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They make excellent pets and formidable guard dogs. General Discipline Step 1 Observe your German shepherd's behavior. From the day you bring home your dog, keep a log of how he behaves in various situations. This will help you understand his likely future behavior. A typical German shepherd will be confident, alert and protective. His confidence should never become aggression, and he should be calm and watchful when encountering new stimuli. Pay special attention to how your pet responds to visitors arriving at the home, to other dogs coming to say hello, and to being taken for walks. Step 2 Note his naughty habits. Encouraging good behavior means introducing a reward; discouraging behavior means taking away rewards. Some love toys while others see physical contact as the ultimate prize. Many will do anything for a treat. Step 4 Leash your German shepherd and expose him to stimuli likely to resort in bad behavior. For example, have a friend ring the doorbell. Just before your friend rings the bell, begin to verbally praise your dog. This is a positive stimulus. If he remains passive and calm, increase the praise and let him off leash. If he barks, stop the praise and gently tug the leash to get his attention. This distracts him from barking. Step 2 Move the treat so he moves his head backward to follow it. As you do this, issue the sit command. Step 3 Release the treat as soon as he sits and then give lots of fuss and praise. Step 4 Use what you learned from observing your dog and monitoring his bad habits to anticipate bad behavior. For example, if he slopes off into the living room, discreetly follow him. Step 5 Issue the sit command before he has chance to be naughty. Then issue the down command. These commands will distract the dog from the naughty behavior he was contemplating. More Articles. Knowing what to do to help your dog with misbehavior is half the battle. Are you making any of these disciplining mistakes? Do not use negative reinforcement Negative reinforcement is causing discomfort or worse, pain, to your dog to get them to perform a behavior. Other common negative reinforcers include a choke chain and prong collar. Negative reinforcement is about turning off something negative, or uncomfortable, at the least, and painful at the worst. But take note… Negative reinforcement has been scientifically shown to lead to an increased risk of aggression of 2. Instead, use lure and reward GSD puppy training Do not use physical correction Just as when using negative reinforcement, physical corrections cause your dog anxiety and fear and lead to aggression. When you got your dog you wanted him for life as your best friend and companion. If you find yourself about to engage in physical force for punishment with your German Shepherd, step away from your dog immediately. Ask someone for help. Call a friend or family member and tell them you need help with your dog. Even withholding food, water, or shelter is cruel and must be avoided. And demeaning them by calling them names and speaking to them in a critical tone can cause fear and aggression in German Shepherds. Not to mention, your continued shouting could stress your dog to the point they shut down and withdraw from you. They will no longer be the sweet, lively dog you dreamed about. Instead, learn how to use your voice to communicate effectively with your German Shepherd. Keep your voice calm, clear, and confident. Unfortunately, this type of training only makes his house training take longer since he begins to fear going potty anywhere. So, instead, he begins to sneak off and hide to potty indoors to avoid punishment. Preferably, always have your puppy tethered to you when potty training, never letting them out of your sight. When not tethered to you, place them in a puppy-proof area to prevent potty accidents. Reward your German Shepherd when they potty outdoors in the area you want with praise and treats. Learn more about how to quickly potty train a German Shepherd to start off on the right steps to house training. Or, what about when your tiny puppy sinks his little teeth into your hand in play and you laugh out loud? Why does your German Shepherd misbehave? Take a look. There are a few common factors in dogs that cause them to misbehave. Even if you think your dog is trained and should know better, these are the top reasons they might have bad behaviors. Separation anxiety If you spend a lot of time with your puppy, then begin to leave him alone for long hours he may start to misbehave. This is especially true if you are busy and tend to leave him in a crate for far too many hours. This could mean chewing inappropriate things, digging, or even excessive barking and howling. Under exercised An under-exercised dog is not getting his basic needs met. German Shepherds must have at least 2 hours of physical exercise per day. See — Fun Jobs for German Shepherds at Home for more ideas Before you leave the house give your dog a long walk with plenty of time to sniff. Inconsistent Discipline Another leading cause of needing to discipline a German Shepherd is a lack of consistent training and discipline techniques. Do you make sure your puppy always has 4 paws on the floor to greet guests? While many owners remember to obedience train their dog they overlook the importance of mentally stimulating games to reduce boredom. Decreasing boredom is shown to give your dog a more enjoyable day, which lessens their desire to participate in unwanted behaviors, such as chewing and digging. Start with a few minutes a day using mind games to help keep their mental health in check. Need more help disciplining your German Shepherd the right way? Do you wish there was a German Shepherd monthly guidebook? There is! Disciplining your German Shepherd puppy is most effective when you focus on teaching your German Shepherd what to do, rather than punishing him for unwanted behaviors. The wrong type of punishment can cause irreparable harm to your companion, but discipline when used properly actually reinforces positive behavior. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Imagine you knew how to discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way so that your bond with your dog grew instead of fell short! Learn how to communicate with your pup and get the behaviors you want using these simple and easy methods for training a German Shepherd puppy. They may become frightened of you or fear your presence, depending on how severe your discipline is. Anxiety may even develop with too much punishment or useless corrections. Training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 to 12 weeks old? Yes, you can! A GSD pup of 8 to 12 weeks of age or older still needs positive reinforcement for the best behavior changes. Disciplining your GSD should not involve hitting, kicking, slapping, intimidation, or yelling. Do you want your German Shepherd puppy to stop their unwanted, bad behavior and turn into the sweet angel you want them to be? You can easily learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy if you work smarter… Not harder! Start early and remain consistent with your expectations. Training a German Shepherd means knowing what to do when your puppy acts up. Shepherd pups are one of the smartest dogs on the plant and learn quickly what you expect of them. But the best way to learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy at home is to work on your own behavior first. You should show them what behavior is unacceptable in your house. This means that you must stay consistent when responding to their behavior. For example: If your pup jumps on you and you redirect their attention to a toy to chew on instead. But, then your pup jumps on your friend and your friend lets them and you say nothing. This makes it likely that your dog will jump on whoever they feel like in the future. Use reward-based training. Use reward-based German Shepherd training techniques to get the quickest results. Reward-based training helps your puppy recognize when something is a bad choice source. When your pup performs what you ask, offer a tasty treat and words of praise. For example: Have your pup sit when you are by the front door getting ready to go for a walk. This teaches them that when they behave, they are more likely to get what they want. The best way to train your German Shepherd is by following a fun, engaging program that teaches not only the basics but covers problem behaviors, too. Sound difficult? It teaches you how to get your pup to learn positive behaviors. You can also have fun right at home with these games for German Shepherd puppies. Offer your puppy another option when they begin jumping on you for attention. Think about what your puppy is trying to get when engaging in jumping and bad behavior to determine when to ignore them. When your pup jumps on you when you come home, they probably want your attention. Withholding your attention when they are acting out shows them they need to act differently to get your approval source. Instead, offer them pets and praise when they have all 4 paws on the floor. You can also place them behind a puppy gate until they learn not to jump in order to avoid them scratching or nipping house guests when they arrive. After you teach them their basic obedience, ask them for a competing behavior like a sit or down when they begin to jump. Always remember to reward the behavior you want to see again! Ultimately, your puppy learns that good behavior earns your affection and attention more quickly. Your dog soon understands that they get nothing from you when they act badly. Here are some great commands for a German Shepherd that you can work on training. Redirect bad German Shepherd puppy behavior. Does your puppy jump, nip, chew, bite, or dig and you want to know the right discipline? The noise and disapproving tone distract your dog from bad behavior source. Showing them a favorite toy. Offering them another option you would like that is more constructive. You want to remember to watch out for: If your dog chews inappropriately on a pair of expensive shoes, get their attention by making noises or calling them to you and immediately offer the correct approved chew item. If you know your dog tends to bite you during play, have a toy nearby you can show them that you want them to bite instead of your arms. If you know they get wild and crazy in the evenings, have a list of these easy German Shepherd brain games to distract them and funnel their energy. Use time-outs appropriately when training a German Shepherd puppy. When your dog engages in bad behavior, remove them from what is causing the unwanted behavior. Put them in a different environment that is more calming and quiet instead. Respond immediately to the bad behavior and use the same routine every time to maintain correct discipline. Time out should: Not be done with force or yelling. Not be in a closet or other dark, scary area. Work to calm your puppy down, not frighten or stress them. Give your puppy a break from over-excitement. Not be a long punishment. Timeouts are generally recommended for only 1 to 2 minutes for puppies. Also, remember that closed doors can cause anxiety in dogs, so use a reliable pet-safe baby gate so that your puppy knows that you are still nearby. Remember, when training a German Shepherd puppy: Time out should not last over minutes. Watch for when your puppy is calm and quiet for a very brief period seconds long of calm. Then let them out quietly, without scolding them. This can cause anxiety. Remember to use a pet gate to separate them from the excitement that caused the unwanted behavior, while still allowing them to see you and not feel trapped. Ignore the unnecessary barking. German Shepherd puppies bark, but there are positive ways to help train them to bark and whine less. When they finally quiet down, even if only for a few seconds, reward them with a treat or praise. To have success, wait until they are quiet and stop barking, even if only for a few seconds in the beginning source. For example: If your puppy barks at joggers out the window every morning pull the blinds or curtains. If the behavior continues, place your dog in another room for a couple of minutes and repeat the previous time-out procedure every time they bark at the joggers remember to use the pet safe baby gate and to not shut a puppy behind a solid door because it can give them anxiety. If they are whining and crying at night, this could be a warning they need to potty. Make sure you read this post to know how to potty train a German Shepherd before you ignore all whining, barking, and crying. If your puppy barks during play they might be too excited and you can offer them a chew toy instead or cut your playtime short to allow them to calm down. Puppies bark for a number of reasons. But it does get easier to train your GSD over time as they learn what you expect. Keeping your pup from nipping and chewing. Puppies have sharp teeth, especially German Shepherd puppies! Puppies are energetic and must learn their limits for playing too rough source. Puppies view you jerking your hand back quickly as part of a game and could also tear your skin. And physical punishment should never be given! Show them what they can chew, instead, such as their favorite chew toy. Have plenty of safe chew toys to grab nearby to give your pup when they get wild and decide to bite you. Always use toys that your puppy can chew and bite to play with — pick from this list of German Shepherd Chew Toys to Prevent Boredom so you have a safe puppy toy that can take their bites. When they stop biting or nipping reward them with verbal praise and pets. Return later to try playing with your pup again and repeat the procedure. Read this information for more helpful tips to stop your German Shepherd puppy from aggressively biting and nipping you. Catch your dog being good and reward them out of the blue. See your puppy acting the way you want? Reward them out of the blue! Keep small bits of treats in jars around the house out of reach of your pup or in your pocket or a treat bag on your waist and use any opportunity your catch your pup doing good to reward them. If they sit and wait at the door, instead of dashing out ahead of you, reward them! Aim for one of these healthy treats that are the best for German Shepherds and pick carefully to ensure your dog stays athletic and fit. Food-based rewards are very motivating when training and disciplining a puppy. Avoid physical punishment and harm. Your German Shepherd is your companion for life. Research shows that physically punishing your dog for example hitting, kicking, growling, or staring them down increases aggression in your dog study source. Never use physical punishment to correct undesirable behavior. Not only can this punishment injure your puppy, but it also ruins your relationship and causes anxiety. It means setting expectations that they understand and staying consistent. Physically hurting your German shepherd will ruin your relationship with them. They will lose their trust in you and begin to avoid you. In the worst case, your dog could develop anxiety disorders, health issues, or even more problem behaviors. You could even accidentally injure your dog and they need vet care! Use the right tone and body language to communicate. Different commands and body language conveys information for training to your German Shepherd. The different tones of your voice and body movements are better understood by your dog. The actual command words are of less importance to your puppy. Use a direct tone and body language that matches what you want to say to your dog. Even pointing to a missed treat on the ground is body language your dog learns to understand. Still not convinced? Try out your training with this extensive list of helpful German Shepherd commands and watch how much your dog is capable of understanding. Shepherd pups want to please and have order in their home. To do this, stick with your training. Begin with a plan in place and disciplining your GSD will go smoother from the start. Persevere with your training and discipline. Remember that your German Shepherd is highly intelligent and needs your help to get the best from them. If you feel like giving up, take a break from training for a day or two. In order to avoid training frustration, remember that just like you a German Shepherd needs time to learn the rules of the house and new commands. This is true especially of puppies or rescue dogs. If you want to take a break from training and have fun, then include a few days a week of puzzles. