Training and disciplining a German Shepherd puppy can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. You can teach your pup how to behave in the home and public with patience and consistency.
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strength. They make great family pets because of their protective nature. But just like any other dog breed, they need training from an early age to learn proper behavior around humans and other animals.
In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of teaching your German Shepherd puppy discipline so that they grow up into happy and healthy dogs who know how to behave properly at all times. We’ll also look at common mistakes owners make when trying to train their puppies so that you can avoid them yourself!
So, is it easy to discipline a German Shepherd puppy?
To successfully discipline a German Shepherd puppy, it’s important to set clear boundaries and establish yourself as the leader. A consistent routine is essential in providing structure and reinforcing desired behaviors. Further, positive reinforcement training will go a long way toward encouraging positive behaviors while discouraging negative ones.
Start the training process early and be prepared to commit time and energy to it. Puppies learn best when praised for good behavior, so use positive reinforcement whenever possible. Redirecting their attention away from undesired activities is also key in teaching them what not to do.
Without clear instructions, you and your German Shepherd puppy can get easily confused during the discipline routine. That's why we create this ultimate guide to help you and your pup become a fantastic duo!
So, if you're ready to become a responsible dog owner and discipline your German Shepherd puppy, and yourself, this article is for you!
"Owning a dog is a privilege that comes with great responsibility, including discipline and responsibility."
What is the first thing to teach a German Shepherd puppy?
The first thing to teach a German Shepherd puppy is to set clear boundaries and be the leader. Establish a consistent routine and use positive reinforcement when teaching them desired behaviors.
Ensure the puppy understands the consequences of undesired behavior and redirects their attention away. Be patient, persistent, and consistent when training your pup, and praise them for obeying commands correctly.
When teaching a German Shepherd puppy, it's important to remember that they are intelligent, loyal, and strong-willed dogs. They need clear instructions and consistent guidance to understand how to act in various situations.
The first thing to teach a German Shepherd puppy is to establish boundaries with humans and other animals. This includes teaching them basic commands (like sit and stay) and how to interact with other dogs, cats, and people. Positive reinforcement and redirection can help your pup learn these things quickly.
It's also important to teach your German Shepherd puppy proper behavior in public settings. This includes walking on a leash, not barking at strangers, or jumping on people. Again, positive reinforcement and redirection are important here, as well as setting clear expectations for your pup's behavior in public settings.
With patience, consistency, and much love, you can teach your German Shepherd puppy the basics of behaving in all situations. By taking these steps now, you'll be setting your pup up for success in the future!
But what if you're begging and don't know where to start?
If you need help training or disciplining your German Shepherd puppy, contact a professional dog trainer to get started. They can provide personalized tips and advice tailored to your pup's needs. You and your German Shepherd puppy can grow into an amazing team with the right guidance!
How to discipline a German Shepherd puppy in an effective way
There is a ton of different training and discipline methods. Some are more effective, and some are less effective. Some training methods are even worse and can hurt your German Shepherd puppy.
When disciplining a German Shepherd puppy, always stay calm and consistent. Providing positive reinforcement for desired behaviors is the best way to prevent bad behavior. If a pup does something wrong, redirect them away from the undesired activity with a firm “no” or other commands.
It’s also important to be clear and concise when giving instructions. If a pup does something wrong, don’t make them guess why they are being scolded. Explain what was wrong straightforwardly so the pup can learn from their mistake.
Never use physical punishment on your German Shepherd puppy or any other dog. Hitting or kicking a pup is not only cruel and inhumane, but it can also be dangerous for you and the pup.
If you want to discipline a German Shepherd puppy most effectively, here are some things that you may consider applying to your training routine:
1. Establish consistent boundaries and routines: It's important to remain patient and consistent when establishing consistent boundaries and routines for your German Shepherd puppy. Start by setting clear expectations for the pup's behavior in different situations, such as walking on a leash, interacting with other animals and people, and responding to commands.
