Imagine this: a tall, majestic dog, with perky ears and a confident gaze, right by your side, obeying your every command. The German Shepherd, originally breed as a working dog, is known for its intelligence and versatility. Regarded as one of the smartest breeds, these dogs are easily trainable, captivate with their sharp minds and quick thinking. They aren’t just the stars of dog shows – German Shepherds, owing to their ease of training, have become a go-to choice for various professional roles, such as search and rescue, police and military work, and even acting.
The German Shepherd’s unwavering loyalty and high intelligence were initially harnessed by a German officer in the late 1800s. Inspired by the strength, ability and beauty of the dogs from his homeland, Max von Stephanitz, watched a dog show, spotted a wolf-like dog named Hektor Linksrhein, purchased it and named it Horand Von Grafrath. He founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (Society for the German Shepherd Dog). Horand was declared the first German Shepherd Dog and the first dog registered in that society. Thus, the modern German Shepherd breed was officially born.
German Shepherds, like most dogs, have an innate instinct to follow the pack leader – that’s you! They are happiest when they understand their position in the “pack” and know exactly what their leader (again, that’s you!) expects of them. When trained properly, they become a joy to be with – obedient, dutiful, and protective.
German Shepherds love to learn. Their high intelligence and eagerness to please make rewarding them for their good behavior an efficient way to teach them. It’s often said that German Shepherds have a PhD in problem-solving – you might find them opening your doors, escaping their pens, or sneaking into places they ought not to be!
Professional dog trainers love working with this breed due to their adaptability. A good training regimen can make these dogs master anything from basic commands, like “sit,” or “stay” to complex tasks like guiding the visually impaired, detecting drugs, or performing water rescues.
However, there is a catch. All this intelligence and energy mean that German Shepherds, if left untrained or improperly trained, might become difficult to handle. Misdirected or untrained, these dogs can develop behavioral problems. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended for them. Training should begin the moment you bring your puppy home, though some professionally recommended training programs may accept puppies as young as 8 to 12 weeks old.
While the path to a fully trained German Shepherd may seem daunting, here are some tips to ease the process. Positive reinforcement is key. German Shepherds, for all their brawn and bravado, are actually sensitive souls. They respond best to love, affection, and rewards. Harsh punishments, on the other hand, are counterproductive as they just make the dog fearful and skittish.
Next, consistency is a must. Decide on what commands to use and stick with them so your dog isn’t confused. Make sure you and everyone else in your household are on the same page.
Lastly, make training sessions fun. German Shepherds are high-energy dogs and love play-filled training periods. Mix playtime and training, use a favorite toy as a reward, play fetch, or incorporate agility training. The goal isn’t just to train your dog; it’s also to build a lasting and loving relationship with your German Shepherd.
So, is a German Shepherd Easy to Train? The answer is a resounding yes, if you commit to a considered approach that combines patience, consistency, positive reinforcement, and a dash of fun. The intelligence, strength, and loyalty of German Shepherds make them wonderful companions, ready to learn, ready to serve, and most importantly, ready to love. Nurture these traits properly, and you’ll have the most loyal and accomplished friend by your side.