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world, so training them generally takes a short time. Never discipline a German Shepherd puppy for having accidents during potty training. Whether your German Shepherd is potty trained or not, never push their faces into their potty accidents. Your dog is counting on your leadership to show them the rules in a positive manner. Work on setting a consistent schedule with feeding and walks to avoid potty accidents indoors. German Shepherds are easy to train given the right attention. And they need to understand their schedule by having you teach them using consistent patterns, rather than receiving punishment or discipline. Keep a potty schedule posted nearby so all your family can see it and help prevent your puppy from having an accident. Use your bond with your puppy to your advantage during recall training. Use your positive bond with your German Shepherd puppy to work on early recall training. Especially when there are so many natural pleasures to see and explore outside. When you call your German Shepherd, its obedience simply depends on whether the motivation to obey your commands outweighs what your dog is focused on at the moment. Use this to your advantage! Tips for great German Shepherd puppy recall training: Begin calling your puppy in as many locations inside as you can. Give them a tasty reward or play a game with their favorite toy when they come. Work your way up to a perfect recall by having others try to distract your puppy while indoors. Next, move to your back or front yard with your dog on a long leash like this so they stay safe nearby and do the same. You can disciple them by showing them your tasty treat and walking backward a few steps to encourage them to move toward you. Train the come command in all situations, including the home and outdoors, from the time your puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old to avoid discipline problems later on. Need to train your German Shepherd on their recall? While puppies are adorable, German Shepherds are notoriously difficult due to their high energy and large size. While they can be a challenge, consistent and effective discipline a german shepherd puppy can help them settle down quickly. Start From a Positive Place To Discipline A German Shepherd Puppy The first thing to keep in mind when you bring home a new puppy of any breed is that your puppy is learning a brand new set of rules. The things they did with their litter mates and their mother may not be okay in this new household. In addition, the world is suddenly a very lonely and scary place for a puppy who used to always be protected by his or her mother and siblings. This is especially true for German Shepherds. It takes a little while for a puppy to form that bond with a new owner. Sometimes puppies also simply are not developed enough to control themselves. Much like human children, too-tired puppies are prone to getting wild and misbehaving. They also experience teething pain, which may make them chew on many different surfaces in an attempt to soothe it. Timing is Critical Another thing to remember about puppies is that they have very short attention spans. Whatever discipline you choose must be given immediately for it to be effective. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that any praise or punishment is given within three seconds of the puppy performing the behavior. Instead, look at ways you can prevent it from happening, such as planning for more frequent bathroom breaks or restricting your puppy to a smaller area. Keep It Consistent Consistency is key in training and disciplining any puppy. If you allow a certain behavior sometimes but ignore it or reward it at other times, your puppy will end up confused and frustrated. If you live with other people, make sure everyone is on the same page with your training methods and rules. Utilize Time-Outs One of the best tools for disciplining a puppy is simply taking away the thing that is exciting them. Turning your back on a jumping puppy can have a similar effect. If the puppy is persistent, a small break in a safe spot can also help them calm down and settle enough to behave. A gated-off laundry room or a bathroom can be good choices for this. Just be calm and matter-of-fact about it. You want to make everything as boring as possible so that the puppy learns that being rude means that the fun ends for a little while. Instead of scolding your puppy, simply redirecting to a more appropriate toy is usually the best option. Trade a fun chew toy for the shoe, then put the shoes away somewhere else. One of the big benefits of this approach is that it also lays the foundation for teaching your dog to willingly drop things on command, which is particularly important in German Shepherds since they tend to be a fairly possessive breed. Redirection can also be used for other behaviors. If your puppy tends to jump on people when greeting them, try teaching him to sit or lay down instead. You can even have a little fun with it and teach him to shake hands on cue. Make sure your puppy always has plenty of appropriate toys around, since puppies need to chew. Try to keep a good variety of textures and materials, and offer occasional treats like bully sticks or antlers. Talk to your vet about the best chews for your puppy. Many puppies also thrive when kept on a regular schedule, including frequent nap time. Young German Shepherds may sleep up to 18 hours a day, so make sure your pup has plenty of rest. Over-tired puppies often have trouble settling down and may bite more than usual. German Shepherds are also very clever, high-energy dogs, so your puppy needs plenty of stimulation. Young puppies cannot go for long runs or do other serious physical exercises since it can damage their growing bones and joints, but they still need to be kept occupied. Training, play dates with other puppies, and games such as nose work are all great choices for tiring out your German Shepherd puppy without overdoing things. Although raising a smart, energetic German Shepherd puppy is never exactly easy, it can be very rewarding. Sticking to positive, reward-based methods and working with your puppy can help ensure you form a strong bond and raise a happy, well-adjusted dog. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. So, how do you discipline your German Shepherd without punishment? Find the answer to that in the next section. Give your GSD something interesting instead, such as a toy. Use positive reinforcement training. Ignore demanding behavior, such as barking, pawing, or jumping. Use short effective timeouts. As already indicated, the most efficient way of disciplining your German Shepherd is through positive reinforcement training. Positive reinforcement implies adding some reward to increase the frequency of response. How positive reinforcement happens In positive reinforcement, rewards include: A treat: Should be healthy and given in moderation to avoid health issues. It could be a single kibble from their food or a tiny piece of meat, or you can try healthy fruits or vegetables. Expression of physical attention: A hug, a gentle pat, or a caress on the head or behind the ears. You can find out more about petting a German Shepherd here. Negative reinforcement means taking something away or removing a reward to increase the frequency of the response. A typical example of negative reinforcement is when getting your dog to sit, you gently push his bottom down towards the floor, easing him into the sit position. Once the sit is accomplished, you reward him by releasing the pressure. By repeatedly doing this, the behavior is reinforced. Instead, it means reinforcing good behavior and deterring unbecoming conduct. In other words, you should not punish your German Shepherd when disciplining him. That means you love your dog and want the best for him. Consequently, you do not wish to hurt your dog, and you want your German Shepherd to trust you. If all that is true, it is easy to indicate that you should never apply physical punishment to your pet. Whether that means spanking, kicking, leaving him without food, caging or tying him for days, or other forms of punishment that could bring the dog some form of physical harm. Do you want to learn how to show dominance over your German Shepherd the right way? These forms of punishment do not achieve any good results. First, dogs do not have the reasoning capacity to associate punishment with their action and are, thus, unlikely to change. Instead, they will develop fear and aggression towards you, which could strain the relationship with your GSD. Second, from an animal rights perspective, physical punishment is a form of pet abuse that could make you count among the thousands of people who are perpetrators of animal cruelty in the US, inflicting physical pain. That also means that they can tell the difference in your voice pitch, and they know shouting indicates anger and displeasure. Yelling can cause fear and aggression in German Shepherds, which could make them turn against you with a bite, or they could just run away. With time, dogs may also adopt a form of indifference to your shouting and learn to ignore your yelling. From a well-being approach, continuous shouting as a form of punishment can cause poor quality of life for your German Shepherd. This study found that dogs trained with aversive methods shouting is an aversive method had poorer welfare than those trained with reward-based techniques positive reinforcement. Rather than shout, therefore, you will be more efficient if you use a calm voice and make clear and confident commands. Your dog might change position next time, and that is because your punishment did not teach him that doing it in the house is bad. Dogs like their space clean, especially from their dirt. Instead, if your German Shepherd puppy soils your carpet, clean the mess with a detergent that removes the stain and odor, and then redirect your dog outside. Also, reward him when he relieves himself during a walk and withdraw the reward when the same is done in the house. This will teach your German Shepherd to associate doing his thing outside with a good treat and avoid that which takes it away. Letting it go once creates the expectation that you can let it go another time. Instead, insist on chew toys for play or dog teething toys if your pup is still at the teething stage. Most pet stores have you spoilt for choice when it comes to chewing and teething toys. As a dog owner with lots of love for your German Shepherd, you might be remorseful that you denied your pet a treat for not following your command and decided to give him three in compensation. If, as a dog owner, you realize that you cannot be firm with disciplining your German Shepherd, seek the help of a professional trainer immediately. And even though they learn what they should do through training, they might sometimes make mistakes and need understanding from the loving owner they look up to. Final Thoughts Disciplining your German Shepherd is an essential aspect of training. But it is important to differentiate discipline from punishment. While punishing may cause harm to your dog, disciplining is intended to reinforce positive behavior. Rewarding good behavior through positive reinforcement and rekindling it when your dog faults through negative reinforcement are the two most effective ways of using discipline to train your German Shepherd in good behavior. There are several reasons why your German Shepherd may be involved in unbecoming behavior. Some of them are loneliness, lack of exercise, or poor training as a puppy. If you have to discipline your GSD, avoid rewarding negative behavior, shouting, and physical punishment. Related Posts You May Like:. By replacing the shoe with a toy he will understand that they are not meant for chewing but toys are. Get the Right Timing You should not discipline your puppy three minutes after the act. If you discipline your dog long after any act, he will not understand the reason as to why you disciplined him. This is because dogs have a two-minute memory, they will not remember anything that happened fifteen minutes ago. When you give him a treat for pooping in the potty area, he will be associating the potty area with good memories and he will do it again expecting a treat. Ignore A German shepherd can be jumping on you as a way of greeting or trying to get your attention. You should show him that he will not get your attention by jumping on you. If you give him any attention either positive or negative, he will be encouraged to do it again. The same case applies to an excessively barking puppy, he should not get any attention even if he barks for long. Wait for him to keep quiet even if it is for seconds and give him a treat, this will make him relate keeping quiet with a reward. Use Positive By using positive reinforcement you reward your puppy with treats and praises when he does anything right, this will motivate him to repeat it. For example, if you command your puppy to come and he obeys, give him a treat. Positive reinforcement involves; Giving treats like liver, carrots, and packed treats. Expression of physical attention like a pat on the head or a hug. Chew toys. Any form of punishment like smacking, spanking, or leaving him a whole day without food is not a good disciplining method. Your puppy will not comprehend that all that punishment is meant to discipline him, he will in return become aggressive, fearful, and it will destroy the bond between you and him. Physical punishment is against US law and can lead you to trouble. Seek a behaviorist intervention if you cannot handle your puppy. No Yelling Dogs can hear even the faintest sound so you do not have to shout at them. They are also bright enough to tell apart between a low and a high-pitched voice. If you yell at him, he will be aggressive or get used to the yelling and will not obey you anymore. This is misleading and inhuman because by doing so, you have not trained him where to do his business, the next time he might do it in a different place. This act can make your dog stressed and anxious. It can also install fear and make him eat poop to hide the evidence before you see it, this will lead to health complications. The best thing to do is clean the spoiled floor or carpet with a strong detergent but not bleach or ammonia. Do not Encourage a Bad a Behavior As a parent of a German shepherd puppy, you might encourage bad behavior like nipping, biting, and jumping on you as it can be fun when he is young. When the puppy matures, it will be hard to control his biting which will be strong and painful or jumping on you with his strong paws which can hurt. Have Realistic Expectations. You will end up training your puppy for months without the exact results from YouTube making you frustrated. Conclusion When disciplining your German shepherd puppy, use the most humane method possible. Using force will not give you the desired results but a stubborn and aggressive dog. Make sure your puppy has fully understood their mistake with the least time possible or else he will repeat the same mistake. Carol is a paw parent, and her love for dogs started when she was just 5. She adores her two German Shepherds and a Bengal cat, who she says, "life would be incomplete without" Recent Posts. Puppies German Shepherds can be the most well-mannered and obedient dogs. However, much of how they behave depends on how you train them and keep their manners in check. So how do you discipline a German Shepherd puppy? This article will dive into the best and most effective ways of disciplining a GSD puppy when needed. Best Ways to Discipline a German Shepherd Puppy Positive reinforcement training remains to be the best way to discipline any dog, especially a German Shepherd puppy. This method works not only for obedience but also for encouraging good behaviors. For GSDs, this is especially effective because their high level of intelligence enables them to