How to train a German Shepherd

Training your German Shepherd to walk on a leash or training your German Shepherd to listen on command can be challenging. Professional dog trainer Tom Davis works with a young GSD on leash pulling!
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As always THANK YOU for watching, In every video I answer every one of your dog training questions so don't forget to leave your dog training questions in the comments below!

[@TheMaisiewoofwoof]

Guys this was literally my German Shephard before I started Tom's methods. Huge difference now.

[@rhineelledavis]

Same for me!

[@Ms.OliversLife]

Same. Same.

[@apexonpaddles6532]

same with my husky gsd mix

[@Missfoxtooyou]

Owner - “ I’ve been through four trainers” Tom- “ Hold my coffee “

[@alicia4899]

Same 😭🥲 my GSD sees red and her prey drive causes her dog aggression to be insane.

[@jmoslund1]

Your comment made my day ☕️

[@bohemoth1]

Oh my God I adopted a German Shepherd named Gunner. He was extremely antisocial. I took him into the woods and released him. I then climbed up a tree and called his name. He went crazy looking for me. Now he sleeps on the floor next to my bed. I taught him American Sign Language and I use a dog whistle. He understands when I say Left, right, forward, stop, sit, heel and shield etc. Now he shields me automatically when people come close to me.

[@Netmarvings347]

What's shield? ? @tomdavis #tomDavis

[@Lovehors4s]

The world needs lots more dog trainers like yourself!

[@Salt96Life]

“He looked at me, he never looks at me” that hit😭🙏🏽

[@Robbie28]

Some people are quick to say a prong collar is mean or hurtful to the dog. The way i look at it is, normally, once dog has had a few corrections, or even less, they lean so the collar is just "insurance" at that point.In early 2000's, our 10 year old daughter could walk our male rottie anywhere with no issues. And he outweighed her by probably close to 50lbs. We see it like this, whats meaner, a prong collar that you might have to use in order to correct the dog and prevent something terrible from happening, or waiting till the unthinkable happens and he/she is now in a situation where he/she could possibly lose their life? Ill take the prong collar anytime. If used properly, its a very very valuable tool

[@zelina6595]

Same goes with the ecollar! I've had another leash break recently and my gsd completly disregards anything and everything once he realizes he's "free". I have a dogtra 1900s coming in and can't wait to get started with him

[@P4ndieEy3ss]

It doesn’t cause harm to the dog anyway, Tom’s explained that in other videos. The position, the distribution of pressure, and the thickness of fur all mean there’s no pain for the dog.

[@lisaleondires9576]

I always admire owners that never give up🙌. Thank you as always for helping her. She is so happy when he looks at her 😄

[@laurafedora5385]

GSD’s are amazing dogs, but you really have to put in the work. They are strong, intense and intelligent. All awesome characteristics if they are working for you, but if they are working against you, it can be really difficult. I have a WGWL GSD and she taught me so much. She was a terror in her younger days 😵‍💫, but she is absolutely my best buddy and protector and I don’t think I’d ever be without one ♥️♥️♥️♥️ PS I highly recommend scent detection training, obedience training, or trick training with a working breed like this. It’s not usually physical energy they need to expend, but mental.

[@lillieberger2883]

What is WGWL?

[@johnpowell351]

@@lillieberger2883 hello, I think it is West German working line, but could be wrong. Regards Joanne 🐺

[@lunathewolf4431]

I totally agree with mentally stimulating working breeds! My GSD is 10 months and he still has some problems but with these videos and Beckman's it helps immensely! I can't wait because when I save up some money for some more dog training (my dad makes me pay half of everything for my dog and cat) because we're going to do Scent Training, Recall, and finally hir Good Citizen Certificate! I cannot wait!!

[@charlotteswebheimbacher377]

That is so profound with GSD, it's not usually physical energy they need to expend, but mental! I love that phrase and your so right. It clicked for me, thank you very much for your insight .

[@sue5242]

OMG. there was SUCH a difference!! That woman can now take her dog for a walk after one session. Incredible

[@oshierabbit1263]

This gsd is model material. Seriously, so beautiful. ♥

[@johncspine2787]

Check out Del Cono Sur German Shepherds, the male X-Can is unbelievably gorgeous,…!

