Are you a proud new owner of a German Shepherd puppy, or perhaps you’ve just adopted an adult? Either way, congratulations on your beautiful canine companion! Now comes the exciting yet challenging task – how to house train your German Shepherd.
House training is not merely about teaching your furry friend where to do their business but also about fostering a strong bond of mutual understanding and respect between you two. It’s about helping them understand the rules of living in your home and teaching them to be well-behaved members of your household.
While the task might seem daunting, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner, don’t worry! I’m here to guide you every step of the way. With patience, consistency, and much love, you’ll have your German Shepherd house-trained in no time.
The Basics of House Training
House training, also known as potty training, is crucial to raising a dog. Essentially, it’s the process of teaching your dog to eliminate outside or in an approved area inside. The goal is to instill good habits and foster a trusting relationship between you and your pet.
The process involves teaching your dog where and when it’s appropriate to relieve themselves. This is often achieved through confinement (using a crate or a small, easy-to-clean room), supervision to prevent indoor accidents, and regular trips outside to an approved location.
It’s important to note that house training isn’t just about managing where your dog goes to the bathroom. It’s also an opportunity to teach your dog other important skills, like communicating their needs in a way you understand.
House training requires consistency, patience, and a positive attitude. Remember, mistakes are part of the learning process, not just for your dog but also for you. As you get to know each other better, you’ll learn to read each other’s signals and develop a routine that works for both of you.
The training usually starts when your dog is still a puppy, about 6 to 8 weeks old. But even if you’ve adopted an adult German Shepherd, they can still be house-trained with the same techniques.
Preparing Your Home for Training
When it comes to house training your German Shepherd, preparation is key! Your home will become your pup’s learning ground, so setting up spaces that promote successful training is important.
Let’s start with choosing an appropriate space for your dog. This should ideally be a small, confined space where your pup can’t get into too much trouble when you’re not watching. A laundry room or a kitchen could work well. The area should be easy to clean in case of any accidents and safe with nothing harmful that your pup might chew on or swallow.
Next up is the sleeping area. Many dog owners find crate training incredibly useful for house training. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping quarters, so a crate can teach your pup to hold it in until they’re taken outside. The crate should be comfortable and large enough for your German Shepherd to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so big that they could use one corner as a bathroom. Make it inviting by adding a cozy blanket and some toys.
Finally, let’s talk about the toilet area. This should be a specific spot outside, like a corner of your yard. Consistency is key here, so always lead your dog to this same spot when it’s time to go. This helps them understand that this is their bathroom. If you live in an apartment, you can designate a certain area on your balcony or even use a puppy pad.
Establishing a Routine
Establishing a routine is like setting the rhythm of your German Shepherd’s day, and it’s a cornerstone of effective house training. Dogs are creatures of habit and thrive in an environment where they know what to expect.
🐕 Consistent Feeding Schedule
Just like us humans, what goes into your pup must come out! If you feed your dog simultaneously daily, you can predict when they’ll need to go outside. Generally, puppies should be fed three to four times a day, while adult dogs usually eat twice daily. Stick to these feeding times as closely as possible, and try not to give your dog snacks at random times of the day.
🐕 Regular Exercise and Playtime
These are crucial for your German Shepherd’s physical and mental health and house training. Exercise and play often stimulate a dog’s bowel and bladder. By scheduling play and walk times before potty breaks, you can help reduce accidents.
🐕 Regular Potty Break
Puppies especially have small bladders and high metabolisms, so they must relieve themselves frequently. Begin by ensuring your puppy goes outside every hour or two and right after eating, waking up from a nap, or finishing playing. As your puppy matures and develops better control over their bladder, you can slowly extend the intervals between their bathroom breaks.
Remember, the goal here is to set a routine that suits you and your dog. It might take some tweaking initially, but stick with it once you find that sweet spot. Consistency is key in toilet training. Plus, your German Shepherd will appreciate knowing what’s coming next in their day.
Training Techniques
Now that you have the basics, it’s time to move on to training techniques. Here are some tips for getting your German Shepherd house-trained in no time.
