How to train a German Shepherd to stand still?

German Shepherds are intelligent but high-energy, which can make teaching them to stand still a bit tricky—they often want to explore or respond to every sound around. Start with short sessions, maybe 2-3 minutes at a time, so they don’t get bored or frustrated. Choose a quiet spot in your home, like the living room when no one’s watching TV, to cut down on distractions that might make them move.

Grab their favorite treats—small pieces of chicken or cheese work well since they’re easy to chew quickly. Stand in front of them and say “Stand” in a calm, firm voice—no need to yell, as German Shepherds respond better to steady tones. If they stay in place for even 1-2 seconds, give them a treat and praise them softly, like “Good boy/girl.” Repeat this a few times, slowly increasing how long they need to stand before getting a reward.

If they try to sit or walk away, don’t scold them—just gently guide them back to the starting position and try again. German Shepherds learn from consistency, not punishment, so keeping the mood positive helps them pick up the skill faster. After a few days of home practice, take them to a quiet park to try—this lets them get used to standing still with slight outdoor distractions, like a bird flying by.

Remember to check your local area’s dog laws too. Some places require dogs to stand still when being checked by a vet or animal control, so training this skill keeps you both compliant. For example, in many U.S. states and European countries, dogs must stay calm during leash checks in public areas—having them stand still makes these moments easier and avoids any trouble.

As they get better, you can practice without treats sometimes, but still give praise to keep them motivated. Maybe try during their daily routine, like before putting on their leash for a walk—this ties the skill to something they do every day, making it stick. Most German Shepherds will master standing still in 1-2 weeks if you practice daily, and it’ll make tasks like grooming or putting on a harness much simpler.

Training “Stand” isn’t just about following commands—it’s about building trust between you and your dog. When they understand what you ask and get positive feedback, they’ll be more willing to listen in other situations too. Plus, having a dog that can stand still safely in public or during checks shows you’re a responsible owner, which fits right in with how communities in the U.S. and Europe expect dog owners to act.