[@bevdihardjohitom.imfromaus797]

As an Australian, having discovered these wonderful videos with Tom; I now ,when I think it`s required , tell total strangers with their `out of control`dog , to watch your videos. Some are very thankful and others get defensive. Just trying to make life with dogs so much more rewarding.

[@Prsleddogs]

Having moments like these, are exactly why I'm a trainer. 🥲 when the owner has that lightbulb moment, and the dogs enthusiasm for their new learned structure sync up. It only gets better from there way to go Gunner. Way to go to his human too keep it up! 🥰 And way to go Tom. Outstanding content as usual 👏

[@DynastyTrickDogs]

Tom is brilliant!

[@randalsaul6612]

Yes I must agree there is no better feeling than when a dog gets it. That is the same reason why I became a dog trainer also and To save as many dogs as possible is my goal in life. It is easier to train a dog then it is to train most humans.

[@NissrineA74]

What’s the best way to become a trainer? Courses? I volunteer at a shelter and I so want to help train some of our dogs with behaviors that can put them on death row like kennel stress and leash reactivity

[@randalsaul6612]

@@NissrineA74 there are courses on line but what I did and would suggest is to find a balance trainer that has a dog training school and a program where you can shadow them for months. The program that I took was year, once a week sessions. You need hands on training to perfect your skill. Watching videos of different trainers helps your see multiple methods. Not one method works for all dogs and volunteering is a great way to get hands on training. Good luck. Nothing feels better than saving a dog from being euthanasia and remember that there are NO BAD DOGS

[@TheePotatoGoblin]

Ive always wondered, i do sledding with my dog along with bikejoring, can they still learn how to heal and walk properly on a leash when they run and pull with harness? Do they know the difference?

[@bonezzzz6330]

I had same experience with my shepherd before you tube. Went to the store and bought a prong collar just for the leverage on walks. Changed everything very quickly. Best decision I ever made. I don't have the pooch but I still have the prong collar 25 years later.

[@ckelley1234]

Tom is just soooo good with shepherds and working dogs in general!! Such a delight to watch!!

[@Ms.OliversLife]

Shepherds are sooooooooooo funky. Thank God for Tom!!!!!!

[@jaingoodall9224]

Great video, thank you Tom! I'm 65 and a lightweight. I have a 80 lb male german shepherd rescue. I empathise with this lady. I too had given up walks as he was dragging me around and reactive to dogs and people. I was even pulled so badly one day that I ended up face down on the pavement. The UK is so anti prong collars and e collars it's scary how useful tools used in the right way are being taken away from us. My boy understands all the commands but just I have no control when he is out and about. I'm off to buy a prong collar now! Thanks

[@katyr6580]

I love the way Tom mimics what the dog is thinking. He is so clever.

[@jenniferd5066]

Wow. How encouraging. Tom is bringing together dogs and parents in meaningful way.

[@JohnS-gf4sz]

Wish I could be like that with dogs, some people got the gift

[@kaitlyntrotter1230]

I have a 3 year old full black Australian kelpie look so much like your Lakota. I’ve been doing so much work with him. I’ve had a set back my female kelpie was attacked by a Rottweiler and now he has become protective, but slowly he is getting better but I can have him around Rottweiler‘s except this female. He is my best friend and is so well behaved. My female kelpie actually goes into my mother work ( age care ) and hang out with the residence she is 14months and absolutely loves people. You have helped me so much with your videos thank you so much. 💜💜

[@ashleym5000]

I love how sweet and clear you are with the prong.❤ Shows what they are supposed to be used for

[@marioramirez2307]

Totally agree ! 👍 I am a 65 yeard old man with nine pack dogs all breeds ages and sizes. About an hour I was walking one of thise dogs. She is a two yeard old kind of pink nose pitbulI (daughter of a street mother). I live in a México small town and the side walks eare very extremly thin so I have a dizzy and lost my step falling down to the street. I dont feel any pain but I was so confused cause I lost the leash but when I turn back around my eyes I saw her sit in the side walk with. Men it was a very beautiful moment for me. I learned a lot about engagement and confidence because of your vids wich I am so gratefull with you, your team and your comunity. Hugs from México 🙏🐾🫂

[@Mary-fw6on]

I love this training! My dog (and I) are SO much more confident. I watch these videos over and over and learn something every time.

