when should I start training my 8 week old german shepherd?

Question

i got my sable german shepherd when he was 6 1/2 weeks old and now he just turned 8 weeks, when should i start to train him to be housebroken and other things?

Answer 1

Too young for a shepherd to leave home and the training should have started at the house where he was born. Start now and be firm. German Shepherds are very needy dogs. My puppies stay with me until they are 10 - 12 weeks old. Don't waste time, your dog can and probably will be stubborn, but once he learns what pleases you he will be a good boy. Remember they suffer from separation anxiety so don't be too surprised if you leave him out what you might find when you come home.

Generally I think the males are a little harder to housebreak than the females, but I've also had females that were difficult. He's a big dog, so it will take him years to mature. He will probably eat fast and eat lots, don't be surprised if it catches him by surprise a couple of times and he poos on the floor after you thought he was trained. By 2 1/2 - 3 years I see a huge difference in my little guys. They can have a short attention span, and I've found it better to train for short periods of time many times a day rather than trying to train for a longer period of time. Potty training do all the time. My dogs are very voice sensitive and even before they mature they had to upset their people, they really do aim to please.

Good luck - they can be trying but the reward is the best dog in the world!

Answer 2

Hey there, congratulations on your new family member. Dogs are great. Start training him right away. Dogs minds are like sponges from now until 12 weeks and then they start knowing they can "get away w/ stuff". They will still learn after that, but take advantage of the very impressionable time you have now.
The best way to house break a dog is to use a crate. Talk to your vet or pet store for details.... But basically, a dog's crate is like their 'den'. They won't soil the place where they sleep or hang out. Introduce them to the crate by luring them in there, closing the door and having them stay in there for short periods of time. Start at 30 seconds, next time 1 minute, next time, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, etc. It's also a good place to keep your dog safe while you leave the house (or simply need a break from him/her for a half hour - puppy's can wear you out). I know it seems harsh, but they will get used to it. It's better to do that than to let your dog get into something dangerous that he might find in the house. (Which could be anything from a q-tip to soap to electrical wires.)
As far as behavior training - start training the basics. Sit, lay down (or "down"), walking in a leash, attention training and "come". I can't stress the attention training enough. Getting them to know and respond to their name is priceless and very helpful. If you can hire a trainer or go to puppy kindergarten, do so. If not there are some great books in positive reinforcement training.
For instance. Call your dog's name. If he/she responds by looking you, turning their head to you, ears perk up: give them praise. A tiny treat or lots of pats/hugs. Tell them good girl/boy. They will respond to this. Keep doing it and they will learn to listen well to you.
Walking on a leash. As much as dogs want to search out everything they encounter on their walks, they need to learn to walk well on a leash. Have fun time - when they can discover and then training time. On a leash, keep your dog close to you and have them keep walking next to you. It takes practice and sometimes some gentle tugs on the leash to keep them moving, but the sooner you start this and the more frequently you do it, the more you will enjoy walking your dog. (My dog is 6 months and she's just getting this now because we didn't practice this enough with her.)
Just thing postive reinforcements and lots of praise and seek help from professionals or books if you can.
Good luck!

Answer 3

Right now would be a good time. If you are training him for police work, take him to a professional. If not, then start with the basics and then you may progress. Good luck!

Answer 4

Right now is perfect actually. The earlier they learn, the longer they have to perfect their training. If you start housebreaking him now, you won't have to deal with an older and much bigger dog still going in your house. You can also start basic obedience now too. Good luck!

Answer 5

Right now! He's at the perfect age to start with potty training and some basic commands. He also ready for his vet visit to have his shots and start his hearworm medication and flea protection.
Have fun with your new pup!

Answer 6

basically now. When your feeding him or giving a treat make him do something. When he goes to the bathroom in the right spot reward him with love care and acasionally treats. If it goes to the3 bath room in the wrong place clearly and loudly say "NO!" but not to loud to make the dog scared of u.

Answer 7

You can start housebreaking now. Basic training at your local pet store or training facility can be done as soon as your puppy receives all his vaccinations. I recommend crate-training to housebreak your pup. Good luck.

Answer 8

Now....take him outside immediately after waking up, eating, playing and anytime he is sniffing the floor. Praise and give a small treat when he goes outside. Take him to the same place each time so he knows you are wanting him to go to the bathroom.

Answer 9

now is the best time to start training him

Answer 10

Your Running late allready, you need to start training now because if you leave it to long he will become very disobediant