Basic Obedience Commands
photo credit: German Shepherd Central
In part one of our basic training lessons, we covered the four different training phases:
- Learning Phase
- Distraction Phase
- Correction Phase
- Maintenance Phase
Now let’s get into these cool basic OB commands individually:
- Sitz (pronounced siitz, meaning sit)
- Platz (down)
- Hier (pronounced hee er, meaning come)
- Bleib (pronounced bly’b, meaning stay)
- Fuss (pronounced fooss, meaning heel)
- Hopp (meaning jump)
Sitz
First up is the sit command. Puppies 6 weeks old can learn to sit on command, so that means your old dog can too.
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July 5th, 2008 at 4:56 am
My female GSD just turned one and I have tried to use some of the commands I remember from watching my dad but was unclear if I was using them correctly I now know. Thanks but am I to late because of her age to teach her in this form.
July 5th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Hello Melanie!
It’s never too late! Seriously. A dog can even be taught a new name for them at an old age! You can simply double the commands, then begin to lesson the use of the old one, while maintaining the new one.
Here’s a hypothetical example:
You used, “Stay!” for your command to keep put.
You want to now use, “Bleib!”
So do this:
Tell Dakota, “Stay, Bleib!” -- she stays because of “stay”, but hears a new word as well.
Make it consistent for her, taking the time as when you were first training the original command.
Now lesson the use of “Stay” like this: you tell Dakota, “Bleib!” -- and once she gets it (even for 2 seconds -- treat/praise the heck out of her!!!)
It’s easier than it seems, and will take no time at all. I use this technique to train German commands onto the English ones a dog knows.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:22 am
How can i teach my pup to take small things to other members of the family.Cujo is 5 months old.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:53 am
Hello Ira,
You can start to teach the “Bringen” (German for fetch) command, having multiple members of the family involved. Then redirect his retrieval (trained using hand signals) to someone other than the “commander” of the fetch.
Let me know how it goes!
Martin
December 29th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
hey i just got a 6 week old male gsd…he is the first one i have ever owned and i want to start teaching him basic commands like sit stay and stuff like that..but his energy levels are out the roof and he wont pay attention to me…what should i do?
January 4th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
You should enjoy his puppy energy! Serious, that’s the life of a GSD puppy owner!
January 4th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Make sure you are the center of his universe.
January 4th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
hey martin…i get what your saying but how am i supposed to train him when he wont pay attention to me when i give him commands. I am makin sure that im the center of his world..i love all the energy he has..my father says that if i whip he when im tryin to train him that he would respond to the commands better..but i dont agree with that because if i whip him then he will be fearful of me and only do the commands out of fear and i dont want that so if you could help me i would greatly appreciate it..thanks
January 5th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
One of the best methods to “bond” a new puppy to his owner is called “tethering”. You basically tether his leash around your waist. Where ever you are, he goes.
Remember that he’s still a baby, curious about his new world at your place. So take about 2 weeks of NO TRAINING -- simply spending ALL of his available time with you. Cuddle, pet -- bond. Then you’ll see a dramatic change in his desire to please you when you start training.
AND PLEASE DON’T WHIP HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That’d be like spanking a toddler just because…
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Hi I have a 11month GSD, She has had some training not much though.When I say down she will get down if I have a treat in my hand. She will sit in front of me and look at me. I praise her all the time. What else can I do to get her to get down without giving her a treat all the time. I would appreciate any help you an give me.
