Author: Cindy Kelly

Aggression is a topic that most people have heard of, but may not know much about. What does it mean for a German Shepherd to be aggressive? It can range from the dog being territorial and protective to just feeling uncomfortable in their environment. In this blog post, we will talk about how you can fix these types of aggression problems in your pet.

How to tell if your German Shepherd Has a Problem with Aggression

There are several ways you can tell if your German Shepherd (GSD) has a problem with aggression. They may bark, snarl and charge at other dogs on walks or when they see them in the home. This is very dangerous, as it could cause another dog to get injured or hurt themselves while trying to run away from the situation.

Some other signs include:

• Hiding behind their owner’s legs if a dog comes around while out walking— this is an attempt to try and protect themselves from another dog that may be nearby or to keep their owner between them and the dog.
• Refusing to go near other dogs when they are out walking or in the home.
• Hiding behind furniture or in dark areas of your home if they see another animal outside being walked. This is an attempt to try to hide from the situation because it’s too difficult for them to deal with at that moment.

Always remember that if your German Shepherd is aggressive towards other animals they may need some medical attention as well. Take them to the vet for an examination and to rule anything else out before trying any of these methods yourself.

How to Stop Your German Shepherd from Being so Aggressive

This is one of the hardest behavioral things to fix, but it’s also one that you have control over. If your shep becomes aggressive when they see other dogs on walks or being in a new environment, there are several methods you can try out at home to help them get used to these situations without them getting so worked up, including the Desensitization Method, The Introduction Method, The Routine Method and the Counter-Conditioning Method. 

The Desensitization Method

You can try and desensitize your GSD towards a stimulus that causes them to become anxious or aggressive. This means you need to phase in the object/other animals slowly so they barely notice it before progressing up until your pet can see and interact with it without becoming nervous or aggressive.

To do this, start off by taking your German Shepherd for a walk in an area where you know there aren’t any other dogs around, so they don’t feel threatened. Then carry on the same route but stop short of going past another dog’s house— however far away that may be.

Then, when you get to this point, just wait for a couple of minutes so your dog becomes comfortable in the area again before carrying on back home. Do this several times until they are fine with being at that distance from another animal’s house and then progress up to walking past it while still stopping short if they become anxious or aggressive.

The Introductions Method

Introducing a shy or fearful dog to new people and other dogs should be a slow process. 

Introducing Your Dog to New People

Step 1: Have a person come over and tell them what you have planned with the Introductions method. Have the person come over and keep your dog confined until everyone is comfortable and settled in. 

Step 2: Next, bring the dog out and let them make the first move—don’t let the new person approach or talk to the dog until the pooch signals that this type of contact is all right. 

Step 3: Then, have the person offer high-quality dog treats that you know your shep likes. A good one might be Zesty Paws Calming bites since it soothes and relaxes them. 

Step 4: The person should hold out the treat or drop it on the ground nearby. They should not make eye contact with your dog and stand sideways or in a crouching position while they are doing this.

Tip 1: If your GSD continues to be shy or shows fear, do not reward them with treats or this will reinforce their bad behavior and delay progress.

Tip 2: It’s important not to rush the process or you can make things worse; your dog will eventually build enough confidence to approach people and take treats.  

Introducing Your GSD to Unfamiliar Dogs

Step 1: Choose a Calm, Neutral Environment that has little to distract or stimulate your GSD. 

Step 2: Start out slowly when making your introduction to your new dog’s potential buddy. Keep your distance from the handler and their dog at first.

Step 3: Slowly approach the other dog and handler and reward your dog if they act calm Then, let them sniff and circle around one another. Next, walk azway with your dog. 

Step 4: Repeat this process as needed. If you have a shy or fearful dog, it may take several times to build up their confidence enough for them to be relaxed enough around other dogs. 

Tip 1: Reward your dog whenever they display confident behavior. This positive reinforcement encourages a positive association when your GSD meets new dogs.

Tip 2: Don’t use tight leashes or pull the two dogs apart. This can cause a negative reaction in your dog. 

Tip 3: Start with a familiar, well-behaved canine. This precaution helps the process along by introducing your animal to a socialized, confident dog. It will also teach you the best way to handle these types of socialization episodes.

