An image of a german shepard with their owner - contact Dog Training Elite for your german shephard training in Columbia, SC.
Dog Training Elite

German Shepherd Dog Training in Columbia, SC

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

Our German Shepherd Training Could Help:
Excessive barking
Aggression
Separation anxiety
Destructive chewing
Leash pulling
Over-protectiveness
Resource guarding

German Shepherd Training in Columbia, SC

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 has years of experience with German Shepherd training in Columbia, SC and has developed obedience 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.

With our targeted and specialized breed training programs, Dog Training Elite Midlands SC can help any German Shepherd become an incredible companion to individuals and families.

See Training Packages
An image of multiple german shepherd puppies - our Columbia german shepherd trainers ensure you pup is ready to be the best companion possible.

German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults


Read More
Read Less

Dog Training Elite 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 Midlands SC offers 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.

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Zach Underwood
    Feb. 19, 2026
    Justin was great. Extremely professional and helpful. Cannot wait to join the DTE family.
  • Sharon
    Dec. 31, 2025
    Logyn was empathetic with challenges experienced with our now 22 week old Lab. We visited Lowes to expose our puppy to different noises. I had so much anxiety. Not knowing how she would react to the environment. But she did well. We worked on commands. Very good training, we have homework. Thanks Logyn!
  • Barbara Philson
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Our training today was amazing with immediately responses from our dogs. We are so pleased with the training. 😊
  • Charline Mayo
    Feb. 1, 2026
    I am so thankful for the training, guidance, and support Justin, Loghin, and their team have provided me as I raise Beaufort, my English Springer Spaniel. It has been a long time since I have reared a puppy, and I want to be sure I get it right. I want Beaufort to be the kind of dog people love and want to be around. And I want to give him the best possible life I can give him, and the team at Dog Training Elite is helping me do just that. Thank you and God Bless!
  • Matthew Wilson
    Jan. 19, 2026
    Justin was through in his demonstration of expected dog behaviors, and of the different programs available.
  • michael varallo Sr.
    Nov. 12, 2025
    Super program Super Trainer Great start for our Charlie
  • Stephen Lynch
    Dec. 19, 2025
    Justin dealt with our dog at the craziest he'd been yet and took it in stride. Really impressed with their methods and how they walk owners through what to do!
  • Gail Marcum
    Dec. 12, 2025
    This session was really needed. We worked on "place" with our wild puppy. Instructions were great and puppy is learning with us
  • Natasha Stamps
    Jan. 8, 2026
    Justin and his team are amazing trainers. 10/10 recommend!
  • Lu
    Jan. 5, 2026
    We had our assessment today with Justin and he was awesome! He was professional, knowledgeable, and down to earth. We can’t forget about his fur co-assessor Louie!! So adorable!
  • Melissa
    Dec. 23, 2025
    I was hesitant to use a trainer but my Luna got to be too much to handle on my own. Still a ways to go, but After 5 sessions I can take her on a walk and not have to worry about her chasing cars, people, or trying to pull me with the leash. I am thankful for our trainer in giving us the tools we need to be able to enjoy having Luna with us enjoying more than just our home.
  • Ted Smith
    Nov. 14, 2025
    Awesome first session with Bear! Thanks Justin!
  • Tina Boutte
    Dec. 4, 2025
    Justin was very professional and pleasant to talk with. He explained the process very well and provided a on-site demonstration with his dog Louie. Awesome experience.
  • Mary BACO
    Dec. 3, 2025
    My first training session with Logan, it was great. We made a lot of progress with Daisy that I will work on over this week. All of my training received with Elite/Midlands has been great. THANKS!
  • Ben Ott
    Nov. 20, 2025
    Highly recommended!! Great experience and great trainers
  • Marvin Carraway
    Aug. 21, 2025
    Can't say enough positive things about Justin. Justin is truly an elite trainer who is very modest and well grounded.
  • Loghin Livingston
    Nov. 11, 2025
    The team has been outstanding from start to finish. Their professionalism and dedication made the process seamless, from helping me find the right dog to guiding us through training from 10 weeks to 15 months. My Service Dog now performs with near-perfect accuracy, and thanks to their expertise, I’ve been able to move away from the medication I once relied on. I’m incredibly grateful for this team and all they’ve done to help my dog and me reach this level of success.
  • Ashley Roberts
    Nov. 5, 2025
    We have a 10 month old English Setter. We have had 5 sessions with Justin so far and it has been an amazing experience. We have learned so much and our dog Penny has too! We did our first lesson out in public yesterday and I was so nervous but Justin met me at the store and took control of her because he knew I was nervous and she did great! I feel much more confident in my own ability to handle her in public now which will open up so many possibilities for us to travel with her and experience new things. I HIGHLY recommend Justin and his crew! We did another week long board and train program and it just wasn’t effective but having Justin come and train us all in our environment has been a game changer for us. Justin also brings his dogs to help socialize and train and offers group classes on weekends too!
  • Darren Bean
    Oct. 27, 2025
    Intro meeting. Straight forward and thorough
  • Bryce Harrington
    Oct. 22, 2025
    Justin has been great at instructing and demonstrating the commands to teach our dog the behaviors we’re looking for. We have seen dramatic improvements in our dog’s behavior in just two lessons. We would recommend Dog Training Elite Midlands to anyone.
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Columbia, SC with Dog Training Elite today.

In-Home German Shepherd Training

Read More
Read Less

Dog Training Elite 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 Midlands SC 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.

Additional Breeds We Train

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Labrador Dog Training in Columbia, SC. DTE

Labrador

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Goldendoodle Training in Columbia, SC. Dog Training Elite

Goldendoodle

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Beagle Dog Training in Columbia, SC. DTE

Beagle

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Pitbull Training in Columbia, SC. DTE

Pitbull

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Doberman Training in Columbia, SC. DTE

Doberman

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Border Collie Training in Columbia, SC. DTE

Border Collie

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Golden Retriever Training in Columbia, SC. DTE

Golden Retriever

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - French Bulldog Training in Columbia, SC. DTE

French Bulldog

German Shepherd Training Tips

German Shepherds are loyal and intelligent dogs that require a thoughtful approach to training. They are eager learners, but they also need structure and clear guidance to reach their full potential.

Here are some essential training tips for German Shepherds.

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 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.

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 stimulation they need.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Midlands SC.
Dog Training Elite Midlands SC light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

An adorable German Shepherd with their owner - Dog Training Elite is your go-to choice for Columbia german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Columbia, SC

The Dog Training Elite Difference

Read More
Read Less

Dog Training Elite uses modern training methods focused on balance and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite 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 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’s training methods nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.

Ready to turn your dog into a loyal and loving companion? Contact Dog Training Elite today for professional German Shepherd training in Columbia, SC!