How to train adopted German Shepherd to stop jumping, chasing cats?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Marley. Congratulations on her adoption! You can try a couple of things to improve her behavior. A simple solution is to crate her or to keep her in a separate area of the house when company arrives. Then let her out after everyone is settled and keep her on a leash to control any jumping. I have found it more successful though to work on obedience training. Ensure that she knows how to sit. When company walks in, ask her to sit. Again, keep her on a leash while she is learning to control the jumping. Once she sits, provide her with a very high value treat that she only gets when someone comes over. You can use a food puzzle toy, rawhide or anything that will be time consuming for her to consume. The goal is for her to anticipate the treat, sit when someone comes in and then take the treat to go enjoy by herself. Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! German Shepherds are highly intelligent an highly trainable dogs. I recommend hiring a trainer and nipping this in the bud now. German Shepherds are also very large and can be aggressive to strangers as adults so being able to control Bentley is very important. I would start with sit, stay, and leave it. Purchase the gentle leader harness that goes on the muzzle. Use that for all walks. Bring treats on the walk and when he tries to jump have him sit. Once he sits he gets a treat. Jumping is unacceptable in a dog his size and is one of the hardest bad habits to break. He should not be allowed to jump on people. The gentle leader allows great control of the head. I hope this helps and I wish you the very best!

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Max is very cute! Max is likely afraid of you because you are a man and more dominant in appearance and stature. I would take obedience training and seek a private trainer with him alone. I would discuss anti-anxiety medications with your Vet. German Shepherds are very anxious dogs and getting on top of it now with private training and medications (hopefully temporary) will help in the long run. It will take time and one on one interactions to build trust and a relationship, it may not happen over night. I hope this helps and I wish you and Max the very best!

A big strong dog like your Mufasa can easily become a danger, so it is absolutely mandatory that he listens to you and that he learns several basic commands such as heel, sit, lie down, come here, etc. The best way to teach him that is to become a member of a German Shepherd Dog club in your area, where they have training for obedience , etc, or consult with a dog trainer you can work with to teach the commands. It is important not to just give the dog to the trainer to train, but to have both of you , dog and owner, learn how it is done. This way your dog will not just listen to the trainer and play games with you, but will learn to respect you as well.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is certainly possible and recommended but this usually requires in person training by a qualified dog trainer. I recommend you consider contacting a qualified dog trainer to work with you in person. Good luck and have a good day!

That is a very young age to get a puppy and take it from its mother, which can affect socialization some. I highly recommend enrolling in a puppy kindergarten class together once Jerry is old enough to ensure you both set some ground rules, learn how to communicate with each other, socialize with other puppies, and get started on some basic obedience. It is normal for puppies to bark and be active, but if she is being aggressive, growling, snarling, etc, it is also a good idea to speak with a trainer or behaviorist in your area as this is not normal behavior. A trainer can work with you in person to help make sure Jerry is feeling comfortable instead of fearful, and that you both learn how to work together.

Make him "work" for everything (going out, eating, playing, etc.). This can be as simple as making him sit or wait before getting what he wants. As cute as he must be, do not allow him to initiate contact or play. Ignore him until you are ready, then make him sit/stay/wait before proceeding. Do not allow him on furniture or beds. He should have his own bed on the floor. Better yet, use a crate. When you reprimand him, be firm and be consistent.