The Routine Method

If your dog has been aggressive towards other dogs on walks for a while now, then it’s likely that the situation is going to be difficult to change as they become more and more used to seeing other animals. 

In this case, you want to use a routine where every time another animal appears in their line of sight or when you are out walking them, you’ll make a noise or an action that means they need to pay attention.

Once you’ve done this, give them lots of praise and treats so it becomes associated with something pleasant for your pet. The idea is for your German Shepherd to learn the association between another animal appearing on walks/in their environment and receiving good things from it happening.

They’ll soon work out that if they stop being aggressive towards other animals, the good things will keep on coming. This is a great way to train your pet so it can be rewarded for not acting inappropriately instead of them getting chastised for doing something wrong.

The Counter-Conditioning Method

You can also try and change your German Shepherd’s association with another animal when they see them on walks or in the home. This is done by giving them a treat every time they react positively to seeing another dog so that it changes their thoughts about this stimulus. You need to do this until you’ve changed their opinion of other animals, so they are now associated with something pleasant.

It’s best to use small treats when doing this as too many might make them sick or push them over the calorie intake for the day. You can also combine counter-conditioning with rewarding your pet for not reacting aggressively/nervously every time another animal appears so that the change happens in a speedier manner.

Take Virtual Dog Classes

Dog training classes work really well for curbing aggression and other undesirable traits in your dog. Virtual dog classes, where dogs can learn new behavior and impulse control online, fit into busy lifestyles and you can take them anywhere. 

Here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we offer virtual dog classes, and can happily show you how to fix German Shepherd aggression. On our team we have certified dog trainers with over 30 years of experience breeding & training German Shepherds. We can provide private one-to-one dog training throughout the world thanks to modern technology! Our dog training sessions cover anything from discovering bad habits to helping with bad behavior such as pulling on a leash and aggression. You might struggle to find a better service if you’re looking for one-to-one online dog training from a certified expert in German Shepherds.

What Causes Aggression Issues with German Shepherds?

There are a number of reasons why your German Shepherd might be acting aggressively towards other animals, and it can even depend on their breed. Some dogs that have been bred to fight or guard may display aggression issues, while others may simply not like the look of another dog and want to get away from them as quickly as possible (which is still considered ‘aggressive’ by some experts).

The most common reasons for this type of behavior include:

• Unwanted attention from other animals: If your pet doesn’t like the way another dog is behaving then it’s likely that they’ll react accordingly, which can be considered as aggression in many people’s eyes. The thing about dogs though is that they are very difficult to understand, so it could be possible your dog is simply telling another animal off for paying too much attention or getting in their personal space;
• Fearful of other animals: If you have a German Shepherd who is fearful and anxious around other dogs (or any type of pet) then this can cause them to lash out. They may not like the fact that this animal is there and they want them to go away, which means trying to push another dog or human out of their way;
• Not enough attention from us humans: Some dogs get jealous when you’re paying too much attention to other animals (or people) and it can make them act aggressively in order to get your attention. This is often more of a problem with dogs who are very attached to their human family, although it can still happen even if the dog only has mild separation anxiety;
• Dominance issues: Some German Shepherds will display dominant behavior towards other animals in order for them to stay on top of any kind of social hierarchy. A dominance issue is when a pet doesn’t respect another animal’s personal space or position in the pack, which can often lead to aggression;
• Lack of socialization with other animals: Some dogs are just never given the chance to meet and play with other pets while they’re growing up (or even adult animals), so it will always be a foreign concept to them. This can cause an issue with aggression because they have no idea how to act around another animal. It’s best that you introduce your pet at the youngest possible age so they don’t develop any bad habits;
• Trauma/sensory issues: If your German Shepherd has experienced some kind of trauma in the past (such as a car accident or losing their previous owner) then they might display aggression towards other animals because of it. It’s also possible that your dog has some sensory issues and they don’t like the way another animal looks, smells or makes noise.
• Breeding: With a GSD, temperament is something that cannot be trained into them; it has to be bred. That’s why it’s best to adopt from breeders of merit who use line breeding. This is when the mother and father of a puppy have familial ties and desirable physical and temperament are inherited by the puppies. Outline breeding, which is the opposite of inline breeding, is performed by many breeders in the country—puppies who are outline bred will inherit the worst physical and temperamental traits of their parents, including aggression and poor health characteristics like hip dysplasia.  
• Perception: You adopted a German Shepherd that doesn’t suit the purposes it was bred for. For instance, German Shepherds from the West German Bloodline make wonderful family companions. East German Shepherds, on the other hand, are bred to work for the military and police. They do not have a temperament that is suitable for the home, and they are not, nor intended to be, family dogs. So, what you are viewing as aggression may just be what the dog is expected to do for their job if you’ve adopted the wrong type of animal.
• Health issues: Sometimes an underlying health issue can make a dog act aggressively, such as pain or illness (the most common one is hip dysplasia). If your pet has any kind of physical problem then it’s best to get this checked by your veterinarian before you do anything else.

