German Shepherds can be excellent companions. They are well known for their trainability and devotion to their owners. they are often used by police departments and military institutions for this very reason.
You are reading: Books on training german shepherds
However, German Shepherds do not come trained and ready to go. it takes a lot of work to get them where they need to be.
training is essential for these canines. otherwise, their territorial instincts can be misused, leading them to be aggressive towards other dogs and strangers.
classes are vital to the success of your training. however, reading a book or two wouldn’t hurt either!
However, not all German Shepherd training books are created equal. some are better than others. Below, we’ll review some of the best books out there for training German Shepherds. some of these are more theory based, while others provide practical applications.
a quick comparison of our favorites
top 10 german shepherd training books – reviews & best picks 2022
the art of raising a puppy is written by the monks of new skete, who have become some of the foremost authorities on dog training and the animal/human bond. Much of this book is about German Shepherd training, although it is also full of theoretical information.
This book can completely change the way you look at dogs and raising a puppy. the authors have managed to pack quite a bit of knowledge into this hardcover book. It’s about more than just training your dog. he will also learn how to develop the best relationship with his canine.
Chapters include information on playing with your puppy, crate training, raising dogs in an urban area, and the latest advances in canine health.
don’t be fooled by the name. this book is also helpful if you are adopting an adult dog. includes a chapter that talks about just that!
If you just need a book on how to train your dog, we recommend this one. is truly the best overall book for training your German Shepherd.
If you are going to adopt a puppy, we recommend that you read your German Shepherd puppy month by month. This book is about raising a puppy to become a well-adjusted, happy adult dog. reviews everything you need to know to raise your puppy.
addresses a wide range of topics, including crate training and potty training. it also includes topics that are not directly related to training. for example, it takes a detailed look at what to ask a breeder before adopting a puppy and vaccination schedules.
Socialization is discussed in depth, which is vital for any book on German Shepherds. describes how to teach basic commands, including sit, stay, and come. leash training is discussed.
There are important sections on exercising and feeding your German Shepherd. Grooming topics like bathroom schedules are covered, and there’s a section on when to take your dog to the vet (and when not to worry about it).
If you’re looking for a book that covers just about everything you need to know about training your German Shepherd, this is absolutely the best German Shepherd training book for the money.
While how to be your dog’s best friend isn’t specifically about German Shepherds, it’s a solid option for those looking to train German Shepherds. The authors are some of the most prominent German Shepherd dog trainers out there (and they’re also our number one pick authors), and much of their information is breed-specific. however, his advice is written in a way that applies to all breeds of dogs.
This book will help you train your German Shepherd by building a better relationship with him. this book is really about becoming best friends with his dog. is a refined and unique approach to dog training that many reviewers find very effective.
You can apply the information in this book to both adults and puppies. If you have just adopted a dog, this book may be a suitable option. If you’re looking to train your current German Shepherd to a higher level, you can use this book as well.
some essential topics are covered in addition to the usual training information. They discuss choosing a dog for your needs, as well as where to adopt your dog. pedigree information is covered, which can be very helpful when adopting a puppy.
4. train your german shepherd dog
training your german shepherd is part of a series of books on training different dogs. it’s pretty straightforward, so it’s a good option for those who have never trained dogs before.
includes specific advice on a wide variety of different training topics, including house training, verbal commands, and leash training. also covers information on how to break a dog’s bad habits in the most humane and efficient way possible.
Much of the knowledge in this book is not specific to the German Shepherd. however, many owners may still find this useful if they have no prior knowledge of dog training. is a good beginner’s book that encourages positive leadership and consistent techniques.
Images and step-by-step instructions are included with each command and training tip. this inclusion may be a bit of a stretch for some owners, but it can be constructive for those who have never trained a dog before.
5. german shepherd training
While German Shepherd training may be specifically for German Shepherds, we don’t find it particularly helpful in all circumstances. provides basic information on choosing a puppy and correcting simple behavior problems. may be suitable for new dog owners with little experience with dogs, but much of the information is too basic for advanced trainers and even hobbyists.
Basic training commands are covered, including potty training and leash training. there is also a chapter on socialization, which is essential for all German Shepherds. while much of this information seems to be focused on puppies, it easily refers to adult dogs.
These tips and training information are not explicitly related to German Shepherds. however, this breed trains similarly to most other breeds, so this is to be expected. The truth is that there is nothing you need to know to specifically train a German Shepherd.
