Education and training of a German shepherd

The German Shepherd is a very intelligent and quick-witted dog, which is a good companion and protector for the whole family. Proper education and training will help to grow from a pet a reliable friend who will understand the owner perfectly and demonstrate all the capabilities of his breed.

To train the dog was correct, you should know about the nature of the selected breed. Each animal has its own behaviors that affect the dressing.

The German Shepherd belongs to the category of calm and balanced dog breeds that have high intelligence. The animal has such character traits as courage, the ability to make decisions independently and adapt to difficult situations.

The "Germans" have received worldwide recognition as sensitive partners who are happy to make the company to their owners. They are also true friends and get along well with all members of the household, treat children peacefully, and can act as a protector or guide dog.

This breed is easily trained, as the animal is strongly attached to people and with pleasure fulfills all assigned tasks. Thanks to their intelligence, they are able to instantly understand what is required of them in a particular situation.

The German Shepherd is a unique dog that can achieve excellence in almost any training industry. Animals are often used in the following areas.

• Guard service. There is a distrust of outsiders in the blood of the breed, so they successfully guard the objects entrusted to them.
• Search and rescue service. A good sense of smell allows dogs to find people in the rubble and elsewhere.
• Shepherd's service. “Germans” qualitatively perform the role of assistant shepherd.
• Bodyguard. The shepherd is able to protect its owner and acts as a sensitive guard.
• Military service.
• Search for drugs and explosives. This breed is often used in public services.
• Border Service.
• Police.

The versatility of dogs is determined their flexible psyche along with exponential physical fitness. The German shepherd is distinguished by tirelessness, a high degree of endurance, it is not afraid of cold or rain, and also it can carry out its tasks for a long time. Thanks to all these factors, the breed is always present on any training site, because no one is going to get such a dog to lie on the couch.

The German Shepherd should be trained from the first day, as soon as the puppy appeared in the house. A young shepherd should begin to get used to its name, place, elementary commands and place for a toilet. Among the simple commands is "to me", "fu." Later, you can start other basic commands along with the correct behavior in different situations.

Experts recommend using help experienced instructorwho is engaged in group training or individual.

Before you get a puppy, the owner must accept the fact that training for a dog is an integral part that can be compared to visiting a kindergarten or school. Training is important not only for the dog, but also for the person, since an ill-bred dog can cause many problems.

Despite the fact that the German Shepherd is a naturally intelligent dog, she cannot by itself become obedient and well-mannered and will do different things, due to environmental needs. The owner is obliged to teach his pet key commands by which he can interact with his four-legged friend.

Even by training yourself, the owner of the dog will be able to correct the dog’s abnormal behavior and work to strengthen developed abilities. During the training, the teacher and his student learn to trust, understand and predict each other's behavior. After some time, both sides will learn to understand each other almost at a telepathic level.

Some people mistakenly believe that the dress exhausts the animal. This is not true if you approach the process correctly. With the right approach, the "Germans" rejoice at the new knowledge, because by learning, the dog fulfills its mission - to be useful to humans. This is a blessing for the German Shepherd, which was bred in order to serve people.

If the owner has never encountered training of service dog breeds, you will need to use the help of a professional dog handler who will teach you how to handle the animal correctly. An experienced training instructor knows all the features of the breed, explains the principle of training to a beginner and helps to get a well-bred pet.

Understanding the principle of such a term, one can understand the meaning of training. After all, all training is based on reflexes.

There are two types of reflexes: unconditional and conditional.

The first option is the innate reactions of the animal. Here you can put security, hunting instincts, food, sexual, defensive reactions. When learning new skills, the trainer will use the food reflex, rewarding his student for a correctly completed task.

If guard and defensive reflexes are well developed in the animal, this is also taken into account. Such representatives successfully prove themselves in the guard service.

Conditioned reflexes are called reactions that are acquired by the dog throughout its life. In simple terms, this is the relationship that is created in the head of a dog while working with a person. When the owner encourages his pet for a correctly completed task, the reflex will look like this: completing a task - goodies - pleasure. In the opposite direction, reflexes also work. For improper behavior, the punishment that causes the animal discomfort.

Any training, even the initial one, is built on the use of unconditioned reflexes to develop conditioned ones. Puppies that have innate food reflexes will try to get refreshments from the hands of their owner, following the instructions. A trainer teaches a pet a certain skill, using food as a motivation. Treating the dog, he develops conditioned reflexes in her.

Having settled a little puppy in his house, you need to remember that in the future the baby should become a well-bred dog. To achieve good results, remember three rules.

• Discipline. Many owners indulge their little friends and allow them more than they should. This should not be done, since each action must be tried on an adult dog. If a little puppy is cute lying on a sofa, then an adult dog will not cause delight and tenderness in every person. That an adult dog is not allowed should not be allowed to be small.
• Promotion. It is necessary to treat the baby with care and guide him, to praise for the correctly performed actions. No need to be strict. It is best to teach teams in the form of games. The animal feels everything like a child. Therefore, you need to praise your four-legged friend for the fact that he went to the toilet in the right place, with success in the team, after eating.
• Schedule. Feeding should be done at the same time and only from a bowl. For eating, the dog must have its own place. The mode will make life easier in the future, as you do not need to collect leftover food throughout the house.

