Q&A: German Shepherd puppy: Need beginer’s obediance training tips?
Question by Rosa Nancy: German Shepherd puppy: Need beginer’s obediance training tips?
My pup is 9 weeks old. I’d like to get an early start on the basics (lay down, stay, sit, shake) of obeying orders. I want the most simple, and effective ways to teach her. I’ve worked with pomeranians and was very successful in teaching them any trick I could think of. But the 2 breeds are very different, and I have never tried past sit with a bigger dog. I would like to hear other’s opinion on the breed and training it.
My pup: She is very smart. We have her sitting on command, and when she’s doing something wrong (like chewing on something other than her toys) a sharp “Ahhck!” stops her immediately. She is nearly house trained already, but Terrified of the dark so walking at night is a problem (need help with that too, if there is anything that can help). She sleeps in her own crate, but wakes it the night, needing to go out (probably because not wanting to go out after dark). Trying to treat train, but nipping the food out of my hand when the food is close to her is starting to change my mind. Might have to keep with just praise and petting as reward. Over all the problems arn’t big. But would like any help I can get.
Best answer:
Answer by Nikki
clicker training!
here is a website that helps a lot! clickertraining.com
and to prove how effective this is, look at this GSD on you tube:
hunkymonkeykaine!
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
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Start with basics (always good)
Praise as soon as she does the action.
You can combine treats with a clicker, and praise/clicker so she will learn that a click means “good dog”. – one problem I had with a clicker is my dog was scared of the noise, so it didn’t really work out.
When you give her treats, curl your hand around the food to stop her snatching it. Hopefully she will learn not to snatch and if she does go to snatch do not give her the food. this only reinforces the snatching.
If you’ve succeeded with other dogs you shouldn’t have a problem. Obviously all dogs are different, but keep at it!
I would like to address the ‘nipping the food out of your hand’ and the ‘fear of the dark’. Firstly, never avoid a problem situation, address it immediately and consistently. Only offer the treat if she’s calm. If she tries to jump for it or nip, withdraw and correct (with the sharp sound). Slowly approach again. I use ‘wait’ for my dogs. They won’t go for it until I put it in front of their mouth and say ‘ok’. Then I praise afterwards if they take it gently. As for the fear of dark, make it a point to go out with her just before dark and stay until it gets dark. Initially maybe stay only 5 minutes and come back in. 5 min later, go again for another 5 min and come back. Repetition is key. She will learn that being out in the dark is not a bad thing and nothing bad happens. iIt’s all about gaining her trust that you will protect her.