🐕 Crate Training
Crate training is a method of house training that utilizes your dog’s instincts as a den animal. A “den” for a dog is a safe place to sleep, relax, and hide from danger. In-home life, a crate can serve as this den.
For German Shepherds, crate training can be highly beneficial. Not only does it help with house training, but it also provides your dog with a safe space and aids in preventing destructive behavior when you’re not around to supervise.
Here’s a brief rundown of how to crate train your German Shepherd breed:
① Introduce the Crate
Make the crate a comfortable and inviting place. Add soft bedding and favorite toys in an area where the family spends a lot of time. Leave the door open and let your dog explore the crate.
② Feed Your Dog in the Crate
Begin feeding your dog meals near the crate. This creates a pleasant association with the crate. You can start feeding your dog inside the crate with the door open if your dog is comfortable.
③ Practice Short Crating Periods
Once your dog is comfortable eating in the crate, start practicing crating them for short periods while you’re home. Use a command like “kennel” or “crate,” give them a treat once they enter, and close the door.
④ Gradually Increase the Time
Over time, gradually increase the length of these crating periods. Start with 10-15 minutes and work up to longer periods. Always return to let them out, reward them, and give them some playtime between sessions.
⑤ Crate Your Dog When You Leave and At Night
Once your dog is comfortable being crated for about 30 minutes without showing signs of distress, you can begin crating them when you leave the house and at night.
Remember, the crate should always be a positive place, never used for punishment. And puppies under six months shouldn’t stay in a crate for more than three to four hours at a time, as they can’t control their bladders and bowels for longer periods.
🐕 Command Training
Command training is an essential part of raising a well-behaved dog. It helps you communicate effectively with your pet and ensures their safety and well-being.
Teaching Basic Commands
Let’s start with three foundational commands – “sit,” “stay,” and “go potty.”
① Sit
Begin by keeping a treat near your dog’s snout and then raise your hand, enticing them to follow the treat with their gaze, naturally making them sit. When positioned in a seat, say the word “sit,” reward them with the treat, and show them some love and affection.
② Stay
This command could be a lifesaver, teaching your dog to remain still and calm. Ask your dog to “sit.” Then, open the palm of your hand in front of you, and say, “Stay.” Take a few steps back. If they stay, give them a treat and some affection. Gradually increase the number of steps you take before giving the treat.
③ Go Potty
To house train your dog, pick a potty spot outside and always take your dog (on a leash) to that spot. Use the command “go potty” and give a lot of praise and a treat when your dog goes.
🐕 Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a powerful method used in dog training that rewards the behaviors you want to see more of. Instead of focusing on what your dog is doing wrong, you focus on what they’re doing right.
In the context of house training your German Shepherd, positive reinforcement involves rewarding your fur buddy each time they eliminate in the right place – be it the backyard or a designated indoor area. The idea is to make doing their business in the right spot such a great experience that your dog will want to do it repeatedly!
So how do you use positive reinforcement in house training? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
① Catch Them in the Act
Keep a close eye on your dog, especially after meals or playtime when they’re likely to need to go. As soon as you see signs that they need to relieve themselves – like sniffing around or circling – take them to the designated toilet area.
② Celebrate the Right Spot
When your dog eliminates in the correct potty area, immediately give lots of praise and treats. You want to ensure your dog knows exactly what they’re being rewarded for, so timing is crucial. The reward should come within seconds of the good behavior.
③ Ignore the Mistakes
Accidents will happen, but it’s important not to scold or punish your dog for them. This can create fear and confusion, which can set back your German Shepherd training progress. Instead, quietly clean up and make a note to watch your dog more closely next time.
④ Be Consistent
Use the same command each time you take your GSD puppy out to eliminate, like “go potty,” and take them to the same spot each time. This consistency helps your dog understand what you want from them.
Dealing with Potty Accident
Accidents happen. Especially when you’re house training a German Shepherd pup, there will be times when they just can’t hold it in. Or perhaps they haven’t quite caught on to the routine yet. It’s important to handle these situations with patience and understanding.
