The Four Phases of Obedience Training


Training your German Shepherd Dog is much more complicated that just repeating the same commands over and over again to establish wanted behaviors. If you are planning on taking the time to train your Shepherd you may want to consider taking the time to learn about dog psychology first. Being well informed concerning the methods of training and the ways in which the mind of a dog works will make training less stressful and more efficient for both of you. Basic Training is just that, the introduction to and accomplishment of learning the bare minimum of proper doggie etiquette. The more advanced forms of training take the basics and build upon them in order to accomplish more complex tasks. There are four phases within both Basic and Advanced Training. They are:

  1. Learning Phase

  2. Distraction Phase

  3. Correction Phase

  4. Maintenance Phase

 1.  The Learning Phase involves the use of markers as a means of positive reinforcement. I prefer to use my voice, which is always readily available, as a marker. When using any form of marker, the positive response needs to be immediate and consistent in order for it to be effective. You give the command Sitz and as soon as your Shepherd’s haunches touch the ground you respond with Sehr Gut (Very Good) or some other form of reward marker.

2.  The Distraction Phase should be started after your Shepherd is consistently responding to your commands. Begin by adding small distractions such as someone walking by your dog and talking to him. Slowly increase the amount of distraction until it reaches the point of confusion. For example have some children play tag or keep away near your Shepherd. You can add to the distraction by having a couple of kids play catch with your dog’s favorite toy. The more noise and confusion the better as your goal is to have your Shepherd remain focused on you and your commands rather than respond to the commotion going on around him. Reward and Correction need to be consistent and immediate in order to be effective. As with any training, patience and repetition are extremely important. Always end each training session on a positive note with a command your Shepherd knows well.


3.  The Correction Phase creates awareness in your German Shepherd that incorrect behavior is unacceptable. Your correction must be immediate and it needs to be done with thought, love, and gentleness. Never hit or strike out at your German Shepherd as a form of punishment. When you feel yourself becoming angry it is past the time to take a break and have some playtime. Decide before you begin training your GSD what you will use for a correction command. Keep it short, use one sharply spoken word or sound. The physical aspect needs to be firm yet gentle. This may seem like a contradiction but it is possible to achieve. Use holds and hand bites without causing pain. Pain leads to aggression and confusion. It sets up a fight or flight mentality that is difficult to reverse. Successful trainers keep training sessions short, and break down more complicated tasks into smaller pieces. German Shepherds love to please their people and are usually easy to work with provided you are clear in your methods of reward and punishment.

4.  The Maintenance Phase is exactly what it sounds like. If you are consistently working with your German Shepherd his training with be kept in peak form. It only takes a few minutes of your time to keep your Shepherd sharp and well behaved. Nothing is more off putting than an unruly dog. Time spent in training or refreshing his training will be time well spent. Don’t wait until you notice unwanted behaviors. It is easier to stop a bad behavior before it becomes a habit rather than trying to “fix” the behavior later.

As Caesar Milan would say “Be A Calm and Fair Pack Leader 100% of the time and your dog will remain in a Calm and Submissive State.” Prevention versus Cure just makes sense and keeps everyone happier and more fun to be around.