Take a Class with Your German Shepherd

Regis Regal offers both in-person classes and online classes to help you socialize and train your dog. Our course is designed for both novice pet owners as well as more experienced GSD handlers who have had trouble in the past with these wonderful animals. Call us today at (847) 721-1908 or send us a message to learn about our German Shepherd classes.

Our canine companions inherit both physical and personality traits from their parents, which means breeding is something that you should really think carefully about before you get a German Shepherd puppy. When dogs are bred carefully and intelligently, the resulting offspring will be free of major health issues and have the temperaments of family pets or working dogs. When breeders place profit above these considerations and breed indiscriminately, the German Shepherd puppies they sell could be difficult to train and prone to genetic hip and elbow problems.

German Shepherd Breeding Basics

The characteristics of the puppies you will be looking at will be determined by the interaction of gene pairs. The puppy gets half of each gene pair from its mother and the other half from its father. However, this does not mean that puppies from the same litter will always have the same traits. Genes can be either recessive or dominant, and this can vary from puppy to puppy. This is why some puppies seem more rambunctious than their littermates.

The question for breeders is how closely related the parents should be. Closely related sires and dams produce predictable offspring because the gene pool is small and there is less room for variation, but puppies bred in this manner are more likely to suffer from genetic conditions like hip dysplasia. Breeding dogs that are not related to each other results in a much larger gene pool, but this approach gives breeders little control over matters like health and temperament.

Inbreeding in German Shepherds

Inbreeding is the practice of mating sires and dams that have relatives in common. The problem with this approach is the offspring are far more likely to suffer from inherited disorders. This is especially true when parents are bred with their offspring and siblings are bred with each other. Animals that are closely related to each other often carry the same defective genes, which they then pass to their offspring. The health and behavioral issues this can cause include:

● Inherited disorders
● Reduced viability
● Developmental issues
● Higher infant mortality
● Shorter lifespans
● Compromised immune systems

Inbreeding and Cancer

The consequences of close inbreeding are not always apparent right away. The offspring of closely related sires and dams often have weakened immune systems, which makes them less capable of fighting against infectious diseases and battling tumors. If a dog dies from an illness that it should have recovered from or develops cancer at a young age, there is a good chance that it was the product of close inbreeding.

Outline Breeding

This approach, which is also known as outcrossing, is at the opposite end of the breeding scale and involves pairing male and female dogs that are not related to each other. This is sometimes done to create an entirely new breed like the labradoodle. When pedigree breeders use this approach, it is usually because they want to introduce more genetic diversity. An unrelated sire or dam may also be introduced to reduce the risk of inherited conditions in closely bred bloodlines.

Unpredictability is the chief drawback of outline breeding. Experienced breeders know the health histories and temperaments of their puppies’ parents and grandparents, and they use this knowledge to ensure that they only offer dogs that will be healthy and happy family pets. Outcrossing adds an unknown element to the mix that can have either a positive or negative impact. Outcrossed puppies may be less likely to develop inherited conditions, but there is no way to predict with any confidence how healthy they will be or how they will act.

Line Breeding

Line breeding offers the advantages of both inbreeding and outcrossing without the downsides. It involves breeding dogs that are closely related enough to ensure their puppies will meet breed standards and have temperaments suitable to family life but not so closely related that their offspring will have inherited genetic problems.

This is a more expensive approach as 10 or more generations of dogs must be maintained, but the rewards make the effort worthwhile. Line breeding produces puppies that will lead healthy lives and behave in a predictable manner, and keeping sires and dams at least three generations apart should be enough to prevent common health issues. Farmers have been using line breeding techniques to improve their livestock for thousands of years, but the first person to apply this approach to dogs was a German Shepherd breeder named Lloyd C. Bracket who wrote the book “Planned Breeding” in 1961.