December 8th, 2009 at 5:46 am
Hi…i hope this is going out to martin…Hello Martin…well, i have a pack…and have always kept things tidy in the herd…But, a car accident made me a widow at an early age, and the flood of change of lifestyle, moving, and attention to major details of the “change”, effected us all…although, i keep and maintain my gsd’s health , mentally and physically, groomed and excercised, by just letting them run a muck on the ranch,while i paid attention to other things going on in my life, i just put them on the back burner for awhile…well, a year, flew by…geez…anyway, wow…I got a disrespecting handful of outlaws now…all inpeccably breed…and a puppy that all of a sudden turn 1 before i knew it…That “puppy” is HUGE….and adorable…recent issue: ill get back to you about regaining my alpha status, okay,the puppy, “Axel”, took a holiday….gone for 7 days..i cried a river…not wanting to have let him down, or perhaps someone took such a beautiful dog, he never left the property, as the older ones do not..they stay close to me,even if it is on the porch…
Well, anyway…i had come to acceptance, but still hopeful..today, i found him “by chance near 12 miles from home..Dont know…doesnt sound like a shepherd behavior, never had one just leave…they dont usually do that..again, anyway, i called to him,he was confused at first…as though it has not been the first time he was accosted on this journey of his…i swept up this 85 lb puppy and cried and ocean this time…”now i am committed to all the things i promised the lord i would do if only Axel was to resurface safely in my home…just happened to have his mother in my pick up, returning home from the vet, she is due any minute…OMG… again, anyway, came home, and he had all this “tude”…kicking everyones ass…but clumsy and playful at the same tyme..some aggression…he is glad to be home…he is tired, and fast asleep by the fireplace…worn out i quess..who knows how he got there..i live in kentucky, in the country….12 miles…again,anyway, i know, i sometimes fall off the map with my writting..But, he has become the alpha male apon his return…I have the little popcorn fart, under a careful watch this nite, and intend to start addressing this “tude”tomarrow….god, is he beautiful…as all my dogs are..but he is 5 of 8..thats his nic name…and he was the runt of the litter and he survived somehow…weak and clumsy….he is huge now, still growing, his feet are so big, he looks a little like he is going through another growth spurt, and doesnt know quiet know what to do with his, feet…funny..but hes doing a great job…sweet natured, just testy and overpowering to his former leaders….my other male is a watch from the distance type…a good one…sits in a very formal way, and watches everything going on on the ranch…good dog…unique…the quiet,silent type,watching over me….Axel was brought in and peed on my carpet, when first coming in….i am sick with bronchitis, for a week, and too tired to do much but clean up, and pour myself into bed…this is issue number 1…”Axel”, like i said, i let him be a puppy, while i learned how to be a widow…now, i have huge problem, commanding my attention…i can commit only minimally at this point due to a severe bout with bronchitis..its draining me…what to do with Axel right now…Rhonda
December 8th, 2009 at 5:57 am
Martin..how do you get that stupid picture on my response to change to custom…..
December 9th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
@Rhonda -- The “avatar” is pulled from a Gravatar Profile. The accounts are free, and they follow you around the internet lol.
As far as Axel, you’re right in calling him a puppy, at just 1 year old. And a 1 year old male with great genes will indeed want to be top dog -- but will back down when push comes to shove (YMMV with that!). How many other GSDs do you have -- how large is your pack?
I would begin (you probable do this already…) the “N. I. L. I.F.” program asap. “Nothing In Life Is Free” simply is not allowing Axel do get ANYTHING without working for it. Making him “sit” before eating, “sit” or “platz (down)” before leaving through a door -- you get the idea. This will take patience, but works!
I’d love to see pictures, and until I get the tools installed for you to submit the photos your self, you can email them to: pictures (at) germanshepherd-breed (dot) org
And by the way, you are an awesome person to carry on with your life as you are. I can’t imagine what your life has been like lately, but you are the reason (ok, I know this is gonna sound corny/lame, but…) why I run this site -- to not only share “training info” -- but to get to know other dog peeps, and make good friends of them! YOU ROCK!
December 10th, 2009 at 12:54 am
Thanx for answering my S.O.S message…yes, life throws me all kinds of BS my way….still sick with a mean case of bronchitis…AAAAH….I have a female in with me this nite threatening to have pups…she cant seem to sit still, and i am not up to the process of well, the process..and actually, i am not up to puppies as of now, but christmas pups always bring me joy…she has a full load and is very uncomfortable..starting a new job on monday, keeps me trying to get well…and i have a pack of 5…all good dogs..I refuse to let any of my family down..and have fought to provide and keep them all happy….iam also a horse lover…and i show horses and have a big barn…have 8…2 were my husbands, i keep them for him…as you might know, GMDS are not horse dogs…they bark and bite them to keep me safe..is very unsafe…I just moved to kentucky from sunny ca where i have a nice place, but i had a nice dog kennel there..here they have 12by12 horse stalls with cedar bedding…and still the little bastards dig out and need to be close on the porch…they do consume my time like children..they are my children, and i packed the pack all the way, horses as well all the way 2300 miles to start a new life in kentucky where i knew no one…my own journey like Axels…anyway, im up for a while, ill send some pics…talk soon…Rhonda
May 14th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
I Just adopted a 1 year old long haired German Shepherd. Sasha is a great GSD but she was never taught manners. I need help figuring out how to teach her not to jump up on people especially my 76 year old grandmother. I also need help on teaching her not to be so possessive of her rope and how can i get her to stop her from chasing my cat? shes got so much energy expected of a year old. one thing i cant get is every time she sees me she starts crying and whimpering and i do not know what that’s about. So if you could give me some advise on what i can do it will be great. I saved her from being put down cause of her energy.
