Top 20 Commands to Teach Your German Shepherd
Having owned and trained German Shepherds for over a decade, I can confidently say there’s no breed more eager to learn and please their human companion.
These intelligent, loyal dogs thrive on structure and purpose, making them incredibly rewarding to train. But I’ve also learned that success comes down to teaching the right commands in the right order.
When I brought home my first German Shepherd, Max, I was overwhelmed by advice from every direction.
Some people insisted on teaching tricks first, others focused solely on obedience. Through years of experience—and plenty of mistakes—I’ve discovered which commands truly matter for building a well-behaved, confident German Shepherd.
Why Command Training Matters for German Shepherds
Before diving into the specific commands, I want to emphasize why this breed needs structured training more than most.
German Shepherds were bred to work alongside humans, making decisions and solving problems. Without proper direction, that intelligence can quickly turn into destructive behavior.
I learned this the hard way with my second Shepherd, Luna. I thought her natural obedience meant I could skip formal training.
Within weeks, she had reorganized my entire backyard according to her own landscaping vision—which apparently involved redistributing all my mulch and creating several unauthorized digging projects.
The key is channeling their intelligence productively. Every command you teach becomes a building block for communication, trust, and mental stimulation.
The Foundation Commands (Master These First)
1. Name Recognition
This might seem obvious, but I can’t stress enough how crucial it is that your German Shepherd truly knows their name means “pay attention to me.” I start every training session by saying my dog’s name and rewarding eye contact. This simple foundation makes every other command exponentially easier to teach.
2. “Sit”
The gateway command to everything else. I use “sit” as a reset button throughout the day—before meals, going outside, meeting new people. German Shepherds learn this quickly, usually within a few repetition sessions. The key is consistency: never give a treat, open a door, or provide attention without a sit first.
3. “Stay”
Once your Shepherd has mastered sitting, “stay” teaches impulse control and patience. I always start with very short durations—literally two seconds—then gradually increase. The mistake I made early on was expecting too much too soon. These dogs are eager to please, so they’ll break the stay trying to come get their reward before you’ve properly released them.
4. “Come”
This is potentially a life-saving command, so I never take shortcuts teaching it. I started with Max in a fenced area, making myself incredibly exciting when he came to me. Treats, praise, even a little victory dance—anything to make coming to me the best part of his day. Never call your dog to come for something they perceive as negative, like ending playtime or getting a bath.
5. “Down”
More than just lying down, this command teaches submission and calm behavior. German Shepherds can be naturally assertive, so having a reliable “down” helps establish leadership and provides a way to settle an excited or anxious dog. I use this constantly when guests come over or during overstimulating situations.
Essential Control Commands
6. “Leave It”
I cannot overstate how valuable this command has been. From dropped chocolate to dead squirrels in the yard, “leave it” has saved me countless vet visits and unpleasant situations. I teach this by holding a treat in my closed fist, saying “leave it,” and only opening my hand when the dog stops trying to get it.
7. “Drop It”
Different from “leave it,” this command tells your dog to release something they already have. German Shepherds love to carry things around, and sometimes those things are your favorite shoes or important documents. I practice this with toys, making the exchange rewarding rather than confrontational.
8. “Wait”
While similar to “stay,” “wait” implies a shorter duration and often involves doorways or transitions. I use this before getting out of the car, going through doors, or starting meals. It prevents rushing and establishes that good things happen when your dog exercises patience.
9. “Heel”
Proper leash walking transformed my relationship with my German Shepherds. These are strong dogs, and letting them pull teaches them they control the walk. I use “heel” to mean walking directly beside me, not ahead. This took considerable practice with Luna, who believed every walk was a race she needed to win.
10. “No” or “Stop”
A clear, firm boundary command that means “whatever you’re doing right now needs to end.” I keep this simple and use it sparingly—only when I need to interrupt unwanted behavior immediately. Overusing “no” makes it lose its power.
Advanced Behavioral Commands
11. “Place” or “Bed”
This command sends your dog to a specific location—usually their bed or crate—and stay there. It’s invaluable for managing excitement when guests arrive or creating calm during busy household activities. I taught this by leading my dogs to their bed, saying “place,” and rewarding them for staying there.
12. “Quiet”
German Shepherds are naturally protective and vocal. While I appreciate their alertness, there are times when barking needs to stop. I taught “quiet” by first allowing a few barks (acknowledging their concern), then using the command with a treat reward when they stopped. This took patience but has been essential for neighbor relations.
