The German Shepherd is an amazingly smart and beautiful animal. Such a dog will become a true friend, protector, hunter and guard for the owner. However, most of these skills do not appear on the dog by themselves. Training a German Shepherd puppy is an important step in raising a pet.
You need to understand that this animal reaches a large size. Accordingly, if you do not devote sufficient time to raising a cute puppy, this can be fraught with negative consequences. These animals rarely attack humans, as they are distinguished by high devotion and intelligence. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to train a German shepherd puppy at home. However, it is worth approaching this issue in all seriousness. If a person is not ready for such exercises, then it is better to consult a specialist.
From what age can you start training for basic teams
The child receives his first life lessons already at the moment when he appeared in a new house. He should have his own place, a bowl and toys. Also, the animal should get acquainted with all the household and other animals, in relation to which the puppy should not behave aggressively.
The young pet requires maximum attention in the period from 2 to 5 months. However, the first German Shepherd puppy training starts at 6 weeks. During this period, the dog must learn to obey the owner. From this moment begins the diligent preparation of the baby for adulthood.
At this stage, it is important not only to instill in the animal the rules of behavior in the house, but also to teach him how to communicate with other animals on the street. The shepherd should not conflict with other dogs, run after cats and even more so rush at people.
Also, from the first weeks of life, the puppy begins the period of identification, when he begins to distinguish "friends" from "strangers". This type of exercise is very difficult. Therefore, it is better to sign up for German Shepherd puppy training lessons or entrust the baby to a specialist. It is very important that the animal clearly understands who is the family for him and who should not take a treat from his hands.
The main principles of training
First of all, you need to know that the animal grows up in several stages. For several weeks after birth, the baby needs only good sleep, warmth and food. The transitional stage begins in the third week of life, when the puppy stops eating mother’s milk and takes the first steps into the new world. It is at this moment that the dog’s personality is formed.
Immediately after this, the sealing stage begins. It can last from 4 to 7 weeks. It is at this age that you can begin the initial training of a German Shepherd puppy. During this period, it is necessary to teach him the basics of obedience. You can also start learning the simplest commands. At this stage, the baby establishes an inextricable relationship with the owner, which will only be strengthened during classes.
The next stage is called the socialization of the animal. This period begins at the age of 7 to 10 weeks. At this time, the animal is highly trained. In addition to the main commands, the dog can perform more complex tasks. As a rule, this period was marked by a more serious beginning of the training of a German Shepherd puppy.
It is also worth noting that experts recommend taking a young pet at least 8 months old. This is because it is during this period that the puppy is actively trained, he gets used to the person and begins to perceive him as the leader of his pack. If you miss this moment, then subsequent classes with the dog will not be so productive.
On the 13th week, the stage of formation of the hierarchy begins. During this period, the dog already clearly understands that it is the head of the family, whom it should protect and obey. By five months, the animal has fully formed consciousness, and it goes into adolescence. At this stage, professional training lessons for German Shepherd puppies will be required, so home schooling is stopped and the work of a specialist dog handler begins.
It is also worth knowing some information about this unusual animal. This will help to understand some of the features of training.
Unconditioned reflexes
This concept means that each dog is distinguished by its own behavioral characteristics, which are inherited. These standard reflexes include the ability to defend oneself. In this case, the self-defense reflex can be both active and passive.
The most important reflex that many people use when training dogs is food. From the very first day of life, the animal needs food. That is why the feeding and training of German Shepherd puppies is inextricably linked. Thanks to delicious rewards, the dog remembers the commands better, as it develops a persistent reflex. Therefore, she is better obeyed by the owner.
Among instinctive reflexes, the instinct of reproduction can also be distinguished. However, during training it will be of little help.
Also, in some animals, mimetic, flocking, watchdog and maternal reflexes are more pronounced.
The most difficult upbringing and training of a German shepherd puppy is when it comes to a more aggressive animal. In this case, we are talking about a pronounced defensive effect. It is better to train such pets with the help of specialists.
Conditioned reflexes
If we talk about reactions of this type, then they are acquired by the animal throughout its existence. With the correct training of a German Shepherd puppy, you can adjust the pet's behavior and instill the necessary skills in it.
