training a german shepered puppy?

Question

I want to get a female and train her to be a fierce watch dog but also a true family dog and friend.I never had a shepered (but raised other gogs)but heard they are very smart but extremely stubborn.Any advice on training?Age it should start?ways to train them?Thanks

Answer 1

I have had 2 Shepards both very different from each other and not at the same time. It's important with them to be a part of the pack and they need to know where there place is in that pack. You begin training right away- if they are puppies you can soon paper train and then outdoor train. Get a book to help with paticulars. My best advise is be prepared for a dog with strength both physical and mental. They need plenty of space outside to run (fenced in yard) they need to be brought in daily to keep them domesticated and happy. They need to know your the boss by your tone of voice and approval. At times you may need to be very firm and punish them with a time out away from you. Our present dog hates to have his collar on unless he's on his leash so if he wont listen I put his collar on and he's submissive. I've never trained him to be mean in any way, but I know he would be if he felt we were threatned and with that I sleep so much better at night.

Answer 2

German shepherds make good watch dogs but I am concerned about your use of the word "fierce."

You should get your puppy from a responsible breeder who breeds dogs for good heath and good, stable temperment. Any dog that will be used for a watch dog must be a stable animal that responsds well to training.

Training should begin with basic obedience training and good socialization with other people and other dogs. Your dog should basically begin assuming that not all other dogs and people are threats.

Then you will need to commit to schutzhund training that focuses on obedience, tracking and protection. It is intensive training but the only way to get the type of balanced dog you want. You need to be committed to lots of work to get the kind of dog you want. Otherwise, forget this idea and don't get a dog.

Answer 3

German Shephards are very loyal dogs, so they should instinctively want to protect you and your family if you're kind and loving to them. Buy one as a small puppy so it'll be fiercely loyal too you, and you won't have to bother training it that much. Play a lot of games with it and exercise it alot to keep it healthy though.

Answer 4

well i have a german shephard lab named friskey, and hes a verry good guard dog but he's also the best family pet. my family never trained him, he just kinda grew up knowing what to do and when to do it, now even though people say you can't teach and old dog tricks, he knows alot. sometimes though when he does things (and he knows he's not supposed to) he'll be stubborn, for example if you start talking to him and say,"Bad dog!" he'll just completely ignore you and look away. i say that you should try and get a puppy train her at about eerm i dunno in her late months and just see how it goes from there

Answer 5

My white shepherd is too mild mannered to be fierce, that's ok. She's a great companion and learns very easily -- lots of petting, treats and happy voices. No loud, shrill voice - no hitting. Lots of loving and care. Plenty of play and running. She's a beauty.

Answer 6

Don't get one.. Why do you need a fierce watchdog?
Fierce, family dog, friend, hmmm... Good luck... Get yourself an alarm system and leave dogs for people who will love them, rather than need them for protection.

Answer 7

Hi ,
Well i found this really helpful guide ,its a really professional training called sit stay fetch , to teach you how to train your dog by yourself , http://dogobediencetraining.co.nr , its a easy step by step book
Hope this helps you with your dog

Answer 8

shepards are actually not watch dogs they are guard dogs ., they are very loyal and usally to one person . , and they don't ned to be trained to guard they do it naturally , but ,,,they need to be trained by a professional to be kept in control and you also need to now how to handle him .