13. “Back”
This creates physical space between you and your dog. I use it when they’re underfoot in the kitchen, crowding doorways, or being too pushy for attention. It’s gentler than physical corrections and teaches respect for personal space.
14. “Touch”
Teaching your dog to gently touch your hand with their nose creates a positive way to redirect attention and energy. I use this when I want my dog to move toward me or refocus on me instead of something else. It’s particularly helpful with anxious or distracted dogs.
15. “Watch Me”
Eye contact is the foundation of communication with German Shepherds. This command demands full attention and focus. I use it in distracting environments or before giving other commands to ensure I have their complete attention.
Practical Daily Commands
16. “Get Your Toy”
German Shepherds love having jobs, and retrieving specific items gives them purpose. I started by naming their toys during play, then asking them to “get your rope” or “get your ball.” This mental stimulation is almost as tiring as physical exercise.
17. “Go to Your Crate”
Crate training provides a safe space for your dog and peace of mind for you. I made the crate a positive place with comfortable bedding and occasional special treats. “Go to your crate” isn’t punishment—it’s a comfortable retreat.
18. “Off”
Different from “down,” this command means “get off whatever you’re on”—furniture, people, counters. German Shepherds are large dogs who sometimes forget their size. I taught this by gently guiding them off while saying the command, then immediately rewarding compliance.
19. “Easy” or “Gentle”
This moderates your dog’s energy and intensity. I use it when they’re being too enthusiastic with treats, play, or greetings. German Shepherds can be mouthy during excitement, so “easy” teaches appropriate pressure and behavior.
20. “All Done” or “Finished”
This signals the end of an activity—training session, playtime, or interaction. Having a clear ending helps your dog transition between activities and understand when expectations change. I always follow this with a brief calm period before moving to the next activity.
Training Tips from My Experience
Through training multiple German Shepherds, I’ve learned some crucial lessons that can save you time and frustration:
Start young, but it’s never too late. While puppy brains are like sponges, I successfully taught these commands to rescue dogs of various ages. Adult German Shepherds often learn faster because they have better attention spans.
Consistency is everything. Everyone in your household needs to use the same commands and expectations. I learned this when Max would beautifully “sit” for me but completely ignore my partner using different words.
Mental exercise matters as much as physical. A tired German Shepherd is a good German Shepherd, but mental stimulation through training often tires them more effectively than a long walk.
End on success. I always finish training sessions with a command I know my dog will perform perfectly. This builds confidence and keeps training positive.
Practice everywhere. Commands learned in your living room might not transfer to the park without practice. I gradually introduced distractions and new environments to proof each command.
Common Challenges I’ve Encountered
German Shepherds are naturally strong-willed, which can create specific training challenges. The biggest issue I’ve faced is their tendency to test boundaries as they mature. Around 6-12 months, even well-trained puppies may start selectively hearing commands.
My approach is to go back to basics without getting frustrated. If Luna suddenly “forgets” how to sit, we spend a few days practicing with high-value treats until the behavior is solid again. This isn’t defiance—it’s normal development.
Another challenge is their protective instincts interfering with commands like “come.” If they perceive a threat, their natural inclination is to guard rather than retreat to you. This is why I never compromise on recall training and always practice in gradually more challenging environments.
The Long-Term Benefits
Investing time in teaching these 20 commands has given me German Shepherds who are genuinely enjoyable companions. They can accompany me to outdoor events, meet new people confidently, and handle unexpected situations calmly.
More importantly, proper training has deepened our bond. My dogs look to me for guidance because they trust my leadership. This creates a partnership where they’re eager to please and I’m confident in their behavior.
The time investment—about 10-15 minutes of focused training daily—has paid dividends in reduced stress, increased freedom, and enhanced enjoyment of life with these remarkable dogs.
Conclusion
German Shepherds are exceptional dogs who deserve exceptional training. These 20 commands provide the foundation for a well-behaved, confident, and happy dog. Remember that training is an ongoing relationship, not a destination.
Every German Shepherd is unique, and what worked perfectly for Max might need modification for Luna. Pay attention to your dog’s learning style, be patient with the process, and celebrate small victories along the way.
The reward—a German Shepherd who is both a loyal companion and a well-mannered family member—is worth every minute you invest in their training. I can’t imagine life without these incredible dogs, and proper command training has made that life infinitely richer and more enjoyable.