Training at home should be carried out from the first day after the appearance of the puppy in the house. It is necessary to introduce classes gradually, as the German Shepherd grows older.

The first command that the puppy of the "German" must learn is the training in the name. When accustomed to the nickname, you need to remember that you can not change it. For the animal to respond to it, you need to call the dog always the same way.

It will also require training for a collar and leash, a muzzle. The kid should get acquainted with these accessories as soon as possible, so that in the future there will be less problems with such a question. When meeting a dog collar, it’s important not to scare the puppy. First, they put it on for a couple of minutes a day, after which they increase the duration of wear. They teach a leash and a muzzle according to a similar pattern, walking with the baby first in the apartment.

For this reason, the baby’s toilet will also be located in the house. It is necessary to accustom a little friend to discipline right away, taking him after feeding or drinking to a designated place. If the owner noticed that the puppy began to behave with concern and sniff out something during the game, this is also a sign that he is looking for a place for the toilet. After the successful completion of the affairs of the baby needs to be praised.

If the kitten did his business in the wrong place, you can poke his nose a little and point to the place where he was supposed to go to the toilet. An important rule: such manipulations can be carried out immediately after the accomplishment. After some time, the dog will no longer remember what he has done and why she is being scolded.

During this period, you can teach the dog basic commands. Each owner should remember the following rules:

• you can not scold a four-legged friend for not executing commands;
• patience is a good habit; it can be used to achieve success and gain the trust of an animal.

You can study the following list of commands.

• "To me". When inviting an animal, you need to use sweets. After the dog completes the task, it is treated. It is strictly forbidden to use this command in order to scold the animal. “To me” should be used only in a positive way. So the dog will willingly carry out the instructions of its owner.
• "A place". In order to raise a puppy, he must be trained in such a team, regardless of where the dog will live: in an apartment or in a private house. She should have her own place, where she will go on command unquestioningly. You can accustom with the help of goodies. In place you need to put a treat and send the dog there. After some time, the baby himself will be sent to the right place. You need to say this command whenever the owner leaves home.
• "Fu". This is an important command that must be delivered in a more rigorous voice. The animal must understand that the owner is dissatisfied with his behavior, so you can spank the puppy a little. You cannot beat a dog by saying this command. Shepherd dogs are very smart, so they quickly understand what is required of them.

In this age category, puppies who are already considered teenagers are taught skills that help in developing endurance. Similar teams can be honed at the age of 7-8 months and up to a year. As usual, promotion is applied.

You need to teach your pet the commands "next to", "sit", "lie", "stand". These messages are carried out until the moment when the owner does not say "walk". Classes are held first for a few seconds, after which the duration of the training increases.

You can also start exercises with obstacles. In this regard, the measure should be observed, since the dog’s backbone is not yet fully grown and can be harmed.

In the game form, when walking, you can throw a stick and ask the dog to bring it. Since the "German" wants to please his master, he will gladly bring it. When executing a command, you must praise your pet.

Every day you need to allocate time for training your pet. Start training should not be postponed. Immediately you need to start raising a little friend so that he quickly remembers and perceives everything.

Dog training is a mode and a way of life. If you don’t take advantage of such a rhythm right away, the animal will get used to another, and retraining an adult animal with established habits is much more difficult.

The training process lasts from 2-12 months. At this time, the dog requires the utmost attention from its owner. From the responsibility of the owner depends on how brought up the animal will be. The character of his dog depends on the endurance and calmness of the owner.

Training an adult dog is a bit more difficult than training a puppy, as the animal has already formed according to its habits and is more difficult to retrain.But the German shepherd grabs everything literally on the fly, and if there is trust between the owner and the pet, the learning process will be easy.

Each dog must take an OKD course. This is a general training course, which includes a mandatory list of commands that allows the dog to be educated in society and to behave appropriately with various irritants.

List of commands for the general training course.

• "Nearby". The dog should move next to its owner, regardless of the situation. Deviation forward to half of the body of the animal is allowed. Similar requirements are put forward when moving without a leash. When the owner stops, the dog should sit next to it. The movement of the animal is made on the left side of the person.
• Demonstration of bite and loyalty to the muzzle. Bite is required at exhibitions, as well as during visits to the veterinarian.
• “Sit,” “Lie,” “Stand.”
• "To me".
• "A place".
• Aport. The execution of this command is carried out together with the “give” command.
• "Take a walk." When this indication is given, the animal can freely move around the adjacent territory.
• Reaction to feed scattered on the ground. The dog must not raise food from the floor.
• Attitude to shots and loud sounds.
• "Fu."
• Overcoming the barrier. It is carried out together with the “forward” and “barrier” command, during which the animal jumps over the obstacle.