Experience Is the Key

To line breed successfully takes a lot of commitment and experience. This approach involves drawing from a smaller gene pool, which means care must be taken to prevent puppies from getting a double dose of bad instead of good genes. This is done by carefully monitoring the progress of the last three generations for signs of recessive genes and undesirable traits.

Choosing a Reputable German Shepherd Breeder

What does this all mean for someone who just wants an adorable puppy to lavish love and attention on? All breeders are going to say that their dogs are the best and were bred carefully, so what is a potential puppy parent to do? Here are some things you can look out for and some questions you can ask that could make the job of finding a reputable breeder a little easier.

Meet the Parents

If you visit an established breeder like Regis Regal, you will be able to meet the parents of a puppy that catches your eye. If the breeder does not have the parents available and cannot tell you what happened to puppies from previous litters, you may want to look elsewhere.

Health Guarantees

Avoiding inherited conditions like hip dysplasia is one of the chief benefits of selective breeding. Breeders should be honest about these problems and explain what they have done to protect their bloodlines. Regis Regal takes this to the next level by including a lifetime health guarantee with all of their puppies.

AKC Recognition

You should look for a breeder that is part of the American Kennel Club’s Bred with HEART program. This acronym stands for health, education, accountability, responsibility, and tradition. If you really want the best, look for an AKC Breeder of Merit. This recognition is reserved for breeders who have gone above and beyond to prevent health issues, improve genetic screening and nurture calm and loving temperaments.

Going the Extra Mile

Breeders who really care about their puppies will pull out all the stops to ensure that they are placed in loving homes. At Regis Regal, we have a courier service that pampers our puppies when they have to make long trips, and we offer both in person and virtual dog training classes for new owners.

Your German Shepherd Puppy Is Waiting

You will remember the day you picked up your German Shepherd puppy as the first step on a wonderful journey. An affectionate companion animal can add light to even the darkest of days, and few companion animals are as loyal or loving as a German Shepherd puppy.

Regis Regal has been breeding German Shepherd puppies in Spring Grove, Illinois, for more than 30 years, and we have been named a Breeder of Merit by the AKC. We understand how exciting it can be to get a new puppy, and we will be there for you every step of the way.

Originally bred to herd flocks and protect sheep from predators, German Shepherd dogs are a naturally dominant breed that loves taking charge. They are also confident, loyal…and above all else, smart. German Shepherd dogs (GSDs) are also a hardworking breed, and they respond very well to commands from an early age. Moments spent training your pet will foster a strong bond, promote the right behaviors, and ensure their safety. Using the right techniques and avoiding the most common missteps will make your efforts infinitely more effective. 

The Best Treats for German Shepherd Puppies

To get the best training results, one of the first things to do is to find the type of treats that excite your German Shepherd. Dogs often have unique taste buds, and while some might be partial to peanut butter, others might salivate over beef, chicken or even cheese-flavored rewards. 

The treats that are the healthiest for puppies are organic, clean tartar from teeth, and are free from artificial flavors, corn, grain, soy and dairy. Too much of a good thing can make your pet chubby, so if you decide to give them something from your fridge like cheddar cheese or beef, make sure that they are cut up into small pieces and don’t overdo it.

7 Simple Obedience Commands for Your German Shepherd 

It is important to start training your puppy early in life, and the younger they are, the easier it is to introduce new commands with success. Therefore, if you’ve recently got hold of a German Shepherd puppy, you should get started training them right away. German Shepherd puppies are ready for simple obedience commands when they are 6-7 weeks old, and what follows are some commands that you can start working on when your puppy reaches that milestone.

1. “Sit”

If you’ve never trained a dog before, keep these important rules in mind:

• Be consistent
• Keep it simple
• Reinforce behavior you want
• Never, ever hit your GSD

Here are the steps for teaching “sit,” 

• Step 1: Grab a treat and then wait for your puppy to come stand in front of you. Flash the treat so that he can see it, and then hover it over his head towards his rear.
  
