Best Training Methods For German Shepherds
German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and highly trainable—but let’s be clear, they’re not for lazy owners. If you don’t train them properly, they’ll take control, and you’ll end up with a stubborn, overprotective, or even aggressive dog. That’s not a breed issue—it’s a training issue.
As a veterinarian with ten years of experience and someone who runs a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats, I’ve seen plenty of out-of-control German Shepherds. These dogs need structure, discipline, and a strong leader—not harsh punishment, but clear rules and consistency. Do it right, and you’ll have one of the most obedient and reliable dogs out there. Do it wrong, and you’ll have a headstrong, anxious, or reactive nightmare on your hands.
So let’s get into it—the best training methods for German Shepherds that actually work.
1. Establish Leadership—From Day One
German Shepherds respect leadership—but you have to earn it. They aren’t the type of dog to blindly follow orders unless you prove you’re in charge. That doesn’t mean being aggressive or harsh—it means setting consistent rules and sticking to them.
👉 How to do it:
- Make them work for everything—food, treats, toys, attention. No free handouts.
- Always give commands in a calm, firm tone—no yelling, no pleading.
- Never let them ignore a command—if you say “sit,” make sure they sit before moving on.
💡 Pro tip: Confidence is key—if you act unsure, they’ll take control.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement (But Stay Firm)
German Shepherds are eager to please, but they don’t respond well to heavy-handed punishment. They learn best when rewarded for good behavior, not when scared into obeying.
👉 How to do it:
- Reward immediately when they obey—don’t wait.
- Use high-value treats (small pieces of chicken, cheese, or dog-safe peanut butter).
- Mix in praise and play as rewards—don’t rely only on food.
💡 Pro tip: Once they master a command, start phasing out treats and use praise instead. You don’t want a dog that only listens when food is involved.
3. Train Every Day—Mental Work Is Essential
A bored German Shepherd is a destructive German Shepherd. These dogs need daily mental challenges, or they’ll find their own ways to entertain themselves (like shredding your couch).
👉 How to do it:
- Practice obedience commands every day, even if just for 10 minutes.
- Introduce advanced commands and tricks—they love learning new things.
- Use puzzle toys and scent work to keep their brain engaged.
💡 Pro tip: A German Shepherd that’s mentally stimulated is calmer and easier to handle.
4. Socialization—The Most Important Step
A poorly socialized German Shepherd can become fearful, anxious, or overly protective. This breed is naturally wary of strangers, so it’s your job to teach them what’s normal and what’s actually a threat.
👉 How to do it:
- Expose them to different people, environments, and noises from a young age.
- Arrange controlled introductions with other dogs—never force it.
- Bring them to pet-friendly stores, parks, and busy areas to get them used to new situations.
💡 Pro tip: A well-socialized German Shepherd is confident and calm, not reactive and anxious.
5. Leash Training—Stop Pulling Before It Starts
German Shepherds are strong. If you don’t teach leash manners early, you’ll have a dog that drags you down the street.
👉 How to do it:
- Use a sturdy harness instead of a collar—better control, less pressure on the neck.
- Start indoors or in a quiet area before introducing distractions.
- If they start pulling, stop walking immediately. Wait for them to stop pulling before moving forward.
💡 Pro tip: Consistency wins—if you let them pull sometimes, they’ll always try.
6. Teach “Quiet”—Because They Love to Bark
German Shepherds are vocal dogs. They bark when excited, alert, or bored. If you don’t teach them to control it, they’ll bark at everything—neighbors, delivery people, birds, the wind.
👉 How to do it:
- When they bark, say “quiet” in a calm, firm tone.
- Wait for a moment of silence, then reward them.
- Repeat consistently—never reward barking with attention.
💡 Pro tip: If barking is a real issue, increase exercise and mental stimulation—a tired German Shepherd is a quiet German Shepherd.
7. Crate Training—For Structure and Security
Crate training helps with housebreaking, separation anxiety, and giving them a safe space. German Shepherds love structure, and a crate gives them that.
👉 How to do it:
- Make the crate comfortable, not a punishment—use a soft bed and a favorite toy.
- Start with short sessions—let them get used to it gradually.
- Always take them outside immediately after crating to avoid accidents.
💡 Pro tip: Never use the crate as punishment—it should be their safe place, not a timeout corner.
8. Off-Leash Training—It’s Possible, But Not Easy
German Shepherds can be trained for off-leash obedience, but don’t rush it. These dogs are powerful and fast—if they take off, you won’t catch them.
👉 How to do it:
- Master recall on-leash first—they should come when called every time.
- Use a long training lead in a safe, enclosed area before going fully off-leash.
- Reward heavily for returning—make coming back to you more exciting than running off.
💡 Pro tip: Some German Shepherds will always need a leash in public. Know your dog’s limits.
Final Thoughts
Training a German Shepherd isn’t optional—it’s a requirement. These dogs thrive when they have clear rules, daily mental stimulation, and a strong leader.
🔹 Establish leadership early—set rules and stick to them.
🔹 Use positive reinforcement—they respond best to rewards, not punishment.
🔹 Train every day—mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise.
🔹 Socialize properly—an under-socialized German Shepherd can become anxious or aggressive.
🔹 Master leash manners and barking control—don’t let bad habits start.
🔹 Crate train for structure—it helps with housebreaking and anxiety.
🔹 Consider off-leash training, but only when they’re 100% reliable.
If you put in the work, you’ll have a disciplined, loyal, and highly intelligent companion. But if you slack off? You’ll have a smart, strong-willed dog that does whatever they want. The choice is yours. Train them right—or they’ll train you.