Each person decides for himself which commands his pet will need. However, you should always remember that the German shepherd must be trained, as it was bred as a service breed. Officially, the "Germans" are recognized as service dogs in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and are potentially dangerous.

The appearance of destructive individuals in society is unacceptable, since this carries a danger to society.

How do adult teams learn.

• "Sit". It is carried out with a little effort. It will be necessary to gently press the dog on the croup, saying the command "sit". When the animal sits down, you can treat it to a treat. Some owners bring treats over the dog’s head and slightly tilt it back. The dog, trying to trace the food, will automatically sit down. One must not forget to pronounce the command and be sure to praise the pet after execution.
• “Lie down”. It is made by a similar technique, only you need to press on the shoulders of the animal. You can use a leash that attracts the dog to the ground, beckoning treats.
• "Give me a paw." Many consider this to be the easiest team that most owners use for entertainment. It is performed from a sitting position. The dog should take a paw and say the command out loud. After this, the pet needs to be praised and treated to a delicious treat. After several procedures, the animal will understand what is required of it, and will gladly independently give a paw to a person.
• You can also teach the team “voice” with the help of refreshments. Food is clamped in the hand so that the animal sees it, but cannot take it. You can press it with your finger and position your hand at shoulder or face level. The dog will not understand why they tease her with refreshments and do not give and will give a voice. In this case, be sure to say the command out loud.
• Aport. Training can begin at the moment when the pet is determined to play and brings the wand. Throw the toy first at a small distance, after which the pet should be called to itself, calling him by name and saying the command. Taking the toy from the "German", you must praise him and repeat the process again.
• Weaning from raising food from the ground is done primarily for safety reasons. An animal that eats food scattered on the street can be poisoned. Therefore, this command should be worked out perfectly. You can add pepper to food so that the dog understands that what is picked up can be dangerous.In this case, use the word “drop it”.

Service dogs must be taught to professional teams. Most shepherd dogs have a guard. To carry out the instructions they say to the dog “protect”. After that, the animal should not let anyone near the object entrusted to it.

The “trail” is used to search for hidden objects. It is also used in official dog breeding.

“Take” or “face” is used to attack the attacker. The course is called the ZKS (guard-guard service) and should be conducted only by a professional dog handler. In parallel, the skills “fu”, “let go”, “calmly” are being unlearned.

There are two kinds of commands: voice and gestures.

During voice commands, all orders should be given in a clear and clear voice. It is important to pronounce them with the same intonation and only once. If practiced "to me", you can repeatedly call the dog by name, but the order itself is given only once.

Dogs are not able to parse specific words, but can remember the number of syllables along with pronounced intonation. For this reason, breeders are advised to speak teams with the same intonation and not distort their names.

Some people practice with their pets in German. This method is used during sports training of the international system, as well as to prevent a stranger from controlling the dog.

Giving orders with gestures is that the owner does not say the command out loud, but only shows a specific gesture. From the outside, it looks quite impressive and carries usefulness. Over time, the shepherd will age and her hearing will no longer be the same. Using gestures, you can facilitate the process of understanding between the pet and its owner.

How to make gestures.

• "To me". The hand should be parallel to the ground. The palm should look down. When giving the order, the hand should be sharply lowered to the hip. Cotton is not allowed.
• "Take a walk." With the palm down, you should throw your hand away from you forward.
• "Sit". The arm bent at the elbow should be at chest level. The palm is turned on the animal.
• "Lie down." The hand is located at chest level, the palm should look at the ground.
• "Stand". The hand is at chest level, the palm is looking up.

All gestures should be done with the right hand.

Each person who becomes the owner of a German shepherd puppy wants his pet to become a smart and indicative example dog in the future. Everyone wants his animal to follow the instructions clearly and have a high degree of discipline. Despite the fact that everyone dreams of it, not everyone spends a sufficient amount of time and energy on it.

Some owners feed their pet, go for walks with it, but neglect training. Disorder in home discipline also damages the dog's upbringing process. If a four-legged friend sleeps wherever he wants and takes food in different places, he will not be able to behave decently on the street. To avoid such situations, you should familiarize yourself with common errors.

• Physical punishment. Severe penalties are not allowed.
• Carrying out rare occupations. Training should be done on a daily basis. Only with a serious and responsible approach can the desired result be achieved.
• Lack of attention from the owner. To grow a devoted friend, you need to give him enough time, not to ignore your friend.This applies not only to babies, but also to adults.
• Lack of mental and physical activity. Only if the owner will teach his pet, he can get a well-bred and cultured dog.
• Constancy in prohibitions. If the shepherd can not lie on the couch, this prohibition should be permanent. No exceptions allowed. If the owner cannot show stability, the animal can also carry out orders on the mood.

See how to start training your puppy in the next video.