Obedience training may just be the best gift you can give yourself, your family, and your German Shepherd. It teaches your dog appropriate social behavior with both people and animals; helps correct annoying behaviors like jumping, digging, barking, and chewing; and keeps your dog entertained, safe, and happy.
Basic Obedience training is a stepping stone to many AKC titles: Canine Good Citizen, Obedience, Rally, Trick Dog, and other competitions that require your dog to understand to your commands.
Taking a class at your local training center is the best way to train your dog in obedience but you can’t rely on classes alone: you have to practice, and while it’s important to practice regularly and frequently, sessions should be short and interspersed with playtime and rewards.
An obedience trial is an event at which dogs and handlers perform exercises as outlined in the American Kennel Club’s Obedience Regulations. Dogs are scored on their performance by AKC-approved judges.
There are three levels of training. Through the Novice Class, dogs earn the Companion Dog (CD) title, through the Open Class, the Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title; and through the Utility Class, the Utility Dog (UD) title.
Obedience is a fun way to meet others and learn to be a team with your dog. It is recommended that you choose a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT)
