Dog training is the jewel in the crown – the most important aspect of doggy husbandry.
There is no more important variable influencing dog behavior and temperament than the dog’s education: A well-trained, well-behaved and good-natured German Shepherd puppy dog is always a joy to live with, but an untrained and uncivilized dog can be a perpetual nightmare.

Moreover, deny the dog an education and it will not have the opportunity to fulfill its own canine potential; neither will it have the ability to communicate effectively with its human companions.

Luckily, modern psychological dog training methods are easy, efficient and effective and, above all, considerably dog-friendly and user-friendly. Doggy education is as simple as it is enjoyable. But before you can have a good time play-training with your new dog, you have to learn what to do and how to do it.

There is no bigger variable influencing the success of dog training than the owner’s experience and expertise. Before you embark on the dog’s education, you must first educate yourself.

Basic Dog Training for Owners

Ideally, basic owner dog training should begin well before you select your dog. Find out all you can about your chosen breed first, then master rudimentary training and handling skills. If you already have your Shepherd puppy/dog, owner training is a dire emergency – the clock is running! Especially for puppies, the first few weeks at home are the most important and influential days in the dog’s life. Indeed, the cause of most adolescent and adult problems may be traced back to the initial days the pup explores his new home.

This is the time to establish the status quo – to teach the puppy/dog how you would like him to behave and so prevent otherwise quite predictable problems.

In addition to consulting German Shepherd breeders and breed, seek out as many pet owners with German Shepherd you can find. Good points are obvious. What you want to find out are the breed-specific problems, so you can nip them in the bud. In particular, you should talk to owners with adolescent dogs and make a list of all anticipated problems.

Most important, test drive at least half a dozen adolescent and adult dogs yourself. An eight-week-old puppy is deceptively easy to handle, but she will acquire adult size, speed and strength in just four months, so you should learn now what to prepare for.

Dog Training Tips – Watch and Learn From Other Owners

Puppy and pet dog training classes offer a convenient venue to locate pet owners and observe dogs in action.

For a list of suitable trainers in your area, contact the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. You may also begin your basic owner training by observing other owners in class. Watch as many classes and test drive as many dogs as possible. Select an upbeat, dog-friendly, people-friendly, fun-and-games, puppy dog pet training class to learn the ropes. Also, watch training DVDs and videos and read training books. You must find out what to do and how to do it before you have to do it.

Before you begin training a dog you must start with training yourself. If you’re getting a new puppy, then you will certainly need to learn about house training a dog before you bring him home.