quickly associate rewards with their actions. While some believe that the best training methods involve punishing bad behaviors, research suggests that reward-based training methods are actually the most effective. Additionally, behavioral issues can be addressed through redirection and behavior-specific training. Here are the most critical parts of fostering good manners in a young German Shepherd: Positive Reinforcement Training Positive reinforcement training involves rewarding your dog for good behaviors. This increases the likelihood of them performing the right behavior and can also discourage unwanted behaviors. Instead, they will greet you by sitting in front of you because that gets them the reward they want. On the surface, positive reinforcement training might seem simple enough. However, here are some things you need to get right for effective training: Step 1: Find The Right Reward First, you need to find the right reward. Different dogs have different motivations. Some are driven by food while others are mostly motivated by toys and play. Others find that the best reward is cheerful praise and a good ear scratch. Learning what motivates your dog will help you raise them more successfully. Dogs basically live in the moment, so you need to reward in the moment as well. When rewarding, catch them in the act of doing the right behavior. Step 3: Consistency Third, you need to be consistent. Redirection In most cases, the most difficult part of training dogs is to reverse unwanted behaviors. So, the most effective thing to do is to redirect them to more appropriate behaviors. For example, if your German Shepherd likes to dig holes in your backyard, you can redirect that behavior to something more desirable, like playing with a ball. As soon as you let them out into your yard, toss a ball and encourage them to play. This diverts their energy into something more positive. If you do this consistently, they will associate the yard with playtime rather than digging time. Excessive barking , for example, is very difficult to divert. In the barking example, it helps to teach your dog to bark on command. Make sure you reward them as soon as they stop barking. Practice this until you can make them speak and keep quiet on command. Additionally, certain types of punishment can instill fear in your pup. Not only would that severely hinder their ability to develop a good relationship with you, that might also lead to some fear-based aggression down the road. This might also lead to fear-based aggression where they will growl , lunge, or bite to defend themselves. In fact, most will still experience some frustration. No dog is inherently well-mannered all the time. Here are some things you can do to improve your success while also strengthening your relationship with your canine companion: Start early. Be consistent. Establish verbal cues. Use playtime as an opportunity to reinforce positive behaviors. Tire them out. Excess energy can often be the root cause of bad behaviors. Hone their abilities. GSDs are working dogs. If you give them opportunities to sharpen their mental abilities and also hone their other skills e. Rubbing face in dog pee or poop. The goal of negative or punishment-based discipline is to associate bad behavior with bad things. As Science Alert reports, according to a survey of expert canine trainers, the German Shepherd is ranked third out of 79 purebred dog breeds in terms of overall intelligence and trainability! This means your German Shepherd puppy is very, very intelligent. It also means your puppy is very trainable. Of course, just like there are different types of people intelligence, there are different types of dog intelligence. So your German Shepherd puppy is technically able to learn a new desirable behavior or unlearn an undesirable behavior in as little as five tries and remember what they have learned with 95 percent accuracy. These dogs are just smart, smart, smart! They are highly tuned into their people and eager to please. But this also means that your training method of choice will have a lasting impact on your dog right away. So you want to choose wisely. When a dog is particularly emotionally sensitive, as most people-centric dog breeds are — any kind of punishment or negativity will have a deep and lasting impact on them. You can see this in people as well. While some people just seem to let life roll off their back, more easily letting go of old hurts and mistakes, other people hold onto these memories and can even become traumatized by shame, embarrassment, or hurt. Your German Shepherd is sensitive like this as well. These dogs want to please and have been carefully bred to have a strong desire to please people. So any kind of negativity, whether in words or actions, is likely to leave a lasting impact. This is also why the only training method you want to use for disciplining a German Shepherd puppy is going to be positive reinforcement training. German Shepherds are very strong and powerful dogs. They are used extensively in military and police work, K-9 search and rescue and bomb-sniffing, the Secrete Service and private protection and guard dog work, and similar occupations. German Shepherds that are not trained with positive methods can sometimes become aggressive. This is especially the case if there is no underlying positive bond with a person. A German Shepherd that is subjected to harsh corrections can turn into a dangerous dog. And there is truly no need to use harsh punishments when you have a dog that is so smart and can easily learn the same desirable behaviors using positive reinforcement. How exactly can you use positive training methods to discipline a German Shepherd puppy? The answer to this question starts with establishing reasonable expectations for any puppy, no matter how smart and attuned to you. You want those first six months to be good ones! However, puppies will be puppies even if they are exceptionally smart, very bonded to you, and highly motivated to please you. Overall, there are always two goals when it comes to disciplining and training a German Shepherd puppy: 1. You are pleased with this response and show it with praise, pats, and even a small tasty treat. Your German Shepherd puppy learns that prompt obedience results in good things — praise, pats, and treats. This teaches your German Shepherd puppy that quiet behavior brings the food out more quickly. Because German Shepherds are bred for a specific type of work, these dogs have some innate tendencies that can be especially misunderstood in puppyhood. As the German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Sacramento Valley charity explains, German Shepherds were bred to herd and track and guard and work alongside people. These dogs are high energy naturally. They are social and people-focused naturally. They are workers naturally. Combine this with the onset of puppyhood teething, when the puppy teeth are calling out and the adult teeth are growing in, and you now have an energetic, you-centric dog that is uncomfortable and irritable. At the same time, your German Shepherd puppy has a bladder and bowel system that is still developing and so you are trying to potty train your dog to go to the bathroom outside and only outside and in a specific place on cue. But your puppy may have accidents even when they do their best not to, because sometimes their incompletely developed bladder and brain may fail to understand if they need to go right away. So your German Shepherd puppy may have some initial anxiety, especially since they are also adjusting to life without their mom and littermates at the same time. Here are specific tips to minimize frustration for both you and your puppy during training and discipline: Establish easy verbal cues for every need If this is your first time training a German Shepherd puppy , you may want to talk to a more experienced dog owner for guidance here. Make sure the commands you choose are short and percussive and sound sufficiently different from each other so your German Shepherd puppy will not be likely to get confused. Similarly, right when your German Shepherd puppy is doing the behavior you want is the right time to reinforce it. Instead, simply clean up the mess and apply a pet odor neutralizer and begin again. Discourage problem chewing, for example, by offering your pup an icy teething ring to ease the gum pain. With patience, persistence, positivity, and pure kindness, you and your German Shepherd will get through the difficult puppyhood phase and build a closer bond as you do. Watch Expert Trainers With a German Shepherd Dogs In this amazing short video , you can see the results of using a positive dog training program with a smart and sensitive working dog breed like the German Shepherd dog. With the right type of consistent, positive training program, there is nothing a German Shepherd will not attempt for their people!

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. What IS a Bernedoodle? These are NOT mutts which implies a breeding between unknown breeds or not carefully planned. These are designer breeds that are bred for a specific purpose. We produce an incredible bernedoodle that displays the qualities of both our champion line Standard Poodles and the Bernese Mountain Dog pedigrees. The advantage of a carefully planned mixed breed is that you get the added advantage of a phenomenon called "hybrid vigor". This process shuffles new combinations of genes that helps to increase longevity and decrease the usual ailments that impact many purebred dogs such as various forms of inherited types of cancer not all cancers have a genetic basis such as small and large cell lymphoma which is usually a result from environmental exposure. The bernedoodles are super healthy and are not as prone to the same issues that Bernese mountain dogs and standard poodles are. As a result, you have a family member for a lot longer and that will live a vibrant and healthy life if properly cared for diet, exercise, and family integration are all important components toward helping the dog to live a long happy life with you.You can see the links above about the qualities of Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs as both are extraordinary breeds in their own right and for many, purebreds of these may be a great option as well. We prefer the Bernedoodle as they get the best of both breeds, incredibly loyal, goofy, smart, playful, intelligent, and has one of the best dog personalities we have seen in a family dog. The Premier F1 Standard Bernedoodle is a low- to mostly nonshedding we use standard poodles that do not carry the improper coat alleles and Bernese mountain dogs that have thick wavy curly coats.If you want a guarantee on non shedding, then you should try to select an F1b or F1bb bernedoodle. Both look amazingly similar to the F1 standard bernedoodles but maybe a little smaller. We will produce about 2 F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodle litters per year for those wanting a more curly coat in their bernedoodles. Premier Bernedoodles love to be with the family and do not do well in enviroments of isolation. Wherever the family is, that's right where they want to be. They are stunning dogs, and you'll likely get alot of attention and people asking you what kind of dog you have. They are beautiful and along with their incredibly gentle personalities, you will have an absolutely stunning dog. They are a perfect companion dog that love to go on walks through the city or hikes in the woods or mountains or a swim at the beach. They love it all and will be at your side the entire time. They don't tend to wander away as they prefer to be with you.They equally love just hanging out with you on the couch watching your favorite movie or watching you reading a book. They really love it all as long as you're a part of it. They are so loyal to the family. Bernedoodle puppies do have energy like most puppies, and this will continue thru about years of age at which time they really mellow out. They are not nervous nor hyper but will need some off leash time where they can really stretch their legs and run. The old motto "a tired puppy is a good puppy" always prevails! Just make sure they have a lot of fresh water and a cool spot to cool off afterward. Due to the the recombination and shuffling of new genetic variations, they do show some variation in their coloration however they also all have a common morphology that tells you it's a bernedoodle. Although we do take deposits on a first come, first pick basis, we will know the puppies well, their personalities, and can help select a puppy that best fits your lifestyle and what you are looking for. We only use Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs to produce our Premier Bernedoodles so that any dog we accept into our Premier Bernedoodle program have passed stringent health tests, display family oriented personalities, and exhibit the best of conformation so that our bernedoodles are absolutely beautiful. Be very cautious when purchasing a purebred or bernedoodle without doing your due diligence as the puppies will always be cute, but will exhibit the personalities of the bloodline used later in life.Therefore, use a reptutable breeder that has invested in the dogs they use for their breeding programs and that raise them as their own family members. They should be able to produce their pedigrees as well, and should have both parents on site so you can see how they react to you. We are very Type A when it comes to the quality of dogs which makes it more difficult to give referrals. We are always going to be biased and believe that the wait for a Premier Bernedoodle is worth it and you'll be very happy you did! Also you can visit your local humane society and help rescue a dog at the shelter.If you have young kids be sure to get a younger dog from the shelter that can adapt to your family. But if you're looking for a unique new family member, a Premier Bernedoodle will be a true delight. Colors and Fur Our Premier Bernedoodles will be traditional tri-color much like a Bernese Mountain Dog , abstract tricolor similar to a traditional tricolor with less white in the face , sable similar to a traditional tri-color but has more reddish-browns due to the poodle genetics we use , phantom, merle, merle tricolor, or bi-colored brown and white, black and white, or shades thereof. Our F1b's will consist of black and whites, traditional tricolors, abstract tricolors, and lots of variable brown and reddish brown and whites. Color never reflects temperament and personality so usually most people don't really care too much what color they are. They are all really beautiful. Although there's variation due to the hybrid vigor present as a result of the recombination of genes in many arrays, there is definitely a bernedoodle appearance that is fairly consistent. If you let the hair grow, they will look like big shaggy dogs that you can't help but to give a big hug to. And they enjoy every minute of it! Our Premier Bernedoodles will tend to have wavy curly coats due to the coat types we require in our bernese mountain dogs which helps to minimize or eliminate shedding.We do make sure that our standard poodles do not carry the genetic marker known as the "Improper Coat" allele or IC for short. Wavy curly coats do require a little more grooming as compared to straight, but many, straight coats shed more.Although they are considered to be large, they don't act like a large dog in the house. They are generally very careful and calm natured as adults however they do have some puppy-fun energy thru the puppyhood stages and thru 3 years of age. They love people and other pets! We do thorough genetic testing of our adults that we use in our breeding program to assure that you are purchasing the healthiest of bernedoodle puppies. Our Bernese mountain dogs come from very long-lived blood lines in Western Europe and these longer lifespans is one of the many reasons we obtain our Berners from several specific populations known for their longevity. Obviously we can't guarantee lifespan as there are many variables outside of our control not to mention, environment, stress, climate, food, etc. But track record seems to show a longer lifespan. What's the Difference? An F1b is an F1 standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle or could be a backcross to a Bernese mountain dog but we generally use the poodle as the backcross. An F1bb is an F1b standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle. Behaviorally they are all very similar with the F1b and F1bb's being slightly smaller than our F1 standards and tend to have slightly curlier coats to a tight wave. If you're looking for a smaller standard Bernedoodle these would be a great option. Pictures are posted below with the other pictures. We continue to get lots of praise from those that have purchased our F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodles. Is the Bernedoodle for Everybody? I would like to think so, but if you do not plan on being with your bernedoodle and keeping it with you, in your home, as part of your home, this is definitely not the dog for you. They thrive on being with the family and not isolated we believe this is the case for all dogs, and especially bernedoodles. Any of our puppies kept in a permanent kennel situation, on a tether, or the like, will violate the terms and conditions of our puppy contract and will have to render the puppy or dog back to Premier Doodles see puppy contract in link above. We definitely support crate training, but these dogs are not meant to live their life in a crate nor kennel! If you want a pet that prefers to be in isolation, you may want to consider a nonsocial pet perhaps a Betta fish! Yes we have done a lot of the hard work the first 8 weeks as we do extensive early neurological stimulation bio-sensor and Puppy Culture program, along with starting crate training and housebreaking, BUT, they are puppies and will need your undivided attention for the next weeks as they work towards being completely housebroken and earning more privileges. They have been communicating with their siblings for the past 8 weeks using their mouth. During their normal daily interactions, you will occasionally hear a loud "yelp" in response to one biting another too hard. This yelp usually ends the mouthing behavior. Now puppies have fur and people generally do not. When you bring your bernedoodle home, they will likely display some degree of mouthing behavior toward their human family. This will usually stop this behavior. We then redirect their desire to mouth to something more appropriate like a chew toy and after a few seconds of cooperating we praise them. The good news.We have a Puppy Guide under our tab "Puppy Central" on how to unpack this process so that you can have success. If you put them time in early, they will have this knocked out in a few days. The rule of thumb is to get them outside ALOT.Be sure to purchase two Midwest XL crates can get from our Puppy Store , one for the back door and one next to your bed. The power of meiosis specialized cell division event that occurs in the reproductive organs, ovaries for females and testes for males and crossing over assures that each offspring will be diverse and different and this difference will be noticeable in color and a little bit in behavior. All will be superior, but some will be more playful and others less so, some will mouth more than others, etc. Available Puppies.Check out our "Available Puppies" tab at the top to find out how to get onto our Master List for a future puppy! Our Bernedoodles are from excellent bloodlines and all Pedigree information traces back to their AKC lineage. Our Dams and Sires have obtained extensive health clearances prior to being bred. These dogs will have a higher success rate for non-shedding, and are recommended for families with allergies. F1 Bernedoodles all have loose wavy coats that are typically minimal to light shedding, while F1B Bernedoodles coats can be loose wavy just like the F1 or curly and there are both coat types within the F1B litter. The F1B Bernedoodle is typically minimal to non-shedding. The coat of a Bernedoodle can vary from straight, loose wavy or curly. An F1 Bernedoodle will have a loose wavy coat, while an F1B Bernedoodle litter has both curly and loose wavy coats within the litter. The coat colors of Bernedoodles can vary based on the color genetics of the parents. We will also have Parti Bernedoodles. Daily walks are a must if you don't have a safely enclosed area for them to run freely. The Bernedoodle can be independent and does great being with family engaging in play, then happily laying on their own with a toy. It is still unknown how long Bernedoodles will live as it is a newer cross. The expected lifespan is hoped to be years. As with any dog, socialization and training should start while the dog is still a puppy and continue throughout its life. Look for a puppy kindergarten class locally or join the AKC S. Puppy Program , training based on positive techniques. You do not have to be an AKC purebred puppy to participate in their S. Puppy Program. Find a class here. This is a great place to start socializing and training. A well-socialized, well-trained Bernedoodle makes a wonderful family companion. Early socialization and training establishes those lifetime bonds between the family and puppy as these programs teach you how to communicate with your new puppy and get started on the right foot. For allergy-friendly needs, F1b puppies are optimal Standard-sized need space to stretch Mini or tiny sizes available for smaller spaces see puppies Why Should I Get a Bernedoodle Puppy? Like many other types of Doodles, the Bernedoodle breed is well known for its high intelligence, loyalty, great health, and longevity. As loyal as they can be, the Bernedoodle is quite gentle and goofy when it comes to their personalities. With such a big and loving heart, the Bernedoodles can also serve exceptionally well as guard dogs. Bernedoodles are also incredibly friendly dogs and great around children, which makes them a fantastic family dog breed! Why Central Illinois Doodles? Our Bernedoodle pups are also raised according to the highest ethical standards and undergo early socialization, ensuring they grow healthy, well-mannered, and incredibly friendly. And if you need proof, the insurance of health warranty backs up our Bernedoodle Puppies. No matter what you may call them nicknames include Bernese Mountain dog poodle mix, the Bernese Mountain Poo, the Bernedoodle, the Berne-doodle, and even just the Doodle , the mini Bernedoodle is the perfect companion for all lifestyles. Check out our Bernedoodles for sale at Central Illinois Doodles today. We are one of the best Bernedoodle dog breeders in the Midwest, helping you find your high-quality Bernedoodle companion. History of Bernedoodles As covered, the Bernedoodle is a mixed dog breed. Due to their pedigree, Bernedoodles are very affectionate , incredibly loyal, and good-natured, which are the traits they inherit from Bernese Mountain Dogs. Bernedoodle puppies are also very well-mannered, a trait common among Poodles. At least not to the level this magnificent breed deserves. Bred from Great Mastiffs and other types of guard dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog was brought over to Switzerland approximately 2, years ago by the Romans. Aside from being known for having a loving personality, these breeds are only one of the four kinds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. These dogs were generally known as farm dogs that worked hard. Eventually, the Bernese Mountain Dog breed mixed with the Poodle breed led to the creation of the incredible Bernedoodle dog breed. Types of Bernedoodles. Life Span Did You Know? These large, fluffy dogs are known for their non-shedding coats and lovable personalities. Bernedoodles tend to be a great addition to any family! Although the Bernedoodle is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other dog registries. As long as they are properly socialized, they tend to be open and friendly dogs that get along well with just about anyone. These dogs tend to do well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they can be initially wary and watchful at first, they even tend to warm up quickly to strangers once introduced. Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. Despite their size and energy, they can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise and attention. These dogs tend to handle the cold better than the heat; you may even have some trouble getting them to come back inside after some playtime in the snow. Because Bernedoodles bond so closely with their families and enjoy nothing more than being around them, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to skin issues like sensitive skin, allergies, and hot spots. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large dog breed, the Standard Bernedoodle is also at risk for bloat like both parent breeds. The Bernedoodle is a highly intelligent and easily trained dog breed. Some facts about Bernedoodles are that they are a good fit for owners of any experience level and tend to pick up commands easily. Although they tend to grow out of this initial stubbornness with age, puppy training classes will certainly help with training and socialization early on. Bernedoodles tend to have a longer coat that ranges from curly to wavy. Although they tend to be non-shedding, they still need a lot of maintenance to keep their coat looking great. Daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats along with grooming every weeks are recommended. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing daily along and cleanings at the vet as needed are an ideal start to a good dental care routine for your Bernedoodle. Standard Bernedoodles can range from moderate to high energy. They tend to sit in a more moderate activity range and have bursts of higher energy when they play. These dogs are known to play hard and energetically until they are tired, but are not usually considered high-energy dogs. Daily walks plus playtime and some time to run should be enough for a Bernedoodle. But, these dogs will likely be up for more activity if you are. They will love the opportunity to spend more time being active with you. A fully-grown Standard Bernedoodle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Standard Bernedoodles generally live for years on average. A Bernedoodle is also sometimes called a Bernese Mountain Poo. Featured Bernedoodle Article.

Final Thoughts Congratulations on adding a Golden Retriever to your family. These friendly pups make fantastic pets. Just be sure they receive adequate exercise and stimulation to help positively release their energy. A trained Golden Retriever can do amazing things, like serve as a companion dog. Enjoy your new pet, and good luck finding a name! More Dog Name Ideas Another great place for dog names is our online generator. It lets you pick your favorite name styles or themes and then generates a list of ideas tailored to you and your dog. Style options include cute, funny, tough, elegant, and more. The themes span everything from movies, TVs, books and comics, to history, food, music, and so on. Is the name easy to say? Sure, some names look good on paper, but in real life they could be quite tough to say. Before you lock in on a name, say it a few times to ensure it rolls off the tongue. Is it right for your dog? Say it out loud a few times. Was it easy to say out loud? Can you imagine loudly calling for your furry friend with this name? Trust your gut! Share this post:. Although there are no wrong answers, we want to ensure that you and your pup are happy with the name you choose as it will be with them forever. We hope that we have provided you with the inspiration and clarity you needed — and that our list of golden retriever names was informative and helpful on your journey. With classic suggestions for males, females, and puppies, and ideas for the coolest, most unique, and iconic dogs, we are sure that there is a match for every type of golden retriever. These are sure to assist you in finding a great match. Image Credit: brickrena, Shutterstock Love the name you choose. Write down the ones you truly enjoy as you search. You can revisit these later and ultimately choose one that you love. If this is a family decision, have everyone choose their favorite, place the names in a hat, and leave the best name choice up to chance! Names that end with vowels are easier for dogs to learn. Similar to that of a dog whistle, your pooch may respond to names that end in a vowel as they have a higher frequency that is easier for dogs to distinguish. This means they will have a better time understanding and training might even a breeze! One to two-syllable names are easier to say. You want to avoid confusing your puppy, especially during the training process. While Princess Pancakes is adorable, you may want to stick with a name that is short and sweet — this will maintain their focus! Avoid offensive or negatively connotated words for names. Save the cutesy, or far-out-there names for nicknames. Do your best to avoid names that may be confused with commands. You might consider training your retriever with hand signals rather than words just to be on the safe side! Test out the name. Check out the different tones by saying the name sternly, sweetly, and excitedly. The more ways you say it, the more it might start to sound like the right fit. Think of the personality your puppy has or is likely to have. Let your pup get comfortable in their new environment so their personality can shine before picking out a name for them. Pick a name and stick with it. The last thing you want to do is confuse your puppy. Have your puppy learn their name before introducing any nicknames. See how your pet reacts when you say it out loud. Believe it or not, your pet could even have a hand, or paw, in choosing their own name. A simple tail wag or whimper could be the deciding factor when it comes down to the last few you love. Also, say them in different tones so your pup has a chance to get a true feel for it. Have Fun! Not to worry! We have many other name posts you can get additional inspiration from. Take a peek at one listed below:. Unique Tips For Choosing The Best Name For Your Golden Retriever You are probably wondering what are some good names for a golden retriever and is there any way of narrowing the list of several names to a manageable few. Here are some quick tips on how to choose the best name for your golden retriever: Use Personal Names: Naming your dog is important since this is the name you will have to live with for a long time. Hence, it is a good idea to consider names you have heard and already like. Instead, take some time to research different names and meanings; you will know when you find the right one. Ask For Advice: Talk with your family and friends and see what name they would give to your dog. You may get inspired or end up liking the names they have suggested. So, spend more time with your new puppy and get to know them better. Listen To Yourself: The right name will feel the best right from the start. Most golden retriever names are short and sweet, mainly because shorter names are easier to pronounce and for a dog to learn and remember. While not impossible, it can be a bit tricky for dogs to learn long names with a lot of syllables. A good name for a male golden retriever is short and easy to pronounce so your dog can learn quickly. Nevertheless, it is up to you to pick and decide which name is best suited for your dog based on your preferences. There are many cool dog names you can give to your golden retriever, just make sure that both you and your pooch are fans of a particular name. If you have a hard time picking just one of several names, say them one at a time to your pup and see which one gets their attention. There is no shortage of cute golden retriever names that can be a perfect moniker for your adorable pooch. Whichever name you decide to choose, make sure you can pronounce it easily and that you can call it out quickly. There is a wide selection of male and female golden retriever names to choose from, so I broke them up for you into: The top names for this year Brave and loyal golden retriever names Hunting and tracking inspired names Cute names for golden retrievers Take your time to read through all the names; you will know when you find the best one for your golden retriever. You May Also Like.

