So, you’ve brought home an adorable German Shepherd puppy! Congratulations! Now, you’re probably wondering when you should start training. The answer might surprise you: as early as possible. German Shepherd puppies are learning from the moment they arrive in your home, usually around 7 to 8 weeks of age. This early period is a critical time when puppies are extremely receptive to new information.
The Critical Socialization Period: 3 to 16 Weeks
The “critical period of socialization” is between 3 and 16 weeks of age. During this time, puppies are most adaptable to new experiences, which shapes their future behavior. This is when you should introduce your puppy to various people, animals, environments, noises, and situations. If you delay socialization or training, it drastically increases the chances of your pup developing behavioral problems in adulthood.
What to Do at 8 Weeks Old
At 8 weeks old, you can start with basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down”. Use positive reinforcement strategies, rewarding good behavior with treats and praise rather than punishing bad behavior. German Shepherds are sensitive and won’t respond well to punishment.
Formal Training: 12 to 16 Weeks
By 12 to 16 weeks, your German Shepherd puppy will be ready to start more formal training sessions, but remember to keep them short and enjoyable. Five to ten minutes per session, two to three times a day, is usually sufficient.
Training Goals: 3 to 9 Months
Begin obedience training early to encourage your dog’s best working traits. German Shepherds excel at obedience, so begin teaching your puppy basic commands like sit, down, and stay, as well as loose-leash walking, from an early age. Enrolling in a puppy obedience class can be extremely helpful both for teaching these commands as well as socialization. Also, begin teaching your German Shepherd to come when called as soon as possible. It takes a lot of time, practice, and patience to get a reliable recall, but this skill is well worth it, as it is one that may save your dog’s life one day.
Continued Training: 9 to 24 Months
A German Shepherd may not reach an adult level of maturity before the age of two or three (and males tend to reach this stage later than females). Continue to work on impulse control, improve obedience skills, and advance to training in more focused activities like tracking, scent work, protection work, agility, and herding.
Why Start Early?
Delaying training can lead to numerous behavior problems that can be difficult to correct later in life. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to shape your German Shepherd’s behavior and ensure they grow into a well-adjusted and happy dog.
Key Training Areas
- House Training: Begin house training as soon as you bring your puppy home.
- Time Alone Skills: Teach your puppy to be comfortable when left alone.
- Curbing Nipping: Address nipping behavior early on.
- Impulse Control: Work on impulse control to help your puppy make good choices.
- Basic Manners: Teach basic manners to ensure your puppy is a well-behaved member of society.
Ongoing Training and Socialization
Many German Shepherds are not fully developed until 1.5-2 years of age. Ongoing guidance and reinforcement is vital in order to help them make it through their teenage and young adult months with loads of opportunities to continue practicing good manners and social skills.
The Importance of a Job
German Shepherd Dogs were created to have a strong working drive. A German Shepherd without a job can easily become bored and stressed, resulting in countless behavior issues. Being that they are such versatile dogs, you have a whole host of activities that you can share with your dog to keep them physically fit and to provide outlets for their intelligence.
Activities to Consider
- Agility
- Scent work
- Obedience
- Herding trials
- Therapy dog certification and visits
Regardless of the chosen activity, your German Shepherd will relish time spent with you.
Final Thoughts
The best time to start training a German Shepherd puppy is as early as possible, ideally beginning with basic socialization and commands at 8 weeks of age. For those looking for flexible and comprehensive training options, online dog training courses are a valuable resource that can set you and your German Shepherd up for a lifetime of happiness and companionship together. Remember, every dog is unique, and it is always wise to consult with a professional dog trainer or veterinarian for advice that is tailored to your specific situation.