Some get German Shepherds because they want an intelligent dog and like the look of the Shepherd. Others get one because they know they are good workers and aspire toward herding, agility or obedience titles. Why you got your Shepherd will determine – for the most part – the behaviors you want her to know. If she is the family dog, you may not care too much about a precision Heel or even if she knows Down. Still, the following 3 cues are ones that all German Shepherds should know for safety reasons.
#1 – Leave It
Leave It is a great cue for your German Shepherd Dog to know for a few reasons. One, it can keep them from chewing your shoe or stealing your dinner. Two, the command can keep your Shepherd from herding the cat, kids or the bike that flies by every day. Third, it can make walks more pleasant – you can ask him to leave the grass he has sniffed for the hundredth time. Fourth, and most importantly, it can save your German Shepherd’s life if he is about to eat something dangerous – this includes toxic human foods or something unsafe he comes upon during his walk, like litter.
#2 – Come
A solid recall is important for your German Shepherd if he is ever off leash in public areas (where it’s enclosed and allowed!) or even to avoid a headache in a big backyard. Many German Shepherd owners own property and you want to be able to call your Shepherd back, even if you can’t see him – no one wants to hunt the dog down several times a day! In addition, a solid recall can save the life of your Shepherd if she bolts out the door toward the street. It’s just a good basic cue for any dog to know.
#3 – Stay
A Stay can come in handy in many situations. Like Come, Stay can help keep your Shepherd inside the house when you open the front door. It is also useful if you are trying to get your German Shepherd to not chase the neighbor’s cat or the bunny that just popped up out of nowhere. Finally, it helps teach your Shepherd self-control, which is never a bad thing.
