German shepherds are some of the smartest, most loyal, easily-trained dogs out there. It should come as no surprise given that they are involved in various facets of law enforcement such as drug and bomb sniffing duties.

Finding the proper place to train your German shepherd becomes key. Sure, there are a ton of places that you can bring your dog, but online is appealing for a lot of reasons. The question remains as to whether it is as effective in training as those in-person courses.

Is Online Dog Training Effective?

There is no debating that being able to do anything from the comfort of your own home is more convenient. No battling traffic, no having to contend with weather conditions, and no having to leave eat all.

But the question remains: is online dog training effective? If you are training your German shepherd, you want to make sure that online German Shepherd training is effective. The good news is that, yes, it can be just as effective as in-person training.

There is little to no difference between the guidance and instruction that you would get in-person versus online. The only difference is that you are directly handling the dog throughout the training process, not the trainer.

Another good thing is that it doesn’t matter what kind of dog you have or what age. Puppy or older, the right online training program can be just what you have been looking for. It can help provide the foundation of obedience that makes them more effective listeners. It can also help with puppy problems like potty training or biting, particular behavioral problems, and so much more.

What Should You Teach a German Shepherd?

Because the German shepherd is one of the smartest breeds there is, you can find a litany of different commands and courses. Online German shepherd training can be as simple or comprehensive as you need it to be.

That said, there are definitely some commands that you want to teach your German shepherd. Before long, they will be ready and willing to obey all the commands that you throw at them.

Sit

The number one most important command to teach your German shepherd. Without “sit”, there are a lot of other commands that just won’t work. Moreover, teaching them to sit is a useful command that can unlock myriad other commands.

Teaching them to sit is also a great way to keep them calm, particularly when they are in public or meeting someone new. For those who don’t really like dogs, it is a valuable command to have.

Come

Another of the basic commands, “come” can be potentially lifesaving. Dogs should learn a word that means they need to stop whatever it is they are doing and return to you. If you plan on going out in public with your dog off the leash, this is a must.

“Come” can be an effective command when there are a ton of distractions. They should be able to come the first time you say it and without hesitation. Should they escape the leash, get out of the house, jump out of the car, or get loose in any way, “come” can ensure that they don’t get far.

Watch Me

This is another useful command as it can get your dog’s attention. When you teach them the “watch me” command, you are able to get their attention no matter what is happening. Practicing with lots of distractions around can be a great way to prepare them for life in general. Not every situation will be one of total peace and quiet.

On top of all that, it is one of the more useful commands if you plan on implementing hand signals into your training or are hearing disabled.

Stay

This is another of the basic, crucial commands that come with German shepherd ownership. The command should be reinforced over their lifetime, just in case you need to break it out in an emergency.

Your dog should learn to be able to be released from all commands. Being able to implement “stay” means that you can practice this during their training. Stay can also be useful for sudden distractions that entice your dog into wanting to chase. Instead, they will stay where they are and wait for direction.

Wait

Being able to stop your dog on a dime is important. There are a lot of distractions that can get them to chase and the last thing anyone wants is for that chase to take them into traffic. The basic commands can be lifesaving in more ways than one.

Wait is highly useful because it will get them to stop, sit, and wait for your permission to move. It is a great training technique because it instills patience in them and makes them look to you for further command.

The “wait” command can be highly useful. In situations like getting in or out of the car, during mealtimes, when guests arrive, or walking out the door can all be aided by having an established “wait” command. It is also one of the simplest commands that you can use to establish a strong communication base with your German Shepherd.

Conclusion

Not everyone wants to have to deal with the hassle of getting their dog in the car, driving to training, and dealing with training among other people. If you prefer privacy and the comfort of your home, then online training is the way to go.

The good news is that it is just as effective as in-person training. So long as you are comfortable being the one handling your dog each step of the way, you won’t be missing out on anything at all. Checking out online training courses can be a great way to get your dog to listen more effectively sooner rather than later.