Best Training Schedule For A German Shepherd
A German Shepherd without structure is a problem waiting to happen. These dogs are smart, strong-willed, and always testing boundaries. If you don’t establish a solid training schedule early, you’re not just dealing with bad behavior—you’re dealing with an 80-90 pound powerhouse that thinks they make the rules.
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 failed to train them properly. These dogs thrive on routine, discipline, and mental stimulation. If you don’t give them that, they’ll find their own ways to stay busy—and you won’t like their choices.
Here’s the best daily training schedule to keep your German Shepherd mentally sharp, well-behaved, and under control.
Morning Routine: Start the Day with Structure
A German Shepherd wakes up with energy. If you don’t channel it properly, expect zoomies, barking, and destructive behavior.
👉 What to do:
- 6:30 – 7:00 AM: Structured Walk – Not a sniff-everything, pull-you-down-the-block walk. This should be a leash-training session where they walk by your side, not in front of you.
- 7:00 – 7:15 AM: Obedience Training – Before breakfast, work on basic commands (sit, stay, come, down, heel). Make them earn their food by following commands first.
- 7:15 – 7:30 AM: Mealtime with Training – Use a slow feeder or make them work for their food with a puzzle toy. It prevents gulping and makes mealtime a mental exercise.
💡 Pro tip: Never just hand them their food. A German Shepherd should always earn what they get—even meals.
Mid-Morning: Mental Stimulation or Solo Play
After breakfast, your Shepherd needs engagement, especially if they’ll be left alone for a while.
👉 What to do:
- 9:30 – 10:00 AM: Puzzle Toys or Scent Work – Hide treats around the house or use a puzzle feeder. This keeps their brain working and prevents destructive boredom.
- 10:00 – 11:00 AM: Independent Chew Time – Give them a durable chew toy (like a frozen Kong or bully stick) to keep them occupied.
💡 Pro tip: A bored German Shepherd will find something to destroy—keep them busy.
Afternoon: Physical & Mental Engagement
By midday, your Shepherd needs a break—otherwise, expect restlessness and unwanted behaviors.
👉 What to do:
- 12:30 – 1:00 PM: Training & Play Combo – Do a short obedience refresher, followed by tug-of-war, fetch, or agility work.
- 1:00 – 1:30 PM: Calm Behavior Practice – Work on “place” training (teaching them to stay in one spot) or impulse control exercises.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t let them dictate playtime—you start and end the game, reinforcing leadership.
Evening: Energy Burn & Reinforcement Training
As the day winds down, your Shepherd still needs exercise and structured training.
👉 What to do:
- 5:30 – 6:00 PM: Structured Walk – Another walk with heel work and controlled leash behavior.
- 6:00 – 6:15 PM: Obedience Training – Reinforce commands like recall, stay, and leave it in a distracting environment.
- 6:15 – 6:30 PM: Mealtime Training – Just like in the morning, make them work for their food with a quick training session before they eat.
💡 Pro tip: A tired Shepherd is a well-behaved Shepherd.
Nighttime: Wind Down & Reinforce Calmness
A German Shepherd doesn’t just need physical work—they need to learn how to relax too.
👉 What to do:
- 8:30 – 9:00 PM: Light Play or Trick Training – Keep it low-energy, like teaching new tricks or giving them a slow chew.
- 9:00 – 9:30 PM: Calm Reinforcement – Practice settling in their bed or crate before bedtime.
💡 Pro tip: Never let a Shepherd dictate when play or training ends—you control the routine.
Key Takeaways: Train with Purpose, Not Just When You Feel Like It
A well-trained German Shepherd doesn’t just happen—it requires daily, structured work.
✅ Start the day with structure—walk first, train before meals.
✅ Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.
✅ Burn off energy in the evening to prevent night-time restlessness.
✅ Never let them train you—stay in control at all times.
✅ Make training a lifestyle, not just a once-in-a-while thing.
Follow this schedule, and you’ll have a disciplined, loyal, and well-behaved Shepherd. Ignore it, and you’ll have a stubborn, high-energy dog that runs your household.
The choice is yours.