There are also natural conditioned reflexes. They are produced in the animal in the presence of one or another stimulus. For example, from the smell of food. These reflexes are best fixed in the mind of the pet.
In addition, there are conditioned artificial reflexes. These include the educational process of the puppy itself.
It is worth remembering that, developing a particular reflex in a baby, you need to constantly improve it so that the pet does not lose the acquired early skill.
The acquired reflex of a conditioned type can very easily disappear. For example, if the owner trained the dog “Next!” and at the same time spoiled a German shepherd puppy with a treat during training. Of course, the animal will be happy to complete the task, but if you abruptly stop giving the baby treats, he will lose any interest in fulfilling the assigned tasks. Therefore, it is important to accustom him to the team and without the availability of rewards.
Training
If we talk about where to start training a German Shepherd puppy, then first of all you need to understand that the baby needs to go through the process of socialization. Therefore, it is important that the animal correctly adapts to be near the person and in a new environment for him.
Any lessons will be wasted if the puppy does not treat the owner as the head of the family. Therefore, you need to show him exactly what place he occupies in the hierarchy. For example, if the dog jumped onto the sofa, you need to use gentle movements, but strictly speaking with the pet, drive him away. In this case, the baby will quickly understand who dominates the family, and will surely accept these rules of the game. Therefore, do not be touched by all the actions of the baby, in the future this can lead to serious problems.
German Shepherd puppy training at 2 months
At this stage of his life, the baby wants to play as much as possible, so in this form he will be much better at perceiving information. First of all, it is necessary to develop a reaction in the baby to his nickname. It is worth noting that dogs of this breed very quickly remember their name. Therefore, at the stage of training a puppy of a German shepherd in 2 months, problems should not arise.
So that the puppy begins to respond to the nickname, at the moment when he will eat, you need to start stroking the baby and constantly repeat his name. Due to the fact that he compares the set of sounds with a pleasant process of eating food, he will quickly remember his name.
It is also worth considering that training a German Shepherd puppy at 3 months and earlier can hardly be called "academic", so you should not expect much from a pet. Better not to overdo it, but wait a bit.
We train a shepherd puppy at 4 months
At this stage in the life of the baby, you need to start teaching him the team "Come to me!". However, shy puppies do not always readily run to the owner on the first call, so it is important to remember about the promotion. If the baby coped with the task, it is imperative to give him something tasty.
It is also worth remembering that there should not be any penalties for not fulfilling commands. The only exception is the “Fu!” Team. Young dogs are all pulled in their mouths, so the baby must clearly respond to this order. In order to train the puppy to the team, you must shout "Fu!" and slap him very quietly if the fidget began to nibble on slippers or something incomprehensible that he picked up on the street. However, it is impossible to use strong physical force in any case.
Training a German Shepherd puppy at 4 months old includes the “Place!” Command. To accustom the baby to her, you need to choose a warm place in the house and lay the litter there. After that, it is necessary to put the puppy there, constantly saying: “Place”. After that, the baby is treated to delicious treats. After some time, the puppy will begin to compare the sound signal, litter and refreshments, which will wait for him if he goes in the right direction.
Many want to train a dog to the Voice! Command. Experts do not believe that this is an urgent need, but if it is a shepherd, it’s worth it to spend some time and teach the puppy this word. Go to it is only after the baby has already learned how to perform simple commands. Any quiet place is suitable for training. It is better to alternate the house and the street so that the animal better assimilates the material. It should be noted that these workouts are the longest. You will have to do at least 1 hour daily for several weeks. In this case, you need to wait until the puppy starts to bark or turn on the appropriate sound on the tape recorder. During playback, you need to repeat the command. When the baby begins to do it on her own, do not forget to encourage him with something tasty and give praise.
Dog training over 4 months
As a rule, by this age the animal already correctly responds to commands and obeys its owner, so you can move on to more complex tasks. For example, you can teach your pet the commands “Lie!”, “Walk!”, “Sit!” and many others.
The principle of training a German Shepherd puppy at home remains unchanged. As soon as the baby correctly executes the command, he should receive a treat. If we talk about fulfilling the conditions without rewards, then they usually go to this stage of training with older dogs.