There is also a discussion of dog body language and other similar topics. again, much of this information is very basic.
6. let dogs be dogs
another book written by the monks of new skete, let dogs be dogs is a groundbreaking book on how to build a relationship with your dog that works. this book is not necessarily about training. analyzes a dog’s behavior and how that affects his training. It’s about how to be a strong and compassionate leader for your canine.
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While this book includes many stories and anecdotal information, it also reviews many case studies and scientific information. If you want to learn how to get along with your dog quickly, you should read this book.
It’s not directly about training. however, it does look at how to fix certain problem behaviors, usually through science and by building a better relationship with your dog. This is not a basic dog training book, so don’t get it if you’re looking for step-by-step information on crate training.
We highly recommend it for advanced dog owners and those looking for something a little less practical. if you are interested in understanding the why behind specific training techniques, this is a good option for you.
7. decoding your dog
Training your dog is often more about training yourself than teaching your canine. If they are set up for success, many dogs do very well, very quickly; however, it is often our training mistakes and misunderstanding of our dog’s body language that cause problems.
decoding your dog seeks to reduce these problems by providing dog owners with a clear understanding of their dog’s behavior. When you understand why your German Shepherd is misbehaving, correcting the situation becomes much easier.
This book does not focus on a particular method. it won’t teach you how to train your German Shepherd; will teach you why training works in the first place.
The author reviews cutting-edge research in an accessible manner, as well as real-life examples. shows what we know about canine behavior and helps pet owners apply it to their canines.
however, this book is not as practical as other options. someone with experience in dog training will easily take the advice and apply it to their training sessions. beginners may need a little more hand grip, which this book doesn’t provide.
8. from fearful to fearless
Many German Shepherds have anxiety problems. They are known to be aggressive towards people and new dogs, which is usually based on fear. when dogs are afraid, they are likely to act aggressively.
from fear to fear free is a book written explicitly for anxious canines. provides a solution for barking, aggression, and destructive behaviors. Instead of treating the symptom, the book aims to treat the underlying cause. helps the dog to be more confident to approach the world without fear and therefore show less aggression.
This book is both practical and theoretical. provides practical steps to reduce your dog’s anxiety while helping you get to the underlying cause. looks at anxiety in general, as well as specific events that cause stress.
Whether your German Shepherd seems anxious all the time or only at the groomer, this book can provide practical strategies to help. many of the reviews were enthusiastic.
If you can’t work with a dog behaviorist, this book is the next best thing.
however, for general dog training, this book may not be beneficial. is extremely specific, targeting only anxious German Shepherds.
9. before and after receiving your puppy
before and after having your puppy, dr. Ian Dunbar describes his positive and fun dog training program. he was one of the first dog trainers to recognize that dogs learn better when they are less stressed. he designed a program based on toys, treats, and games, which he describes in this book.
While this book does not contain information specific to German Shepherds, it does provide a high-quality training program for dog owners to follow. describes teaching your dog basic manners, correcting behavior problems, and working with your dog’s temperament.
This book is designed for use with a puppy, so it may be less useful with an adult dog. Includes puppy milestones as well as training tips for each stage. the plan is structured but uses many low-stress techniques.
bite inhibition, socialization, and other vital training steps are described.
10. the happy german shepherd
How to raise a dog is essential, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. The happy German shepherd is dedicated to raising puppies until they become adapted adults.
provides a basic overview of the training as well as general care guidelines. You’ll learn how to exercise and feed your puppy as he grows. also dispels some common myths about puppyhood and presents valuable advice new pet owners may not find anywhere else.
addresses socializing your puppy, desensitizing your canine to loud noises, and preventing behavior problems.
However, much of the information in this book is very basic. assumes the reader knows nothing about dogs and training. if that’s the level you’re reaching, then this may be a suitable book. otherwise, you probably already know a lot of what is being talked about.
Not a lot of the information is about German Shepherds, specifically. it’s mostly vague facts and advice that can be applied to all puppies. much of it can also be found through a quick google search for free.
These drawbacks put this book at the bottom of our list. It’s not the worst book on the market. but the value just isn’t there.
buyer’s guide: choosing the best book on german shepherd
There are many things that distinguish a great German Shepherd training book from a great German Shepherd training book. Reading a great book not only gives you the information you need to train your dog, it should also help you understand your dog better.
Selecting a training book for your German Shepherd can seem a bit tricky, especially since you don’t know what you’re getting until you start reading.
Below, we will detail some basic steps to follow when searching for the perfect book.