• Step 2: You want the treat to always be a sniffable distance away from his nose so that your pet is both excited and engaged. More often than not, this tactic will cause German Shepherd puppies to drop down into a seated position so that they can keep their eyes on the prize. Once your pet is in the desired position, give him the treat and offer praise.
  
• Step 3: After several successful runs without a verbal command, start using the word “sit” to encourage the action you want, rather than moving the treat. Once this is mastered, stop showing the treat at all.
  
• Step 4: You should keep practicing this command until your pup recognizes it and becomes adept at sitting, regardless of the reward. If they are not sitting on the ground, gently push his croup down and reiterate the sit command.
• Step 5: Keep practicing until your GSD sits without treats. 

For more detail, you can watch the video How to Train Your Dog to Sit or Lay Down.

2. “Down”

The “down” command is just as important as “sit” or “stay”, especially if you have an especially rambunctious dog who likes jumping up on your guests. Mastering this command while your GSD is still little will ensure that you never have a large, intimidating dog hopping up on visitors or strangers. It will also soothe them, even when they are agitated by new sights and sounds. 

Here are the steps for teaching “down,” 

• Step 1: Start “down” training when your pet is already in a seated position and place a treat between your index finger and thumb. Show them the treat and move your hand close enough to their face so that it is plainly in their view.
• Step 2: Slowly move the treat towards the floor while gently preventing them from getting up from where they are sitting. Say the command “down” while you are doing this.
• Step 3: If your puppy gets up from the sitting position and tries to go for the snack, even if he’s already in a down position, speak the command again.
• Step 4: Once your dog stops attempting to grab the snack, give your “good boy” or “girl” the praise they deserve and the reward they’ve worked for.
• Step 5: Practice the “down” command until the German Shepherd can respond to the command without being treated.

3. “Stay”

Whether on or off-leash, this command will get your dog to stay put, even if he’s got his eye on a feisty, fast-moving cat or squirrel. “Stay” is easily the most important basic obedience training command that you can teach your pet as it can prevent him from running towards danger. 

According to research, even at an early age, your GSD will be adept in determining your attentional state. The more tuned-in you are, the easier it will be for your puppy to focus and master this slightly more challenging command. However, you should only teach your GSD the “stay” command after he’s already successfully mastered “down”.

Here are the steps for “stay”:

• Step 1: Once your dog is in the down position with his palm over his head, deliver the command “stay” while maintaining eye contact. When your dog tries to rise from this position, use the command “stay” again.
  
• Step 2:  When your dog continually keeps the stay position and even lies flat, reward her with a treat and praise. Mastering “stay” is a huge accomplishment for a dog, as their instincts tell them to run, chase or play. Therefore, it doesn’t hurt to lavish your pet with a bit of additional praise when he finally gets this one right. Over time, you’ll find that your GSD stays put even when you don’t have the treat to offer.
• Step 3:  If your dog continues to struggle with the “stay” command, you can always get additional tips and guidance by taking part in one of our virtual GSD training sessions.

4.“Heel”

Even with his leash off, “heel” will teach your GSD to trot contentedly beside you. This is an excellent command to have mastered when you’re ready to go for a run on a private beach or trail and want your pet to enjoy the freedom and comfort of being leash-free. “Heel” can be easily taught while playing. 

Here are the steps for teaching your dog to “heel,”:

• Step 1: Start by taking your German Shepherd puppy into the yard to frolic. After several minutes of free play, put a flat buckle collar or leash on him.
• Step 2: Your pet may initially react by pulling and resisting. You can simply wait these challenges out. However, once he stops pulling, show him some affection and reward him with praise.
• Step 3: After having done this routine a few times, put the collar on your GSD using a counter-clockwise movement. Then say “heel” and try to get him to heel with you. You may even want to use a few hand signals to show him what you want. 

• Step 4: You can reward your pup with a treat once he actually heels. As mentioned before, practice makes perfect. The more that you revisit this command, the sooner your pup will heel without requiring the promise of a treat for inspiration.

For more detail, you can watch the video How to Teach Your German Shepherd Puppy not to Pull You.” 

5. “Drop It”

This is the command to teach when you want a quick way to stop your German Shepherd puppy from mauling your TV remote or a favorite pair of shoes. Well-trained and fully-grown GSDs don’t generally engage in these behaviors, but you can’t expect your pup to know things that you haven’t yet taught him. 