Please assume all such links are affiliate links which may result in my earning commissions and fees. This will not incur additional cost to you. If your French Bulldog is a picky eater, no worries! There are things you can do to help. As a French Bulldog owner, it can be very stressful to watch your dog stop eating. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog finding a solution for your French Bulldog is important to keep them healthy. This article will cover the most common reasons why your French Bulldog refuses to eat, when to worry about it, how long a French Bulldog can go without eating, and what you can do about it. Why does my French bulldog not want to eat? Well, there are several possible causes and determining what is causing it will help you know what to do next. He might have loose teeth, gum infections, cuts, or splinters. However, it is also possible that his teeth are too small to handle the pieces of kibble. You can visually check to see if there is anything wrong, or take your Frenchie to a doggie dentist. Anxiety or stress Did you recently move? Maybe your French Bulldog is just adjusting to a new environment. Low energy level Or, it could be that they are tired. Their energy level can impact how much they eat. Too hot Additionally, the temperature can affect their appetite. This is not a sign to worry about. Aging dogs can also develop health or dental problems which can lead to a lack of appetite or pain with eating. They also may start to lose their sense of smell which makes food less appealing. Medication or vaccine If your Frenchie is taking new medications or recently got a vaccine, that could cause his lack of appetite. Some drugs are appetite suppressants and can cause your dog to lose weight. This is normal and should clear up as soon as the medication or vaccine has cleared their system. Worst Case Scenario But it is possible that your dog has anorexia or is sick. If you notice a loss of energy and vomiting, you should take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. In the worst case scenario, your French Bulldog could have cancer, liver issues, or kidney problems. Best Case Scenario In the best case scenario, he is just picky, and you can find ways to entice him! Make their food more enticing — Switch up dry for wet food If you use dry kibble food, try adding some warm water to soften it and make it easier to chew. If that does not work, then try switching to wet food. You can find some high quality wet food options, even though traditionally many dog owners have been told to use dry food since it requires them to chew it. You can also try mixing dry and wet food together to see if your French Bulldog likes that. Or, try switching up the type of food with a new flavor or new brand. Make their food more enticing — Add in human food Try adding raw or boiled chicken breast on top of their dry kibble food to see if that entices your French Bulldog to eat. Or, try a small amount of chicken or beef broth to give the food a nice smell. Even though many dog owners are hesitant to feed their dogs human food, it might be just the trick to get them to eat. Do not feed them treats between meals I know, you probably just want to get your French Bulldog to eat anything at this point. But do not give in and start feeding him treats between meals because that can discourage him from eating at mealtime. Plus, feeding him treats frequently can cause your dog to become a picky eater. Give your French Bulldog regular exercise Make sure to get in exercise with walks before meals because, just like for people, it can help them work up an appetite. Try dog toys and training If your French Bulldog likes toys, then this method may work for you. Try using a dog toy to train him to eat or check out an interactive feeding ball from a pet store. Use raised food and water bowls Since French Bulldogs have short necks, it can be hard for them to eat out of bowls at ground level. This can cause them to choke or even have pain while eating. Raising their food and water bowls can help. If necessary, hand feed If none of the above methods work for you, you can try hand feeding your French Bulldog. This should be saved as a last resort and can best help if your dog is sick and refusing to eat. You can use a syringe or feeding tube to get the food down. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics for an illness, or appetite boosting drugs. When should I worry about my dog not eating? Start tracking the time as soon as you notice your French Bulldog stops eating. Most brief experiences of stress or upset stomachs can pass within 24 to 48 hours. Therefore, you should contact a vet if your dog is still not eating after two days. However, if you notice any signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of energy, sudden weight loss, or a dry and warm nose, then you should contact a vet within eight to twelve hours. And, if your French Bulldog is showing those signs and not drinking any water, contact a vet immediately. How long can a French Bulldog go without eating? French Bulldogs can often refuse to eat for a few meals in a row. Just like humans can fast for a few days and still survive, most dogs can last for up to five days without food assuming they are still drinking water. However, you do not want to wait that long to contact a vet. If they are still refusing to eat on day three, then you should contact a vet. Final Words At the end of the day, there are things you can do to help your French Bulldog eat. You should first try to figure out the cause of their lack of appetite and then try various ways to entice them to eat. Every dog has a unique appetite. Do not force your French Bulldog to eat more than they are comfortable eating. And, you may need to mix it up. They may start to notice patterns with your methods so trying new things regularly is normal. However, if you notice serious problems or their refusal to eat lasts for more than two days, you should see a vet as soon as possible. Disclaimer : FrenchieBuddy. Your puppy may refuse to eat if: The food has gone stale. There is a recent switch in puppy food that tastes or smells differently than the old food. There is food sensitivity to one or more ingredients. Your Frenchie puppy is a picky eater. You are overfeeding your puppy. Your puppy is bored with the food because they are eating the same thing every day. Your Frenchie puppy is stressed Puppies who suffer from stress or separation anxiety may not eat when left home alone. An anxious puppy waits for its owner to be there to eat. Underlying health problem An important step you should take as a puppy owner is to rule out any medical issue that can be an underlying reason your puppy may not be eating. If your puppy suddenly stopped eating without any changes in its routine, you should take your puppy to the vet for a check-up. Your Frenchie puppy is on medication Often treatment of a disease can give nausea and make your puppy not eat. Certain drugs are upsetting for puppies ' stomachs. Antibiotics and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause loss of appetite. Your Frenchie puppy has dental problems Any mouth, gum, or teeth problems of your puppy may cause them to refuse to eat. They may not be eating because something in their mouth is causing pain and stopping them from swallowing properly. New surroundings, discoveries, new everything distracts from the desire to eat. Solving food-related loss of appetite in French Bulldog puppies When it comes to food-related reasons for a loss of appetite in French Bulldog puppy, here are some simple solutions to implement. When introducing new food to your French Bulldog puppy, don't be hasty and switch gradually to new food. Try to get high-quality food for your French Bulldog puppy. Find out which taste and smell your French Bulldog puppy likes and offer those foods. When switching food, choose an option with similar nutritional value. Slowly make the transition from one puppy food to another. You may also add a bit of warm water to your French Bulldog puppy's kibble to make it more appealing. Don't offer spoiled food and always check the expiration date before giving it to your French Bulldog puppy. If your French Bulldog puppy is sensitive to food ingredients, choose food without the ingredient your Frenchie puppy is sensitive to. If your French Bulldog puppy is bored with the same food for a longer time, add variety and mix things up every once in a while. Make sure the food is at the right temperature for your French Bulldog puppy. Treating environmental and behavioral loss of appetite in Frenchie puppies When it comes to behavioral and environmental reasons for a loss of appetite in Frenchie puppies, the process can be a little more time-consuming. Here are some useful tips for getting your French Bulldog puppy to eat regularly: Give your French Bulldog puppy enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. You should be patient and supportive. Cut back on treats and only give them as a reward. Take your French Bulldog puppy for a walk before mealtime or allow free play in the yard. Avoid giving table scraps to your French Bulldog puppy. Keep trash cans locked and away from your curious Frienchie fur baby. Keep dangerous things out of the reach of your French Bulldog puppy. Try to use products in your home that are known to be safe for the French Bulldog puppy. Keep all medicines in cabinets. If you accidentally drop a tablet on the floor, you should look for it immediately. Choose pet-safe household plants and flowers for your home and yard. Structured Feeding Schedule The structured feeding schedule is when you have a set time scheduled to feed your Frenchie puppy. However, this time you only allow your Frenchie puppy to eat for a certain amount of time. It often signals a serious underlying medical problem and must be examined by a vet. Finding and treating the underlying cause of loss of appetite in French Bulldog puppies is the best way to approach this problem. Your Frenchie puppy gets its energy from the food it eats. Unlike adult French Bulldogs, puppies need to eat food three times a day. Stick to a routine and give your Frenchie puppy regular potty breaks. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Back to blog 1 comment My frenchie is active but not eating enough according to the chart. Food Quality can affect French Bulldogs appetite. Your Frenchie not eating could be due to food quality, such as the following things: french bulldog not eating and throwing up Food That Has Gone Rotten can affect French Bulldogs appetite Several dogs keep refusing rotten food, which usually occurs when fats inside have broken down due to poor storage or age. High-fat foods are much more susceptible to rancidity than low fatty foods. Little French Dog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Fresh Food Your French Bulldog may stop eating food after they have appreciated fresh, tinned, or raw food — undoubtedly due to the additional moisture and aroma that dogs love. These diets mainly raw are very often high in protein, which dogs enjoy. If you were using dog food, try something else with similar ingredients and tastes. Dog Snacks and Treats can affect French Bulldogs appetite Overuse of dog treats is almost sure to make your Frenchie fussier. When French Bulldog gets a lot of treats and experiences all the different types and tastes, they will expect the same thing from their food. Experimentation is probably the only way to see if treats are impacting their appetite. Try limiting the number of treats, switching to reduced-calorie alternatives, or providing treats on a rigid schedule. As you French Bulldog matures, they will tend to become more likely to avoid eating the food for no apparent reason. When your Frenchie seems to be getting bored with their food, change to a new flavor in the very same food or type. For example, switching from a beef-fresh diet to a lamb or chicken food may work. Feeling Stressed can affect French Bulldogs appetite New people and animals introduced into the house can be stressful for your Frenchie, mainly those who are elderly or timid. Evaluate if your Frenchie shows excitement for its food based on its natural environment. French Bulldogs with new, ongoing household shifts usually return to their old eating habits after a week or so. Illness can affect French Bulldogs appetite Reduced appetite in your French is often a symptom of illness, particularly if your French Bulldog has other ailments around the same period. Even though the loss of appetite in dogs may not automatically imply serious illness, timely medical care is essential as it may signify cancer, multiple systemic infections, discomfort, liver disease, and renal failure. Dental Issues can affect French Bulldogs appetite Your Frenchie may not want to eat because something is causing pain in their mouth. They may have a fractured or missing tooth, severe gum disease, and perhaps an oral tumor. Vaccinations can affect French Bulldogs appetite Luckily, vaccines are available for many severe and contagious diseases of dogs. Even though these treatments have saved the lives of millions of animals throughout the years, they often have adverse effects. Most of these are mild and fleeting, like occasional loss of appetite in dogs. Traveling can affect French Bulldogs appetite When your French Bulldogs appetite is okay before you took a trip with them or moved to a different destination, it might be that your Frenchie will not eat due to travel or an unfamiliar environment. Several animals can experience travel sickness, and some may become anxious or uncomfortable in new locations. You can, however, attempt to heat the food a little and then soften the dried food by adding fresh water to see if it makes it much easier to consume and ingest. Within hours, if neither of those things succeeded, you should pay a visit to your vet. These diets are not that tasty for you, Frenchie, mainly if your dog is used to frequent treatments. Alternatively, speak to your vet regarding alternatives. In more extreme cases, your vet may recommend hunger-stimulating medicine, suggest medicine dropper-feeding a liquid diet, or use a feeding tube. Mouth cancers and disease. Splinters or foreign objects in the mouth. The easiest way to tell is using a visual check. To find out what the different bad breath smells can mean, read this guide to Frenchie halitosis. Upset stomach and short illnesses If your French Bulldog is not eating and throwing up then this loss of appetite is inevitably due to a gastrointestinal problem, hopefully short term. Aside from not eating combined with vomiting, the lack of interest in eating food can also include diarrhoea. In cases like this, vets recommend you feed your Frenchie some bland