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German Shepherd Training in Chicago


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German Shepherds consistently rank in the top five most popular dog breeds in America - and for good reason. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and loyal. With proper training and socialization, they are also obedient and great with other dogs and children. Not to mention, they’re beautiful!

Dog Training Elite Chicago has years of experience with German Shepherd training and has developed obedience and personal protection training programs suitable for this breed. Because of their intelligence and natural herding instincts, German Shepherds can also be trained as service dogs.

Like any intelligent dog, however, a German Shepherd without proper training can become a handful. Their intelligence can lead to stubbornness. Extensive training and socialization are key to harnessing the unique abilities of this breed and diminishing any potential destructive behaviors. Thankfully, the high intelligence of German Shepherds enables them to learn commands quickly. The professional training of Dog Training Elite Chicago will help any German Shepherd become an incredible companion to individuals and families.


Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Chicago location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Dog Training Elite offers professional German Shepherd training for puppies and adults near you in Chicago.
German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults

Dog Training Elite Chicago recommends starting dog training as early as possible, soon after a puppy is ready to leave its mother. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands, and smart German Shepherd puppies do great with early training.

If you adopt an older German Shepherd, or never got around to puppy training, don’t worry! Dog Training Elite Chicago has adult dog training programs as well. A complete puppy training typically takes a few months. Adult dog training can take longer or shorter, depending on whether a dog needs to unlearn bad habits in addition to being trained.

In-Home German Shepherd Training

Dog Training Elite Chicago offers specialized in-home German Shepherd training for both owners and dogs of any age. Working with a German Shepherd and the owner directly in the home allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual dogs, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a dog has completed in-home training, they can take group classes for more in-depth training - Dog Training Elite Chicago offers both puppy and adult dog group classes.

Beginning training in the home also helps owners bond with their dogs so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost.

Dog Training Elite offers in-home dog training for German Shepherds in Chicago.

Our Balanced Theory

We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.


Dog Training Elite Chicago is the top company near you that uses professional positive dog training methods.
Empowering Owners

We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.

Personalized

We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.

Environment Specific

We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).

Supportive

We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").

Involved

We work with all members of the household.

Simplified & Customized

We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.

Continued Training

Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.

Lifetime Investment

We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.

Satisfaction Ratings

Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.

See Our Pricing

German Shepherd Specific Tips Be Consistent


Dogs, and especially German Shepherds, do best with consistency. Always make sure to use the same verbal and/or physical cues during training to avoid any confusion. Also, be consistent about rules - establish at the beginning, for example, whether or not your dog is allowed on the couch. Then, don’t change the rule under any circumstances.

German Shepherd Specific Tips Get Plenty of Exercise


German Shepherds are an energetic breed - if you don’t have a yard for your dog to play in, that’s fine, but make sure your German Shepherd gets daily exercise through walking, hiking, etc. An energetic dog with little to no exercise can become a destructive, disobedient dog.

German Shepherd Specific Tips Positive Reinforcement


Since German Shepherds are historically trained as working dogs, they thrive on being busy. Training is a great way to give German Shepherds the mental and physical stimulation they need.

Dog Training Elite Chicago has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. Read on to learn more about the Dog Training Elite Chicago training method.

Elite Dog Training in Chicago All Breeds. All Sizes. All Ages.

Pricing Free Assessment

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The Dog Training Elite
Difference

Dog Training Elite Chicago uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Chicago never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out.

The Dog Training Elite Chicago training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it.

Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. The electronic collar is not a shock collar; it is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Dog Training Elite Chicago’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.

Ready to turn your dog into a loyal and loving companion? Find a German Shepherd trainer near you today!

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Professional German Shepherd Trainers Near You in Chicago

We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!