If you catch your dog in the act, resist the urge to scold or punish them. Instead, interrupt them gently – a quick “Oops!” or “No!” should do it – and immediately take them to their designated toilet area. If they finish doing their business there, praise them and give them a treat. This helps your dog understand where it should be going.
If you find an accident after it’s happened, don’t react angrily or punish your dog. Dogs live in the moment, so they won’t understand why they’re being punished. Instead, clean it up and make a mental note to keep a closer eye on your dog in the future.
Furthermore, cleaning the area thoroughly is important to remove any lingering odors that might attract your dog back to the same spot. Use an enzymatic cleaner, which breaks down the proteins in urine, effectively removing the scent.
Common Challenges in House Training a German Shepherd
House training a German Shepherd can be more challenging than house training other breeds due to their strong-willed and independent nature. Here are a few of the most common obstacles you might face:
🐶 Lack of Supervision
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs, so leaving them unsupervised for too long can lead to accidents or destructive behavior. Make sure you’re giving your pup enough attention throughout the day and monitoring them closely until they understand the house rules.
🐶 Excitement
German Shepherds tend to get very excited when playing or interacting with their people, which can lead to home accidents if they’re not taken out for frequent breaks. Be aware of your dog’s energy levels and provide regular potty breaks.
🐶 Slow to Learn
House training a German Shepherd dog can take longer than with other breeds, so be patient and consistent with your pup. It may take some time to get the house rules down, but stay the course, and you’ll eventually see results!
🐶 Fearful or Anxious Dogs
Anxiety or fear can hinder puppy training progress, as dogs may be too nervous to go outside or eliminate in the presence of people. In these cases, it’s important to build your dog’s confidence and provide them with a calm environment where they can learn.
🐶 Stubbornness
While German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, they can also display a stubborn streak. This can sometimes result in resistance to training, including house training. Remain patient and consistent, and use positive reinforcement to reinforce the desired behaviors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still potty train my adult dog?
A: Absolutely! It’s a common misconception that only puppies can be potty-trained, but the truth is that with a little bit of patience and persistence, adult dogs can be taught to eliminate outside just like their younger counterparts. The key is to establish a consistent routine and reward good behavior. It’s also important to remember that accidents will happen, so don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow at first.
Q: Is a pee pad recommended for house training?
A: It depends! Pee pads can be a helpful tool in the beginning stages of training, especially if you work long hours and can’t take your pup outside as frequently as they may need. However, it’s important to remember that pee pads shouldn’t be used as a permanent solution. It’s crucial to gradually transition your pup to going outside for potty breaks and phasing out using pads altogether.
Q: How long does a potty training process take?
A: Every dog is unique, and the potty training process can vary depending on several factors. The age of the dog, the breed, and even the consistency of the owner’s training efforts can all play a role in determining how long it takes to fully potty train your pup.
Q: Can a dog trainer help with house training?
A: Absolutely! Dog trainers are experts in canine behavior and can provide valuable advice (and even hands-on assistance) regarding potty training your pup. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need extra guidance, don’t hesitate to ask for professional help.
Q: What can I use to clean up accidents?
A: An enzymatic cleaner is the best choice for eliminating odor and preventing your pup from returning to the spot. Regular soap and water won’t be effective since they won’t break down the urine proteins causing the smell. Enzymatic cleaners do a much better job of removing odors, making them a great choice for cleaning up accidents.
Conclusion
House training your German Shepherd might seem like a mountain to climb at first, but trust me, it’s entirely achievable with consistency, patience, and a dash of humor. Remember, every pup is unique and learns at its own pace. So, don’t be disheartened if your fur buddy doesn’t become a house-training champion overnight.
Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior – there’s nothing like a tasty treat or an enthusiastic “Good job!” to encourage them to keep doing the right thing. And when accidents happen (which they will), take it in stride. Clean up, move on, and know it’s all part of the learning process.
Ultimately, house training is not just about teaching your German Shepherd where and when to relieve themselves. It’s also a time to strengthen your bond with them, to understand them better, and to establish yourself as their trusted leader.
So, here’s to embracing the adventure that is house training. You’ve got this; remember, your German Shepherd is lucky to have you guiding them through this journey.