When it comes to successful dog training – its important to start early. The first few months are particularly important as any behavior that has been learned will stay with your dog throughout his life. Ideally, this learning process should continue for up to two years.

If you are the proud owner of a German shepherd puppy try to begin training as soon as the dog is in your home – just as you would immediately start teaching a newborn baby how to behave around other babies or animals. All family members should learn to handle the new puppy and be comfortable with the new addition to the family, however only one person should undertake most, if not all of the training.

Dogs thrive on a routine, so try to have one that works around your job and other commitments. It’s a good idea to introduce a new puppy into your home during a quiet time. Training at this stage should include obedience and hygiene, as well eliminating any bad habits, such as chewing on shoes or begging for food.

The first few months in your home are some of the most important to a puppy – many of an older dog’s behavioral problems can be traced back to this period. Experts say that a dog’s experiences between that ages of three and twelve weeks are the most critical and the ideal age to acquire a puppy is at about eight weeks old.

This includes getting the animal used to any other pets and family members, as well as house training and teaching you dog to use a lead effectively. And any routines which will become part of your dog’s later life should be introduced at an early age, if at all possible. During much of your puppy’s early training, the two most widely used words will be “no” and his name.

You should also make a point of exposing your puppy to different objects, as well as people. Introduce your puppy to such everyday – but potentially scary – things as toys, bicycles, large boxes, and even an umbrella. It’s also recommended to take a puppy for short car rides, letting the window down occasionally.

A dog is a lifelong commitment. Begin your training early and you have a better chance of avoiding problems in later life.

Training Your White German Shepherd Puppy

Joe and Nido – White German Shepherd Puppy

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The Importance of Socialization

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White German shepherd dogs are considered to be among the easiest dogs to train, making them particularly suitable for families with pets and children. Once you have chosen your pet, have taken him home and introduced him to your family, one of your next steps is to learn how to “socialize” your dog.

Experts consider that the most important socialization period for a puppy begins at around three weeks of age and lasts until around twelve weeks. The period during which a puppy is most influenced by socialization is supposedly between six and eight weeks of age. Regardless of how old your puppy is when you get him, you may well have little or no knowledge of his previous life.

Socializing your dog includes various things – getting him used to other dogs as well as other people and also everyday sights, sounds and smells. And you shouldn’t find it too difficult to find friends and neighbors who want to come over to admire your new puppy! Try to bring your puppy home when you can establish a routine and spend some time training him.

Socializing is important as it can help to prevent serious behavioral problems in your German shepherd such as aggression, timidity and shyness. A dog that has been exposed to other animals such as cats and horses is better able to interpret their intentions, potentially avoiding a conflict. And a dog that has been thoroughly socialized is less likely to have behavioral problems in the future with other dogs or children.

The importance of socialization is such that it can make up an estimated 60% of a dog’s character and temperament. Some trainers even advise that a puppy should meet 100 strangers and visit 50 new places – all before he is three months old. You may not be able to do all that – but it illustrates how important it is to thoroughly socialize your puppy.

If you find socialization difficult, you can actually take your puppy to socialization classes – ask at your local vets for details. Try to avoid taking your puppy to training classes that put an emphasis on “punishment” techniques. Simply the act of taking your puppy to the vets is a form of socialization – and it also helps him prepare for future visits.

Socializing your puppy correctly can take time and patience – but the end results are well worth it and you will understand why white German shepherds are such a delight to own and train.

Training Your White German Shepherd Puppy