Best Training Methods For Stubborn German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are smart, loyal, and naturally protective—but they’re also strong-willed and independent. If you don’t establish leadership early, they’ll run the show, and trust me, you don’t want that.
As a veterinarian with ten years of experience and someone who runs a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats, I’ve seen too many German Shepherds develop bad habits simply because their owners weren’t firm enough from the start. These dogs are too intelligent for weak training—they’ll test you, push boundaries, and if they sense hesitation, they’ll take advantage of it.
The good news? If you train them properly, you’ll have one of the most obedient, disciplined, and reliable dogs out there. Here’s how to handle a stubborn German Shepherd puppy the right way.
1. Establish Leadership—They Respect Authority, Not Softness
German Shepherds aren’t naturally defiant—they just need a leader. If they don’t see you as one, they’ll take matters into their own paws.
👉 How to do it:
- Be firm, confident, and consistent—no mixed signals.
- Use clear commands with a steady voice—no yelling, no begging.
- Control food, toys, and playtime—they need to earn privileges.
💡 Pro tip: If they ignore a command, don’t repeat it five times. Make them follow through the first time.
2. Use High-Value Rewards—Basic Treats Won’t Cut It
German Shepherds are smart enough to know what’s worth their effort. If they’re stubborn, you need something they actually care about to get their attention.
👉 How to do it:
- Find their favorite reward—high-value treats, toys, or praise.
- Keep treats small and rewarding—no overfeeding.
- Use different rewards for different tasks—some behaviors require bigger incentives.
💡 Pro tip: Some German Shepherds prefer tug toys or play over food. Find what motivates your pup.
3. Keep Training Sessions Short and Challenging
A stubborn German Shepherd puppy isn’t bored—they’re uninterested. If training feels repetitive or easy, they’ll tune you out.
👉 How to do it:
- Train in 5-10 minute sessions, multiple times a day.
- Keep commands challenging—make them think, not just react.
- Increase difficulty as they progress—never let them coast.
💡 Pro tip: If they seem bored or stubborn, change the routine. Keep training unpredictable.
4. Enforce Commands—No “Maybe” or “Later”
A German Shepherd puppy will test you constantly. If you allow them to ignore a command once, they’ll do it again. And again.
👉 How to do it:
- If you say “sit,” don’t move forward until they do it.
- Avoid bribing—they should respond because you said so, not just for treats.
- Always follow through—no letting them off easy.
💡 Pro tip: A stubborn puppy isn’t confused—they’re waiting to see if you’ll give up first.
5. Socialization—Expose Them to Everything, Early and Often
German Shepherds are naturally wary of strangers. If they’re not socialized correctly, they can develop fear-based aggression, anxiety, or overprotectiveness.
👉 How to do it:
- Introduce them to different people, places, and animals from an early age.
- Reward calm behavior when they meet new situations.
- Teach them not every person or dog is a threat—balance confidence with control.
💡 Pro tip: Poorly socialized Shepherds become reactive and overprotective—start socialization young.
6. Leash Training—Stop Pulling Before It Starts
A stubborn German Shepherd puppy will pull on the leash if you let them. And once they get big? You’ll have no control.
👉 How to do it:
- Use a no-pull harness—not a choke chain or prong collar.
- Stop walking the second they pull—they only move forward on a loose leash.
- Reward calm walking—don’t let them drag you around.
💡 Pro tip: Make leash training a daily habit—you don’t want a 90-pound dog that drags you down the street.
7. Teach “Come” Immediately—It’s Not Optional
A German Shepherd that doesn’t come when called is dangerous. This command could save their life, so it needs to be solid.
👉 How to do it:
- Start in a distraction-free area, then slowly increase difficulty.
- Use a happy, excited voice—never punish them for coming late.
- Make “come” worth it—huge rewards, play, or their favorite toy.
💡 Pro tip: If they ignore “come,” never chase them—that turns it into a game. Instead, move away and make them chase you.
8. Stop Jumping—It’s Cute Now, But Not Later
German Shepherd puppies love to jump on people. It’s adorable at 15 pounds, dangerous at 80 pounds.
👉 How to do it:
- Ignore them when they jump—no eye contact, no petting, no reaction.
- Reward them only when all four paws are on the ground.
- Teach “sit” as a greeting behavior—no sitting, no attention.
💡 Pro tip: If guests come over, put them on a leash so you can control their greeting behavior.
9. Mental Stimulation—A Bored Shepherd is a Destructive Shepherd
A stubborn German Shepherd puppy isn’t just strong-willed—they’re smart. If you don’t challenge their brain, they’ll find their own entertainment (and you won’t like it).
👉 How to do it:
- Use puzzle toys, treat dispensers, and obedience drills.
- Teach them new tricks regularly—they love to learn.
- Give them a job—agility training, scent work, or structured play.
💡 Pro tip: A mentally tired dog is way calmer than a physically tired one. Make them think.
Final Thoughts
German Shepherd puppies aren’t naturally difficult—but if you let them call the shots, test boundaries, or ignore commands, they’ll grow into an unruly, headstrong dog that’s hard to handle.
✅ Be the leader—set clear rules from day one.
✅ Use high-value rewards—basic treats won’t cut it.
✅ Keep training short and engaging—don’t bore them.
✅ Follow through—no “maybe” or “later” when giving commands.
✅ Socialize early—prevent fear-based behaviors.
✅ Leash train properly—don’t let them pull.
✅ Teach recall immediately—“come” isn’t optional.
✅ Stop jumping before it becomes a problem.
✅ Challenge their mind—mental work is just as important as physical exercise.
If you put in the work now, you’ll have a loyal, well-trained companion for life. If you slack off? You’ll have a stubborn, uncontrollable dog that’s frustrating to live with.
The choice is yours—train them right, or deal with the consequences later.
