Sitting on command
You can also start training your German Shepherd pup fairly early to sit on command. Squad down next to your puppy and sayhis name first to get his attention, and immediately give the command “sit”. At the same time, put pressure on the German Shepherd’s hindquarters with one hand, while blocking the foreleg. If the pup sits, even just for a second, he is always a “good boy”, and you should reward him enthusiastically. Do this the moment he sits, not when stands up again. Should this become a wrestling match, keep trying until it works. The intention is that he will experience disobeying your command as disagreeable, whereas obeying your command will result in your approval, which is something positive. In the beggining, it is sufficient for the puppy to sit for a little while. Later, you can expect him to sit until you lift the command by saying “free” or “go on”.
Lying down on command
For lying down on command the command “down” is used. You teach the German Shepherd puppy “down” when he has properly understood and obeyed the command “sit”. First, you let yor dog sit. Then you pull the forelegs forward with slight pressure to maneuver him into a lying postition, while keeping your other hand on his hindquarters to prevent him from sliding backward. Then give the command “down”. If the German Shepherd dog stays down, even for a second, reward him. Most pups, certainly dominant ones, will show a bit more inclined to lie down sooner. Avoid a struggle, but do not be to lenient; try to find the golden mean. Naturally, you must also build up this command slowly. You lift the command by saying “free” or by calling his name.
Staying on command
The command “stay” can be combined with the commands “sit” and “down”, but also can be given when the dog is standing. This is very importent command, because more than once it has saved the life of an obedient German Shepherd dog that was about to cross a busy thoroughfare. As the point of departure, you let your pup, leashed, sit or stand on the left next to you. You then give him the command “stay”. If the pup continues to lie down or sit for a while, say “free”. If he does not, tug briefly on the leash and repeat the command. Build this up slowly by standing a step further away from him each time, until eventually he stays in place when he is not leashed.
Make sure that the German Shepherd dog stays exactly in the starting position. If he creeps away or starts walking, put him back in the starting position. This is where he is supposed to stay and not an inch forward or next to it. Also with respect to staying on command, you should not make it too difficult for the dog and should prevent him from making mistakes. Let him “free” fairly quickly to prevent your German Shepherd from lifting the command by himself. At a later stage, you can demand more from the dog.
Author: Esther Verhoef – The German Shepherd Dog
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