Training Tips For German Shepherds

German Shepherd Training Tips: Build Focus, Trust, and Obedience

German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in the UK — and for good reason. They’re smart, loyal, eager to learn, and incredibly versatile. But they’re also a breed that demands time, structure, and the right kind of guidance.

If you’ve got a German Shepherd in Harrogate, York, Leeds, Wetherby, or anywhere across North or West Yorkshire, here are some tried-and-tested tips I use as a professional dog trainer to help owners like you bring out the best in your dog.

🐾 Why German Shepherds Are Unique to Train

GSDs (as we often call them) were bred for herding, guarding, and working closely with people. That gives them:

• High intelligence

• Strong drive and work ethic

• Protective instincts

• A deep bond with their handler

These traits make them brilliant companions — but also a handful if they’re bored, under-exercised, or unclear on boundaries.

💡 My Top German Shepherd Training Tips

1. Start with Structure

German Shepherds thrive on routine. From day one, establish clear rules in the home — where they sleep, when they eat, and how they earn attention. This gives your dog a strong sense of security and purpose.

2. Train Every Day — Not Just in Classes

Short, focused daily training sessions (even 5–10 minutes) are far more effective than one big weekly session. Practise obedience, focus work, or calm leash walking daily. Keep it fun and varied.

3. Teach Calmness, Not Just Commands

A lot of Shepherds know “sit,” “down,” and “stay,” but still bark at the postman or react on lead. Calmness is a behaviour — and it needs to be taught just like anything else. Reward calm decisions at home, on walks, and around distractions.

4. Socialise With Purpose

Socialising doesn’t mean letting your Shepherd meet every dog at the park. Instead, teach them to be neutral around dogs, people, and environments. Focus on calm exposure and rewarding focus on you — not chaos or overstimulation.

5. Use Play as a Reward

Most GSDs are toy-driven. Use tug toys or balls as high-value rewards during training. You’ll build engagement, strengthen your bond, and give them an outlet for their natural drive.

6. Master Loose Lead Walking

Strong, powerful dogs pulling on the lead? No thanks. Work early on polite lead walking. Start in quiet areas, reward often, and be consistent. It’s not just about control — it’s about building calm focus.

7. Train Their Mind as Much as Their Body

Mental enrichment is key. Teach tricks, use scent work games, or introduce place training (staying on a raised bed with distractions). A mentally tired dog is a well-behaved one.

⚠️ Common Behavioural Issues in German Shepherds

• Reactivity on the lead

• Barking at visitors or passers-by

• Chasing behaviours

• Guarding or over-protectiveness

• Nervousness in new situations

Most of these issues aren’t signs of a “bad dog” — they’re often the result of instinct being unchannelled or unclear communication between dog and owner. That’s where professional training helps.

👋 Final Thoughts from Jack

If you’ve got a German Shepherd, you’ve got a working dog — even if they’re just your family pet. Training is never about dominance or control — it’s about communication, guidance, and respect.

As a dog trainer based in Harrogate and serving all of Yorkshire, I’ve helped countless GSD owners build calm, confident relationships with their dogs. Whether you’ve got a young pup or an adult Shepherd with reactivity issues, I’ll work with you to find a training plan that fits.

I’m Jack — your local trainer at Northern K9 Company. Let’s work together to help your German Shepherd reach their full potential.

Get in touch With Jack

Let me know how me and the team can help with your dog's training and I will personally respond with an email, text message or I will arrange a phone call. Even if you just need some simple advice I'm happy to help.

why should you Get in touch?

Hi, i'm jack, I treat every dog I train like my own. I seriously do, I love all dogs regardless of their breed or history. Every training session is a lesson learnt for both me and your dog, I try make every session as fun as possible, Although I believe in pack leadership I don't believe in showing dogs "who is boss" I believe in showing dogs that I am pretty cool to hang around with, and feeling safe in my presence which is why I also try to make every session an adventure for us both. One of my favourite things about this job is seeing how exited dogs get when they see me. Dogs really are Angels sent from heaven.