Q&A for How to Train a German Shepherd

No. If at any time you feel that you are in danger, you should stop immediately! Get a professional trainer involved so no one else gets hurt.

You can teach your puppy that people are not a threat to the food bowl by adding a few kibbles to the bowl while he's eating. This will help him make a positive association with you and the food.

Monitor your dog to see when he is most likely to go to the toilet, and be sure to increase success retraining by taking him out at these times. Be sure to praise him when he obliges outdoors. Avoid chastising him after accidents indoors, but if you catch him in the act, interrupt him with a short, sharp "No" and take him straight out. When inside, watch the dog and take him out at the first sign of sniffing to toilet — keeping him on a leash indoors can help with this. Likewise take him out on waking or after food.

German Shepherds are sensitive dogs and are actually more prone to anxiety and fear than many people suppose. This can lead them to become defensive and snap out of a desire to protect themselves. This is why socialization is so important for the German shepherd, along with having a confident trainer who can recognize when their dog is anxious and take positive steps to bolster confidence but without encouraging aggression.

Try dropping your dog's favorite treat into the bowl as you approach it. That way, they'll see it as a positive experience when you're near their bowl.

When your grandchildren visit you, pet your pup and ask your grandchildren to be with you in front of your German Shepherd and also ask them to pet him but in presence of you. Always be cheerful in front of your dog with your grandchildren. This will make your dog understand that your grandchildren are from your pack.

Yes, within reason. Most German Shepherd can withstand cold weather because of their thick coats. Some even like playing in the snow. You would not want to leave your dog outside in freezing temperatures for long periods of time, however, and if you notice your dog shivering or looking uncomfortable, you should bring him inside.

Before you teach your dog not to jump on anyone, it must know how to sit solidly. Dogs jump because they like to greet us at our face; make sure your dog does not get any attention from anyone unless four feet are on the ground. Make sure you make eye contact with your dog.

When puppies yelp, it usually means they're nervous. Try associating meeting new people with something good, and make sure guests approach softly and give your dog time to smell them. Smelling people is a dog's way of getting to know people. Give your dog treats when going to the vet, and get your guests to, occasionally, give your puppy a treat and play with him/her. No dog usually likes the vet, so don't be worried if your dog shows some resistance. Sometimes, it takes years for dogs to get used to visitors, so unless your puppy is showing extreme signs of being afraid (Heavily shaking, heavily panting, desperately trying to avoid people.) You don't have much to worry about.

It's normal for dogs to go after cats. Start with a clicker to get your dog's attention. Whenever a cat is around, distract your dog with the clicker. Soon it will catch on.

Place a newspaper on the ground near where it usually urinates. If the dog urinates on the carpet, ignore it, but when it pees on the newspaper give it a treat or use the clicker. Soon it will start to pee on newspapers. Then, after some time, place the newspaper outside and use the same clicker method to reward it.

Dogs show affection by licking, so if you want to stop it, then pet it and hold it away from you with a no command slowly but firmly. Repeat the same steps every time your dog tries to lick you, and soon it will understand. Barking is another mixed reaction. If you have left the dog alone for long periods of time, and it sees you, it may bark in exitement or for a need to be let loose, for nature calls, etc. If you are hard on it, then aggressive barking is to warn you to stop whatever you are doing.

With my shepherd, I put her in a room where she can't see the visitors for 5 to 10 minutes. After that I let her out but I have a gate between my dog and my friends so she can see I'm with them and they're welcome here. My dog barks for a minute or two then she stops. After a couple visits she should get used to that person.

Start taking it out for walks and start playing with it physically, such as playing ball or playing catch, but avoid aggressive behaviour by not playing aggressive games such as tug of war.

German shepherds are intelligent, loyal and easy to train.

Your dog will eventually get tired and restless with training, making anything longer useless or near useless. All dogs are different, though, and you should learn your dog's limits.

Dogs tend to bite when they're playing. Next time you play, whimper and cry if the dog bites you. This will let the dog know that you're in pain, which might deter them from biting you in the future. wikiHow also has some articles that can help you deal with a biting dog, like How to Make a Dog Stop Biting .

For the most part yes, although one should supervise young children with the dog initially. If the dog is handled roughly, it may retaliate. As long as the dog has been well-socialized, they will get along with with everyone.

Dogs will stop biting if a person "yips" like a dog in pain; this is the way puppies' litter-mates let them know when they're playing too rough.

Tell him no and give a time out. Then come back after some time and see if it does it again.

Try using a bitter spray. They make it for dogs and cats, and can be bought from a pet store. It does not hurt them, but leaves a bad taste in their mouth.

Yes, German Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

You can keep a dog in a tropical area. You just need to keep him cool and keep him hydrated.

Agility training is always good, as it will provide muscle-building exercise for the dog.

If you want your dog to be 100% obedient you must be willing to put in all of your attention to training your dog. It will be difficult and frustrating at times but with hard work and effort, you can have a very obedient dog.

Simply train him in your mother tongue. If he has no previous training, he'll associate the action and phrase with one another. You say "sit" in your language and gesture for him to sit. Eventually he'll associate the two.

What I did when helping my friend training her dog was, when your dog starts to pull, just stop and say "heel" and gently guide your dog to your heel. You'll have to be very patient and do this many times. You might need treats for rewards. You also need to make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise.

Slowly introduce strangers at a distance and have your dog sit. If he stays calm, reward him with a treat. If he acts out, leave the area and try again later.

Try to tell to it let it go with kindness and put your hand on it's head and pet it easily.

Yes, it's normal, but it's behavior that needs to be stopped. When she bites, say NO, stop playing, and offer her a toy. You want her to understand that she can bite the toy, but not people.