Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge

Hi Everyone.

Today I going to tell how to train your German Shepherd Dog, puppy or adult to jump up on a grooming table or to load into the car, etc.

First cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood into a 2-foot by 4-foot table size platform. Lay this on the ground so that you and your German Shepherd Dog, puppy or adult can walk on the table.  Heel onto the table top and give the command to sit on the table.  Reward your German shepherd Dog with a treat and praise. Do this exercise 3 or 4 times.  Now take 4 concrete cylinder blocks and place them under the table so that the table is sturdy.

Now repeat the above exercise by both you and your German Shepherd Dog stepping up on the platform and give the command Jump in a fun sounding voice as your German shepherd Dog steps up onto the platform.  Once on top give the command to sit.  Repeat this exercise 4 to 6 times and provide plenty of treats and praise.

Now raise the platform again.  This time it may be too high for you to step up on the platform, therefore, you will heel your German Shepherd Dog straight into the platform and give the command to jump while you step to the side. Once your German Shepherd Dog is on top of the Platform give the command to sit.  Provide lots of treats and praise, if they accomplish this part of the exercise.  If they refuse to jump then repeat step two of this exercise by lowering the platform to where you can step onto it with your German Shepherd Dog. Do this several times and then try raising the platform.  With a little practice your German Shepherd Dog puppy or adult will readily be jumping up on the platform. From here it is easy to transfer this exercise to a grooming table or the family car.

Heidelberg’s Prime v Brandic

Heidelberg’s Preston v Brandic

Heidelberg’s Intrepid Darcyu

For those German Shepherd Dogs that refuse to jump up on the higher platform, you can try to climb up on the platform and while on top encourage your German shepherd Dog to join you on the platform,  This is usually all it takes to encourage those German Shepherd Dogs that are hesitant about  jumping.

H’s Preston and his little girl

Know the limitations of your German Shepherd Dog, puppy and adult and never ask them jump a height that they cannot readily make.  For example, into the back of high clearance pick-ups may be too high or if they miss the jump they may seriously injure themselves.

Ask me a question and I will provide my opinion.

Sincerely,

KeystoneGermanShepherds