If you landed on this page, you are probably looking for more information on training your German Shepherd. Created in 1899 by Max von Stephanitz, the German Shepherd has gained wide popularity over the decades. What many people do not realize is that over the years, the German Shepherd breed has diverged from its origins into several different lines, each having their own distinct characteristics. These lines are known as West German show lines, American AKC show lines, West German working lines, East German working lines, and Czech working lines. Do you know which lines your dog comes from? If you purchased your dog from a reputable breeder, chances are you do. If you rescued your dog or got your dog from an individual, you may not know, but often the look, color, and temperament of the dog will give you a good idea.
Whatever lines your German Shepherd comes from, one thing is the same. They all require training. Training a German Shepherd is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Anybody who chooses a German Shepherd as a companion should be prepared to learn what is required to give their dogs the knowledge and skills they need to live happy and fulfilling lives. Without proper guidance, German Shepherds can become reactive and insecure to aggressive and out of control. Owners who do not have the skills to guide their dogs properly often inadvertently create behaviors that become problematic or even dangerous.
When looking for help with your German Shepherd, look for trainers with experience with the breed. An easy way to determine this is to see if the trainer participates in the sport of Schutzhund (now called IGP) or if the training school is affiliated with trainers experienced in the sport. Schutzhund is a sport created by Max von Stephanitz beginning in 1901 to test the German Shepherd breed and consists of three phases: tracking, obedience, and protection. As you can surmise, trainers who compete in this sport are far more experienced and knowledgeable about the German Shepherd breed than your average trainer. While these trainers are not common, they are out there! Look for trainers or training schools that participate in the sport or are coached by trainers that are active in the sport.
German Shepherd Puppy Training
Do you have a German Shepherd puppy? Foundation training is important! A great way to dive into dog training is by reading books by reputable people. The first dog training book I ever read, and one that I still retain information from is the oldie but goodie, Monks of New Skete, the Art of Raising a Puppy. The Monks of New Skete have raised and trained German Shepherd dogs for decades and have very solid common sense advice to share.
If you still need more help, our puppy board and train program or day train program gives them the skills they need to grow into well-adjusted adults.