Here are the steps for “drop it,” 

• Step 1: To teach “drop it,” start by giving your pet her favorite toy. If you can teach your dog to drop something she loves, you’ll have a much easier time getting her to drop something you love.
• Step 2: If your puppy starts chewing on the toy or won’t drop it from her mouth say, “No!” firmly, and follow up with the “drop it” command.
• Step 3: Next, use the treat to divert your puppy’s attention away from the toy by holding it in front of her nose. When she releases the toy to grab the treat, reinforce the good behavior by giving her praise.

6. Barking on Command

Barking is an instinctive behavior for your GSD, so it can be a bit of a challenge to teach them to do it on command. On the other hand, the last thing you want to do is get them used to nuisance barking. The key is consistency, and when training, it’s best to only reward barking when you’re requesting that they do it.

Here are the steps for teaching barking on command:

• Step 1: As soon as your puppy barks, immediately mark the behavior with the command “speak!” Immediately after, reward him with a treat, their favorite toy, or high praise.
• Step 2: If you are clicker training your puppy, make sure that you click it as soon as they bark.
• Step 3: Continue marking and rewarding your pet’s behavior until they determine how to “speak” when command.

7. Bite Inhibition

Puppies’ mouths contain many tiny, sharp teeth, which can hurt like the dickens when they gnaw on your fingers like they’re a chew toy. Such behavior is known as “play biting.” Luckily, there is a simple way to teach your pup the behavior is inappropriate. 

You simply cry out “ow!” in a high-pitched voice to stop them, and they usually get the idea. Their mothers do something similar when they get too free with the unwanted biting and chewing. 

Some puppies get more wound up than others when you say “ow,” though. In this case, walk away or turn around quietly. You can also put them in a crate for a few minutes to let them calm down. If your pet does back off, reward them with a treat and spoken praise.

If you have problems with your puppy nipping at your legs watch this video on our YouTube channel – How to Stop a Puppy Nipping at your Legs.” 

Your first 2-6 months with your new GSD is the perfect time to set the foundation for comfortable, harmonious living in your home. With these basic commands, you can discourage bad behaviors, keep your pet safe, and take your animal out and about without worry. 

Enroll in a German Shepherd Class

Should you choose to continue, early training can set the stage for success in mastering more advanced commands such as those for promoting increased agility and higher intelligence. Regis Regal breeds and trains World-Class German Shepherd Puppies, Adults, Estate Dogs, Therapy Dogs, & Service Dogs. If you live in Chicago, IL, or the surrounding area and would like to find out more about training your GSD, you can contact us at (847) 721-1908. You can also send us a message using our online form.

President Joe Biden’s two German Shepherds became minor celebrities during the 2020 election campaign, and media outlets were particularly taken by the 3-year-old rescue that the long-time senator and former vice president affectionately named Major. Biden said that he wanted a younger dog to keep his older German Shepherd dog (GSD) Champ active, but he may have got more than he bargained for with Major.

Major has already been involved in two biting incidents at the White House that left government workers needing medical treatment. People reading media stories about these incidents could be forgiven for assuming that German Shepherds are dangerous and prone to biting, but that is really not the case. When GSDs are bred carefully and trained properly, they can be loving and gentle family pets.

Major Bites a Secret Service Agent

The first incident involving the president’s rescue German Shepherd took place on March 9. According to the White House, Major lashed out after being startled by a Secret Service agent. Reports indicate that the dog had previously rushed at or jumped on several White House workers. It was soon reported that both of Biden’s German Shepherds would be returning to the family residence in Delaware for more training. 

Major Bites a Gardener

That training does not seem to have done much good. Just days after returning to the White House from Delaware, Major was involved in yet another biting incident. This time, Biden’s younger dog bit a gardener while a Secret Service agent walked him on a leash on the residence’s South Lawn. When questioned about his dog’s behavior, Biden told reporters that his German Shepherds were still adjusting to the frantic pace of the Executive Mansion.

Choosing the Right German Shepherd

President Biden may be dealing with these problems because he got the wrong type of GSD. Major and Champ both come from East German bloodlines that are known to produce great military and law enforcement working dogs. East German Shepherds have endless energy and enthusiasm, but they can become destructive and even dangerous if they lack purpose and are deprived of exercise. 