Ensure the pup understands the consequences of undesired behavior while providing positive reinforcement for complying with commands.
2. Use positive reinforcement when teaching desired behaviors: One of the most effective ways to teach desired behaviors to a German Shepherd puppy is through positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement is a type of reward-based training that relies on giving rewards for desired behavior and ignoring undesired behaviors. Rewards can come in many forms, such as verbal praise, treats, toys, or other forms of affection.
It's important to remain consistent and reward desirable behavior immediately, as the pup will learn quickly when the reward is given quickly after good behavior. When giving rewards, use high-value treats for your dog, such as small pieces of chicken or cheese.
3. Be patient, persistent, and consistent when training your pup: When training a German Shepherd puppy, it's important to be patient, persistent, and consistent. It can take time for a pup to learn desired behaviors, so you have to be prepared to give commands times before the pup responds
Also, ensure that all family members are given the same commands and respond the same way when the pup does something wrong. Consistency is key when disciplining and training your German Shepherd puppy.
4. Explain what your pup did wrong so they can learn from their mistake: When a pup does something wrong, it’s important to explain why it was the wrong behavior so they can learn from their mistake. Explain what happened and how it was unacceptable in a calm, firm voice.
Depending on the pup’s level of understanding, this explanation can range from simple commands (for example, “no”) to more complicated explanations. It’s important to remain consistent in your response and follow through with commands.
Following these tips will help you ensure that your German Shepherd puppy understands the boundaries of their behavior and learns desired behaviors quickly.
5. Praise them for obeying commands correctly and encourage the process of learning new behaviors or skills: When training a German Shepherd puppy, it's important to reward them for obeying commands correctly and encourage the process of learning new behaviors or skills.
Praising your pup when they understand and follow commands is an effective way to reinforce positive behavior. Verbal praise should be given immediately and enthusiastically after the pup performs a desired behavior. Further, you can reward them as a treat, toy, or affection.
6. Redirect their attention away from undesired behaviors with a firm “no” or other commands when needed without harsh or physically punishing them: Redirecting a German Shepherd puppy away from undesired behaviors is an important part of effective training. When redirecting the pup, it's important to remain firm yet gentle without harsh or physically punishing them.
Starting with a simple “no” is often enough to redirect their attention away from the undesired behavior. If the pup misbehaves, use a more firm command such as “stop” or “leave it.” It's important to remain consistent in your response and follow through with commands.
7. Ensure that rewards are given at the right time (immediately after completing tasks): When rewarding your German Shepherd puppy for completing tasks, it's important to do so immediately after they have finished the task. This helps reinforce the desired behavior and lets your pup know they are rewarded for doing something correctly.
Rewards should be given in treats, toys, verbal praise, or other forms of affection. High-value treats, such as small pieces of chicken, cheese, or hot dogs, should be used for rewards. It's important to remain consistent in the rewards you give your pup and not give them too many treats or rewards at once, as this can lead to an overindulged pup that doesn't understand limits.
8. Give clear instructions and be concise in your expectations for behavior inside and outside in public settings: When training a German Shepherd puppy, it's important to give clear instructions and be concise in your expectations for behavior inside and outside in public settings.
Inside the home, provide consistent commands when requesting obedience from your pup, such as "sit", "stay", or "come." It's also important to ensure everyone uses the same commands so your pup understands the expected behavior.
Outside of public settings, it's important to have clear expectations for your pup’s behavior and ensure they understand what you expect. Be consistent with commands and rewards, and provide positive reinforcement when appropriate. Your German Shepherd puppy should know they must remain calm, focused, and obedient in all public settings.
9. Set realistic goals that fit into practice sessions lasting no more than 10-15 minutes per session: Setting realistic and achievable goals for your German Shepherd puppy is key to successful training. Practice sessions should be limited to 10-15 minutes to ensure your pup doesn’t lose focus or become bored.
