If you have followed this blog well enough, you must have heard us talk about how your German Shepherd dog needs training. There’s no way you can get the best out of a German Shepherd without training it. This is why we encourage owners to get their dogs trained adequately. Even if you won’t be doing it yourself, it is wise to get a professional or take them to a dog training home.
For those who want to train their GSD by themselves, this article is one resource you need. It contains a comprehensive list of German Shepherd dog training commands. These are words that can be used to make sure your GSD is well-trained. I have grouped these commands into basic, advanced, protection and obedience, and specialized categories.
Basic German Shepherd Dog Training Commands
These are some of the basic, easy-to-learn commands when training your GSD:
- Sit
- Stay
- Come
- Heel
- Down
- Wait
- Go potty
- Up/on
- Off
Sit
The sit command is one of the foundational obedience behaviors for a GSD. Teaching your dog to sit on command helps establish you as the leader and provides a way to calm and control your dog in various situations. When your GSD is sitting, it is in a relaxed, attentive position, making it easier to transition to other commands.
Stay
The stay command is crucial for training a well-behaved GSD. It teaches your dog to remain in a particular position (sit, down, or stand) until you give the release command. This is especially helpful for keeping your GSD calm and under control in situations where they may be tempted to jump up, run, or engage in unwanted behaviors.
Come
The come command is one of the most important safety commands for a GSD. It teaches your dog to return to you when called, which can be lifesaving in situations where your dog may be in danger or about to engage in undesirable behavior.
Heel
The heel command teaches your GSD to walk calmly and attentively by your side, without pulling on the leash. This is crucial for maintaining control of your dog in public places and for making walks and outings more enjoyable for both you and your GSD. Practicing heel in various settings, from the home to busy streets, helps your dog learn to focus on you and respond to the command regardless of distractions.
Down
The down command is a versatile behavior that teaches your GSD to lie down on command. This can be useful for calming your dog in stressful situations, for obedience training, and for building impulse control.
Wait
The wait command teaches your GSD to pause and hold their position until you give the release command. This is valuable for situations where you need your dog to remain in place, such as before crossing a street, before being fed, or before being allowed to greet someone.
Go potty
The go potty command helps you communicate with your GSD when it is an appropriate time and place to relieve themselves. This command can be especially useful for housetraining your dog, as it provides a clear signal for them to understand when and where they should be going to the bathroom.
Up/On
The up/on command teaches your GSD to jump up onto objects, such as a chair or a car, on command. This can be useful for activities like agility training or for making it easier for your dog to get into a vehicle.
Off
The off command is the opposite of the up/on command, instructing your GSD to get down from an object or surface. This is important for maintaining control and preventing unwanted jumping or climbing behavior.
Advanced German Shepherd Dog Training Commands
The following are some of the advanced German Shepherd training commands:
- Fetch
- Shake/Shake Paw
- Roll over
- Speak/Bark
- Quiet
- Leave it
- Drop it/Give
Fetch
The fetch command teaches your GSD to retrieve an object and bring it back to you. This is a fun and engaging activity that can help build your dog’s physical and mental stimulation. Fetch training involves teaching your dog to chase after a thrown object, pick it up, and return it to you.
Shake/Shake Paw
The shake or shake paw command teaches your GSD to offer its paw to you on command. This is a simple trick that can help build your dog’s confidence and create a positive association between the command and the reward.
Roll Over
The roll over command instructs your GSD to lie on its side or back and roll completely over. This is a more advanced trick that requires trust and comfort with the handler.
Speak/Bark
The speak or bark command teaches your GSD to bark on cue. This can be a useful command for obedience training or for teaching your dog to alert you to specific situations.
Quiet
The quiet command is the counterpart to the speak/bark command, instructing your GSD to stop barking on cue. This is an important command for controlling excessive barking and teaching your dog to self-regulate their vocalizations.
Leave It
The leave it command teaches your GSD to ignore and not take a specific object or item, even if it is tempting. This is a crucial command for keeping your dog safe and preventing them from ingesting or interacting with potentially harmful items.
Drop It/Give
The drop it or give command instructs your GSD to release an object from their mouth. This is important for retrieving items your dog may have picked up, as well as for preventing resource guarding or other unwanted behaviors.