Lax regulations and large breeding operations have led to the market being flooded with East German Shepherds that are unlikely to be fulfilled, healthy and happy as family pets. Eastern German bloodlines were originally created for the canine or police force, and even the departments will not purchase them from this country anymore, because their minds and bodies can’t be trusted. So the departments are going to the Czech Republic. 

West German Shepherds may look very similar to their eastern brethren, but their temperaments are very different. West German Shepherds are bred very carefully, and they are the preferred option for organizations looking for service and therapy dogs. They are also calmer and gentler than East German Shepherds. If you want to know more about the different kinds of GSDs, you should check out our blog post about the pitfalls to avoid during the purchase or adoption process for a GSD.

The Importance of Careful Breeding

Dogs inherit personality as well as physical traits from their parents, and experienced breeders take this into account. If you are having problems getting answers about a German Shepherd puppy’s parents, you are probably not looking at a line bred dog.

Line Breeding

Line breeding is only possible when breeders maintain 10 to 12 generations of dogs. Breeding males and females with family ties allows breeders to predict with confidence how puppies will behave, but sires and dams are always kept at least three generations apart. 

Line breeding is a more expensive approach, but respected breeders are willing to invest time and money to ensure their puppies are well-behaved and free of common elbow and hip problems. Regis Regal offers a lifetime guarantee on adoptions because we line breed. 

Out Line Breeding

Many breeders breed males and females with no familial ties. While this is less expensive and easier than line breeding, there is no way to predict with any confidence how healthy the resulting puppies will be or how they will behave. 

Temperament and health are the only two traits in a GSD that can never be trained or fixed. As mentioned previously, the ones that Joe Biden owns are East German working line dogs. They are also outline bred, and, unfortunately, when you outline breed, it makes it impossible to determine the temperament or health of your dogs. 

Avoid a “Major” Problem

Getting a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder is probably the best way to avoid the kind of issues the First Family is currently dealing with. Other ways to prevent biting incidents include:

• Using a leash at all times: Even well-trained dogs can become distracted and run off. This is why German Shepherds of all ages should be kept on a leash at all times while out in public.
• Going to training classes: An untrained dog can be a real handful, and this is especially true when the untrained dog in question is as big as a German Shepherd. The pandemic has made finding traditional dog training classes difficult, but some breeders are now offering remote dog training.
• Getting plenty of exercise: Working dogs like German Shepherds have endless energy and love exercise. Giving your puppy the opportunity to stretch his or her legs at a local dog park is both enjoyable and a good way to avoid behavioral issues.
• Setting a good example: Dogs pick up cues from their owners, which is why you should try to be calm and assertive when you take your German Shepherd out for a walk. 

Protection You Can Hug

At Regis Regal we produce West German bloodlines, otherwise known as Sieger or show line dogs. If you live in the Chicago area, you can visit Regis Regal and ask us questions about our West German Shepherd puppies. If you live in another part of the country, we use a private courier service that can ship a puppy to your door. We are an American Kennel Club Breeder of Merit, and we offer a lifetime health guarantee and a comprehensive training program. To find out more, you can reach us on (847) 721-1908, or you can fill out our online contact form.

German Shepherds (GSDs) are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easier to train than many other breeds. When Dr. Stanley Coren was doing research for a book about the most intelligent dog breeds, he noticed German Shepherds obeyed commands more than 95% of the time and learned new commands very quickly. However, intelligence comes with a price. Breeds that thrive on challenge and stimulation can become destructive when they are ignored and starved of attention.

These are the kinds of problems you can avoid by working with a professional breeder. Breeders know the temperaments and personality traits of their dogs even at a very young age. And they use this knowledge to place their puppies in homes where they will thrive. Breeders could also be a valuable source of support and advice if you need help training your puppy. However, if you do find things taking longer than expected, it may not be the puppy’s fault.

