When it comes to Training it is not 1 size fits all but I have put together some of my favorite videos to address some of the most common basic training needs for those of you that wish to learn and train yourself. You may have certain trainers you like better than others so, search YouTube for your favorite trainers and your favorite training systems. Sometimes you need more help than self training, call a trainer! If you catch problem behaviours before they develop training is much easier. The longer problem behaviours go on the more difficult to correct. Go back to the LEERBURG Videos if you are having problem behaviours developing! Below the videos we have some referrals to some excellent trainers in our area as well.
LEERBURG offers online training FREE. We love their training programs and currently they are offering A FREE Trial of managing your dog in your home, family and pet introductions, using training tools, crates, leashes and so much more. The Puppy Management class offers short 6-12 minute videos so everyone can find time to learn. Management in the home is so important and we believe more emphasis should be placed on Management even before the obedience training. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT VIDEO SERIES FOR NEW PUPPY OWNERS OR PEOPLE THAT HAVEN'T HAD A PUPPY FOR MANY YEARS! Click on the red link below to sign up for free class. Then simply watch the short videos when you have time. Refer back as often as needed, it's FREE!
SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE....PLEASE! YOU MUST CONTINUE TO SOCIALIZE YOUR PUPPY HEAVILY BETWEEN 8 & 16 WEEKS OF AGE. THIS IS A CRITICAL IMPRINTING STAGE THAT WILL STAY WITH YOUR PUPPY HIS ENTIRE LIFE. Puppy Aggression may appear as a result of FEAR if you do not socialize during this time! Continue to Socialize throughout your dogs life, provide enrichment to your puppy. The more you socialize, the better dog you will have! I can't stress this enough.
YOUR FIRST WEEK AT HOME VIDEO BELOW
New Puppy Tips - Surviving the First Week
Puppy First Day Home Tips
Puppy Confinement Video Below
Here are some photos of our uses of a crate and crate attached to playpen for play and getting creative to make small, controlled spaces for individual feeding so we know they each get their appropriate portions at mealtime. These can be used indoors and outdoors.
Puppy Crate Training Video Below
More on Crate Training - Mistakes
Potty Training - If your puppy potties in your home, it is not his fault, it's your fault. We can't punish a puppy that hasn't been taught where to go. Don't punish. It's o.k. to startle him if you see him start to go, rush him outside.
4 Types of Toys and how to best use them
How to use a Kong Toy
HOW TO STOP PUPPY BITING AND MOUTHING VIDEO BELOW
Dog Ignoring you? 4 Tips to use your dogs name RIGHT!
Are you Accidentally being a BAD Leader for your Dog?
4 Quick ways to Exercise your puppy
Potty Training a Puppy - 5 Tips to Success
Don't Jump up on me!
Stop Leash Pulling
Lots of Basics about Training your puppy
You annoyed by barking? This one's Just for fun
But Seriously ~ Barking Dogs are Annoying to you and your neighbors!
It's me or the dog! This is what happens when you let things go too far but, there is always a solution. Take a look at the progress they make here. It's not hard, you just have to know how!
Introducing a New Dog to existing dogs in the home. We always introduce new dogs / puppies using barriers like dog crates, kennels, play pens. This way no one gets hurt. Click on the red link below for video on more details on how to introduce your new dog to existing dogs from Leerburg.com
Central Coast German Shepherds Basic Obedience Puppy Training. This video will show you some of the basic commands we use and how we use them so when you take your puppy home after staying with us for the Basic Obedience Training (on Leash) you will be able to continue reinforcing the skills they have learned here with us. If you do not work on these skills daily through your regular routines, your puppy will become lazy, please continue to use the skills he has learned so they become life long habits for your puppy. Your effort of taking the time to make your puppy sit and wait EVERY time you open the door to take him outside and again when you bring him inside builds respect between you and your puppy and creates good habits for life! This is only one of the Basic tools we give you in the video. I hope you find this video helpful.
More on Training
Good sound breeding with sound temperament is where to begin but there is so much more......Basic obedience training is an essential part of responsible dog ownership. It will make your dog a better companion and will help establish a stronger bond between you and your dog. Your German Shepherd dog wants nothing more from life than to please you. Therefore, it is your responsibility to train this faithful companion to do as you wish. Training classes in obedience are available in most cities.
It is imperative that you continue to build on what we started. The first 16 weeks of a puppy's life will set the foundation as an adult. Take your puppy to Puppy Obedience! You must socialize your puppy in order to have a sound German Shepherd as an adult!
Central Coast German Shepherds has no affiliation to the trainers below. These are people in our local area that we recommend because we believe in their training practices & positive reinforcement training. Whether you have a new puppy that is ready to continue with his basic lessons or a dog with behaviour problems, here are a couple of people for you to consider here in our area:
Good Shepherd Dog Training with Linda Hardy 805-550-8238 or online at http://www.goodshepherdobedience.com/ Linda speaks German Shepherd language! Linda does in-home consultations, private lessons and individual private training where she will bring your dog or puppy home to train for you. Call her for a tailored program that will work for your needs. Linda has been training German Shepherds for over 30 years.
Good Dogs with Kathy Kropp 805-237-9985 or online at http://www.gooddogskk.com/for the North San Luis Obispo County areas. Kathy teaches in Paso Robles and Templeton. Kathy offers various classes on weekends and during the week. She offers Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Obedience, Fungility, Canine Good Citizenship, Dog and Puppy Temperament Testing, private in home consultations, group classes and More!
Some owners may wish to go beyond Basic Obedience and pursue Advanced Obedience, enter the Show Circuit and/or Agility competitions. You may wish to train your dog for Service or Conformation Competitions. The German Shepherd Dog's desire to please humans is legendary, making it a top obedience competitor and a first-rate companion dog for adults and children. PLEASE consider Obedience training for you and your puppy! For those that are interested in the "Total Working Dog" concept of Schutzhund, I recommend you contact the GSDCA, Working Dog Association at: http://www.gsdca-wda.org/
As one of the most popular breeds in the country, you will find that the German Shepherd Dog is well respected for it's versatility. It is the breed preferred by those interested in search and rescue work, seeing eye, service, obedience or just as a good companion and of course protection for family, home and property. The extreme loyalty is our favorite trait of the German Shepherds.