blog - Sacramento Dog Training

Mental Stimulation Activities for German Shepherds

German Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence and boundless energy. To maintain their overall well-being, it’s essential to provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation. While activities like walking and running cater to their physical needs, engaging their minds is equally crucial to prevent boredom and associated behavioral issues. The Importance of Mental Stimulation Mental stimulation plays a pivotal role … Read More

The Importance of Early Socialization in German Shepherd Puppies

Early socialization plays a crucial role in shaping the behavior, temperament, and overall development of German Shepherd puppies. These intelligent and loyal dogs have a natural protective instinct, making proper socialization essential to prevent fearfulness, aggression, and anxiety in adulthood. At the German Dog Training Center, we emphasize the importance of exposing puppies to various people, environments, and experiences during … Read More

Benefits of German Shepherd Obedience Classes

A German Shepherd being trained while on a field with grass

Owning a German Shepherd can bring joy and excitement to your life, but it’s no secret that this dog breed comes with its challenges. Maybe you’re dealing with a German Shepherd puppy that keeps testing your patience. They might be chewing on furniture, barking constantly, or struggling to follow basic commands like “sit” or “stay.” On the other hand, if … Read More

When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing? FAQ Answered

Young German Shepherd puppy sitting on a concrete street

If you’re raising a German Shepherd puppy, you might find yourself marveling at how fast your little ball of fluff is growing. One week, they fit snugly in your lap, and soon after, they seem ready to rival the size of your favorite armchair. If you’ve been wondering when this whirlwind of growth will finally taper off, don’t worry—you’re not … Read More

How Much Exercise Does a German Shepherd Need?

German Shepherds are highly intelligent, high-energy dogs that need both physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If you are looking to get a German Shepherd puppy for your family, you might be wondering how much exercise they need. While the answer will vary depending on your dog, most suggest German Shepherds require between 60 to 120 minutes … Read More

Do German Shepherds Shed? Answering This Hairy Question

Thinking about bringing a German Shepherd into your home? Many are captivated by their intelligence, loyalty, and striking appearance. But as you picture daily walks and playtime, there’s a lingering concern in the back of your mind. Do German Shepherds shed a lot? You’ve probably heard that German Shepherds are notorious shedders, and you’re wondering just how much fur you’ll … Read More

Positive Puppy Reinforcement Without Food

When training your puppy, you probably think of using treats. But you may not always have access to them. You may also want to steer clear of treats if you’re trying to help your dog lose weight. Food sensitivities can also push you to look for options besides treats for training. Fortunately, you’ve got a few options when it comes to … Read More

Holiday Hazards For Pets

When the holiday season sets in, there will be a lot going on in your household. From the decorations put up to the toys that are played with, there are many dangers to dogs and other pets that are lurking in your home. Holiday Plants Holiday plants are a fun way to decorate and may your home more cozy and … Read More

How To Have A Dog-Friendly Holiday

A Happy Holiday for the Whole Family — Including Your Dog The holiday season can provide many opportunities for joy, from gatherings of loved ones to spectacular holiday meals. However, as you plan for this happy day, don’t forget to make allowances for that other member of your family, the family dog. Take the following steps to make sure your … Read More

What To Do When Your Pup Hates The Car

So many dogs love to ride in the car. There’s so much to look at and to smell. However, there are also dogs who would rather do anything but ride in the car. There are many reasons why a dog might not like the car. They may get carsick or have had some other bad thing happen to them in … Read More

What To Do When Your Canine Friend Hates Nail Trims

Trimming your dog’s nails probably ranks near the top of the list of tasks you dread. If your dog hates the process, you may find yourself putting it off much longer than you should, resulting in even more of a challenge. The good news is that instead of pinning your dog down and wrestling with them through the nail trimming … Read More

Crate Training Tips for Your Canine Companion

There are many benefits of crate training a dog; not only does a crate offer a safe place for your dog to retreat to and relax—but crate training can also help keep your dog safely contained and content while you’re away from home. Not sure where to begin when it comes to crate training a dog? We’ve got tips for … Read More

What Is (and Isn’t) Aggression in Dogs

Encompassing a wide variety of behaviors, aggression in canines can be a foundational issue that is hard to overcome. Even as some dog owners have nightmares about their furry friend misbehaving, others are taking proactive steps to better understand what they are seeing. With dogs, once you can understand the proper signs of aggression, you can step in to address … Read More

Backpacking This Summer? Tips For Bringing Your Dog

Since most dogs love outdoor adventures, it is an excellent idea to bring yours along with you during a summer hike. Since you will be traveling in the wild when it is hot outside, there are some things that you should do to make the journey safe and enjoyable. Consider the following tips. Make Sure to Pack the Necessities It is … Read More

Separation Anxiety? How to Train Your Dog to Be Alone

As much as we love our dogs, we need to leave them alone sometimes. For some dogs, this triggers separation anxiety, and the anxiety that it causes may show itself in a number of unhealthy behaviors. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make your dog feel more at ease when you leave so that he does not … Read More

How to Handle Dogs Who Are Afraid of Strangers

It’s not the dog’s fault. There are many dogs out there who are afraid of strangers. It makes sense. For thousands of years, dogs have been bred to alert us to an attack. They don’t know that we’re welcoming our visitors; they’re on alert. But there are ways to deal with a “scaredy-cat” dog. Here’s what you need to know. … Read More

How Do I Keep My Dog From Chasing Wheels?

Dogs have been domesticated to become our best friends, but they still possess instincts from their time in the wild. One of these instincts is called “prey drive,” which compels them to chase fast-moving animals or objects. For some, this manifests itself when they chase wheels, such as trying to catch bicycles, motorcycles, vehicles, or other objects that possess them. … Read More

What Causes Aggression to Larger Dogs?

While some smaller dogs are clearly nervous or scared around larger dogs, some of them tend to get more aggressive when they’re around larger breeds. It’s essential for dog owners to understand why their dog may be aggressive to larger dogs, allowing them to train their dog more effectively and help them feel more comfortable, especially if they spend a … Read More

How to Stop Excitement Urination in Dogs

Does your dog seem to urinate unexpectedly when they get overly excited? This can be a difficult problem for many pet owners to manage. It’s essential to understand your dog most likely has no control over excitement urination, but there are things you can do to reduce or even eliminate the issue if you’re willing to work with your dog. … Read More

Why Is My Dog Anxious In The Car?

While some dogs absolutely love car rides and can’t wait to go, others experience anxiety when it comes time to hit the road. Your dog may show signs of anxiety by barking, drooling, pacing or whining every time they hop into the car. Although this can be frustrating for dog owners and even dangerous at times, there are things you … Read More