German Shepherd Training | Solving Behavior Problems

Solving Your German Shepherds Behavior Problems

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German Shepherds are magnificant dogs. Unfortunately they do have their behavior problems. Jumping, biting, mouthing, excessive barking, digging, aggression, all of these are not uncommon among German Shepherds. While they have their issues the good news is there are remedies for these problems.

Regardless of what kind of behavior issue you're dealing with your first step to helping relieve or completely solve the issue is to address the issue differently. Imagine you call a dog trainer and say, "My GSD is out of control! Help! She is barking day and night. How do I stop this behavior!?

Can you spot the issue with that phone call? Good you're paying attention. Yes, "stop this behavior!?" is where the approach needs to change. Dogs will be dogs and that is that. Despite our best efforts we cannot change them into furry little people who understand our concerns and wishes. Trying to stop a dog from being a dog is actually quite silly.

So how do you change your approach? Instead of, "How do I stop this behavior?" The question should be, "What can I teach her to do instead of this behavior?"

Getting Started Solving Your German Shepherds Behavior Problems is as Simple as 1-2-3

1. Identify the problem behavior. In the example above the dog is barking excessively. If you're GSD is doing something else replace excessive barking with your specific behavior.

2. Identify an incompatible behavior. What would an incompatible behavior for barking be? We have some options. Teaching her to "quiet" on cue would be a good start. Another thing that can be done is to offer her a Kong stuffed with peanut butter and cream cheese. If she isn't a "Kong dog" you could walk over and say, "What is it?" Then follow that up with, "That's good. I got it." Then call her to you and reward her with a yummy treat.

You have many options. Whatever you use it must be incompatible with the behavior they are offering. Jumping is quite annoying but if you give the down cue before the dog can jump they will not jump. Another simple little trick for jumping is when you come in, walk straight ahead, and put your hands to out to your side. 95% of the time the dog will go for smelling your hands rather than jumping up on you. Then give the down cue.

3. Work it. Consistency is dogs best friend, not man. Without consistent attention to behavior work the dog will, inevitably, start offering the undesirable behavior again. Daily work on the issue is required. Spending as little as 5 minutes per day working on teaching an incompatible behavior will work wonders so there is no need to over do it.

Some behavior problems don't really have an incompatible behavior. Digging is one such behavior. If you are faced with a digger you should work on finding a possible issue first. Are varmints causing your dogs digging phase? If you rule that out you might to fill the holes with lava rock and poop. Dogs will rarely dig in their own feces. You could trim your dogs nails more often. Shorter nails make digging harder and it makes their toes sensitive reducing the damage if they do dig.

Whatever behavior problem you are facing your plan should start with the 1-2-3 formula above. Approaching behavior issues this way sets you and your dog up to succeed. Anyone with a stick could, "Stop a doing from doing xyz behavior." You want solutions not temporary bandaids that mask the underlying issue.

When you ask yourself, "What can I teach my GSD to do instead of xyz behavior issue?" a door opens. Problem solving becomes easier and much more effective. Think of it as an opportunity to get to know your German Shepherd better. With patience and effort you and your dog will be well on your way to a more peaceful existence together.

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