German Shepherd Training: How to Train a German Shepherd Puppy, Step by Step

What German Shepherds are like to train

The first things to teach a German Shepherd puppy

1. 1A marker word. “Yes!” tells your puppy the exact moment they got it right.
2. 2Their name. Say it once; when they turn, mark and pay.
3. 3Sit. A puppy who is sitting can’t jump, bolt or pull.
4. 4Settle on a mat. A calm spot to go to when the house gets busy.

• Clicker and marker word training
• How to teach a puppy their name
• How to teach a dog to sit
• How to teach a dog to settle on a mat

Three things to get ahead of with a German Shepherd

• How to Stop a Puppy From Biting: What Works and What Makes It Worse
• How to Stop a Dog From Barking: Find the Reason First
• How to Stop a Dog From Pulling on the Leash (Loose-Leash Walking in 4 Stages)

Start here: teeth on skin ends the fun

1. 1Puppies explore with their mouths and teethe until about six months. The aim is a soft mouth first, then no mouth.
2. 2When teeth press on skin, go still and quiet. Take your hands away and look away for 10 to 20 seconds.
3. 3If your puppy keeps coming, calmly step over a baby gate or out of the room for 20 seconds.
4. 4Come back and offer a toy. Play again as long as teeth stay on the toy.
5. 5Everyone in the house does the same thing, every time.

A simple first week

1. 1Day 1: the marker word. Ten repetitions, twice.
2. 2Day 2: the name game, in two different rooms.
3. 3Day 3: eye contact. Reward the look from the treat to your face.
4. 4Day 4: sit, with a food lure and then an empty hand.
5. 5Day 5: settle on a mat. Feed low, on the mat.
6. 6Day 6: down, on a rug or other non-slip surface.
7. 7Day 7: the first stage of mouthing and chewing, above. Then repeat the day your puppy found hardest.

• How to Train a Puppy or Dog at Home: What to Teach First, in Order

When to get in-person help