's "Dog Whisperer" episodes. Cesar loves German Shepherds and points out that people unfairly call German Shepherds an "agressive breed". German Shepherds are very intelligent, loyal, reliable, energetic and strong dogs. German Shepherds are more trainable and controllable then many other breeds. That's why German Shepherds are used in K-9 units (police department). Agressive behavior in a German Shepherd is a result of Handler's mistakes in raising the dog, and it is very unfair to blame agressive behavior on the breed. Cesar Millan is a big authority when it comes to raising a well-behaved and well-balanced dog. I highly recommend his books and DVDs.

You also may want to pick up the "Training Your German Shepherd Dog" by Dan Rice for breed-specific puppy training advice.

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."

-Josh Billings

Dog Food for German Shepherd Puppies

Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food, 30 lb. bag
Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food, 30 lb. bag
Every Dog breed is different with special nutrition needs. If you want to get your German Shepherd off to a good start, try this Royal Canin Dry Dog Food, specially formulated for German Shepherd Puppies.
 

German Shepherd Puppy Care Tips

There are several essential items you need to care for your German Shepherd. First of all, Frontline is a must have for any dog owner. Make sure your German Shepherd is well-protected from fleas and ticks! Although there are several products on the market that may give you an ok protection, Frontline has proven itself to millions of dog owners and is our first choice for our German Shepherd Baron.

FRONTLINE Plus for Dogs Flea and Tick Treatment (Large Dog, 45-88 lbs.) 6 Doses (Purple Box)
FRONTLINE Plus for Dogs Flea and Tick Treatment (Large Dog, 45-88 lbs.) 6 Doses (Purple Box)
You can buy 3 or 6 months supply. Also,be sure to purchase the right product for your dog's weight category.
 

Bathing and Grooming Your German Shepherd

I highly recommend Oatmeal Shampoo for your German Shepherd's sensitive Skin. Also, German shepherds do shed a lot, so a deShedding tool is very handy to keep around. Our Dog loves being brushed, and the house stays cleaner too :)

German Shepherd Itchy Skin Treatment

Several months ago, our German Shepherd started suffering from itchy skin. He would spend almost entire day and entire night itching. We ruled out food allergies by trying several different kinds of dog food. The combination of Lipiderm and the anti-itch shampoos worked for us!

Great vacuum for cleaning up after your German Shepherd

If you are in the market for a good vacuum cleaner, look no further! Hoover Windtunnel is one of the best vacuums you can find for vacuuming up pet hair. I did a lot of research before I bought our vacuum, but I have had a Hoover Windtunnel vacuum for 2 years, and I am yet to be disappointed in it. Every time we vacuum, all pet hair is gone in no time, and carpet looks new! I try to vacuum every other day (yes, our German Shepherd sheds pretty bad...), but it's so easy to use and clean, that vacuuming is really not that big of a chore.

Hoover UH70120 T-Series WindTunnel Rewind Plus Upright Vacuum Cleaner, with HEPA Media Filtration, Lightweight and Corded, Green
Hoover UH70120 T-Series WindTunnel Rewind Plus Upright Vacuum Cleaner, with HEPA Media Filtration, Lightweight and Corded, Green
If I could give this vacuum A++++++++++++, I would! I bought mine on Amazon, because they had the best deal I could find.
 

Baron used to look just like this puppy!

Great Gifts for a German Shepherd owner

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