Dutch Shepherds are known for their intelligence and energy. Training them is essential for mental stimulation, and building a strong bond between dog and owner. Without proper Dutch Shepherd training, their boundless energy and excitement will lead to destructive behaviors that will frustrate both dog and owner. 

Training also channels their protective instincts which reduces the likelihood of unwanted aggression and fear. In this blog post, we will delve into effective training tips for Dutch Shepherd puppies and important commands every pet owner should teach them. Explore more below. 

Effective Dutch Shepherd Training Tips

Start Early: Dutch shepherd puppies are like sponges, they quickly pick up and learn basic commands and behaviors. So, it's best to start as early as possible to teach them about the expected behaviors. 
Positive Reinforcement: This is the best training method not only for the Dutch Shepherd but for any dog breed. It is reward-based and is exceptionally effective. It involves giving treats, and toys to your dog to appreciate them for desired behavior.
Stay Consistent: Effective Dutch Shepherd training requires consistency. You need to ensure that you, your family, neighbors, and friends use the same commands and signals to avoid confusing your furry companion.
Keep Training Sessions Short: This is an important training tip as Dutch Shepherd puppies have a high drive to learn and they can easily lose their interest if training sessions are too long. We suggest training for 10 to 15 minutes and then give a break to keep them engaged.
Socialize Early: If you are training a Dutch Shepherd puppy, it’s best to start exposing them to different environments, people, and other animals. This will boost their confidence and make them more comfortable. This avoids fear or aggression among them.
Exercise: Dutch Shepherds have high energy levels which can sometimes make it difficult for them to focus on training. So, make sure that your dog has some sort of exercise and physical activity before each training session. 

Essential Commands for Dutch Shepherds

1. Sit

The “sit” is one of the first commands that owners should teach. It establishes the foundation for other desired behaviors. You can use positive reinforcement techniques to teach this command. For example, hold a treat or toy close to their nose and move your hand in an upward direction. Your pet will start following the treat and their bottom will naturally lower. Once they sit, say “sit,” and reward them. Practice this in different environments to ensure they follow the command in various situations.

2. Stay

“Stay” is an important command to teach as it ensures that your dog remains in place. This is crucial for obedience and safety. We suggest hiring a professional dog trainer to teach different commands as the right technique can make all the difference. 

3. Come

“Come” command is essential to keep your Dutch Shepherd puppy in control.  You can use a long leash and say “come” while pulling the leash gently. And when they follow your command, reward them by giving treats, toys, or just appreciation. 

4. Down

“Down” is a command that can help your dog settle in different situations. Teaching this command may take longer, so be patient. It is best to trust a professional for effective Dutch Shepherd training. 

5. Leave It

The “Leave It” command prevents dogs from picking up or approaching unwanted items. You can teach this command by holding a treat in a closed fist and saying “Leave It.” Wait until they stop chasing the treat, and then reward them with a different treat. It’s best to practice this command using various objects.

Advanced Training Tips

Once your Dutch Shepherd puppy learns basic commands, you can proceed further with advanced training like tracking, agility, etc. It will also channel their intelligence and energy. 

Include Hand Signals: You can pair commands with hand signals to enhance communication.
Practice Impulse Control: Use commands like “wait” and “easy” to teach them patience.
Try Different Challenges: The same type of training can lead to boredom, and your dog may lose focus. To avoid this, try different training exercises. This will keep them engaged.

3 Common Dutch Shepherd Training Challenges

Stubbornness: Your puppy may act stubborn but you need to be firm and patient. Avoid punishing them for this as it can lead to resistance.
Overexcitement: It’s common during Dutch Shepherd training. To avoid this, you need to be calm and take frequent breaks to channel their energy.
Distractions: Puppies have high energy levels which leads to distraction. So, start training them in a low-distraction environment and then gradually expose them to distractions. 

Training a Dutch Shepherd requires patience and consistency. Let them learn at their own pace and you’ll set your dog up for a lifetime of success.