[@courtneycharter5819]

I have DDR working line German Shepherd and I praise this owner for her ability to learn and adapt to her dog. She did wonderful! German Shepherds and especially working lines need so many extra commands to understand how to behave. They need to have a job to become balanced dogs. My puppy has taught me so much since I got her last summer. I have this channel and Beckmans channel to thank for the amazing pup that I have been able to raise!❤️ give your dog a job!! They will be happier in the long run.

[@namaste8160]

You sir are a miracle worker, a dog whisperer if you will! I love what you do!

[@notachicknlittle7018]

Yep

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks so much, hope you have a good day!

[@namaste8160]

@@tomdavisofficial No thank you! I've learned so much I didn't know from you and my dog and I happier then ever because of it. Thank you and you have a fantastic, beautiful day! :)

[@wendyogilvie8778]

I've been doing this and my GSD is now more engaged with me and he's calmer out on walks. Thank you so much!

[@pepcaladno6251]

Beautiful shepherd!

[@karmen181]

That dog is gorgeous just had to say it . And thanks for adding the break and that you actually have your dogs in front of you at a walk letting them be dogs. I’ve learned so much from you .

[@StreetDrivenDaily]

Owner ; you're my 4th trainer. Tom; Look no more

[@tomdavisofficial]

Trueeee

[@57colliegirl]

Definitely got that right! Thank you Tom for sharing your gift with dogs and dog owners everywhere. You truly care and want to help dogs and owners have a beautiful life together. ❤

[@parisdevine8553]

Tom can you watch Beckmans dog training response to Zak George it’s about e collars and prongs being banned and using only positive reinforcement is the new thing ? 🙄 I m really interested on your thoughts . I’ve seen so many Swiss whites re homed because of positive reinforcement training that doesn’t work! You and Cesar are my top trainers I respect. Cheers from down under 🇦🇺👍

[@duaner.962]

positive only reinforcement doesn't work on all dogs. Some need a little something extra to get their attention

[@chrissyoliveira3025]

Absolutely amazing!!! Congratulations to Gunner and the owner. I always learn something new with every video posted! Because of these incredible videos it has helped our train our German Shepherd too!!

[@tomdavisofficial]

So happy for you, Chrissy!

[@chrissyoliveira3025]

@@tomdavisofficial Thank You!! Love what you do and the growth you’ve had! Wish you all the best!

[@ronishaellis2968]

I love your dog Lakota💖✨

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks!

[@jeno264]

Meee tooo!! 😍💖😍💖😍💖

[@poeperdhe]

Understanding the building steps is definitely important but also the leadership skills and knowledge of the owner..you can teach an owner how to do it but the leadership skills, know how and the basic fundamentals of the dog’s known skills must also be there..a lot of owners with problems like this need to go back to square 1 and build from there !!

[@tomdavisofficial]

You got it

[@alwaysovercomingbear4809]

I thought the same thing….it starts with the relationship between you and your dog! That’s why I love this channel - he helps to “train” the owners, not just the dog! 😀

[@twinklesailhorse]

This was a great session. The difference in the engagement of Gunner with his owner was such a lightbulb moment. I really like your idea of a tuneup at the beginning of a training session or even before going to the store or trail. Thanks, Tom! Once again, I’ve taken a few little bits of knowledge away that I either didn’t know, don’t practice or had forgotten. Can’t wait to join the NBD Army for even more content! What a great idea to offer to your followers. Thank you!

[@sjulzz89]

This is literally my dog. Name and everything, he's a 100 lb wrecking ball sometimes. This is such helpful information.

[@DynastyTrickDogs]

Absolutely wonderful work here.

