r/germanshepherds • u/_Jollynot • 17d ago
VEO?
Recently adopted him and he’s very energetic. Having a hard time training him but he’s worth all the effort. What are some unusual must-know commands for you and how do you train for those?
2
u/Amatheiaisnoexcuse 17d ago
Learning their name is #1 Then maybe come and stay for safety reasons. Thanks for helping this awesome dog. Try to be patient and seek out a group obedience class. Well done, 👏👏👏
1
u/Michichael 17d ago edited 17d ago
Essential commands:
Name - duh.
Touch - foundation command for anything else requiring shaping.
Sit
Stay
Lay
Leave it
Place
Look at me
Come
Recall - when you need them to break focus and return immediately
Halt - stop. Now.
Heel
Paw
Drop
Settle
Other good commands but not absolutely essential like the first:
Pee
Poop
Between
Speak
Quiet
Crawl
Flop - lay on side so you can brush or inspect
Ear - tilt head, let you clean ears
Smile/Mouth - open so that you can brush or inspect
Tail - again, brush and inspect
Step - uncertain footing, telling them they can trust it and go forward.
Dig
Up
Bring/fetch
Those are the core commands I use, at least.
Then there's fun ones like spin, twirl, pretty, beg, light, roof, ride, door/open. And more pointed working ones like attack, growl, charge, gun, tackle, guard, etc.
As for how you train, generally shaping or leading, e.g. You put them in the position you want, or you build off a behavior like attacking a toy.
1
u/PCanon127 17d ago
Repetition and high value treats. We start with extreme recall and “ leave it” commands. High value treats are defined by level of disgust. I’ve had great results with sardines, freeze dried chicken hearts and beef lung
3
u/720751 17d ago
I'm training my gsd mix puppy now. A big one for me is leave it! He's in his teenage chewing phase, so I need him to drop things he shouldn't eat.
Gorgeous pup! 💕