German Shepherd Training and Exercising Guide

The German Shepherd was bred to be a herding dog, protecting its herd of sheep. These dogs were developed over 100 years ago for this purpose. Today, they are not used as much for herding sheep, but those basic skills are still very much needed when working with this animal.

German Shepherds will patrol a border for hours on end, keeping away strangers and protecting those inside. Some people think that the animals have a mental problem, watching them walk back and forth monotonously over hours at a time. But actually, German Shepherds love a routine and will never tire when they have a job to do. They thrive on staying active and doing their part.

German Shepherds should be trained to work with their nature, not against it. German Shepherds can sit and stay for long periods at a time, but they need some exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy and happy.

If you start the dog while he is a puppy, you will have better results.

Around three months of age, the German Shepherd is ready to move on past the basic commands, such as “sit” or “stay.” If you start slowly, you can keep in mind that their bones are still developing and work on easy obstacle courses. You can to teach them how to navigate through barriers and find a desired object. You can teach them how to stay alert, while simultaneously keeping yourself engaged.

Be careful not to put too much pressure on the dog’s hindquarters or joints. Whenever possible, you should choose a puppy that does not suffer from Hip or Elbow Dysplasia. The condition is always possible, however, even if the dog’s ancestors did not suffer from it. If you notice any signs of weakness while jumping or running, however, it could be an indication of this.

As the German Shepherd grows up and matures, he can take on more strenuous training tasks. At 6 to 8 months old, they are considered young teenagers and can start handling bigger obstacle courses. Their minds are now ready for more complicated tasks.

A mile-long run, or a 10-minute game of Frisbee can be great exercise for your dog. They will also take their minds off of something other than their constant training. Even non-working dogs needs to have frequent exercise to ensure that they stay happy and healthy. Fetching the newspaper or a tennis ball can help them stay active and fresh.

By the time the German Shepherd is 18 months to 2 years old, they can take on a full training regimen. The actual training will take months to reach its final goal and will continue on for years to come. They can do a range of tasks, including working as guide dogs, guard dogs, drug-sniffing dogs and so much more.

If you work with your dog at least once a day for an hour, you will see immediate improvement over time. This breed needs regular reinforcement but the payoffs are wonderful.

         

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