[@ElessariaD]

Terrific content as always! It was heartwarming to see when everything finally clicked with both the owner and Gunnar! They'll do great as their relationship strengthens!

[@ElessariaD]

And I got my SBK fix! (I swear I'm not some crazy stalker!)😜

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks so much!

[@tomdavisofficial]

@@ElessariaD lol

[@WestZ]

I hope I am able to train my future GSD well! This video gives me hope!

[@pattylara6151]

This video was made for us. Wish I would of seen this 5 years ago. Thank you so much for your work!

[@rickytylers7283]

This advice worked wonders with my German Shepard husky mix ! Great vid love this guy haha

[@Whimsy4fall]

Your videos keep getting better! You were always great but I don’t get bored watching your videos. Even when the training is redundant, it helps me really get it, it sticks in my brain better.

[@caseyryback8151]

One of the best videos I've ever seen for dog training. My German Shepherd reminds a lot the in the video. I can really relate and hopefully apply these teachings. Thanks Tom! Keep up this work.💪

[@soojincho2829]

Was super excited when one of our trainer at HellaK9s was wearing one of the NBD shirts! Awesome to see other people who enjoy your content

[@eers2you]

Beautiful sable

[@frances8813]

Amazing I'm watching and learning not easy but keeping faith to train my doggie my first big doggie very much a handful. He's mixed dashund and shepherd. What a combination.

[@Makado14]

What a beautiful gsd, and obviously very intelligent too. One session and this guy and his owner are on the track to complete success. Tom, I never get tired of watching your videos. Your just the best I've ever seen.

[@LauraHopkinsCDL]

What a beautiful dog. Totally agree about the "Break" command, though I use a different word. I also tell Zed "Working" when I expect her full attention. Another great video Tom, Thank you : )

[@juriskokins421]

Damn. Every time I tune back in something in the shows visuals/audio or general production has improved! Mad props to you and your team for not staying stagnant!

[@buttonscreations]

This is a shiloh shepherd! We have one too and they are sooo much stronger than a regular shepherd, amazing dogs tho, love your videos Tom!

[@wiNNieskiLLeD]

no it is a DDR Blood Line... They're real German Shepherds and perfect Working Dogs

[@artheahaines1595]

The prong is a wonderful tool. Like the new sign!

[@rosablume4346]

so amazing, another great video so easy everything if done by a real expert who makes the difficult look easy so touching how the doggo looked at you at your first 2-3 turns, perking up, wagging the tail

[@brittanybecker698]

Amazing work Tom! Also that beautiful shepherd 😍

[@margobrannan1966]

Love this video and all of your videos - The best trainer I've seen on KZbin - Having a large German Shepherd I use a Gentle Leader (scared to use Prong collar without professional help)

[@BjornBearr]

Tom I have to be honest ive missed the last 2 videos.. BUT I'm about to go and watch them I promise. Great video again very informative for everybody. Keep up the good work and the new Building is looking great cant wait to have a tour.

[@OMDAT]

Hey Tom. Could you please come over to the Netherlands to convince our government that prong collars can be effective tools and shouldn't be illegal? Kind regards, a German Shepherd Mix owner from the Netherlands.

[@tiffanyfrehleyyeshuaismy0153]

… Dutch salted licorice is one of my favorite things on Earth. Thank you. 😁🖤

[@tbtb474]

This video helped me with my dog and now i can bring her places without problem! Thank you.

[@christinaeidt8417]

Early squad just joined the no bad dogs membership club ❤️❤️❤️

[@tomdavisofficial]

Nice, thanks for joining!

[@tiffanyfrehleyyeshuaismy0153]

… Shepherds are wonderful. 😉 🤗 💕🌿✝️

[@tomdavisofficial]

THEY can be!

[@budimpla]

Good job, Tom.

[@lupusdeum3894]

I love that dog! Amber does too! 🐕‍🦺❤️😎

[@jackiemoreau3018]

Thank you once again. Just love you. I appreciate so much your videos. It’s my day or week highlight when I’m able to watch of few videos from you. I just hope it continues for quite a while. Thank you from eastern Canada.