Tim & Katie have helped us transform our pup, Winnie! We started to see immediate results after the first home visit and after the 5th, we had a list of items to keep working on to "give Winnie a job". We are now weekly attendees at group class and Winnie loves the structure and interaction. And most of all, seeing Tim, Katie (sometimes their kids!), Pauline and Grace!
— FourteenThirtyNine Westglen
Posted April 15th 2024
google
DTE is awesome!! They have changed the way we understand, interact, and live with our dog. The principles we learned have opened up the ability to enjoy our dog as part of our family, and make his life more enjoyable.
— Mitch Wolf
Posted April 11th 2024
google
Tim and Katie, I cannot say enough wonderful things about the training Charlie has received from your program. You have shown me how to train him so he knows I am in charge and he is so much more confident and happy, partly because you have shown me how not to be frustrated. I never knew training could be this easy. Thank you. Thank you also for being so kind and attentive to all your students even in a group setting. So for anyone that is looking for training for their fur-baby, you can go from school to school, trainer to trainer, but if you are looking for trainers that care deeply about the success of their students and owners, then you need to sign up for training with Dog Training Elite Western Suburbs. It is a great feeling when people stop me and tell me I have such a well behaved boy!
— Karen Hudalla
Posted September 16th 2023
google
We had a wonderful experience with Jeff and Elite dog training. Currently our Goldendoodle “Buster” is almost done with service dog training and his transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. Jeff and his wife came to our house and did a great presentation and they are both very personable and knowledgeable of the training processes. Our Buster was extremely timid and at same time extremely energetic which gave Jeff, self admittedly, doubts about Busters ability to become a service dog. With the EZ educator and Jeff’s guidance we’ve been able to turn our dog into a very successfully trained little ball of awesomeness. Was the best money I’ve spent as the benefits of having a dog that doesn’t need a leash and listens well is priceless. Thanks Jeff and Lara from Mike, Caitlin and Buster!
— Bodhi U
Posted March 18th 2024
google
I was so pleased by the results at Dog Training Elite in Naperville! As a first time dog owner I needed all the help I could get when it came to my 10 month old Golden Retriever. The trainers at the facility were so helpful and friendly! After each day they provided me with videos and homework sheets to teach me how to work with my dog and the skills he learned each day! Pauline's videos made it easy to understand exactly what I needed to do - she was the best! I can't wait to start group training classes soon! Thank you Dog Training Elite!!!
— Megan Murphy
Posted February 14th 2024
google
We had Jessica Arundale work with our Labrador Butch on leash walking as he started to pull a little on his daily walks, and she has hosted him for boarding on many occasions too. She’s really responsive and sweet and nothing is too much trouble. Butch aways gets excited when he goes to see Jessica!
— kealy ditchfield
Posted February 14th 2024
google
Jessica’s great!! We left Hailey to train with her and Hailey learned all the commands well. She also left us “homework” to do so Hailey can reinforce her learning. Highly recommend Jessica as a trainer!!
— Victoria Lee
Posted February 13th 2024
google
Ask for Jess. Awesome, kind and attentive dog trainer❤️❤️❤️❤️
— Calena Winfield
Posted January 24th 2024
google
Katie and Tim are amazing dog trainers. I live in south Naperville and they have done an amazing job with my young German Shephard.
— Julie Talsma-Puls
Posted January 7th 2024
google
We adopted a lab mix from a shelter and after a few weeks, the female dog became dominant and bossy. After 2 weeks of this behavior, my wife and I decided it was either time to rehome the dog or hire a professional to help. Tim and turned our little monster into a great puppy who enjoys training and working to become a better dog. I would consider them friends and they really care for our dog and our family. Great facilities and they come to your house if need be!
— Richard Berg
Posted January 7th 2024
google
This training has been a lifesaver for having my mini bernedoodle listen to me. Walking with her is now a joy. Also, it did not take long for her to learn the come and stay commands in a yard without a fence. It was so convenient and worth every minute spent practicing. Also, the follow up training practice is great for group work and review of skills learned. I would definitely recommend Tim and Katie for training. They are very knowledgeable on what practices work.
— Genie Cross
Posted December 11th 2023
google
Jeff did a fantastic job with obedience training for our energetic, larger than life Newfoundland, Burly. After 6 sessions Burly, successfully mastered sit, down, come, place, heel, and was even able to walk off leash in heel and come when called across a large field. He tremendously improved in his response and listening skills and Jeff taught us how to better train and reward Burly moving forward. Our family was very impressed by his new skills when we brought him home for the holidays. Burly has also loved the one on one time to work on his skills and it is easier to bring him to new places and have visitors at the house with his improved temperament and listening skills. Thank you Jeff!
— Helen Moore