foods to stop upsetting their stomachs further. The go to food for this method is a small amount of boiled chicken with plain rice. Handy Hint: Some Frenchies can reaction badly to chicken and other poultry meats. Medications and vaccinations You might find that your French Bulldog is not eating or drinking after a vet visit or a dose of medication. Many drugs can act as an appetite suppressant and will mean your dog loses appetite and weight during the period the drugs are taken. There can be similar results after puppy vaccinations. Thankfully, medicines and vaccinations only lead to a temporary loss of appetite, and your Frenchie should start eating again once the drugs have passed through their system. Their appetite changes with age We all know of old people who age and start eating considerably less food. Dogs are just the same; as they get older their appetite decreases. They can also develop health and dental problems which make eating harder than it used to be. As Frenchies get older, they can also start to lose the senses that helped make them such ferocious eaters in the first place. For example, if they start to lose their sense of smell, this will make them desire food less. We had to order a different brand and flavour altogether. It had great reviews and feedback and ticked all the boxes for what a nutritious dry food should be. However, Claude the Frenchie refused to eat it for 2 days straight. He was sniffing at the bowl, eating one or two small mouthfuls and leaving the rest. Yep, Frenchies are a very stubborn breed indeed! My wife was really worried about our French Bulldog not eating properly and wanted to start buying him chicken breasts. On the morning of the day 3, he wolfed his breakfast down and since then has eaten this new brand with his usual appetite. My conclusion on this; dogs can be fussy about what they eat. If you are experiencing the same thing with your Frenchie, you can try some of the following hacks to get them to eat properly again with a new food brand. Mix other foods in with the new: This could be some leftovers from the previous foods, or something you know they love to taste like chicken or a broth. Stop feeding them treats and scraps between meals: Frenchies are like kids. Cut the snacks out, and they might stop being so spoiled when mealtime comes around. If they have stopped eating the food, pick the bowl back up and hide it away. Do this at each mealtime, and eventually they will figure out that the food is here to stay once they get hungry. Before you know it, you might have given them so many that they physically cannot eat their main meal. Keep track on what you are feeding them between meals. As a guideline, an average sized adult Frenchie should eat calories each day. Getting food elsewhere A friend of mine lives on a farm that backs onto a large housing estate. Unknown to her, the dog was slipping under a fence twice a day and visiting a dear old lady who lived next to the farm. The morale of the story is this; do you know who is feeding your French Bulldog or whether they have an alternative food source? I am sure you do, but it needs to be discounted if your Frenchie has stopped eating and drinking completely. Serious health issues and pain A more prolonged loss of appetite in your Frenchie is a sign that something more serious is wrong. There are multiple health reasons that lead to a loss of appetite in Frenchies. However, there are signs of a health problem you can look out for in addition to the lack of interest in food, including: Lethargy and lack of energy. Aggressive behaviour. Rapid weight loss. The most important sign here is probably a French Bulldog not eating and lethargic. Vets report that lethargy and a reluctance to move and eat is a reason to get an appointment as soon as you can. Hot weather has a unique effect on dogs and how much they can and want to eat. They are very similar to us in this way. Think about how you are in the summer and winter months; do you eat more in the cold winter, and less in the summer? Let me explain in a little more detail why your French Bulldog is not eating in hot weather, followed by some feeding tips for hotter summer months. Why hot weather leads to a loss in appetite The reasons why we tend to eat lighter foods in the summer season is because we find it a lot harder to digest heavy and fatty foods. Dogs are very much the same as us in this way. This means they will not have as a large an appetite as they would in the winter months. Providing your Frenchie is not ill, and just wants to eat less, then let them guide you with their appetite portions. Try boiling chicken and cutting this into small pieces to add to a smaller portion of dry food or kibble. Feed your Frenchie in a cooler room. If they are still stubborn and refuse to eat in the heat, here are some raw foods you can try feeding to a French Bulldog who has stopped eating in the summer: Veggies that your Frenchie can eat in hot weather I only recommend the advice on the above links as a supplement to their diet, not a complete replacement. Hot summer months can lead to a loss of appetite. We will often give Claude portions of fruit cut up to cool him down. There is guidance in there about using ice cubes and frozen fruits. Our own dog Claude does this a lot. They could be missing breakfast due to: Perhaps not hungry first thing in the morning. If you walk your Frenchie in the morning, the advice is actually to feed them two hours after a walk. You can find out why in this guide I wrote. How do I get my French Bulldog to eat? Try warming up or softening the food with water to make digestion easier. If nothing else works after 48 hours and your Frenchie has still stopped eating, talk with your vet. They could do some of the following treatments: Could run health checks and blood tests to understand why the lack of appetite. Could administer intravenous fluids with electrolytes, particular if they stopped eating and drinking too. Could try feeding them with a syringe or feeding tube. Could treat an illness with antibiotics. Could prescribe appetite boosting drugs. Conclusion Every French Bulldog will go through a period of not eating at some point in their lives. However, time to worry is when the lack of eating is combined with shaking, lethargy, lots of vomiting, and continues past the 2 day mark. This is when you should contact your vet. You might also like… If you enjoyed my insights into why Frenchies lose their appetites, you might also find the following guides interesting: Goes here. Medical Conditions When a French Bulldog stops eating, it could be due to a medical condition like kidney or liver disease, dental or oral discomfort, or gastro-intestinal issues. All of these issues can be a serious health concern and should not be taken lightly. They may have had an upset stomach, the food may not be to their liking, or they may be feeling unwell and not feeling up to eating. Make sure to feed them nutrient-packed food that is designed for their particular breed and size. You may even need to switch up the type of food you are giving them, such as from dry to canned or from wet to dry. You may also want to feed them smaller portions a few times throughout the day as opposed to one large meal. This can also be helpful in stimulating their appetite. If it turns out that they are simply feeling unwell and need to boost their appetite then try introducing a new food or supplement to stimulate them. However, if the issue persists and you suspect that it is due to an underlying medical condition, then it is imperative that you take your French Bulldog to the vet for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If it turns out that your Frenchie is simply feeling unwell and their appetite needs to be stimulated, then you may need to try switching up their diet or introducing supplements. If the issue persists, however, then it could be due to an underlying medical condition, in which case it is important that you take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Related Info And Products:. Home » Blog » What to do if your dog refuses to eat? What to do if your dog refuses to eat? It can happen to anyone of us that our Frenchie is refusing to eat. This behavior can either indicate that your dog is being picky or a more serious, health-related issue. Why does my Frenchie refuse to eat? To do that, answer the following questions: Is your babe in a constant bad mood? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you should take your doggy to the vet. But there also might be some other reasons your dog refuses to eat. If any of this is possible, go see your vet. But if your dog is happy and playful like normally, it might be a behavior issue. If you just moved to a new location or you were on a trip, the unfamiliar surroundings of the new place might make your dog nervous or uncomfortable. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! Because a decreased appetite in dogs may be caused by illness, never assume that your dog is picky without investigating other possibilities first. These include: Cutting back on treats. Feeding your pet on a regular schedule, usually at least twice a day. Making mealtime a fun time for your pet, such as by playing with a toy that dispenses food or rewarding your dog with food for doing a trick. Taking your dog for a walk before mealtime. If you normally feed your pet with other animals, try feeding them alone. Or try using different bowls or plates at different heights to see what your dog prefers. You might even put a few pieces of food on the floor next to the feeding dish. Trying a different kind of food, such as canned food if you normally feed your dog dry food. If you need more information on this topic, join our closed Facebook Frenchie Family group, where you can read a lot of tips and experiences of other owners. If you are already a member, click HERE to jump to food-related posts.

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. This is especially true with dogs like German Shepherds because they have a strong prey drive, but this nipping and biting can also quickly get out of hand. This often comes out as biting and nipping, but puppies will also bite when they are teething and to taste the world around them. This can, of course, quickly get out of hand if not taken care of swiftly. In this article, we look at the reasons behind German Shepherd puppies biting and seven steps to help stop the behavior. Training The first and most important step in stopping your puppy from biting is early and focused training. Beginning training at an early age is vital for powerful dogs like GSDs, as without it, they can easily develop problematic behaviors and even become aggressive. An important part of training is socialization, and getting your GSD to interact with other dogs will help teach them boundaries, as any biting too hard will have instant consequences for them. Image Credit: AnjaGh, Pixabay 2. Toys Toys are ideal for your GSD puppy to exercise their teething. There is a massive variety of suitable chew toys available, and whenever you notice your pooch getting the urge to chew, you can gently offer them a chew toy instead. Commands Basic and simple commands should be taught to your GSD from a young age. Whenever they get overexcited and bite down too hard, you can then simply issue a verbal command that catches their attention. After you issue the commands, leave your puppy alone for a few minutes so they learn that this behavior is unacceptable. Image Credit: Jim Sluder, Pixabay 4. Redirection Redirection is a useful tool in training and can work well with biting too. This method is simple and works by keeping your pup from unwanted behavior and offering them appropriate behavior instead. Whenever your pooch bites or nips, try to offer them a chew toy of some kind instead, and this will gradually lead them to chew toys as opposed to your hands. Squeak toys are great for this type of redirection, as the noise is enticing to most puppies and dogs. Reward good behavior Positive reinforcement training methods are best for leading your puppy toward desired behaviors and away from unwanted ones. These methods involve no scolding or harsh treatment, so they are ideal for cementing the bond between you and your pup. When you offer your dog a chew toy instead of biting and they take it or you issue a command that they instantly follow, you simply reward that behavior with either a treat or praise. You ignore any bad behavior. They will swiftly associate treats with good behavior and stop the bad behavior that gets them no attention. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 6. Games Since GSDs are such powerful and athletic animals, they need to be mentally and physically stimulated through games and interactive play. Games are also the best time to engage and enforce training techniques and get your GSD accustomed to them before biting gets out of hand. Stick to simple games like fetch or frisbee, where you can train your pooch to give the ball back when you tell them to. Harsh treatments like hitting or shouting are highly unlikely to solve the problem and will probably just make it worse, as your dog will simply become nervous and wary of you. With a powerful dog like German Shepherds, trust is vital. They are highly intelligent and aware animals, and the smallest of sounds or movements are enough to set them off. There are several reasons for this, including: GSD puppies will begin teething as early as 2 weeks old, and this can be uncomfortable and even painful for them. This behavior can go on until your puppy is 6 months old, and they will chew on almost anything that they can find — including your hand — in an attempt to try and soothe their discomfort. Separated too young. The first 2 months of your GSDs life is vital to their socialization and learning, and if they are taken away from their mother and litter too young, this may cause a lack of understanding of boundaries. Puppies will play and learn with the rest of their littermates, where they learn to control the force of their bite. GSDs should be at least 8 weeks old before they are re-homed. Fear or overstimulation. Fear, anxiety, and overstimulation are common reasons for puppies to lose control of their bite because this can cause them to become irritable or defensive and lead them into the habit of biting. Conclusion Since German Shepherds are such powerful dogs, proper training is vital, and bite inhibition is an essential part of that training. Proper training is the vital first step and will set the tone for all other methods. With time, consistency, patience, and gentle leadership, your German Shepherd puppy should kick the biting habit in no time. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share!