[@tiffanyfrehleyyeshuaismy0153]

… I am curious to know who bred this straight backed beautifully structured German Shepherd ? 🤔 🥰

[@tomdavisofficial]

No idea

[@myriaml173]

also with a special fur color, he's a real beauty

[@RobinaDunstan]

@@myriaml173 Silver sable it looks like.

[@Solitude11-11]

I worked with a tamaskan x CsV wolfdog that looked a lot like him, taller though, they have mostly GSD in them. There are some breeders working to produce correctly structured GSD now, thank goodness.

[@susanal1527]

@@myriaml173 it is the original color of a working line German shepherd, if you flip the hair up they're brown underneath every hair has 2 colors but for beauty shows their no good as i think they are much prettier like this then the all known black and brown color show lines that's the same thing with their straight back as for working they have to be natural straight and for showline they have bread this unnatural standing position which give more chances on hip dysplasia

[@Cathan1856]

They did great. Beautiful gsd, seems a lovely dog. Like the point about consolidating the training at home and building on it, also when you walk your dogs, give them breaks, so people don’t think the goal is the dog is in training every second.

[@Femtal-oz6rq]

Sooo good !!! Mum and Gunner did great. Terrific work Tom as always !!

[@mcauleyman]

What a gorgeous shepherd.

[@thejindoman7471]

Just got a chance to sit down! Perfect timing👍

[@tomdavisofficial]

Hell yea

[@lojibaybee]

I have the same type of dog workingine gsd there great dogs but hard headed and stubborn but obedient when it comes to tricks and work

[@JohnAdmiralAwesome]

Oh, intro on point!

[@Spitfire5769]

I have been watching a lot of Toms older videos and it has been awesome to see the quality steadily improving! I think these new videos you took it up a notch again. awesome stuff!

[@psalm1dan]

I think I'm the only guy that has a Shepherd with ADD ....still working on her.Great video!

[@mygiguser]

Beautiful dog!

[@tomdavisofficial]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@thejindoman7471]

Video shot in the new facility 😍👌🙌

[@tomdavisofficial]

Yes, still working on the studio for filming.

[@jennifervarela2423]

Tom thank you very much for all the wonderful knowledge you share with us we truly appreciate you

[@miketurner8983]

Thanks Tom

[@ronishaellis2968]

I've been waiting patiently for another awsome video!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Hope this is it!

[@fukumoristar7176]

I like that prong collar.? For my dutch Shepherd .his same energy as that dog .. TOO..♥️👍🤩thank YOU Tom

[@frances8813]

Wonderful video almost cried my doggie is dashund shepherd mix and can relate to the leash pulling my doggie has come along way thank to your great training videos. I'm still gonna have faith maybe one day tommy Davis can give me great training advice in person. It's definitely on my bucket list hurry down to San Antonio Texas of course

[@johncspine2787]

I played in the symphony there from 91-96..miss the great Tex Mex! Tomatillos, La Fogata, everyone had their own favorite, I can’t even remember all the great restaurants!

[@Lulu.4444]

I’ve been binge watching you’re videos and I love them!! You bringing out your dog reminded me that I wanted to ask if you had a video about how you trained your dog to bark on command and why you use commands in a different language sometimes? I know you didn’t que him in this video but it reminded me of it and I wanted to know how you taught them that and why.

[@joseluisespinosajr203]

Hi Tom, I stumbled on your video and you are one of the passionate dog trainers out there, your videos have helped a lot. I have a Siberian Husky who is anxious at times. This will help me deal with his anxiety. Thank you, I even bought a 3.0 herms springer for him. Do you have any videos on how to use them properly?

[@Annabellgee]

I would love a video like this too!!

[@lizbethcenteno2833]

Hey Luis did you purchase the germ sprenger collar recently? I’ve been trying to buy one for my boy.

[@lillieberger2883]

@@lizbethcenteno2833 go to Ray Allen Manufacturing. I recently purchased two from them.

[@sallyostling]

He has TONS of videos about proper use.