If we are talking about an inexperienced puppy, then after 4 months he should be next to his master and immediately execute his commands. However, some prefer to complicate the task. For example, if the owner says "Take a walk!" the dog should only throw its head up, and not start scampering around the apartment with a joyful bark. She is allowed to approach the door only after the additional command “It is possible!”. Thus, endurance training takes place.
Also, starting from 4 months, you can teach your baby to overcome obstacles, but too large slides should not be chosen. You need to understand that the puppy's body has not yet fully formed, so do not risk it.
What a German shepherd can do
First of all, it is worth saying that this breed is best amenable to training. However, training a German Shepherd puppy at home implies instilling only basic skills. The animal may well cope with more serious tasks, but such training can only be trusted by an experienced dog handler. If the owner incorrectly teaches the dog, for example, the command “Fas!”, This can lead to serious consequences.
It is worth noting that shepherds are wonderful watchmen. However, in order for an animal to begin to protect its owner, it must adequately respond to received commands. Only specialists can handle this.
The excellent sense of smell of dogs can also be noted. They are able to find people by smell, which some intelligence agencies have successfully used.
Tips for Beginner Dog Breeders
First of all, you need to understand that classes should be consistent. Therefore, it is important to consider at what age the training of a German Shepherd puppy is most effective. Of course, at home it is much more difficult to teach a baby to obedience. Especially when all households and without any training constantly pamper him with goodies.
It is very important to remember that the puppy must be raised in severity. If he does not see the severity of the owner, he will not identify him with the head of the family. The best way to achieve the required level of obedience is to contact professionals. However, you can teach your dog to obey yourself.
After the training of a German Shepherd puppy begins, in no case should the animal be allowed to dominate itself even for a split second. If the pet becomes annoyed and runs away from training, then it is impossible to achieve a good result. However, along with severity, physical force cannot be used as a punishment for a pet. He must understand the intonation of the voice. If you engage in assault, you can instill in the pet cowardice. In some cases, the animal will begin to snap, which is also very bad.
Features of training a German shepherd
Some owners of these smart puppies believe that training is not a prerequisite. However, you need to understand that a large animal without appropriate training can turn into a cowardly and stupid member of the family, who can not come to the rescue in a critical situation.
In addition, if you do not start accustoming the little puppy to the simplest teams, then at a more mature age he will allow himself anything. However, it will not be so funny when a 40-pound pet decides that he wants to sleep on the bed.
Do not underestimate the shepherd. These are the smartest animals that have developed intelligence. If you do not instill strict rules of life on him, then a cute puppy will turn into a capricious dog who does not want to reckon with the opinion of his master.
During training, you need to keep eye contact with the animal. It should distinguish well when its owner is pleased and when angry.
The upbringing of the baby should be started immediately after his appearance in the house. First of all, it is necessary to explain to him what he can do and what he absolutely cannot. After that, you can smoothly move on to more complex teams. At the same time, experts do not recommend too long workouts. The dog may become less interested in the process. 10-15 a day is enough. At the same time, it is not worth working out many teams at once. Actions must be consistent.
Some mistakenly believe that three-month-old puppies are still too stupid to start training. Therefore, they begin classes only after 8 months. This is a huge mistake, because by this age the dog is already fully formed. Because of this, it will be very difficult to train her in teams. At a younger age, babies absorb new information, as do young children. The only difference is that at the age of 2-4 months, training is carried out in a playful way. When the puppy grows up, you can proceed to a more serious preparation. However, by this period, he will have the necessary skills and he will be more obedient to complete tasks.
If classes are held at special training sites, then in this case, weather conditions must be taken into account. You also need to be prepared for the fact that other animals will meet the puppy in such places. Therefore, you need to make sure that he is able to calmly respond to his brothers. It is also necessary to carry out the necessary vaccination so that the puppy does not catch a virus or other infection.
If you decide to contact a specialist, you should first read reviews about him. Some trainers do not cope with their tasks and turn a noble shepherd into a completely uncontrolled animal that behaves extremely aggressively. It should be borne in mind that when developing protective reflexes, the owner of the pet must be present in the classroom.