Posted December 4th 2023
google
I brought my puppy to start training as a service dog for the initial 7 day drop-off training. He learned a lot and did really well there and he does great at home also. He’ll start the group training classes next. He LOVED going there, was so excited going to the door and was also very excited when he went in and saw the trainers and owners. Pauline did a fantastic job with him in his training and I would recommend them to everyone. They took really good care of him while he was there and even kept his lunch feeding schedule while he was in class. Pauline is an exceptional trainer and I look forward to having him train with her in his future classes.
— Janine
Posted November 29th 2023
google
Jeff is a fantastic trainer. I worked with him on getting my 2.5 year old dog properly trained to be a service dog. I wasn't sure he'd actually get to that point as he still has puppy energy, but within just a few months working with Jeff I saw incredible changes and in less than 6 months my dog was able to pass his public access test. Jeff is extremely helpful and guides you through the training process as an owner, understanding that sometimes we need just as much (if not more) training than our dogs! Jeff was truly a pleasure to work with and I would definitely recommend him for training dogs of all ages.
— Jessica Godt
Posted November 27th 2023
google
Jeff did a wonderful job training my 4-5 month old Australian Shepherd. He helped Westley and myself learn quickly and effectively. Jeff is extremely knowledgeable and able to help with a wide variety of training challenges or issues that arise. This training program is WORTH IT! For a well trained and adjusted dog. You cannot go wrong with choosing this program. Thanks Jeff! Adrienne & Westley
— Adrienne East
Posted October 12th 2023
google
I contacted Katie and Tim at Dog Training Elite Western Chicago before my puppy, Blondie, was ready to start training. They did a wonderful job walking me through all of their training options- very intensive/ hands-on training compared to other places that I had researched. Once the in-home training started, Blondie smoothly progressed (just like they said she would!) and she graduated to group training classes. Katie and Tim are so great with dogs (and people!) that even our group training classes have been wonderful experience for Blondie. Blondie is going to continue on for Support Dog training and I am so relieved we have their help along the way to guide us through all of our necessary requirements! Would recommend their training courses to anyone- and plan to use them again for future puppies!
— Alex Santoro
Posted August 4th 2023
facebook
I have worked with both Katie & Tim. Katie has been our main trainer for 1 on 1 sessions. Our year old Bernese Mountain dog is very loving and a great dog but he’s so big and strong he was impossible to control due to his strength and wanting to just dart & meet everyone he sees. We really needed leash work and for him to control his excitement. He was also less confident in doing some things so they have helped with that too. He walks great on leash now, listens pretty well (for the most part 😂) and is definitely more confident. He went from refusing to step on a raised dog bed to jumping on the concrete round balls you see in front of Target stores!!! He was a very good dog and now he’s a great dog! We also introduced a puppy to our family of the same breed. Katie was always there via text or phone to help with the transition. They are quite accommodating when it comes to continued communication when I needed help. We also began some puppy training WITH our older dog so they were in a more comfortable environment together and learning at the same time. This helped all of us to understand each dogs needs as well. I highly recommend them for any/all of your dog training needs. They are very educated in numerous areas of training and they’ve helped our family tremendously.
— Nikki Ommen
Posted August 2nd 2023
google
Karen is a supportive and patient trainer. We adopted our dog when she was 3, which means 3 years of anxiety to work through. Before working with Karen and DTE, walks were stressful because our dog would react aggressively to any other person out. Now we can enjoy our time out together, keeping her focus on me and not all the other distractions. Thank you, Karen & DTE.
— Gini Griffin
Posted May 19th 2023
google
Jeff did a wonderful job getting my 3 year old Siberian Husky, Che, certified to become an official service animal. It was very challenging to get Che to listen at first, given how stubborn Huskies are as a breed, but with persistence, practice, and some great one-on-one sessions, we were able to get Che over some large hurdles. Che is super obedient now compared to how he used to be, well-behaved off leash, and has successfully traveled on a plane! I never thought we could get here with Che's training and I am very grateful to Jeff and his guidance.
— Juliana Siward
Posted May 16th 2023
google
Our experience with Elite has been wonderful. Our 10 month old Cavapoo has been learning so much and continues to learn. It has been nothing but enjoyable with my puppy Frisco. He is doing amazing and I'm so proud of him. I appreciate everything Tim has done. Thank you so much!!!!!
— Catrina Monroe
Posted April 10th 2023
google

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Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Chicago, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite Chicago works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.

Learn More