Protection/Obedience German Shepherd Dog Training Commands
There are some commands that are important to bring out the protective instincts in your GSD. They include:
- Guard/Watch
- Attack/Bite
- Out/Release
- Search
- Track
- Spin
- Shake/High Five
- Bow
- Whisper
- Carry
Guard/Watch
The guard or watch command teaches your GSD to stand alert and watch over a specific area or person. This command is often used for protection or security purposes, instructing the dog to be vigilant and deter potential threats.
Attack/Bite
The attack or bite command is a specialized command used for trained protection dogs. It instructs the dog to apprehend and bite a suspect on command. This type of training requires extensive expertise, appropriate legal considerations, and a high level of control and responsibility from the handler. Improper use or training of this command can be extremely dangerous.
Out/Release
The out or release command is the counterpart to the attack/bite command, instructing the dog to release its grip on a suspect. This command is essential for maintaining control and ensuring the safety of the handler, the dog, and the suspect during protection training and scenarios.
Search
The search command teaches your GSD to systematically search an area for a target or specific item. This command can be useful for various purposes, such as search and rescue operations, finding lost items, or detecting specific scents.
Track
The track command instructs your GSD to follow a specific scent trail. This is a specialized skill that can be valuable for law enforcement, search and rescue, or other applications where the dog’s heightened sense of smell can be utilized. Tracking training involves exposing the dog to various scent trails and rewarding their ability to follow the target scent.
Spin
The spin command teaches your GSD to spin in a circle clockwise on command. This is a fun trick that can help build your dog’s dexterity and obedience skills.
Shake/High Five
The shake or high five commands teach your GSD to raise its paw to “shake” or give a “high five” on command. This is a simple yet engaging trick that can help build your dog’s confidence and create a positive association between the command and the reward.
Bow
The bow command instructs your GSD to lower its front end while keeping its hind end up. This is a playful and submissive behavior that can be a fun addition to your dog’s repertoire of tricks.
Whisper
The whisper command teaches your GSD to bark softly on command. This can be a useful command for obedience training or for teaching your dog to communicate in a more controlled manner.
Carry
The carry command teaches your GSD to gently hold and transport an object in its mouth on command. This can be a practical skill for various tasks, such as retrieving items or helping with carrying lighter loads.
Specialized German Shepherd Dog Training Commands
The last category of German shepherd dog training commands is for more military-like activities. They include:
- Jump
- Crawl
- Weave
- Tunnel
Jump
The jump command teaches your GSD to leap over an obstacle on command. This is a versatile skill that can be used in various activities, such as agility training, obedience competitions, or even practical applications like navigating terrain.
Crawl
The crawl command instructs your GSD to move along the ground in a low, horizontal position on command. This is a specialized skill that can be useful for training your dog to navigate tight spaces, stay low to the ground, or perform specific maneuvers.
Weave
The weave command teaches your GSD to navigate through a line of objects, such as poles or cones, on command. This is a common skill in agility training and can help improve your dog’s dexterity, focus, and responsiveness to your guidance.
Tunnel
The tunnel command instructs your GSD to run through a tunnel or pipe on command. This is another specialized skill often seen in agility training, as well as in search and rescue operations. Introducing your dog to tunnels gradually, and rewarding their willingness to enter and navigate them, is essential for building their confidence and mastering this command.
Final Thoughts
Not every German Shepherd dog training command in this article will be important to you. I recommend understanding what each command means and whether it applies to your dog. For instance, you can’t be telling your dog “tunnel” when there’s no tunnel for it.
Ole Dog House began in 2000 and was officially incorporated in 2004, strengthened by a technical partnership with Samantha Straub of Von Der Burg Loisenthal Kennels in South Africa. Over the past two and a half decades, our kennel has established itself as a leader in Nigeria’s canine industry, producing top-quality German Shepherd Dogs that strictly adhere to WUSV standards.
We are proud members of WUSV, the German Shepherd Dog Federation of South Africa, and the International Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the East German Shepherd Dog. Our commitment to excellence has taken us to GSD specialty shows and elite kennels across South Africa, Europe, and the Americas, expanding our knowledge and refining our breeding practices.
At Ole Dog House, our mission is to nurture a community of ethical breeders and passionate dog enthusiasts who are committed to preserving the integrity of the German Shepherd breed. Whether you are an experienced breeder, a first-time owner, or simply an admirer of this exceptional breed, we are here to provide valuable insights and expert guidance.
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