Training

As the German Shepherd is used as a companion, guardian and for protection, it must be self-assured and balanced with strong nerves, whilst maintaining a good nature until pushed to the limit. The dog must be vibrant, easy-going, and courageous and have a strong protective instinct. A well-bred German Shepherd makes an ideal family pet, but it should be remembered that as it is essentially a working dog, it requires an active lifestyle. The dog should be provided with sufficient space to run and stimulus, such as training at a club, in order to reach its full potential.

Training hours:

Specialised training takes place on Saturday afternoon commencing at 13.30 hours at the sports grounds of the  Settlaars Park Primary school in 4 th Avenue Walmer. Click on Directions

Training Equipment:

Please don't buy training equipment, collars, chains and leashes as we can supply you with the correct equipment.

Here are some examples:

The Club provides training in the following:

Showing
Breed shows are held regularly throughout the country. Although these events are held primarily to identify and qualify potential breeding animals, many people enjoy actively competing purely for fun.

Training
There are various levels of training for  the dog. The most basic element is puppy socialising which can start after the dog has received it's second vaccination ( the earlier the better). During this stage both owner and dog are taught the basics of training and the utilisation of prey drive. This is followed by the preparation for the BH test.  Begleithund (Companion Dog)  entails sits, stays and walking at heel both on the training field and in public areas. A formal test test can be entered at the age of 15 months.

From the age of 16 months an  AD test (Ausdauer Pruefung) can be entered. After the hips of the dog have been tested and formally approved, the dog can perform a three phase test totaling a distance of 20 km at an an average speed of 12.5km per hour normally next to a bicycle.

For dogs entered in show events there is the Breed Survey which is an evaluation of the Breed quality by a specialised judge (Breed Surveyor) . This evaluation includes a TSB (test of courage). Training for this test starts at an early age. Breed Surveys can be entered from the age of 18 months onwards. Prerequisites for entering the Survey are, hips approved for breeding (A symbol), AD and BH for male dogs, the same applies to bitches although the BH test is a requirement for the second Breed Survey (for Life) evaluation only. 

There is Schutzhund training (Protection Dog) for those enthusiasts who are keen, have a suitable dog and the time to prepare a dog for the three elements of this test comprising, control work, tracking and protection.

At what age does training start:

The younger the dog the better as it will not yet have developed it's own character and behaviour pattern.

Socializing of a puppy starts at approximately 4 months of age or two weeks after the puppy has received its second vaccination.

The training concept is based on furthering the dog's natural prey drive. 

Last updated 22 November 2011 02:43:36

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