Bringing a German Shepherd puppy into your home is an exciting time. These intelligent and energetic dogs make wonderful companions. But to ensure your puppy grows into a well-behaved and happy adult, training is essential. You might be wondering, “What’s the best age to start training my German Shepherd puppy?” The answer might surprise you!
The “As Soon As Possible” Approach
The ideal time to begin training a German Shepherd puppy is as early as possible. In fact, you can start as soon as they arrive in your home, typically around 7 to 8 weeks of age. This early period is a critical time because puppies are highly receptive to new information.
Why Start So Early?
- Critical Socialization Period: The period between 3 and 14 weeks is known as the “critical period of socialization”. During this time, puppies are incredibly adaptable to new experiences. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to various people, animals, environments, noises, and situations.
- Early Learning: German Shepherd puppies are learning from the moment they enter your home. They are like sponges and will soak up everything.
- Preventing Behavioral Issues: Delaying training can lead to behavioral problems that are difficult to correct later in life.
What to Focus on First
Initial training should be gentle and focus on basic socialization rather than strict obedience commands.
Socialization
Introduce your puppy to a wide variety of experiences to help them become well-adjusted and confident.
- People: Expose your puppy to different people, including men, women, and children of various ages and ethnicities.
- Animals: If possible, introduce your puppy to other friendly, vaccinated dogs and cats.
- Environments: Take your puppy to different places, such as parks, stores, and car rides.
- Noises: Acclimate your puppy to various sounds like traffic, doorbells, and household appliances.
- Situations: Introduce your puppy to different situations, such as being handled by a veterinarian or groomed.
Basic Commands
At 8 weeks old, you can start teaching basic commands using positive reinforcement.
- Sit: Hold a treat in front of your puppy’s nose and move it up and back, encouraging them to sit. When their rear touches the ground, say “sit” and give them the treat.
- Stay: Have your puppy sit, then hold your hand up and say “stay.” Start with short intervals and gradually increase the time. Reward them for staying in place.
- Come: Use an excited tone of voice and say “come” while gently pulling them towards you with a leash. Reward them with praise and a treat when they come to you.
- Down: Hold a treat in your hand and move it towards the floor, encouraging your puppy to lie down. Once they are down, say “down” and give them the treat.
Formal Training: 12 to 16 Weeks and Beyond
By 12 to 16 weeks, your German Shepherd puppy will be ready for more formal training sessions. Keep these sessions short and enjoyable, around 5 to 10 minutes, two to three times a day.
Obedience Training
German Shepherds excel at obedience training. Begin teaching basic commands like sit, down, stay, and loose-leash walking early on. Enrolling in a puppy obedience class can be extremely helpful for socialization and teaching these commands.
Recall
Start teaching your German Shepherd to come when called as soon as possible. A reliable recall is a crucial skill that could save your dog’s life.
Training Goals: 3 to 9 Months
Continue reinforcing basic obedience commands and focus on socialization. Expose your puppy to different environments and situations to build their confidence.
Impulse Control
Work on impulse control exercises such as “wait” and “leave it”. These exercises help your puppy learn to control their impulses and make good decisions.
9 Months to 2 Years: Continued Training and Maturity
German Shepherds may not reach full maturity until two or three years of age. Continue working on impulse control, improving obedience skills, and advancing to more focused activities.
Advanced Training
Consider training in activities like tracking, scent work, protection work, agility, or herding. These activities can provide mental stimulation and help your German Shepherd reach their full potential.
Key Principles of German Shepherd Puppy Training
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and toys. Avoid punishment, as German Shepherds are sensitive and do not respond well to it.
- Consistency: Be consistent with your commands and expectations. Use the same cues and rewards every time.
- Patience: Training takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your puppy doesn’t learn everything overnight.
- Short Sessions: Keep training sessions short and engaging to maintain your puppy’s attention.
- Make it Fun: Training should be a positive experience for both you and your puppy. Use games and activities to make it fun.
Dog Behavior vs. Dog Training
It’s important to distinguish between dog behavior and dog training. Training involves teaching specific commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come”. Behavior, on the other hand, refers to how a dog acts in certain situations.
If your dog exhibits unacceptable behavior, determine if it’s a training issue or a behavioral issue. Is your dog being naughty, or are they just being a dog?
The 10-Second Rule
Dogs live in the moment. Consequences must be immediate, within about 10 seconds, so that the dog understands the connection between their action and the consequence.
Online Dog Training Resources
For flexible and comprehensive training options, online dog training courses can be a valuable resource.
A Word of Caution
Every dog is unique. It’s always wise to consult with a professional dog trainer or veterinarian for advice tailored to your specific situation.
Conclusion
The best time to start training a German Shepherd puppy is as early as possible. Early socialization and basic command training can begin as soon as you bring your puppy home at 7-8 weeks old. Consistent, positive reinforcement and patience are key to success. With the right approach, you can help your German Shepherd puppy grow into a well-behaved, happy, and confident companion.