It’s important to remember that puppies have short attention spans, so try to keep the practice sessions interesting, fun, and rewarding. If your pup struggles with a particular task or skill, it’s best to take a break and try again in another session.
10. If help is needed, contact a professional dog trainer who can provide personalized tips and advice tailored to your pup's needs: Consulting a professional dog trainer can be an invaluable source of help when training a German Shepherd puppy. Professional trainers can provide personalized tips and advice tailored to the individual needs of your pup.
They can assess and offer insight into specific behavioral issues and will create a customized plan that sets realistic goals for you and your pup. A professional dog trainer can also provide more advanced training techniques and help with socialization.
Many dog owners avoid this step because they're afraid to ask for help. There is nothing wrong with that. You won't look ridiculous if you ask for help, but you'll look ridiculous if you consistently train your puppy incorrectly.
How do I get my German Shepherd puppy to listen?
You decide to start training your German Shepherd puppy, but you realize this little land shark won't listen to you! Don't worry! Every German Shepherd owner has been in this situation, especially initially.
One of the main reasons your German Shepherd puppy won't listen to you is that puppies have short attention spans.
Puppies have short attention spans for a variety of reasons. Firstly, German Shepherd puppies are naturally quite energetic and are often easily distracted by all the stimuli in their environment. Puppies, especially very young puppies, haven't been exposed to many new objects or experiences before so everything can seem like a big adventure!
This can make it difficult for them to focus and pay attention to you, so keeping your training sessions short and sweet is important. But don't worry! Every problem has a solution!
One of the best ways to get your German Shepherd puppy to listen to you is by establishing a strong bond between you. When your pup learns to trust and respect you, they’ll be more likely to comply with your commands and keep his focus on you.
Spend quality time with your pup, providing positive reinforcement for good behavior and consistency when setting limits and rules.
Another important factor in teaching a German Shepherd puppy to listen is consistency. Be consistent with commands and rewards, and avoid sending mixed messages. This will help your pup understand what you expect from them and increase their chances of success when it comes to listening.
Why is my German Shepherd puppy so disobedient?
It's common for German Shepherd puppies to be disobedient and unruly. This is because they are still learning and may not understand the rules or expectations of living in a household. Puppies have short attention spans and may not always listen to commands or obey rules.
Also, they can easily become distracted by their environment, making them difficult to control. To help your German Shepherd puppy become obedient, it is important to establish a strong bond with them.
Spend quality time with your pup, providing positive reinforcement for good behavior and consistency when setting limits and rules.
It's also important to start training immediately and be consistent with commands, rewards, and punishments. Finally, it is important to provide your pup with plenty of physical and mental stimulation so they can learn and grow properly. Make sure to set aside time for play and exercise each day.
Why Punishment Isn't the Answer: Tips for Raising a Happy and Healthy German Shepherd Puppy
Did you know that 1 in 3 owners abuse their pets somehow? This is unacceptable. People must become aware that punishment isn't the answer.
Punishment can have several detrimental effects on your German Shepherd puppy, from physical to mental. It is important to understand that punishment does not address the root causes of behavioral issues and can worsen them.
Instead of punishing your German Shepherd puppy, here is some advice on keeping him busy and training him more easily (some tips we already covered a few moments ago, but they are worth repeating).
Positive Reinforcement - reward your pup with treats, toys, or praise for good behavior
As we said, positive reinforcement is one of the most effective techniques for training German Shepherd puppies. This technique involves rewarding your pup with treats, toys, or praise for good behavior or when they obey commands.
Doing this helps them develop a positive association with the action and will make them more likely to listen.
Don't overdo it when using positive reinforcement to train your German Shepherd puppy. Too much treat-based reward can make them expect treats every time they behave, which will lessen its effect in the long run. Find a balance, create your routine, and stick to it.
Clicker Training
Clicker training is a popular method that uses positive reinforcement to help teach and reinforce desired behaviors. It involves using a clicking sound, such as from a handheld clicker, to mark the moment a pup does something correctly and reward them for it.
