Eight Top Tips For Training Germans Shepherd Dogs

You must start training your shepherd the first day you bring him home. The sooner he learns that you are in control, the better he'll behave.

German shepherds are smart and by their nature want to please. The more time you spend developing him, the closer the two of you will become. Remember, he's your new best friend and deserves the time, attention and proper training.

Here are some of my top tips for training German shepherd dogs:

Tip One: Keep your German shepherd at a healthy weight.

Older German shepherds are prone to diabetes, arthritis, joint and dysplasia problems so it's important to give your dog lots of exercise and not let him get too fat.

One of the best tips for training German shepherd dogs is that leaner and fitter shepherd live longer and healthier lives. Too much weight and too little exercise is bad on their hearts and hips.

Never give him sweets, table scraps or fatty foods. One of the best tips for training German shepherd dogs is to only feed him dog food. Find which brand he does best with and stick to it.

Too much weight on his joints can aggravate hip problems as he ages making it hard for him to walk, run and "do his business". Lean German shepherds live longer and are much happier dogs.

Tip Two: Another important tip for training German shepherd dogs is monitor your dog's health. Preventive medicine will save you money, time and aggravation.

Check him regularly for fleas and ticks. Brush his teeth. Keep him well groomed. Check his stools for stomach disorders. Be sensitive to any signs of discomfort or unusual moaning. Heading health problems off at the pass will keep your best friend healthier and happier.

Tip Three: Brush your German shepherd several times a week. His undercoat needs to brushed-out twice a year. Use a clean wire brush. Brush firmly but be careful not to hurt him. It's best to make brushing an experience that he looks forward to. It'll make it easier for you and more pleasant for him.

He'll feel much better and your house will have less dog hair so you'll breathe better too. Spend more time brushing your German shepherd and less time vacuuming.

Tip Four: German shepherds don't need many baths. When you do bath him, make sure not to get soap in his eyes. Dry him well and brush him out after his bath. Good grooming will make him feel better and prevent many skin allergies.

Tip Five: Trim his nails every two weeks. This will help prevent foot and joint problems. He'll be happier when he takes walks with you when his feet, nails and pads are less sensitive to the jolting they take on long walks and runs. The better he feels, the more fun both of you will have taking long walks together. Just as you wouldn't take a long walk in dress shoes, keeping his nails trimmed reduces many problems that would otherwise arise.

Tip Six: Another great way to train German shepherd dogs is to always treat your best friend with love and respect. German shepherds are smart and want to please. The more love you give him...the more he'll love you.

Treat him like your best friend and he'll become one. Always think of things to make his life more healthy and enjoyable. The more time you spend together...the closer the two of you will become. Remember to always treat him the way you'd like to be treated in your own life...with love and respect.

Tip Seven: Your German shepherd will be much happier the more time he spends with you. Keep him close by when you're home. He'll be happiest being close to you. It's best to let him sleep on the floor in your bedroom at night. You're his Alpha Dog and he wants to be near you as much as possible.

Tip Eight: Take your German shepherd to dog training classes. He'll learn to socialize with other people and dogs. A dog that likes people is much less likely to have aggression problems. Both of you will learn basic commands at class. The more time you practice with your German shepherd at home the better. The best part of taking him to obedience school is the strong bond that will be created between you and your best friend.

If you work on these tips, your German shepherd will be obedient and become your new best friend. It'll be time well spent. Your dog will live a long, healthy and happy life and you'll form a close bond that the two of you will enjoy for the rest of his life.

Marcus Stephens "The Dog Guy" has owned and trained dogs for over 20 years. He is the founder of the popular website "German Shepherd Obedience Problems". You can learn how to quickly and easily train your German shepherd the right way becoming his Alpha Dog. Get your free report that reveals tips for training German shepherds NOW! at=> http://wwwFixGermanShepherdProblems.com