| Are you fortunate enough to live with a German | | | | The Beta dog is submissive only to the Alpha but |
| Shepherd? Then you know that they are | | | | dominant to all other dogs. The Omega dog is |
| extremely active dogs. They need lots of | | | | submissive to all other dogs. |
| exercise. They are bold, determined, and smart, | | | | A critical fact to remember is that your German |
| requiring a lot of attention. German Shepherds are | | | | Shepherd is happiest when she has an Alpha dog |
| also naturally dominant dogs so proper training is a | | | | to giver her firm, consistent leadership. But it is |
| must. It is essential that you control your German | | | | also essential to know that your dog will |
| Shepherd or she will control you. But training will | | | | instinctively try to better her pack position, so, |
| ensure that she is a happy, well-adjusted member | | | | especially during training, you may experience |
| of your family. | | | | periods where she tests the boundaries. She may |
| So, want to know the best way to train your | | | | test you by misbehaving and ignoring commands |
| German Shepherd? Before we share some | | | | you are sure she remembers. This is normal. The |
| important points with you, let's get the biggest | | | | best way to work through this trying period is |
| secret to training you German Shepherd out of | | | | with consistency and maintenance of the training |
| the way. It is... | | | | program you have established. |
| CONSISTENCY | | | | Alpha wolves in the wild decide where and when |
| Consistency! You've heard it before but it's true. | | | | to hunt and where to settle the pack. Always |
| We've seen it before; someone gets a German | | | | eating first after each kill, the Alpha wolf is the |
| Shepherd puppy and underestimates the amount | | | | unequivocal leader of his pack with no exceptions. |
| of time and attention it will take to train it | | | | There are no exceptions to his law and he |
| effectively. Dog training is pretty simple, give her | | | | governs is pack in a firm and fair way. |
| praise when your puppy does something you | | | | What does all this have to do with training your |
| want, and correct your puppy when she does | | | | dog? Simply that you must be the Alpha dog in |
| something you don't want. Doing this consistently | | | | your pack to effectively train your German |
| will eventually train you German Shepherd | | | | Shepherd. He will work harder to please you if he |
| effectively. In essence, training you dog enhances | | | | understands his relationship with you. This will also |
| to special bond you have with your dog. Dogs are | | | | establish a proper relationship between you and |
| more comfortable when their owners establish | | | | your dog right from the start and he will bond |
| themselves as the leader of the pack. This is a | | | | more closely and deeply to you. |
| naturally occurring rank and you can promote it | | | | There is a special situation you should know. |
| by following these teaching points. We will go over | | | | Imagine this situation: Let's say your husband is |
| the best ways to train your German Shepherd so | | | | 6'4", weighing 225 pounds and you are a petite |
| you will ensure a happy and long relationship. | | | | woman. Can you really be the Alpha dog? You |
| First understand that your dog's actions are | | | | might say when and where your husband eats, |
| largely governed by instinct so it is up to you to | | | | but in the mind of your dog, you probably aren't |
| balance your dog's instinct with conditioned | | | | perceived as the Alpha. This is because his deeper |
| behavior through human training. You can do this | | | | voice along with the undetectable scent he gives |
| by correctly establishing in your household a social | | | | off to the dog naturally establishes him as the |
| hierarchy from the very first day you bring your | | | | Alpha. But you're not doomed to Omega dog |
| German Shepherd puppy home. This naturally | | | | status. You can establish your dominance over all |
| occurring hierarchy is headed by the Alpha dog, | | | | the dogs in your household as the Beta dog. But |
| which is the dominant dog, followed by the Beta | | | | you may have to work a little harder to do this. |
| dog, or second in line for dominance, and bringing | | | | Having your kids participate in the training process |
| up the rear is the Omega dog, which is dominant | | | | will make them dominant over the dog, as well. |
| to none. The Alpha dog is submissive to none, | | | | This is essential. |
| dominant to all, and the supreme ruler in the pack. | | | | |