Your German Shepherd has already exceeded all your expectations. He’s quite simply the cutest ball of fur you’ve ever seen. He spends his days slipping across the floors, napping, and wanting to play. Yet despite his current small stature, you know he will grow up to be big and strong. So, when that time comes, it’s important he is well-trained and that you are in control. In fact, German Shepherds, in particular, can be extremely protective. This further reinforces the need to teach him a number of commands.
But before you can get to the advanced commands, you will need to teach him the basics. He will be at his most receptive when he is a puppy. So, to a certain extent, the training you do now will shape his life in the future. Not to mention, this type of training provides a fantastic bonding opportunity for you and your canine pal.
German Shepherds have many characteristics and fortunately, intelligence is one of them. So, training basic commands into him will be relatively straightforward. In fact, the younger he is when you start training, the sooner you may see results. The hardest part of the training will be initially conveying to him what it is you want him to do. However, once he understands that, you just need to find the right incentive to reinforce training.
Because he’s a puppy, he should be eager to please. This means you could see results in just a few days. However, if he’s exceptionally uninterested in learning, then you may need a couple of weeks. Get this training right and you will have laid the perfect foundations to teach him a number of more advanced commands. You’ll also have a fantastic way to channel his energy into something productive.
Before you start work, you will need to get your hands on a few bits. The main component will be tasty treats. However, you can also break his favorite food into small pieces. In addition, you will need a toy or two, plus a clicker.
Set aside 10 minutes each day for training. Try to train when the house is relatively quiet and neither of you will be distracted.
Once you have the above, just bring patience and an optimistic attitude, then work can begin!