Training Starts With Leadership

Dogs are social animals, meaning they are happiest when they know who is in charge and where they fit in. If you want your puppy training to be smooth sailing, you must be a strong leader and set a good example. This is easier said than done, but a list of tips and pitfalls to avoid from the German Shepherd Dog Club of America could get you pointed in the right direction. The list of dos and don’ts includes:

• Do: Be happy and friendly every time your puppy comes over to you.
• Don’t: Repeat commands. If telling doesn’t work, go back to showing.
• Do: Always reward good behavior with plenty of praise.
• Don’t: Yell at your dog. Patience leads to reward, but anger leads to frustration.
• Do: Be consistent. Your puppy must know what is expected, and that should not change.
• Don’t: Reward undesirable behavior no matter how cute your puppy looks.
• Do: Give your dog a chance to burn off some energy every day.
• Don’t: Give up on your puppy. The breakthrough could be just ahead.

German Shepherd Training

The GSD’s work ethic is extraordinary and goes a long way toward their training development at a young age. The following is what you can expect to focus your training efforts on to see the best results in your furry little student.

The First Eight Weeks

Your German Shepherd puppy will probably be around eight weeks old when you bring it home. For the first eight weeks or so, you should focus your efforts on socialization and house training.

• Socialization: Dogs have a socialization window that closes about four months after they are born. They grow up to be healthier, happier and more confident adults if they experience a lot during this crucial 16-week period.

Your puppy will have already spent a lot of time around other dogs, so now it’s time to meet some people. You should introduce your puppy to as many people as possible in environments that are not threatening or intimidating. Your puppy should also become familiar with your daily routine and what your average day sounds and smells like.

• House training: House training is usually a fairly quick and uneventful process with intelligent breeds. A crate makes things a lot easier, but it should not be used to punish as it must be seen as a place of comfort. Success comes quickest when good behavior is rewarded with praise and unwanted behavior is met with disappointment rather than anger.

The First Nine Months

Once your puppy has developed good social skills and learned to take care of business outside the house, it is time to start teaching him or her a few basic commands like sit, down and stay. Be patient and show the dog what you expect –a German Shepherd should understand in less than five repetitions.

This is also the time to get your puppy used to a loose leash. The two goals you should have in mind when you embark on obedience training is getting your puppy to come to you when you call and becoming a stronger influence than your puppy’s impulses.

• Recall: It can be easy to claim success and call it a day when your puppy comes to you after being called most of the time, but this is not a shortcut worth taking. Keep working recall until your puppy comes to you every time, the day will come when you will be glad you did.
• Overcoming impulses: Your dogs can very quickly become the bane of your existence, but there are three things you can do to stop it happening. The first is making sure that your dog knows its name and responds to it when called. This is why it may be best to stick to one name rather than choosing from a list of pet names.

The second thing you should do is intervene whenever your dog acts on impulse. Just call his or her name in a calm and firm voice. The last step is rewarding your puppy with praise for overcoming its impulse.

The First Two Years

You can start moving up to more complex commands once your puppy has mastered the basics. Just remember, GSDs keep learning for longer than other breeds, so the old adage about old dogs and new tricks does not really apply to them.

As an owner, you may be completely happy with a content and well-behaved family pet, or you could be interested in training your puppy to follow scents or perform feats of agility. The more you ask of your dog, the happier they will be. That can be said of all breeds, but it is especially true of German Shepherds.

Obedience Classes in Chicago, and Online Help

Training a puppy does not have to be a lonely business. Obedience classes give puppy owners the chance to swap stories and learn from one another, and some breeders (such as us!) even offer virtual dog training classes. These have proven to be very popular during the Covid-19 lockdowns when people often can’t attend dog training sessions in person.

Puppy owners attend the virtual sessions by connecting to a stream using Facebook, Skype, Zoom or WhatsApp, and they then receive one-on-one coaching to help them overcome training issues and challenges. The things covered in online training sessions include:

• Spotting bad habits and problem behavior.
• Help with crate training and housebreaking.
• Nutritional advice and exercise tips.
• Training routines and schedules.
• Reviewing progress.

We’re with You Every Step of the Way

Regis Regal has been breeding German Shepherds for more than three decades and is an American Kennel Club Breeder of Merit. Our puppies are perfect whether you are looking for loyal household companions or a highly skilled working dog. We provide ongoing advice and assistance because we want our puppies to be happy, and we even offer online training sessions. If you are looking for a reputable German Shepherd breeder but you live outside Illinois, we can use a private courier service to deliver your puppy to your home in safety and comfort. If you would like to know more, you can contact us online or call us on (847) 721-1908.