July 9th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
just got two year old all black cheko german shepherd he’s been taught almost all the commands must say he’s the best dog iv ever owned
his names veruuk or crazy fits him perfectly maybe i should look up spring loaded that would also be a good fit
March 3rd, 2011 at 4:24 pm
Hi, Im in desperate need of training tips for my two year old GSD (Roxie)!!
We have had her from she was 6 weeks old. At the beginning she was a well behaved, well mannered pup, who loved the company of other dogs and people. We trained her to walk off the lead (also sit, stay, roll over etc) which worked amazingly well until she was frightened by two bikes while out on a peaceful walk at the age of around 6 months. The two bikes sent her sprinting up the road as fast as she could run! From that day, she has never been the same. She will not accept anyone coming into the house and will certainly not like to be around another dog! Walkies have now came to a halt as I can no longer take the stress of bumping into anyone walking their calm dogs, as she continually barks and shows aggressive behavior towards everyone. Although she has never bitten, I don’t like to take risks of losing her (especially living beside a primary school). Last year we took her to a local dog training class, where she spent months at, and still nothing has worked for her. While at her classes she spent most of her time hiding under our chairs, always watching everyone passing our feet. Its nearly as if she has developed a fear of others and finds it hard accepting anyone. Roxie shows a very frightened behavior. We would often get comments made that she looks like an abused dog. She has never ever been abused by us or any other person she has been around. She has only had the occasional tap on the nose for really bad behavior (eating the furniture, biting the other dog or snapping too hard when taking a treat). She is protective (Sometimes over protective) when people come too close to us, which has left a huge strain with visitors.
We also have another GSD which is 13 years old (Sasha). She has always been a completely different dog (Calm, well sociable, walks well on a lead and overall an obedient dog). As she is getting older now, she like to spend a lot of her time sleeping, which she does not get to do when she is always being annoyed and jumped over by Roxie.
We we got Roxie as a pup, the introduction went very very well and our older dog Sasha, took to her like her own pup. But as Roxie’s behavior went rapidly downhill, Sasha likes it better when they are separated (which means more play time and cuddles).
I would love to have the old (calm and well behaved) Roxie back. I am willing to use all the helpful techniques it takes just to see my dog happy again (well walked, confident and able to get close to other dogs/humans).
I will truly appreciate any tips in order to properly train Roxie. Thank you
Chelsea
Belfast
July 29th, 2011 at 4:44 am
k so ive got a 13 month old gsd listens really good. my only problem with him is his aggression towards other dogs. he trys to attack other dogs. im at a loos with what to do. canyou please help me
September 17th, 2011 at 7:04 am
I am wanting to get a GSD as a Protection dog for my family. I have a couple questions. First is it better to have a male or female as a protection dog? Second I have a golden retriever in the house which is pretty lax and lazy, will this make my GSD lazy also?
September 20th, 2011 at 11:17 pm
Hi Martin,
I’ve adopted an 18 month old GS mix from a local shelter. He’s very playful and loves other dogs. I’m still learning how to properly feed him, he’s very underweight, I can feel his ribs and hip bones and his stomach is sunken in. How can I fatten him up to gain strength? Also, I’ve only had him about a week now, he’s very destructive if left alone for any amount of time. Do you have any suggestions to training him to stay off the kitchen table or not to rip up the bedding? I’m going to work on using these commands to start training him soon. I think bonding time will need to come first.