The clicker acts as an 'interrupter' - when it's clicked, the pup stops whatever they were doing and turns its attention to you. This helps them focus on what you want them to do instead of other distractions.
Once your pup has responded correctly after hearing the clicker sound, reward them with a treat or praise. Repeat this process until your pup understands what behavior is being rewarded so they can do it without the clicker.
Socialization
Socialization is a key aspect of raising a German Shepherd puppy and should be done positively. Introducing your pup to new people, animals, and environments helps them become more confident and better able to handle situations they may encounter later in life.
Start by introducing your pup to people of different ages, sizes, and nationalities. You can also take them to public places such as parks, beaches, and pet stores to help them become more comfortable in different settings.
It's important to remember that socialization should be a positive experience for your pup - always reward them for good behavior and give them plenty of reassurance when they're fearful or anxious.
Crate Training
Crate training is an essential part of raising a German Shepherd puppy. Providing your pup with a safe space helps them feel secure and promotes good behavior. When used correctly, crate training can help puppies learn to control their bladder and bowels, prevent destructive behaviors caused by boredom or separation anxiety, and promote calm, peaceful sleeping habits.
Obedience Classes
Obedience classes are a great way to teach your German Shepherd puppy important skills, such as how to walk on a leash and come when called. They also allow socialization with other dogs and people, which can help reduce anxiety, boredom, and aggression.
Obedience classes are typically set up in small groups or one-on-one sessions so that you can find the right class for your pup's needs. With an experienced instructor who knows how to handle and train German Shepherds, they can help you create a plan that works best for both of you.
Mental Stimulation Games
Mental stimulation games are important to a German Shepherd puppy's development and discipline. They help to engage their minds, build problem-solving skills, and can even be used to combat boredom and destructive behavior.
Hide-and-seek is one of German Shepherds' most popular mental stimulation games, as it helps them practice their scent-tracking skills. You can also set up puzzles and games that require your pup to find hidden treats or toys or practice basic commands like sit, stay, and come. These are just a few activities to train your German Shepherd puppy.
Play Time With Other Dogs
Playtime with other dogs is a great way to help your German Shepherd puppy develop social skills. Through play, puppies learn important communication cues and behaviors to help them interact better with other dogs.
This can also be beneficial for introducing your pup to new situations, as they'll be more comfortable when meeting new animals or people.
When selecting other dogs to play with, ensure they're the same size or smaller than your pup and have a similarly energetic personality. This will help ensure that both puppies can have a safe and enjoyable time together. Also, it's good practice to keep your dog on the leash and be near him when you introduce him to the other dog for everyone's safety.
Leash Walking
Leash walking is an important skill for German Shepherds to learn, as it helps to keep them safe while they're out and about. Start with short walks in familiar locations to teach your pup how to properly walk on a leash.
Use a comfortable collar or harness and attach the leash firmly but not too tightly. As you walk, keep your pup's attention on you and reward them for walking at your side. This will help reinforce the desired behavior and ensure your pup learns to focus when walking.
Problem Solving Activities
Problem-solving activities are a great way to help your German Shepherd puppy learn how to think independently. These activities can help build their mental acuity and teach them problem-solving skills that can be used in other areas of their life.
Examples of problem-solving activities include hide-and-seek, fetch, agility courses, obstacle courses, and interactive toys. With these activities, you can help your pup develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well in adulthood.
Set Rules & Boundaries
From the beginning, setting rules and boundaries for your German Shepherd puppy is essential to ensure good behavior and create a healthy relationship between you and your dog. Establishing clear expectations of acceptable behavior from day one will help prevent problems from developing down the line.
For example, setting firm boundaries on acceptable behaviors, such as jumping up on people or furniture, will help teach your pup right from wrong. Be consistent regarding rules and rewards, and remember that positive reinforcement is the best way to encourage good behavior in your pup.