[@fromex2lsturbo]

Another fantastic job by Tom and handler 👍 and I just realized Lakota is dutch!! Poor camera angles had me thinking she was an all black for the longest time! I swear her and my black female are clones 😁

[@sambr__]

What a beautiful dog! ❤️

[@VikashSharma-rc4fu]

my 5 month GSD Puppy turns soil under his paw dust...when someone walks nearby him..but is a good boy in home only..hope i can fix it with Tom's method and that Collar..

[@douggarrett5288]

That is a gorgeous sable GSD.

[@gigihoover3330]

The owner is a good handler!

[@ransleehoxit2314]

I’m just starting out watching your KZbin I like it so far I have subscribed and I also have kind of listen to your podcast to could you make a full video on how to teach you talk to heal my dog is really struggling with that I haven’t found any good training videos yet

[@lenagoodwin8223]

Another great video! Your advice and experience is invaluable. Gonna look into the membership subscription because I can't get enough:)

[@1stand2ndtimearound67]

This one is great! I finally know what "heel" means... This lesson is in my to keep folder!!!

[@sensforce]

Always great content! Using this with my GSD and seeing results. Thanks TD!

[@lisabedker-madsen6186]

What a gorgeous dog!

[@MaximillianandRubyGrace]

Heel was my magic!! Once I realized how important that was and got it on the ecollar things changed. Also I was just quicker on correcting with ecollar than with any collar

[@silversrt4ken]

Another great job Tom! And that's a beautiful Shepherd! ❤️

[@fallbrkgrl]

I see what a difference the prong collar makes. I can see the instant engagement, but I'm not sure if it's too harsh for my dog. Just adopted a 5 year old female German shepherd five days ago. Very nervous, insecure, sensitive, not food motivated, and does not engage, but very sweet. Just started to introduce "sit", but backed off because of her being so nervous I realize that I do have to give her more time. In the meantime, researching training, behavioral information, especially since this is my first shelter dog, and only my second dog, but got him at three months old (terrier mix). I chose her because she was not doing well at the shelter, not because of her breed. Shelter kept her with people in their offices when she first got there because she was so scared. If she just is a sensitive dog, is the prong collar going to be too much?

[@AletheiAdamantine]

As always - awesome job, Tom! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@blainejudd5693]

If you haven’t can you please do a video on leash reactive dogs? My GSD, Zeus knows heel, he knows everything but he still can’t get over the leash frustration towards other dogs. I’ve done the turns and he heels but the second he sees anything it’s past his threshold

[@grlowery6006]

Best video yet! Keep it up Tom.

[@sandralewis8666]

What a beautiful dog! Well done Tom! Great and informative video! 💯

[@NA-su3jk]

Love your work Tom!

[@jackiegreen3444]

I have a 9 wk old gsd puppy that is not like any puppy I've seen on the hundreds of training videos, or anywhere in my life. He is extremely intelligent, gives me eye contact when hungry, understands commands and rules, but has an extremely defiant attitude when he is not hungry. He gets very angry and bites very hard. He bullies my two 8 year old picachoos, and is becoming more and more aggressive with them in his attempts to force them to play. He loves my male picachoo, but stalks him like a wild cat and attacks him. He only bites him harder after he screams in pain. He has started growling at me, and biting me hard when I go to pick him up to remove him from a place he is not allowed to be. I walk him several times throughout the day. Crate him at night, and at least once during the day for a very short period. I hand feed him to work on commands and tricks. When he is tired he is very sweet. I feel in my gut he is very dominant, and I want to know what to do. There are different rules for him and the picachoos because they have to have a way to escape his attacks. Is it possible that this is causing him the attitude? He wants to do everything my male picachoo does, and attempts everything he sees him do. I want to get this right. I wish a professional could observe him, and tell me what they think.

[@kimleger8824]

YES!!! I have three of those babies

[@kimleger8824]

Beautiful!! I have three personalities here and this helps immensely. I need help with my tripod, front right amputee, but we'll find our path, just trial and error with her ❤️

[@tomdavisofficial]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@boatrightssyzurp2871]

You got a working line they very dominant

[@milenataylor2]

I adore this channel 💛