An undisciplined dog is a vulnerability that can harm you at any time and any day, no matter how loyal, friendly, and caring it is. Surely you don’t want to get bitten by a German shepherd, given how strong it is.
We all want the German shepherd to follow our instructions and protect us in case of any danger. But you cannot expect this at all from an undisciplined German shepherd. This does not also mean we stop petting and not let them enter our homes. All you need to do is learn how to discipline a German shepherd puppy, and you will have the most disciplined, passionate, loyal, and vigilant friend.
Many dog owners are confused, and they often go for physical punishment. However, this is not recommended at all. To discipline a German shepherd puppy, you don’t need to go for negative punishment as it might pinch and will make them aggressive. Also, it is easier to discipline a puppy than an adult dog. So, you don’t need a special trainer, follow the guidelines discussed in this article, and you will have a disciplined German shepherd with you.
Best ways to discipline a German shepherd puppy
You cannot discipline a puppy in a day; it is going to be a long-term exercise that you have to go through in order to have the loyal, controlled, and obedient German shepherd.
A puppy is not mature enough to understand good and bad behavior, and that is why you have to train and make them learn what is good for them and what is wrong. Proper training is what is going to inculcate discipline in their actions and routine.
German shepherds are intelligent and receptive and whatever they learn in their early years stays in their life forever. It’s next to impossible to change the habit of an adult German shepherd. So, make sure that you read this thoroughly and train the shepherd puppy the right way. Let’s now explore a few ways that are helpful to discipline a German shepherd pup.
Positive reinforcement training
Appreciation and rewards are the two ways to make anyone feel good about what they have done. The same goes for German shepherds. Positive reinforcement training means rewarding puppies for their good behavior. It’s an easy and effective way to teach puppies good habits and eventually make them disciplined. When they get rewarded for good habits, they are likely to avoid unwanted behaviors.
But for this training to work, you need to be consistent about it. It requires your time, attention, and care at the same time. Moreover, you need to reward them on the spot for their good habits as it will help them understand what they are rewarded for. Make sure that you have something useful and valuable as a reward; some puppies love specific feed or some toys. The right reward is the key to making them feel appreciated.
Help them avoid unwanted behavior
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Awarding them for good habits is one thing; what if they have developed bad behavior. In this case, you have to redirect them towards something positive or a productive habit. For example, if your puppy develops the habit of digging, try to observe, and learn the reason behind it. If doing it for fun, offer your puppy a toy, and if doing it to find comfort, provide a mat or something that helps redirect their habit. In a similar manner, you can get rid of unwanted behaviors one by one.
Teach them commands
To make puppies obedient, it is necessary that they are familiar with commands. German puppies are fast learners, and within a couple of days, you can train them to follow your instructions. Start with the simplest ones, such as when to bark or when to sit. You have to keep on with your efforts and reward them if your commands are followed properly.
How not to discipline a German shepherd puppy?
While you are making a consistent effort to discipline your pup, it’s important to know how not to do it as well.
Do not frustrate
Remember that you are training a puppy, and they only understand the language of love and comfort. Each puppy is different and will not grasp your training at the same time. It is necessary that you remain stable and keep on putting your effort at the same pace with passion.
Don’t hit or yell
Both things are worse when it comes to training puppies. They lose their confidence and make them fearful, due to which they will never be able to grow strong mentally. A German shepherd puppy might react aggressively over your action, and this is not going to help at all to make the discipline.
Tips and tricks to discipline a German shepherd puppy for fast results
There are always a few tips that help more than the process itself. Let’s see what can be done differently in this regard.
- If you start early, you don’t have to work on a redirect strategy as they won’t have developed many bad habits by then.
- Build a relationship with your puppy and a connection that helps you communicate effectively with your dog.
- Training doesn’t have to be boring. Include a variety of games and take this opportunity to inculcate good behavior.
- Do not compromise on their diet and sleep; give proper time and quality feed.
- Catch them in the act and play along to show gratitude and appreciation.
- Last but not least, puppies have great instincts, and they notice everything you do. A German shepherd puppy, being naturally intelligent, will reflect you. Be consistent with your effort and do not behave or show a manner you don’t want to be present in your dog.
Conclusion
Having an obedient German shepherd by your side as you come home after a hectic day, nothing can be more relaxing than that. While you can instill discipline through training, keeping them engaged is also necessary so that puppies do not indulge in any bad activities. Take good care of them, make them disciplined, and they will turn out to be great partners.