How to Train a German Shepherd to be Calm

Hello. Here is information on jumping. Jumping: Teach your dog that they receive no attention for jumping on you or anyone else. Teach your dog to do something that is incompatible with jumping up, such as sitting. They can't sit and jump up at the same time. If they are not sitting, they get no attention. It is important to be consistent. Everyone in your family must follow the training program all the time. You can't let your dog jump on people in some circumstances, but not others. Training techniques: When your dog… Jumps on other people: Ask a family member or friend to assist with training. Your assistant must be someone your dog likes and wants to greet. Your dog should never be forced to greet someone who scares them. Give your dog the "sit" command. (This exercise assumes your dog already knows how to "sit.") The greeter approaches you and your dog. If your dog stands up, the greeter immediately turns and walks away. Ask your dog to "sit," and have the greeter approach again. Keep repeating until your dog remains seated as the greeter approaches. If your dog does remain seated, the greeter can give your dog a treat as a reward. When you encounter someone while out walking your dog, you must manage the situation and train your dog at the same time. Stop the person from approaching by telling them you don't want your dog to jump. Hand the person a treat. Ask your dog to "sit." Tell the person they can pet your dog and give them the treat as long as your dog remains seated. Some people will tell you they don't mind if your dog jumps on them, especially if your dog is small and fluffy or a puppy. But you should mind. Remember you need to be consistent in training. If you don't want your dog to jump on people, stick to your training and don't make exceptions. Jumps on you when you come in the door: Keep greetings quiet and low-key. If your dog jumps on you, ignore them. Turn and go out the door. Try again. You may have to come in and go out dozens of times before your dog learns they only gets your attention when they keep all four feet on the floor. Jumps on you when you're sitting: If you are sitting and your dog jumps up on you, stand up. Don't talk to your dog or push them away. Just ignore them until all four feet are on the ground. Please let me know if you have additional questions. Thank you for writing in!

Hello Aimed, How does pup do with people, like you? If pup is not fearful of human interaction, simply nervous about being left there, I recommend practicing regular obedience, especially heeling, with pup. Work on teaching pup new commands and tricks, and working up to more skill in the commands he already knows. Work on a structured heel that involves lots of turns, have pup obey commands to earn food. Keep interactions calm and confident with pup. Feed pup their meals through interactive things like durable puzzle toys, kong wobbles, dog food stuffed chew toys, ect... You can also practice confidence building exercises like teaching pup to navigate agility obstacles - you can even create your own from household items or PVC pipe/wood - there are many diy articles online if you don't want to buy equipment. The act of overcoming new physical obstacles can help nervous dogs gain confidence often times. You want to act confident, happy, and calm around pup - not pitying, acting nervous, or angry yourself if you can help it (it's hard not to pity a scared dog but often they need us to feel sure when they don't). Structure and clear communication and boundaries, as well as stimulating pup a lot mentally, an average amount of physical exercise, and working on pup's relationship with you through regular training sessions that involve things like mostly lure reward training. You may also find this article helpful - shy dogs: https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-socialize-a-shy-dog/ Whatever you do, be sure that pup is secure in the fence, harness/collar leash, ect...since they are a flight risk right now. I would use a front clip harness like ruffwear or something like a martingale collar, and not a regular buckle collar if pup may try to slip that during walks. Whatever you use, make sure it's secure. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello Ruth, Check out the videos linked below. Work on teaching pup a 1-2 hour place command. This will take persistence from you and she will need to be worked up to it gradually. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omg5DVPWIWo Another calming exercise - crate manners with an open crate: https://thegooddog.net/training-videos/free-how-to-training-videos/learn-to-train-the-good-dog-way-the-crate/ Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden