5 Essential German Shepherd Training Commands (+FREE PDF GUIDE)

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German Shepherd commands are the foundation of a well-behaved and responsive companion.

Whether you’re looking to instill basic obedience or teach advanced tricks, these commands will be your invaluable tools for living with a German Shepherd.

They’re actually essential to training your German Shepherd.

Don’t worry, I’ll provide step-by-step instructions, practical examples, and insider tips to help you transform your German Shepherd into a well-trained member of your family.

The First Steps to Teaching Your German Shepherd Commands

While your German Shepherd is a naturally brilliant dog, they’re not born knowing their basic training. It’s your job to help teach them what they need to know to live in your modern world with you.

So, let’s kickstart your German Shepherd’s command training journey with the essential first steps.

Getting Their Attention

To embark on a successful training journey with our German Shepherds, we must first secure their attention. Without their focus, teaching them can feel like trying to catch a butterfly with a fishing net.

Here’s how to get your German Shepherd’s attention:

1. The first step is straightforward: say your German Shepherd’s name and reward them with a treat when they acknowledge you.
2. Initially, they might not make direct eye contact, but they should at least turn their gaze in your direction.
3. Once they begin acknowledging your existence, they’re primed to absorb the wisdom you’re about to impart.

A German Shepherd engrossed in scanning the surroundings rather than tuning into your instructions isn’t the ideal student. That’s why the very first step in training commands is to get your German Shepherd’s attention.

Tone of Voice and Giving Commands

When it comes to language, German Shepherds have their preferences. They perk up when they hear a tone that’s light, enthusiastic, and slightly high-pitched. Imagine training as a fun game and maintain an upbeat atmosphere; you’ll notice significantly better results when training your German Shepherd’s commands.

Consistency is key. You, along with everyone else in your household, should use consistent commands. Short, one-word commands are akin to gold. For example, “Puppy, COME!” is far more effective than engaging in a lengthy conversation.

German Shepherds even love learning their commands in German and it’s a fun way to train your dog!

Let me tell you how to use of food as a training aid for teaching your pup their commands.

Using Food for Training Your German Shepherd

Here’s a universal truth: most German Shepherds (especially puppies) are food enthusiasts!

When training your German Shepherd, equip yourself with some special treats distinct from their regular meals.

Keep the treat pieces small; remember, it’s a treat, not a banquet. If you’re monitoring their waistline, take the treats into account when measuring their meals.

During training, it’s essential to reward your German Shepherd for genuine attempts to follow your commands.

However, avoid dangling the treat in front of their nose constantly; it’s a distraction. Instead, keep the treats in your pocket or food pouch and pass one over to your dog when they’ve performed admirably.

And we can’t forget about giving your puppy a break after their learning with constructive play time to help speed up your German Shepherd’s training.

Constructive Play

After a productive training session, indulge in a short playtime as a reward for your German Shepherd’s hard work. It’s not only an excellent way to convey a “well done” message, but it also strengthens your bond.

Keep these play sessions brief and engaging. Ending with play helps keep your German Shepherd excited about their training. And there’s plenty of ways to enjoy play with your German Shepherd.

Just think of how you feel after you’ve learned something new.

It’s great to have a “brain break” after all that thinking!

Plus, research even shows that playing games with your German Shepherd encourages quicker learning!

So, there you have it—the first steps in training your German Shepherd.

Keep it lively, stay consistent, and ensure that every session is rewarding. Now, let’s get to the commands.

Here are the most essential German Shepherd commands to teach your dog:

1. The Sit Command

How to train your German Shepherd to sit:

1. Prepare Treats: Gather small, tasty treats to use as rewards during training.
2. Get Your Dog’s Attention: Find a quiet, distraction-free area to train your German Shepherd. Hold a treat close to their nose to grab their attention.
3. Lure the Behavior: Slowly raise the treat upward and slightly over their head. As they follow the treat with their nose, their bottom should naturally lower to the ground.
4. Reward and Praise: The moment your dog’s bottom touches the ground, reward them with the treat and offer praise and petting. Make them feel proud of their accomplishment.
5. Repeat and Practice: Continue practicing this behavior multiple times without naming the command. Once your dog consistently sits on cue, you can introduce the word “Sit” as the command.

Example of When to Use “Sit”:

Imagine you’re taking your German Shepherd for a walk, and you approach a busy intersection. By telling them to “sit,” you ensure they stay in place, keeping both of you safe until it’s time to move again.

Criteria for Training “Sit”:

• Consistency: Use the same word (“sit”) and hand signal each time.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats or praise when they sit on command.
• Practice: Be patient and practice regularly, starting in a quiet environment and gradually adding distractions.
• Duration: Increase the time your German Shepherd sits before giving the reward.
• Release: Include a command to release them from the behavior so they know they can move around again.

Teaching sit is essential in creating the training relationship, as it is an excellent opening to a training session or a closer after a troublesome session when you want to end on a high note. Sit is an easy enough command that even your puppy can learn!

2. The Stay Command

How to train your German Shepherd to stay:

1. Use a Leash and Collar: Begin by using a leash and collar to ensure control.
2. Create a Hand Signal: After your dog is in a sitting position, raise your open hand in front of their face with your palm facing them. This will be your hand signal for the “Stay” behavior.
3. Step Back: Take a small step backward while maintaining the hand signal. Your dog should remain seated.
4. Reward and Praise: If your dog stays seated, return to them and reward with a treat and praise.
5. Gradual Progression: Slowly increase the distance and duration of the “Stay” behavior. Only introduce the command “Stay” once your dog reliably understands and performs the behavior with the hand signal.

Example of When to Use “Stay”:

Imagine you’re at the park with your German Shepherd, and a squirrel dashes across their path. By commanding them to “stay,” you prevent a mad dash and potential chaos.

Criteria for Training “Stay”:

• Consistency: Always use the same word (“stay”) and a clear hand signal.
• Start Small: Begin with short distances and durations, gradually increasing both.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your German Shepherd when they stay as commanded.
• Release: You’ll need to teach them a release command so they know they can move again.
• Distractions: Train in different environments with increasing distractions to solidify the command.

Teaching the stay command takes plenty of patience and practice.

It’s a difficult command because holding a stay is hard for dogs because of a lack of impulse control, but you teach impulse control with repetition, and by lengthening out the hold, your dog holds the stay position.

The command is still in the beginner training category list because it is an essential skill.

When you practice teaching your German Shepherd the “stay” outdoors, always use the long lead or their leash so they stay safe while they are in training. Stay in safe areas to avoid your dog running off to chase a car, person, or animal.

3. The Come Command

How to train your German Shepherd to come:

1. Gather Treats: Prepare a supply of treats for training.
2. Attract Attention: Ensure your dog is focused on you. Say “Come” in a cheerful tone to get their attention.
3. Gentle Guidance: While saying “Come,” gently pull on the leash to guide your dog toward you.
4. Reward and Praise: Once your dog reaches you, reward them with a treat and praise. This reinforces the behavior. Continue practicing this behavior without introducing the command until your dog reliably comes to you upon hearing “Come.”
5. Introduce the Command: After your dog consistently performs the behavior, introduce the command “Come.” Say “Come” just before gently guiding them with the leash. Over time, your dog will associate the word with the action.

Example of When to Use “Come”:

Picture this: You’re at a dog park, and it’s time to leave. Using the “come” command ensures your German Shepherd returns to you promptly, preventing them from wandering off or getting into trouble.

Criteria for Training “Come”:

Consistency: Use the same word (“come”) and gesture consistently.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your German Shepherd with treats and praise when they come to you.
Start in a Controlled Environment: Begin training in a quiet, familiar space with minimal distractions.
Gradually Increase Distractions: As your dog becomes proficient, practice in various environments with increasing distractions. Eventually, you’ll remove the lead in a secure area to practice off-leash recall, like your backyard.
Safety First: Only use “come” when you’re sure your dog can respond safely, such as by avoiding having them cross a busy road or past other dogs you don’t know.

It’s a must for every owner to read this come when called post to ensure their German Shepherd knows this essential command.

4. The Down Command

How to train your German Shepherd to the down:

1. Prepare Treats: Have small, tasty treats on hand.
2. Start in Sit Position: Begin with your dog in the sitting position.
3. Use the Treat: Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and move it slowly downwards towards the ground. Your dog should follow the treat with their nose and lie down.
4. Say “Down”: As your dog lies down, say “Down” in a clear, friendly tone.
5. Reward and Praise: The moment your dog is fully down, reward them with the treat and offer praise and petting.
6. Repeat and Practice: Practice the “Down” command regularly. As your dog becomes more proficient, you can gradually phase out the treat lure.

Example of When to Use “Down”

Picture this: You’re at a café with your German Shepherd, and you want them to relax. You say “down,” and they obediently lie down beside you, allowing you both to enjoy a peaceful coffee break.

Criteria for Training “Down”

• Consistency: Use the same word (“down”) and hand signal consistently.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats or praise when they lie down on command.
• Practice: Start in a quiet environment and gradually introduce distractions.
• Duration: Increase the time your German Shepherd remains in the down position before giving the reward.
• Release: Teach them a release command like “okay” to signify when it’s okay to get up.

Work on the down command in different areas of your home and in varying distracting, but safe, environments so your dog learns to follow your down command more reliably.

5. The Stand Command

How to train your German Shepherd to stand:

1. Prepare Treats: Have small treats ready for training.
2. Start in “Sit”: Begin with your dog in a sitting position.
3. Use the Treat: Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and move it forward and slightly upwards.
4. Encourage the Behavior: Without using the command, entice your dog to stand by following the treat. When they stand up, reward them with the treat and offer praise.
5. Repeat and Practice: Practice the standing behavior without introducing the command until your dog consistently stands on cue.
6. Introduce the Command: Once your dog reliably performs the behavior, introduce the command “Stand.” Say “Stand” just before guiding them with the treat. With repetition, they will associate the word with the behavior.

Example of When to Use “Stand”

Picture a scenario at the vet’s office where the veterinarian needs to examine your German Shepherd. Instructing them to “stand” helps the vet assess their health comfortably.

Criteria for Training “Stand”:

• Consistency: Use the same word (“stand”) and hand signal consistently.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats or praise when they stand on command.
• Practice: Start training in a quiet environment, then gradually introduce distractions.
• Duration: Increase the duration your German Shepherd stands before giving the reward.
• Release: Teach them a release command to let them know when they can relax and end the behavior.

The stand command might seem like a basic command, but it’s also helpful for adding to their skill set to teach more advanced training later.

6. Bonus: The Drop It Command

How to train your German Shepherd to drop an object:

1. Select an Item: Start with a toy or object your dog enjoys holding in their mouth.
2. Offer a Treat: Show your dog a treat and let them see and smell it.
3. Encourage Release: Present the treat in an open palm of your hand. If your dog releases the item, immediately reward them with the treat and praise.
4. Repeat and Vary Items: Practice with different objects to reinforce the “Drop It” behavior without naming the command until your dog reliably lets go of items when prompted. Once your dog consistently begins to drop the object when you hold out your hand with the treat, begin removing the treat and practicing with an empty hand. Always offer the treat from your pocket once they drop the item.
5. Introduce the Command: Introduce the command “Drop It” just before offering the treat and praise. Over time, they will connect the word with the action.

Example of When to Use “Drop it”

Imagine your German Shepherd picks up something potentially dangerous, like a small toy or a piece of food they shouldn’t have. By telling them to “drop it,” you can prevent them from swallowing it, averting a potential health crisis.

Criteria for Training “Drop It”:

• Consistency: Use a consistent command like “drop” or “release.”
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats or praise when they comply.
• Exchange Game: Begin with a fun exchange game. Offer a treat in exchange for the item, making them understand that letting go results in something positive.
• Gradual Progress: Start with low-value items and gradually work up to more precious possessions.
• Safety First: Always prioritize safety. If your German Shepherd has something dangerous, use a reliable “drop it” command to prevent harm.

I’ve included this bonus essential training command because German Shepherd puppies love to pick up things they shouldn’t. If you’ve worked on the drop it training successfully you’ll be able to easily exchange them the unwanted object they have for a treat or another toy without a big hassle.

German Shepherd Training Equipment You Need

You could go out and spend a few hundred dollars on lots of tools to help you train your German Shepherd. But there are just a few items you need to train your GSD commands…

and they won’t break your bank!

Basic training equipment includes:

1. A training leash: Try this reflective leash with a padded handle to comfort your hands and give your puppy the space they need to learn their new commands.
2. A long leash: A long leash helps you maintain control while still allowing your dog to enjoy a playful romp and roll.
3. A safety training collar: Your final necessity is a breakaway collar. Don’t take the chance that your puppy could get caught by their collar. They can even be used indoors for the same reason—they’ll allow your dog to free themselves if ever hung up.

Don’t forget to purchase some tasty treats.

It’s better to pick a strong-smelling treat that is easy to give during training, such as these chewy and healthy training treats. Treats serve as positive reinforcement during your training, and they help speed up your dog’s progress.

How to Make Training Your German Shepherd’s Commands Easier

Here are some top tips that can increase your German Shepherd’s chance of success when learning their commands.

German Shepherd Training Tips

• Make sessions short and simple—only 3 minutes long for a German Shepherd puppy and 5 to 10 minutes for an adult.
• Make training fun and entertaining—don’t always work on the same commands the whole time
• Always end on a positive note with a command you’re sure your German Shepherd knows.
• Enjoy a constructive play session after training new commands to give your dog’s brain a break.
• Train in different areas where your dog is always safe. Start indoors and work your way outdoors, which is more distracting.

Remember, your most important tool while training is your good attitude.

If you or your dog don’t have the right attitude to train, allow yourself and your dog time to relax and rest. Try again the following day when you both are in better states of mind. It’s much harder to muster a positive attitude if you’re worked up or stressed out.

In Summary: Mastering German Shepherd Commands

In the world of German Shepherd commands, you hold the key to a well-behaved and responsive companion.

From “sit” to “stand” and “drop,” these commands are the building blocks of a happy relationship with your German Shepherd. So, embrace the power of teaching German Shepherd commands and watch your bond strengthen as you navigate life together with confidence and control.

Your German Shepherd is ready to learn!

FREE German Shepherd Commands Training Guide PDF

Ready to supercharge your German Shepherd’s training?

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About The Author

Catherine Krasavin, BS (Hons.)

Catherine Krasavin owns Shepherd Sense, a dog website aimed at German Shepherd owners and lovers. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Catherine’s currently attending continuing education courses to keep up with the latest in animal science, as well as earning her diploma in dog training. She owns a plush coat German Shepherd who was awarded Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Gold Award - the highest level of achievement.