German Shepherd K9 Training
After purchasing a puppy, you have the option to enroll your dog in our exclusive German Shepherd K9 training program or to purchase a trained puppy that has already completed our Obedience from the Beginning Training Program. Please note, all training services are available only for Kraftwork K9 puppies.
Our GSD K9 training focuses on foundational obedience skills that every well-rounded puppy should master. Each training plan is customized to meet the specific needs of both the dog and the family. Unless requested otherwise, all commands are taught in German for consistency and clarity.
All German Shepherd K9 training takes place at our Rochester, Washington, facility with easy access to PDX( Portland, Oregon) and SEA( Seattle, Washington State) airports for convenient transportation.
(30 Days)
Minimum Age: 8 weeks
We call this “Obedience from the Beginning”. This is the perfect age to lay down a solid foundation on which future training can be built. Our German Shepherd trainers introduce the puppies to a reward system using food to reinforce the correct behavior. This helps us develop their drive to learn in a distraction-free environment. We teach them their name, how to sit & lie down, and introduce them to the heel position. We also begin house training and expose them to new environments. Level 1 of Kraftwork’s obedience training sets the puppies up for success in every area of their lives.
Week 1:
a. Learn how to respond to collar and leash
b. Follow the handler on leash
c. Name Association
Week 2:
a. Come and sit in the front position
b. Sit on command
c. Down on command
d. Teaching the meaning of no
Week 3:
a. Introduced to house-training with indoor environment
b. Crate Trained
c. Vehicle familiarization
d. Drive Building – Encourage chasing and biting of approved toys
Week 4:
a. Introduction to stairs
b. Exposure to slippery stairs
c. Bathing, trimming of nails, and ear cleaning on an elevated table
(30 Days)
Minimum Age: 12 weeks
Kraftwork’s obedience level two is where the rubber meets the road for the puppies. We transition them from food rewards to play objects, such as tugs or balls, to build drive. Drive is a term describing the emotional and physical energy that motivates dogs to act. We go from using a food reward-based system to an actual training program. This is where our German Shepherd trainers test each command the puppies have learned. Each puppy has learned what to do, so now, we give him or her an opportunity not to do it. If the puppy makes the wrong choice, they are corrected for their behavior, but if the puppy chooses to obey, they are rewarded. During this level, the puppies are taught how to extend their sit-downs, developing their stay. They also learn how to greet people respectfully. Level 2 of Kraftwork’s obedience training teaches the puppies the practical obedience that they need to excel as a young, developing dog.
Week 1:
a. Introduction of training collar as a positive experience
b. Stop mouthing, inappropriate biting, and biting with stronger corrections
c. Recall & Sit in front of the handler from a distance
Week 2:
a. Sit & Stay (One minute)
b. Sit & Stay under distraction
c. Sit & Stay at a distance
Week 3:
a. Down & Stay (Three minutes)
b. Down & Stay under distraction
c. Down & Stay at a distance
Week 4:
a. Fetch (Promoting retrieving instincts)
b. Drive building – proofing behavior under different distractions and strange environments
c. Continued house-training
(30 Days)
Minimum Age: 16 weeks
Once we develop optimum drive in the puppies, we can take their training to the next level, with our obedience part 3 training course. This is a vital step in their training development. We help them begin to transition from puppies into confident and capable young adults. Once they have a solid foundation in their home field, they have to learn how to perform everywhere.
Week 1:
a. Fuss – Heel (Walk on loose lead in the heel position without pulling)
b. Automatically sits when the handler stops
c. Finished Fuss – Get into heel position from here, front sit
Week 2:
a. Formal German obedience commands as well as informal English house commands
b. Introduction to obedience hand signals
c. Obedience commands at a distance
Week 3:
a. Increased duration of sit and down stays
b. Extending the area of influence of the handler has increased from six feet to thirty with a long line
c. Introduction to off-leash obedience
Week 4:
a. Promotion of off-leash response to commands
b. Create a positive expectation based on the quickness of performance of behaviors
c. Proofing already learned behaviors around distractions: Dogs, people, vehicles, in home & office environments
Professional German Shepherd Training
Kraftwork K9 Pro is committed to providing expertly trained dogs to deter and confront potential threats. Unlike human security guards–who may only remain fully alert for part of their shift–a German Shepherd remains vigilant even while their owners sleep. Through professional German Shepherd training, our dogs are prepared to act as an immediate and effective deterrent.
Just the presence of a well-trained, barking dog is often enough to prevent break-ins and home invasions. Most intruders will think twice before approaching a home protected by a German Shepherd. Our Practical Protection Program builds on this foundation with advanced German Shepherd K9 training, designed to not only deter but also respond to threats when necessary.