What causes your German Shepherd's bad behavior?
A few common causes of bad behavior in German Shepherds include boredom and lack of exercise, inadequate training or discipline, fear or anxiety, and medical issues. Boredom is often the result of insufficient mental stimulation or physical activity.
If your pup isn't getting enough stimulation from their daily activities, they might start to act out. Adequate training and discipline are also important for teaching your pup appropriate behavior and helping them understand expectations.
Various factors, including lack of socialization with other dogs or people, sudden environmental changes, or past trauma, can cause fear or anxiety. If you suspect this is the cause of your pup's bad behavior, consider talking to a vet or certified trainer for help.
Ultimately, some medical issues can cause changes in behavior. If your pup is displaying sudden bouts of aggression or other strange behaviors, it's best to take them to the vet for a check-up.
No matter the cause of your pup's bad behavior, understanding the root of the problem is key to managing or correcting their behavior.
As we said, one of the main reasons for German Shepherd's bad behavior is lack of exercise. Most people don't realize that this dog breed is a high-energy dog breed, and they like to run, chase things, be outside, and explore new environments.
Suggestion: The best things to do with your German Shepherd
To mentally and physically stimulate your German Shepherd and avoid behavioral issues, your dog must be active for at least 1-2 hours daily.
Strive every day to achieve this goal and keep your German Shepherd healthy.
Most common mistakes that dog owners make during the discipline process
Now that we know most of the tips of tricks for a dog discipline routine let's see what the most common mistakes when it comes to dog discipline are.
10 most common mistakes that dog owners make during the dog discipline process:
Not being consistent with discipline
When it comes to disciplining your German Shepherd, consistency is essential. If you don’t enforce certain behaviors consistently and reliably, your dog won’t understand what is allowed and what isn’t. This can lead to confusion and frustration for both you and your pup.
Set clear boundaries with consistent commands and rewards, and ensure all household members know these expectations.
Starting training too late
Starting training too late is a common mistake many owners make when disciplining their German Shepherds. Puppies, especially of this breed, learn quickly and need to be trained early on in life to adopt the desired behaviors that you want.
The earlier you start training your puppy, the easier it will be for them to understand the basics. It's never too late to start, though - so if you haven't already, get started on training today!
Using negative reinforcement instead of positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is often the best way to go when disciplining your German Shepherd. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding desirable behaviors with treats or praise, which encourages them to repeat those behaviors in the future.
Negative reinforcement, on the other hand, involves punishing undesirable behaviors. This may work for some dogs but can lead to confusion and aggression in others.
Not giving their dog enough exercise
No matter the breed, all dogs need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. This is especially true for German Shepherds – high-energy dogs requiring more physical activity than other breeds. German Shepherds may become restless or bored without adequate exercise, leading to destructive behaviors like chewing furniture, digging in the yard, or barking.
Provide your pup with plenty of exercise and stimulation, such as games, walks, hikes, or trips to the dog park. Not only will they burn off excess energy, but it will help strengthen the bond between the two of you!
Ignoring bad behaviors and not addressing them promptly
Ignoring bad behaviors and not addressing them promptly can lead to bigger behavioral issues in the future. When you notice your German Shepherd exhibiting any undesirable behavior, it's important to intervene immediately. This will help your dog associate the action with a negative response, making them less likely to do it again.
For example, if they bark excessively, don't yell at them but rather give a firm “no” and redirect their attention to something else. This will help them understand that the barking is inappropriate.
Allowing their dog to have free reign over the house
Allowing a German Shepherd free reign over the house can be a mistake. While it may seem easy to keep them happy and entertained, this can lead to unwanted behaviors that are difficult to correct. German Shepherds are intelligent and independent dogs who need structure and guidance.
Without clear boundaries and commands, they can become destructive or aggressive. Establish a consistent routine and set boundaries for your pup with appropriate toys, chew sticks, and stimulating activities. This will help them learn how to behave in the house and make it easier for you to manage their behavior.