The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Having a dog helps teach responsibility to children. Caring for the dog will teach children that their pet is dependent on them for food and exercise and love. Dogs require a lot of care; they need to be fed, walked, played with and trained. Children come to understand that dogs have to learn discipline in order to be pleasant around the family and others. Children come to appreciate discipline by observing how important it is in their dog. Having a dog teaches children patience, commitment and selflessness. Caring for a dog takes a great deal of responsibility. Children learn to be less focused on themselves and more patient with others. Responsibility is a key factor in leadership development in children, and one of the best ways of learning responsibility is in the home with the family dog. Being responsible for a dog teaches children valuable life lessons. The lessons that children learn from having a dog are priceless and may just help in being successful in life and in a career. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Kansas City, formed in and incorporated in October .Kansas City is the third-largest city in the state of Kansas, the county seat of Wyandotte County, and the third-largest city of the Kansas City metropolitan area. It is situated at Kaw Point, which is the junction of the Missouri and Kansas rivers. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Their trainable nature and innate desire to please make them stand out as ideal candidates for these diverse responsibilities. Beyond their impressive abilities, Labradors radiate an aura of warmth and approachability. Their expressive eyes and wagging tails seem to convey an unspoken promise of unwavering companionship. Whether engaging in brisk outdoor activities or sharing tranquil moments indoors, the Labrador Retriever offers a steadfast presence that enhances every facet of life. Their coats come in an array of colors and patterns, adding a touch of personal style to their already endearing presence. These dogs are like walking sunshine, spreading cheer wherever they go. Thanks to their Poodle lineage, they inherit a sharp intellect that makes training a breeze. I have to say you were spot on! Not only that, but in this day and age, the fact you spent the time to handwrite out a note to us made us feel very special and so we wanted to do the same. During these times Ollie has been such a joy. He knows every routine of mine in the house from morning till night. I caught him looking and waiting for the alarm to go off at am the time I usually get up to go to work. I will put 5 or 6 items on the ground in the backyard, and when I tell him to get these items, he retrieves them back to me, one by one. What a Retriever! Click now to visit our upcoming litters page and be one step closer to welcoming an adorable new addition into your home.

Learn more about our puppies When you bring home a Prairie Doodles puppy, your puppy has already received hours and hours of important socialization. We introduce each puppy to a wide variety of people, sounds, smells and scenarios, which helps to create balanced dogs who are inquisitive, adaptable and social. We begin introducing them to a crate at five weeks old, so by the time they join your home they are well on their way to being crate trained. In addition, all of our puppies are litter box trained to eliminate on wood pellets. We love raising balanced, happy dogs. They're hand-whelped and brought up inside our homes, alongside our children, because we believe dogs are an important part of the family. Meet us What people are saying about us "Gail at Prairie Doodles has been wonderful. She has always been available to answer questions, and now, even years after we brought our dogs home, I know that she really cares about the families who have her dogs. I recommend her to everyone who asks me where my dogs are from — and lots of people ask! He loves outdoor activities, and is often hiking or snowshoeing in the mountains on weekends. He has a gentle and loving temperament, and is so great around his little human brother, Aiden. We receive so many compliments and questions about Enzo. Thank you to Prairie Doodles for our beloved puppy! Gail is a wonderful match-maker; we couldn't have asked for a better puppy. He has the most easy-going, calm and goofy personality that charms everyone who meets him. Our friends and family fight over who gets to babysit him when we go away. There are many reputable Labradoodle breeders available in Alberta who can help you find the perfect pup for your family. By asking these questions, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a reputable breeder. The cost will vary depending on the quality of the parent breeds that the Labradoodle puppies come from, as well as if you want a specific generations or a specific color might increase the cost substantially! The pricing also depending on what region or state you live in. What is the lifespan of a Labradoodle? Labradoodles have a long lifespan and they can live up to 13 to 15 years of age with proper care and nutrition as well. If you know any great Labradoodle breeder who lives in Alberta, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in Alberta? It really helps others who are looking for a Labradoodle puppies in Alberta. If your friend and relative looking for a Labradoodle Puppies in Alberta, you can share this post with them. If you are looking for the best Labradoodle Breeders in Alberta, you can consider one of these breeders. Labradoodle Breeders. Showing 1 - 32 of 32 resultsPage 1 - 32 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. We also have a beautiful double doodle female ready to go now! She is an absolute sweetheart that loves people and other.Strathcona County Ready to go home!!! You can follow us on Instagram at thedoodlefamily57 or check out our website at thedoodlefamily. He is a cuddly lovable delightful , miniature Labradoodle-Cockapoo puppy! Mom's parents are both miniature.Rosie has had her ultrasound and there are alot of puppies in her belly! This litter will due the second.Join our waitlist for future litters Ready October by completing a puppy.Pets for free Lethbridge 6 month old Male labradoodle. Has shots and deworming. Awesome puppy, loves to play with everyone, cats and dogs and children. Free to good home. Hate to give him away, I just don't have the time to.Calgary Born on June 10th and ready for their fur-ever homes Aug 5th. Dam is our Chocolate Labrador, weighing 60lbs. She has been DNA tested and cleared for health and prescreened for.Edmonton Born on June 10th and ready for their fur-ever homes Aug 5th. I was holding onto the last 2 pups from a litter of 10 for someone while they moved to Edmonton. Sadly they can no longer take the puppies. Both male, Fully adjustable. No tools required. Will fit just about any SUV. Not suitable for 70 pound male labradoodles that want to sit in the front seat. We need to find.Edmonton Ready to go Sept 8 Males remaining Pic 1 has small umbilical hernia that will likely resolve on its own. Mother is our F1 Labradoodle whom we have raised since birth Father is our standard poodle. There are 2 girls and 5 boys! We are accepting reservations for these stunning.We have 4 handsome boys and 4 beautiful little girls. Dad is a purebred yellow english labrador retriever and comes from a.Is good with horses, cows and cats. Needs to grow up on a big yard and loves water. Only reason for.Labradoodle Puppies Clyde Two sweet pups left!!!! Both our doodles are girls; they're friendly, confident and socialized. They have met other people and children. We've raised them alongside our cats and horse. We've taken.Bird Dogs! Rocky View Exceptional Pedigree and top-quality puppies. We have high expectations for these litters! The moms comes from hunting lines has tones of natural instinct and is an excellent retriever. Bo a master.The puppies are here!!! Shade and Kacie Neilly's Felicity have blessed us with 3 beauties and we have space for one family that is interested in a boy. These babies are.Fairview We are excited to offer non shedding, family friendly, healthy and well-socialized puppies to families who want the very best! Shes so sweet and snuggly. She knows most of her tricks and is mainly housetrained. She is looking for a home that has the room and time for her. Lego is a 3 year old Labradoodle. He is fully housetrained and knows how to fetch, sit, paw, play dead and is.Two females and one male. Born August 9, .These cuties will be available to go early October. These are multigenerational and will be.High Park Doodles is proud to announce that Noah and.This is Buddy. He was born March .He has had 3 sets of.His name is Arlo. He is going to be a year old on July 17th. He has all his vaccinations, including his Rabies, and kennel.Must be loving family with large backyard. Lakeahore Labradoodles Instagram and Facebook pages. Breeder was hoping to keep him but due to.Purchased new, used once on our labradoodle and decided to use local pet grooming business instead. Contains both electric and battery-operated cutters. Browse other categories in All Categories in Alberta. Showing 1 - 28 of 28 resultsPage 1 - 28 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. He is a cuddly lovable delightful , miniature Labradoodle-Cockapoo puppy! Mom's parents are both miniature.Strathcona County Ready to go home!!! You can follow us on Instagram at thedoodlefamily57 or check out our website at thedoodlefamily. We also have a beautiful double doodle female ready to go now! She is an absolute sweetheart that loves people and other.Rosie has had her ultrasound and there are alot of puppies in her belly! This litter will due the second.Join our waitlist for future litters Ready October by completing a puppy.Calgary Born on June 10th and ready for their fur-ever homes Aug 5th. Dam is our Chocolate Labrador, weighing 60lbs. She has been DNA tested and cleared for health and prescreened for.Edmonton Born on June 10th and ready for their fur-ever homes Aug 5th. I was holding onto the last 2 pups from a litter of 10 for someone while they moved to Edmonton. Sadly they can no longer take the puppies. Both male, Edmonton Ready to go Sept 8 Males remaining Pic 1 has small umbilical hernia that will likely resolve on its own. Mother is our F1 Labradoodle whom we have raised since birth Father is our standard poodle. There are 2 girls and 5 boys! We are accepting reservations for these stunning.We have 4 handsome boys and 4 beautiful little girls. Dad is a purebred yellow english labrador retriever and comes from a.Labradoodle Puppies Clyde Two sweet pups left!!!! Both our doodles are girls; they're friendly, confident and socialized. They have met other people and children. We've raised them alongside our cats and horse. We've taken.Bird Dogs! Rocky View Exceptional Pedigree and top-quality puppies. We have high expectations for these litters! The moms comes from hunting lines has tones of natural instinct and is an excellent retriever. Bo a master.The puppies are here!!! Shade and Kacie Neilly's Felicity have blessed us with 3 beauties and we have space for one family that is interested in a boy. These babies are.Fairview We are excited to offer non shedding, family friendly, healthy and well-socialized puppies to families who want the very best! Shes so sweet and snuggly. She knows most of her tricks and is mainly housetrained. She is looking for a home that has the room and time for her. Lego is a 3 year old Labradoodle. He is fully housetrained and knows how to fetch, sit, paw, play dead and is.Two females and one male. Born August 9, .These cuties will be available to go early October. These are multigenerational and will be.High Park Doodles is proud to announce that Noah and.This is Buddy. He was born March .He has had 3 sets of.His name is Arlo. He is going to be a year old on July 17th. He has all his vaccinations, including his Rabies, and kennel.Must be loving family with large backyard. Lakeahore Labradoodles Instagram and Facebook pages. Breeder was hoping to keep him but due to.Browse other categories in Pets in Alberta.

