The German Shepherd, also known as Black Bay, is large in size, looks imposing, and has a very strong working ability, thus serving in various roles. It should be known that a very well-mannered German Shepherd is born from the owner's diligent training. For example, when a German Shepherd puppy just comes home, the owner should start preparing to develop its habit of eating and relieving itself at fixed locations. This not only greatly helps the dog form good living habits but also avoids many troubles and worries for the owner when raising a German Shepherd. So how should the German Shepherd be trained to urinate and defecate at a designated spot?

　　First, the owner should designate a fixed dog toilet for the German Shepherd before formally starting training. At the very beginning, the owner can use a newspaper dabbed with a little of the German Shepherd’s urine and place it at the fixed dog toilet spot. The intelligent German Shepherd will then find this place by its own urine scent. When the German Shepherd needs to relieve itself, the owner should promptly guide it to the fixed dog toilet and let it urinate or defecate normally.

　　Second, the German Shepherd’s urination and defecation times generally occur after waking up in the morning, about 30 minutes after each meal, and 15 minutes after each drinking session. During these times, the owner should closely watch the dog’s behavior. If the German Shepherd lowers its head and repeatedly sniffs within a small area, walks back and forth, or circles around, it indicates the dog needs to relieve itself. At this time, the owner should guide the dog to the dog toilet and allow it to relieve normally.

　　After the German Shepherd relieves itself properly, the owner should give some encouragement and praise to show it did the right thing and encourage the dog to continue relieving itself in this fixed spot next time. Furthermore, to train the German Shepherd to develop a habit of urinating and defecating at fixed spots, the training should begin when it is 4-5 months old. Training a dog requires persistence and continuous effort from the owner. Only in this way can the German Shepherd better master the training content and develop the habit.

　　How to train a German Shepherd? What methods are there?

　　German Shepherds are very intelligent and alert, extremely obedient to their owner’s commands, and have a very strong ability to accept training. Therefore, many German Shepherds, after systematic and scientific training, can become excellent police dogs, military dogs, and guide dogs. So, do you know how to train a German Shepherd? What methods exist?

　　First, the best time to train a German Shepherd is during its puppy stage. The owner can start training while the puppy is playing. Training content can begin with daily habits and attitudes, then gradually shift to skills and abilities as the puppy grows.

　　During puppy training, the owner can use auxiliary tools such as a ball, a cloth, a stick, or a leash. For example, training with a small ball can awaken the German Shepherd’s hunting instincts and also provide physical exercise, gradually making its body more agile. Meanwhile, at this time, the owner can train the dog to develop fixed habits of eating, sleeping, and relieving itself, saving the owner from much trouble and hassle.

　　During training, at the initial stage, the owner may need to adopt some mandatory or mechanical training methods because the puppy cannot fully understand the owner’s commands and intentions in the early phase. This requires the owner to teach the German Shepherd step by step to complete the training content. Through constant repetition, the owner strengthens the dog’s memory, forming a conditioned reflex so that the dog will permanently master the training content. (Source: PetsZone)