Failing to recognize triggers for undesired behavior
It is important to recognize triggers for undesired behaviors that can help prevent and correct them. For example, if your German Shepherd tends to bark excessively when visitors come over, try to distract them with a toy or a treat when someone comes to the door.
This will help them understand that barking is not the desired behavior. Further, it's important to understand the different behaviors associated with each stage of their lives – puppies, adolescents, and adults. Knowing what triggers to expect for each age can help you better prepare for potential issues.
Using punishments that are too harsh or inconsistent
Punishments that are too harsh or inconsistent can harm a German Shepherd's training. It's important to keep punishments mild enough not to cause physical or psychological harm while still being effective. Inconsistency can also lead to confusion, as your pup may not understand why certain behaviors are punished one day and accepted the next.
To ensure successful training, it's important to be consistent and use positive reinforcement whenever possible instead of punishment. Reward good behaviors with treats, praise, or toys and ignore undesired ones.
Shouting/yelling at their dog when disciplining them instead of speaking calmly and firmly
Shouting and yelling at a German Shepherd when disciplining them can be counterproductive. It can lead to fear, confusion, and distrust in their relationship with the owner. Yelling does not teach your dog what appropriate behavior is, nor does it provides any motivation for learning or changing behaviors.
It only serves to cause distress and make them uncomfortable. Instead, speak calmly and firmly when disciplining your German Shepherd. This will let them know that you are in control but still be respectful of their emotions.
Leaving out important commands from basic obedience training
Leaving out important commands from basic obedience training can have long-term negative effects on the behavior of a German Shepherd. Owners must provide their pets clear instructions, expectations, and cues to ensure successful learning and development.
Without these instructions, it is unlikely that a GSD will understand what is being asked of them, resulting in frustration and confusion. Basic obedience commands include sit, stay, come, down, heel, and leave it. Teaching these commands will help your pup become better-behaved and more enjoyable to live with.
How to discipline a German Shepherd for biting?
German Shepherds are the most loyal dog breeds on the planet. However, like other dogs, they can sometimes display undesirable behavior, including biting. Biting can be a serious problem for German Shepherds, as their strong jaws and powerful bodies can cause significant harm.
If you're a German Shepherd owner struggling with a biting dog, it's important to understand how to discipline them appropriately. The goal of discipline should be to teach your pup which behaviors are acceptable and which are not.
Here is the list of 6 most effective ways to discipline your German Shepherd for bitting:
1. Remain calm and use a firm, low voice when disciplining your dog for biting: When disciplining a German Shepherd for biting, it is important to remain calm and use a firm yet low voice. This will help your dog understand that you are in charge and have expectations from them.
Speaking in an authoritative yet gentle manner sets a tone of respect and helps your pup recognize that the behavior is unacceptable.
2. If you catch your dog in the act of biting, immediately issue a verbal command such as "No!" or “Stop!”: When catching your German Shepherd in the act of biting, it's important to immediately issue a verbal command such as "No!" or “Stop!”.
This will help your pup recognize that the behavior is unacceptable and they should stop what they're doing. You can also use a hand signal like clapping your hands or pointing in the direction you want them to go.
3. Immediately remove yourself from the situation and distract your pet with an appropriate toy or activity: When disciplining a German Shepherd for biting, it is important to immediately remove yourself from the situation and distract your pet with an appropriate toy or activity.
This will allow your pup to redirect its energy away from the aggressive behavior and focus on something else while providing positive reinforcement.
Distractions can come in many forms such as playing a game of fetch, taking them for a walk or run, or providing them with an interactive toy.
4. Provide positive reinforcement for good behavior to encourage future good behaviors instead of negative ones: When disciplining a German Shepherd for biting, it is important to provide positive reinforcement for good behaviors.