Thank you so much,
Trish
July 25th, 2012 at 12:21 am
July 24, 2012--Los Angeles, California
My GSD “Johann” (3 years old) just failed (for the second time) his beginner OBEDIENCE CLASS.
I am very disappointed and was beginning to think that he is likely the only non-intelligent GSD that was ever created. He knows his commands and performs them at home and in the doggy classroom. But, on his two “final exams” he had to perform his commands in the middle of a busy pet store, where strange people were shopping with their dogs. I read your article this evening trying to find out why JOHANN has failed (twice). I can see WHY now-- he gets distracted easily and his training was never in a DISTRACTING LOCATION. I have not put him to the challenge of LEARNING IN A DISTRACTING ENVIRONMENT.
I will now work on this. Since our home environment is quiet and calm, JOHANN’s attention is disrupted when distractions disturb his concentration. I will not put him through another BEGINNER OBEDIENCE CLASS but will work with him on my own by putting him in varying degrees of noisy distracting environments.
THANKS TO YOUR ARTICLE, I KNOW HAVE HOPE THAT JOHANN WILL NOT BE A THREE TIME LOSER.
July 25th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Hello RJ,
Many people fail to realize the importance of “distraction proofing” their dog’s obedience behaviors. It’s a very common thing.
As you work on this, remember to add distractions a little at a time, so as you do, you will be building up Johann’s confidence as well. It takes time and patience, but soon you will love his new-found abilities!
Please keep us informed as to his training, and please submit (button that’s labeled, “Choose File”) his photo as well!
Best Regards,
Martin
July 25th, 2012 at 6:36 pm
Martin, thank you for the insightful advice. I am glad there is a community of GSD parents who are available to guide us in our care of Johann.
August 6th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
August 6, 2012-- Los Angeles, CA.
JOHANN Update: Martin, here’s our update. We took Johann to an offleash dog park twice this past week. The first day another large dog came up to him and aggressively barked in his face. We took JOHANN out of the enclosed area and let him look at the dogs through the fence. On the second visit, we did the same: let JOHANN look at the other dogs through the fence. We have no clue why the first visit resulted in that one dog barking at JOHANN-- JOHANN is not dog aggressive, and he did not try to engage that dog in any confrontation. JOHANN also enjoyed watching the small dogs (they have their own enclosed area) romp around and he smelled them through the fence. This weekend we took JOHANN to the TWELVE MILLION DOG MARCH-- he did very well: he tried to smell and meet the other dogs, but when we told him to refrain, he obeyed. He also went with us to PETCO to buy more squeaky toys. Again, he behaved well. He even got compliments. SO, BOTTOM LINE, HE IS LEARNING WITH EACH EXPOSURE TO MORE AND MORE DOGS.
Next time, we will take him into the enclosed LARGE DOG park and see if he feels comfortable in there to be off leash. We will keep you posted. THANKS.
August 7th, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Hello RJ,
It’s great to read your Johann is doing better! One word of advice about dog parks though -- be very careful (as you know from the large dog experience). Out in public (Petco, etc) and dog events such as that 12 million Dog March are great to proof your training, but a dog park -- where other people let their dogs run around uncontrolled -- can lead to a serious and instant dog fight, which would set you back MONTHS of training (which can leave years of dog-aggressive behaviors).
Keep us informed on his progress!
Best Regards,
Martin E
PS: He is a very handsome looking GSD!
April 10th, 2013 at 12:42 pm
Hello Martin, I have been taking care of a male GSD, Dandy, since last August. His owner had him in a two car garage with anoccasional walk. He was six months old when he came to me, I worked for the owner and have a fenced in back yard. Anyways, Dandy has been with me for seven months now. We have been through eating and chewing on everything (my leather sandals, my moms antique rattan furniture, garbage picking and taking it outside, chewing on plastic food containers, chewing on pine cones in the house and the list goes on…… Well, he has not been neutered because owner wants to breed him (even though I don’t think he is breeding quality). I have him going to Banfield for check ups and meds, out my pocket. He is now getting more aggressive (he is 13 months) with mouthing my grandchildren on their ankles, arms and head. He plays very rough with them. He was doing good on commands and retrieving his ball or squeak toy, but now is starting to not listen as well. His new thing for the past two weeks is bolting from the front door and running around the neighbors houses barking.