German Shepherd Rescue of New England (GSRNE) has a helpful video showing how to train your GSD to only bark quickly when someone (or you) is at the door and then remain calm. Consistent training using only positive reinforcement methods is the best way to control a barking German Shepherd. Barking is one of the main reasons German Shepherds are abandoned to save shelters or sanctuaries. Sometimes it's because a previous owner realizes that he has simply taken in more dogs than he can handle.
Adult Dog Cannot be Trained
Sometimes it is because the owner feels that an adult dog cannot be trained to be a well-socialized member of a community and family. In most cases, this is not the problem. By contrast, the German Shepherd has a history of neglect or abuse, or the dog has simply never been taught what is and what is not acceptable behavior. Here are some great training tips to control your German Shepherd's barking.
Identify the Causes of "Problem Barking" Problems
You may not need to do this if you are just starting to train your German Shepherd puppy or rescue dog. But if you have a specific barking problem, first determine the cause. You can check out the list above here to see some of the most common triggers for barking problems.
Use Only Positive Reinforcement Training Methods
"Positive reinforcement" here essentially means praise, petting, games, and treats rather than punishment. Not only does positive reinforcement always work much better than negative reinforcement (punishment methods), but positive training is essential for a large, strong, intelligent breed like the GSD. This is the only safe way to train your dog.
Use a Click Tool as a Training Aid
Using a clicker, a small handheld device (or even a tongue clicker on a clip) is a great way to train the exact behavior you want your dog to exhibit. The goal is to associate rewards, whether it's a treat, pet, praise, or anything else worthwhile, with the sound of the click so your dog knows what to do to get the reward.
Train Your Dog Consistently Over Time
Dogs, like children, are very aware when an adult is consistent or inconsistent. Because the German Shepherd is one of the most intelligent dog breeds, you can expect your dog to notice when he relaxes during training. Maintaining consistency is the first thing to do to alleviate barking problems.
Can a German Shepherd be Taught to Never Bark?
Because German Shepherds are commonly known to be a vocal breed, it's important to distinguish between a "normal" bark and an "unusual" bark. Therefore, the goal of eliminating barking is not only nearly impossible, but will likely result in an emotionally unhealthy GSD. If you need a dog that doesn't bark, the German Shepherd is not the breed for you. So now you know that the German Shepherd is bigger. They also know that exercise can help with barking problems.
Conclusion
Learn how to prevent your German Shepherd from barking correctly at strangers. The best way to learn to stop your German Shepherd from barking at strangers is with a comprehensive training program that will help your dog understand what he expects and wants. Most importantly, be consistent with your German Shepherd's house training and don't expect overnight results. Changing a rewarding behavior like barking at strangers can take weeks or months of diligent practice. Many forward-thinking German Shepherd owners like you, who want to teach their dogs to listen to them and avoid unwanted behavior through positive training, have done so by participating in an online training program that uses proven scientific protocols. The dog program
Imagine learning to control your German Shepherd with kindness, compassion, and science. Step-by-step obedience videos will help teach your dog to listen to you and, with time and training, listen to your silent command and deter him from barking at strangers. Take a moment to check out the online training program and learn how to use mind training to improve behavior. You and your dog deserve a break from their barking for fun!