When your dog.Jumps on other people: Ask a family member or friend to assist with training. Your assistant must be someone your dog likes and wants to greet. Your dog should never be forced to greet someone who scares them. Give your dog the "sit" command. This exercise assumes your dog already knows how to "sit. If your dog stands up, the greeter immediately turns and walks away. Ask your dog to "sit" and have the greeter approach again. Keep repeating until your dog remains seated as the greeter approaches. If your dog does remain seated, the greeter can give your dog a treat as a reward. When you encounter someone while out walking your dog, you must manage the situation and train your dog at the same time: Stop the person from approaching by telling them you don't want your dog to jump. Hand the person a treat or get a treat ready in your hand to reward your pup for good behavior. Ask your dog to "sit. Some people will tell you they don't mind if your dog jumps on them, especially if your dog is small and fluffy or a puppy. But you should mind. Remember you need to be consistent in training. If you don't want your dog to jump on people, stick to your training. If someone is encouraging jumping, you can simply say no thank you when they want to greet your dog. Jumps on you when you come in the door: Keep greetings quiet and low-key. If your dog jumps on you, ignore them. Turn and go out the door. Try again. You may have to come in and go out dozens of times before your dog learns they only gets your attention when they keep all four feet on the floor. Jumps on you when you're sitting: If you are sitting and your dog jumps up on you, stand up. Don't talk to your dog or push them away. Just ignore them until all four feet are on the ground. Also of interest:. Digital Marketing Do you have a dog that likes to jump on you or everyone? Yes, literally everyone. Not only can it be a little embarrassing, but it can also be a hazard when it comes to a large dog like GSDs — they can knock someone off unintentionally. Jumping is a behavior that is usually a result of excitement and inadequate training in dogs. Excitement management, leash training, rewarding, and reinforcement will stop your dog from jumping on people over time. Mind you, your GSD will not outgrow jumping or any other unwanted behavior if not properly trained to. But the good news is that they are certainly smart enough to learn the right behavior — and probably much quicker than other breeds. Be calm every time you walked in the door. Use a leash to prevent them from jumping. Watch the video below to learn exactly how. Keep treats handy to reward your dog for not jumping. Dismiss bad behavior by ignoring your dog and calmly stepping away. GSDs are high-energy breeds. This can often translate to the excitement, especially when meeting people. This is what causes them to jump. Simply put, they are excited to see you. Jumping on greeting is not only a GSD trait, but all dogs that are energetic and generally happy will jump on you, your family, and your friends until they are trained not to. This might not seem to be a very important question when it comes to your GSD jumping on you, but it is. A play-driven GSD is much more likely to jump whenever they are overly excited. On the other hand, you will usually find your GSD jumps on you or someone else whenever there is food involved if they are food-driven. Figuring out which category your GSD falls in will help determine how you can fix the behavior. Important things to remember when training GSDs Before you start implementing any training with a GSD, it is important to understand a few things about the breed that you might not already be familiar with. Here are four good tips to remember for any training: They can very sensitive. If you are overly harsh, you could hurt their feelings which will slow down learning hugely. They are reward-driven. Food, praise, and play are all good ways to reward your GSD when they complete the task correctly. This will help reinforce good behavior. Stay patient. Any training can take some patience while your dog is learning, but luckily GSDs are incredibly intelligent so they should grasp it quickly. Be consistent. Consistency is hugely important. You need to keep up the training to cement good behavior. Otherwise, your GSD could go right back to jumping up. And at the end of the day, good training is only made up of two simple steps: The first is introducing and teaching the dog the desired behavior. In this case, it is teaching an excited GSD not to jump on you or anyone else. It is just like teaching them any other trick like sitting or staying. This is done through consistency and repetition. Ways to Manage Excitement: When you are coming home, try cracking the door open and waiting until your GSD has noticeably calmed down before entering. If they do not jump, reward them. If a guest is entering your home, let them enter while you have your GSD either on a leash or in a separate room. Again, wait until their excitement has died down, then allow them to slowly approach your guests. It is an excellent tool to keep excitement levels down and have a good amount of control over your GSD during greetings. As shown in the video above, the easiest way to do it is to step on the leash to limit the freedom for your dog to jump up. Jumping usually occurs when your GSD is right up next to the person they want to jump on. Having a leash on your dog lets you have full control when you want to guide him away from someone. If they seem to get too close to someone, you can always pull them back way before the jumping occurs. Make sense? There are a few different ways to reinforce good behavior depending on your GSD, but a good treat is an incredibly powerful tool usually. Use Positive Reinforcement Tools: Treats. Positive affirmation. This might seem like an amazing reward to us, but once your GSD associates a click with a job well done, they will love it. If your GSD is food-driven, they will likely become fixated on a treat in your hand if you present it. They also know that this will likely be given to them if they complete a behavior associated with treats. How to Use Treats as a Distraction? Keep a treat or two on your person when your GSD is likely to jump on someone. This is usually when you or a guest enters your home. Before your GSD even has the chance to jump, show the treat in a calm manner. Their attention should be so locked in on the treat that it overrides their desire to jump up in excitement. Making a clear distinction between play and normal behavior can help them tell when it is okay to jump. They will learn that this is the only time they can jump. Not that you are armed with 5 easy steps to control the jumping. All you have to do is to put them into practice and allow some time for your dog to learn the correct behavior. Nevertheless, there are things you might want to avoid doing when training your GSD not to jump on people. These can slow progress by reinforcing the wrong behavior or upsetting your GSD as they can be quite a sensitive breed. Use negative reinforcement. If your GSD does jump while training, simply ignore them and step away from them. Simply being ignored by their loved ones will send a clear message without hurting their feelings. Reward too quickly. It is crucial to wait until your GSD has demonstrated full control and kept all paws on the floor before you reward them. If you let your GSD get away with jumping and other bad behavior as a puppy or adolescent, they most likely will continue displaying that behavior. And while they may not grow out of jumping, they will grow in size, making it more dangerous for them to jump on people. Some dogs learn faster than others. With the right methods, you will expect to see the difference very quickly. All you need is patience and consistency. Good luck. Bon is a dog lover and a blogger. He loves spending time with dogs more than with humans. You will find him training himself for the next marathon when he is not writing. Excitement The most probable reason for the jumping is that it is excited. They do it because they want to greet you at the face and because their mother would feed them from the face as puppies and they would jump up. This type of jumping can be stopped with training using the methods in the section below. One method in particular that you should try would be to teach it to stay and sit and then to reward it for doing so. Attention German Shepherds were bred to work with their owners doing intensive tasks for hours daily. With that being the case, they need a lot of exercise to be properly stimulated. Their mothers would feed them from the mouth and they would have to jump up to get it. When things are wrong German Shepherds will often do things that are out of character so you should consider what might be wrong that is causing the jumping. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd afraid? How to get your German Shepherd to stop jumping There are a number of things that you can do to get your German Shepherd to stop jumping up at you that I will. Ignore If you think that your German Shepherd is doing the jumping because it is looking to get attention then one option for you to try would be to ignore the behavior. To do this you would simply leave the room when it starts jumping and then return when it is being well behaved and reward it for doing so. Redirect You could also try the redirect method where you tell your German Shepherd to do something different such as to sit, lay or to roll when it starts jumping and then to reward it for doing so. Train it not to You can also train it not to jump up at you by making it sit and stay when it gets excited. To do this do as follows: Get some treats that your German Shepherd likes Get it to sit. The idea is to reward it for staying sat and keeping its attention on you so you want to reward it before it has a chance to fail. Do the same as above but each time increase the duration that you get it to stay. When your German Shepherd is able to stay for over 15 seconds start to introduce distractions such as the squeaking of a toy. Start out with minor distractions such as simply showing it the toy and then build up to harder ones such as rolling the toy in front of it. If you would like some more tips on how to train your German Shepherd take a look at the German Shepherd training book on Amazon. You can watch the video below to see how it is done. An easy way to give it a lot of exercise without needing to put in a lot of effort would be to teach it how to play fetch. This is ideal since you can get your German Shepherd to do lots of running over a short time frame without needing to run a lot yourself. You could also try walking your German Shepherd with other dogs. This can give your German Shepherd a lot of exercise since it will burn a lot of energy by playing with the other dogs. Another way to give it extra exercise would be to teach it to swim. When dogs swim they have to move their legs around a lot which can wear them out quickly. There are apps that you can download now that will let you hire one, in your area, directly through the app. Be patient Teaching your German Shepherd not to jump up will likely take multiple training sessions. Over time not jumping will turn into a habit and the behavior will stop. By doing so you will be risking causing other bad behaviors such as distrust, destruction, not listening to you and even aggression. If you just teach it to stop jumping once and stop training it after that then it is likely that the jumping behavior will come back. Related questions Why does my German Shepherd jump up at strangers? Jumping up is how German Shepherds will often greet new people. To get this behavior to stop you should redirect its attention on to a training exercise such as sitting and staying that you have taught it in the past. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Or maybe a friend has dropped by to say hello and your German Shepherd jumps on them immediately. Has either of these ever happened to you? Chances are they have. The good news is you can train your German Shepherd to stop jumping on you and others with a few different methods. To begin, though, you need to understand why your dog is jumping in the first place. You may have heard people say that your dog is jumping on you as a sign of dominance or as an attempt to be the one in charge. The plain and simple truth is that in most cases, your pet is just trying to say hello when you walk through the door. In all cases, though, jumping is a normal and natural behavior for dogs. While puppies jumping on you may be cute, the larger the dog gets and German Shepherds are on the bigger side! Not only does jumping on you result in dirty clothing or dropping items you were holding at the time, but when your German Shepherd jumps on someone, it could wind up accidentally hurting them. Children and older people can easily be knocked over by a large dog, plus anyone can end up with bruises or scratches. Unfortunately, in most instances, jumping is a behavior that we have encouraged, sometimes without realizing it. German Shepherds, like most dogs, are opportunistic. Luckily, you can do this with a bit of training and management. Use one of these step-by-step methods to teach your German Shepherd to stop jumping on you and others. Redirection How to Keep a German Shepherd Busy This is a general method to show your dog that jumping is unwanted and to redirect them to a new behavior. Step One: Ignore bad behavior. When your German Shepherd jumps on you, ignore it entirely by turning your back to it. The trick here is that everyone must abide by this rule of turning your back, so be sure everyone entering or living in your home is aware of it. Speak to them in a calm voice to avoid getting them excited again. When they do, give them a reward. Again, everyone should be doing this when you are in training mode, so your pet learns that not jumping applies to all. Image Credit: cvop, Pixabay 2. Paws on the Floor This method is for training your dog to keep four paws on the floor. Step One: Get a friend or family member to help you. Step Two: Keeping your dog on its leash, have the other person approach you. Before they reach you, toss a few treats on the floor in front of your dog. Step Four: Have the second person back off from the dog before it has finished the treats. Step Five: Repeat Step Four several times. After a few rounds, have the second person greet your dog for a longer amount of time and continue repeating until your pet is keeping its feet on the floor. Step Six: Once your pup is keeping all its paws on the ground, have the second person come and say hello before placing a treat down. Step One: Put your German Shepherd on a leash, then tie the leash to something sturdy, like a doorknob. Step Two: Staying far away from your dog, ask them to sit. When they do, you can start to go up to them. If they stand during the reward, go back to your starting point. Step Three: Repeat until your dog gets the hang of things. Step Four: Up the ante after your dog understands they need to sit by making your greetings more exciting. Step Five: After your dog has perfected the art of the sit greeting, grab another person and try this with them. By doing this, your dog will come to understand that sitting instead of jumping applies to all people as well. Conclusion Training your German Shepherd will take patience and time, but it can be done. Keeping them from jumping during training will also be required. It will take dedication, but you can do this by directing them away from your front door when someone visits, throwing toys or treats to them so they are occupied before a person enters your home, or keeping them on a leash. German Shepherds are very smart dogs , though, so they should soon learn not to jump on you or others. Featured Image Credit: cynoclub, Shutterstock Contents. By: David Codr Published Date: November 27, For this Omaha puppy training session we helped Stella, a 9 month-old German Shepherd puppy learn to stop jumping up on people who visit her home. Knowing that Stella liked to jump up on people at the door, I called ahead and had the guardian meet me outside. I wanted to give him some tips on stopping a dog from jumping up and show him an exercise that helps dogs learn to stop jumping on people on their own. After explaining how this exercise to stop dog jumping worked, I handed his wife my camera so she could film me in action. The thing I like about this trick to stop dogs from jumping on people is that the dog learns itself instead of the human micromanaging the dog. Each time it settles down or offers the behavior you want, you engage. This is a form of Operant Conditioning and any dog behavior expert will tell you it is a powerful way to rehabilitate any dog. We spent the rest of the session going over ways to add structure, how to act in a way the dogs sees and respects as a leader, how to introduce and enforce rules and some creative ways to exercise the dog. Stella picked it all up right away. To help the guardians remember all the other dog behavior tips I shared in this in home dog training session, we shot a roadmap to success video that you can check out below. Share this:.