Positive reinforcement helps set up an environment where your pup will be more likely to repeat desirable behaviors by providing rewards or incentives whenever they exhibit the desired behavior. This could include verbal praise, treats, extra playtime, or any other form of reward that your pet enjoys.
5. If needed, provide short-term confinement in a safe place (such as their crate) until they settle down after biting incidents occur: German Shepherds for biting involves providing short-term confinement in a safe and secure area, such as their crate.
This will help teach them that biting is unacceptable and that they need to take time to cool off and settle down after any biting incident. Confining the dog in a safe place prevents further harm or injury to others.
6. Consult with an animal behaviorist to identify triggers for undesired behaviors and develop a plan to address them effectively: When disciplining a German Shepherd for biting, it is important to consult with an animal behaviorist to identify triggers for undesired behaviors and develop a plan to address them effectively.
An animal behaviorist is a professional who specializes in both the psychological and physiological aspects of pet behavior, so they can help you understand why your pup may be biting and devise a plan to correct the behavior.
How long does it take for a German Shepherd to learn a command?
The learning speed of a German Shepherd depends on the individual dog and its age. Generally, German Shepherds are eager to please and quick learners. With regular training and repetition, most German Shepherds can learn basic commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and heel within a few weeks of consistent practice.
Puppies may take a bit longer to learn commands as their attention span is shorter, and they don't have the same level of focus yet. Also, older German Shepherds may take longer to follow the commands due to age-related mental decline.
The most important part of German Shepherd training is to stay consistent with training your dog. With patience, consistency, and rewards for good behavior, your German Shepherd will eventually master the commands you give them.
Final words
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please, making them a great choice for families looking for an obedient pet. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, German Shepherds can learn basic commands within a few weeks of practice and become very discipline dogs.
Establishing yourself as the "pack leader" during the puppy stage is important by providing clear boundaries and expectations. Also, plenty of exercise and activities should stimulate your pup mentally and physically throughout the day.
If done consistently with patience and rewards for good behavior, you will soon have a well-behaved companion who listens to your every command!
Frequently asked questions
Do you still have questions? Check our FAQ section, and you can find your answer here!
❓How do I calm my German Shepherd puppy down?
Calming a German Shepherd puppy down can be a challenge, but there are several methods you can use to achieve this. First, establish yourself as the leader by providing consistent and fair rules, boundaries, and expectations. This will help your pup learn to respect your authority and trust your guidance.
Secondly, provide plenty of exercise and activities to stimulate your pup mentally and physically. This will help them expend excess energy and remain calm throughout the day.
Finally, provide plenty of positive reinforcement for good behaviors. Rewards such as treats or verbal praise can help reinforce desirable behaviors and encourage your pup to repeat these behaviors in the future.
❓At what age do German Shepherds start listening?
German Shepherds start listening very young, typically starting as early as 8-12 weeks old. Providing consistent and fair rules, boundaries, and expectations is important to establish yourself as the pack leader during the puppy stage. This will help your pup learn to respect your authority and trust your guidance early on.
Also, provide plenty of positive reinforcement for good behaviors. Rewards such as treats or verbal praise can help reinforce desirable behaviors and encourage your pup to listen to you at an early age. With regular training and repetition, most German Shepherds will begin to understand basic commands by around the 6-month.
❓Is yelling no at a puppy bad?
Yelling "no" to a puppy is not necessarily bad but should be used sparingly and strategically. It's important to remember that puppies don't understand language the same way humans do, so simply saying "no" will likely have little effect on their behavior.
Instead, you can use other methods, such as distraction or positive reinforcement, to discourage unwanted behaviors. For example, if your puppy is chewing on something they shouldn't, you can distract them with a chew toy or treat them when they stop the undesired behavior.
Additionally, using a calm and gentle tone of voice when delivering commands is important to ensure your pup understands what you ask them. Praising and rewarding your puppy when they do the right thing will also help reinforce good behavior. Yelling "no" can be used as a last resort but should be kept to a minimum not to confuse or upset your pup.