The Importance of Science
There are many dog training methods written by many different people. Anyone can publish a dog training book, especially in the self-publishing age.
Therefore, it is essential to do your due diligence.
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preferably you want a book that is backed by science. look for mentions of clinical studies and scientific information in the book description. you don’t just want what some random person thinks about dog training. you want information and techniques that have been shown to work.
of course, there are also some well-known authors. however, famous dog trainers often don’t write science-backed books. they do not have to use effective techniques; people are going to buy your books anyway.
If a book’s only claim to fame is the author’s name, you should look elsewhere.
adult vs. puppies
It’s never too late to train your dog. however, some books are explicitly aimed at puppies. these books often have schedules that align with a puppy’s growth and milestones. they can also cover topics that don’t apply to adult dogs, such as vaccination schedules.
If you’re adopting a puppy, you may find these books particularly helpful. If you’ve never raised a puppy before, we recommend checking out one of these books.
However, if you’re adopting an adult dog, you’ll want a book that can be used by all ages. while you can apply what a puppy-focused book teaches to an adult dog, it will contain a lot of information you don’t need.
Instead, we recommend selecting a book that does not include specific information about puppies.
theoretical vs practical
There are books on why training works and then there are books with step-by-step instructions on how training works. both are important and have their place in dog training.
every dog is different, so the step-by-step instructions will not work for all canines. Furthermore, these practical tips often do not help you develop a better relationship with your dog. each relationship is unique and requires constant work.
However, a good relationship with your dog is essential to successful training. without a good relationship, no step-by-step instructions will help you.
It’s a challenge to fit the step-by-step instructions to your canine without some theoretical knowledge.
If you’ve never trained a dog before, we recommend starting with a practical book that covers most training topics. after that, read a theoretical book or two. Theory-heavy books are beneficial for advanced training, but are also helpful in building a strong foundation and relationship.
For those with previous experience in dog training, we recommend theoretical books. If you don’t need step-by-step picture instructions on how to teach your dog to sit, chances are you could benefit from one of these theory books.
Niche Training vs. Basic Training
Most German Shepherd training books deal with basic dog training. They include information on crate training, socialization, and similar dog training topics. this information will be relevant to all dogs. every canine will need to know how to walk on a leash, for example.
If you have a new puppy or an adult, you’ll probably be interested in one of these books. They will help you start off on the right foot. many also have basic information on how to counter common behavior problems, especially in puppies.
However, niche training books can be beneficial in some situations. these don’t cover basic commands and topics, like box training.
Instead, they talk about solving specific problems or helping your dog accomplish certain things. If you have an anxious German Shepherd, there are books to help you deal with his anxiety. (we included one in our reviews!)
for those with a new dog, niche training books are probably not constructive. these books are primarily for canines that have apparent underlying problems.
to schedule or not to schedule
Some training books come with specific plans. For those targeting puppies, many of these plans are tied to their age. you can tell him to start socialization at four months, for example. specific steps may be described.
These programs are designed to be followed in order. you start with the first step, master it, and then move on to the second.
For new dog owners and those with puppies, these usually work very well. You don’t have to worry about missing something essential. It will tell you exactly when to move on to the next step, so you don’t have to worry about pushing your dog too soon.
However, this type of structured plan doesn’t work for everyone. if you adopt an adult, they probably have a mix of good and bad manners. you may not have to focus on teaching them the basic commands, but they may have separation anxiety.
These plans are of little help in these circumstances. We recommend buying a book without these specific plans in these cases. you can adjust plans to fit your dog, but sometimes it’s easier to scrap the plan altogether!
conclusion
German Shepherds are incredibly easy to train. their devotion to their owner has no end, and their great intelligence allows them to quickly pick up new commands.
However, using the proper training technique is essential to your success. If you train your German Shepherd incorrectly, you can end up with an anxious and aggressive dog. Their protective instincts from him can get the better of them!
We recommend the art of raising a puppy to anyone adopting a German Shepherd. Despite the title, this book has chapters specifically related to adopting German Shepherds from the shelter. This book covers everything you need to know about training your dog, including building a strong relationship from the start.
Your German Shepherd Puppy Month by Month is another solid book, although this one applies to puppies. it’s best suited for new dog owners who don’t want to miss out.
We hope our reviews have helped you choose the best book for your German Shepherd. when possible, we recommend reading widely. You can never know too much about training your German Shepherd.
featured image credit: rob wee, pixabay
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