German Shepherd Dogs, also known as Alsatian Dogs, are among the most sought-after breeds of dogs. Known for their loyalty and intelligence, they are ideal as companion pets, though they also function as police or farm dogs. They are very regardful of their masters; thus, a great deal of human companions want to train their German Shepherd dogs. There are different things to consider on how to train a German shepherd.

The first consideration is the use of monosyllables or one worded commands. Dogs, like kids, have a short attention span, and monosyllables such as "sit", "down", "yes", "no" are much easier to recognise and remember unlike multiple word commands. When your dog was able to pull off a command accurately, see to it that you "praise" him by petting him or rewarding him with a delicious treat. This will make your dog associate the command with the treat, and will propel him to consistently follow your instructions.

The second consideration is leash training the German shepherd. It will be easier for you to control your dog when he is comfortable on a tether. When you walk your dog, keep him on the side where you are holding the leash. For instance, when you have the deterrent on your right hand, make sure that you keep your dog on the right side. In the event that you have visitors at home and you do not want your dog to roam around inside the house, tethering him will prevent your canine companion from becoming a nuisance.

Another concern is training your dog to "take the offensive". Though this is not advisable, some people deem it necessary for protection purposes. If your dog is leash-trained, teaching him to attack would be more manageable. Make sure that you hold your dog's leash tightly and when you issue the attack command, go easy on it. When you want him to stop, pull the tether back. Again, the use of a single-word command is necessary Think of a word that would make your dog begin or stop the attack at once. Direct him to attack the unknown person on the legs to limit his mobility.

Another consideration is training the German shepherd on how to be a guard dog. Teach your dog not to accept treats from random people. Make sure that he is always well-fed to prevent this from happening. Encourage him to bite a little longer if the person knocking at your door is an unfamiliar person, and make him do otherwise if the person is known to you.

Lastly, training the German shepherd not to nip is another important factor to look upon. Nipping is a common behavioural problem in dogs. Though it is more common in puppies, it is also manifested by older dogs; particularly those who are not trained to control their biting tendencies. When your dog nipped at you, ignore him for a few minutes to make him know that what he did is not right. German Shepherds stop at nothing to get their human companions' attention, and by disregarding your dog on purpose, he will refrain from nabbing at you.

Training a German Shepherd should commence when he is still a puppy. As early as seven to eight weeks old, a German shepherd puppy can take in easy commands; making him ready for basic training. However, it will take time before your dog gets the hang of everything. Patience, together with commitment, will make training your German shepherd more effective and sustainable.