Best Training Methods For Stubborn German Shepherds
erman Shepherds are one of the smartest, most capable dogs out there, but let’s be real—they can also be incredibly stubborn. If you don’t train them right, you’re not just dealing with a headstrong dog—you’re dealing with an 80-90 pound powerhouse that thinks they run the show.
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 end up in shelters simply because their owners couldn’t handle their strong-willed nature. These dogs aren’t naturally bad, but if you let them get away with bad behavior, they’ll walk all over you.
The good news? You can train them. But you have to be firm, consistent, and smarter than they are. Here’s how to handle a stubborn German Shepherd the right way.
1. Establish Leadership—They Won’t Listen to a Weak Owner
German Shepherds respect strength and consistency. If they sense hesitation or inconsistency, they’ll take over. You need to establish yourself as the leader—not through fear, but through structure and confidence.
👉 How to do it:
- Always give clear, firm commands—no baby talk, no begging.
- Follow through with every command—never let them ignore you.
- Control their access to food, toys, and attention—they earn privileges.
💡 Pro tip: A German Shepherd tests boundaries constantly. If you let them ignore a command once, they’ll do it again. And again.
2. Use High-Value Rewards—Not Just Any Treat Will Work
German Shepherds aren’t easily impressed. If you’re trying to train a stubborn one, basic treats won’t cut it. Find what really motivates them.
👉 How to do it:
- Use real meat treats or their favorite toy as a reward.
- Keep rewards small but valuable—no overfeeding.
- Vary the reward—sometimes use a treat, sometimes a toy, sometimes praise.
💡 Pro tip: Some Shepherds prefer tug toys or a quick game over food. Figure out what makes your dog tick.
3. Train in Short, Focused Sessions—Keep Them Engaged
A stubborn German Shepherd isn’t dumb—they’re just bored. If training is too repetitive or too easy, they’ll stop paying attention.
👉 How to do it:
- Keep training sessions 5-10 minutes long—multiple times a day.
- Make training challenging and engaging—mix in new commands.
- Increase difficulty gradually—never let them coast.
💡 Pro tip: If they seem stubborn, change the routine. Keep things unpredictable but structured.
4. Always Follow Through—No “Maybe” Commands
German Shepherds push limits. If you give them an inch, they’ll take a mile. When you give a command, expect them to obey every single time.
👉 How to do it:
- Say it once—don’t repeat it five times.
- If they don’t listen, make them do it—gently but firmly.
- Never reward them if they ignore you—only reward correct behavior.
💡 Pro tip: If they ignore a command, they’re not confused. They’re testing you.
5. Socialization—Expose Them to Everything, Early and Often
A poorly socialized German Shepherd becomes reactive, overprotective, or fearful. This is one of the biggest reasons Shepherds develop behavior issues.
👉 How to do it:
- Introduce them to different people, dogs, and environments regularly.
- Reward calm behavior when they meet new situations.
- Keep them exposed to different noises, surfaces, and settings.
💡 Pro tip: If a German Shepherd doesn’t learn that the world isn’t a threat, they’ll overreact to everything. Socialize them early and often.
6. Stop Leash Pulling Before It Becomes a Problem
A stubborn German Shepherd will try to take control of walks—and if they succeed, you’ll never have a peaceful walk again.
👉 How to do it:
- Use a no-pull harness—not a choke or prong collar.
- The second they pull, stop walking. Only move forward on a loose leash.
- Reward them for walking calmly by your side.
💡 Pro tip: If you let a Shepherd pull as a puppy, you’ll have an 80-pound dog dragging you later.
7. Make Recall (Come Command) a Top Priority
If your German Shepherd doesn’t come when called, it’s dangerous. This command needs to be rock solid.
👉 How to do it:
- Start in a distraction-free area, then increase difficulty.
- Always reward them for coming—never punish them, even if they take too long.
- Make “come” exciting—use an enthusiastic voice, run backward, and make it a game.
💡 Pro tip: If they ignore you, never chase them. Instead, move away and make them chase you.
8. Stop Jumping—It’s Cute Now, But Not Later
German Shepherds love to jump up for attention. At 15 pounds, it’s cute. At 85 pounds, it’s a liability.
👉 How to do it:
- Ignore them when they jump—no eye contact, no petting, no reaction.
- Only reward them 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 behavior.
9. Mental Stimulation—A Bored Shepherd is a Destructive Shepherd
A stubborn German Shepherd isn’t always being difficult—sometimes they’re just under-stimulated.
👉 How to do it:
- Use puzzle toys, scent work, and training drills.
- Teach them new tricks regularly—they love learning.
- Give them a job—agility, obedience work, or structured play.
💡 Pro tip: A mentally engaged Shepherd is far calmer than one who’s just physically tired.
Final Thoughts
A stubborn German Shepherd isn’t a lost cause—but if you let them get away with bad behavior, ignore training, or fail to lead, you’ll end up with an uncontrollable, reactive, and dominant dog.
✅ Establish leadership—Shepherds respect authority.
✅ Use high-value rewards—basic treats won’t work.
✅ Keep training sessions short, engaging, and challenging.
✅ Follow through with every command—never let them ignore you.
✅ Socialize them early—prevent fear-based aggression.
✅ Leash train properly—no pulling allowed.
✅ Make recall solid—“come” isn’t optional.
✅ Stop jumping before it becomes a habit.
✅ Keep their brain engaged—mental work is just as important as physical exercise.
Put in the effort now, and you’ll have a disciplined, well-behaved companion for life.
Slack off? You’ll have a stubborn, headstrong dog that’s impossible to control.
The choice is yours—train them right, or deal with the consequences later.
