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

Professional Training For

German Shepherds

Dog Training Elite Madison

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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 Madison, WI

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 Madison, WI 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 Madison can help any German Shepherd become an incredible companion to individuals and families.

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

German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults


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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 Madison 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.

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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!

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FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Madison.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Herbert Davis
    Nov. 14, 2024
    Jan has worked with my German Shepherd for 2 months now and the experience has been great! Very informative, helpful and the results have been noticeable from the start! I would absolutely recommend the training that your dog or pup will receive from dog training elite. Trainers and staff are very kind, patient and will work through all problems or concerns you bring to their attention.
  • NICOLE RODRIGUEZ
    Oct. 28, 2024
    Fantastic place for dog training and worth the money.
  • ST
    Oct. 24, 2024
    WE LOVE DOG TRAINING ELITE DENVER! Before I go into how successful our time has been with my puppy's obedience and service training, I'd like to respond to a negative review I was beyond shocked to see. This review was from "Chelsea Trouten" listed a day ago. I'm not typically one to post, but felt it was necessary to protect the integrity of a hardworking, local, family business who has done SO much good for community members, including myself. I was present at the group training session where she accused the owner, Bert Ballard, of being abusive to her dog "with the e-collar." Her detailed accusation couldn't have been further from the truth. Chelsea's dog Leo was struggling severely during group class and it was evident that she was struggling to calm him, but that's okay...learning how to navigate/change these behaviors is why training like this exists. It wasn't until Leo aggressively went after my dog, that Bert decided to step away from the class and focus his attention on Leo. I watched the entire interaction. He was understanding, calm, helpful to Leo, and reassuring to the handler. After some work, Leo's behavior leveled out, and at the end of class I heard Chelsea go as far as *thanking* Bert and Sarah for all their help. Zero abuse. It's a shame that a one star, exaggerated and dishonest review can hurt the future of a small business. At the end of the day, Dog Training Elite Denver gets 5 stars from me and my boyfriend. My puppy is well on her way to becoming a service dog, all thanks to the hours of training these knowledgeable professionals put into each session. We love DTE and highly recommend them to everyone who is in need of training for their dog. Special shout out to Bert, Sarah, Adria and Jared. We appreciate the work you do.
  • Ashley Upton
    Sep. 2, 2024
    Gosh, I can't love this place more. Jan is FANTASTIC. He trained our service dog, Leia, and I have zero negative things to say. He is thorough, patient, and so knowledgeable. If we ever get another dog we will 100% come back here and request him. You won't be disappointed in using DTE!
  • Janine Barrett
    Aug. 30, 2024
    Dedicated trainers with wonderful customer service.
  • John Heister
    Jul. 21, 2024
    Excellent staff who is very knowledgeable and caring of you and your dog. You do have to pra tice though i it won't stick
  • Heather Kennedy
    Jun. 8, 2024
    We have been having an incredible experience with Dog Training Elite with our high energy Aussie. Our goal is to make him a therapy dog and after a ton of research, I landed on Dog Training Elite. There were some scheduling issues in the beginning, however they acknowledged this area of opportunity and were transparent with some turnover in their scheduling department. This has since not been an issue and our Aussie has been progressing so well through the program. Fallon is the BEST trainer. She explains each command and demo in a way we fully understand so we can be confident and successful. I can’t recommend this company enough. It is on the expensive side, but you get what you pay for. Nothing compares to seeing my reactive, high energy Aussie become confident in our relationship and learning so fast!
  • Kristin C.
    Jun. 5, 2024
    I love DTE, they have done so much for us and I can’t thank them enough.
  • pamela elliott
    Apr. 16, 2024
    Dog Training Elite, with Alex and Talia, has worked wonders with my.dog Jack and myself. Talia has pushed, prodded and pulled Jack & I to where we are a pretty good team about to take our Public Access Test!!! Wish us luck. If you have a Jack in your family, this is the place for you! Terrific training, professional and friendly 🐶🐶
  • suzy messina
    Apr. 2, 2024
    We live in Palm City FL to they are based next to us in Fort Pierce and the area. Shelly was amazing !! We just completed training for our 1 year old Bull Mastiff and our 2 year old French Mastiff (Dogue) and will start attending some group trainings/meetings. Our dogs are no longer pulling and jumping up on people and she taught us the techniques that WE need to be the best dog parents for them. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite - be sure not to mistake them from other companies with similar names. It was worth every penny and knowing also that going forward Dog Training Elite (and Shelly) are there for us and our pups.
  • TRACIE ROSSMAN
    Mar. 20, 2024
    Working miracles with my Cane Corso
  • Bailey Oteri
    Feb. 25, 2024
    Absolutely love the folk here, they have made such a big difference in mine and my dog’s life and he’s not even done with his training program yet. They clearly love what they do and take such good care of the dogs and want the best for every single one! I have recommended them to everyone I know for both dog training and service dog training.
  • Terry Restorick
    Feb. 4, 2024
    Great place to have your bog trained
  • Samantha Christina
    Jan. 11, 2024
    I am thrilled to share my incredibly positive experience with Dog Training Elite services. After just three weeks of in-facility training, my beloved dog Freya has transformed into an outstanding service animal, exceeding all expectations. I couldn't be more delighted with the results, and I wholeheartedly give Dog Training Elite a well-deserved 5-star review. From the moment we enrolled Freya in their program, the professionalism and dedication of the team were evident. Talia tailored a comprehensive training plan specifically for Freya's needs, ensuring a personalized approach that addressed her unique qualities. Talia exhibited a genuine passion for her work, creating a positive and supportive environment that fostered Freya's development. One of the most remarkable aspects of Dog Training Elite is their ability to achieve results quickly without compromising the well-being of the animals. Freya's newfound skills, include nudging, cover, and 6 showcase the effectiveness of the training methods employed by Talia. Not only did Freya exhibit remarkable progress during the in-facility training, but she also successfully passed her service dog test with flying colors. This achievement is a testament to the expertise and commitment of the Dog Training Elite team. I am immensely grateful for the positive impact this has had on Freya's life and, consequently, on mine. Thanks to their exceptional services, Freya is now officially my service dog, providing invaluable support and companionship. The bond between us has deepened, and I credit Dog Training Elite for facilitating this transformation. In summary, if you are looking for top-notch dog training services that yield remarkable results, look no further than Dog Training Elite. Their commitment to excellence, personalized approach, and quick, effective results make them the go-to choice for anyone seeking professional dog training services. I wholeheartedly recommend Talia and Dog Training Elite and award them a well-deserved 5 stars!
  • Adam Inman
    Dec. 31, 2023
    I'm very fortunate to be able to see the well-trained dogs that get trained here.
  • Caroline Vangi
    Nov. 20, 2023
    I brought my rescue dog, Logan, to DTE after we have been struggling with some pretty severe anxiety and fear aggression. While Logan and I both still has a lot to work on and learn, the trainers at DTE have given us the tools to work through Logan’s issues. Even though I currently go to veterinary school out of the country, I have never had a problem reaching out to DTE for help. They are always very quick to respond and always willing to set up a phone call where I can tell them what I’m concerned about and they help develop a plan to help overcome what ever the issue is. I feel like people believe that they can drop their dog off at the trainer and get a completely different dog back at the end of the day. The truth is that having a well trained dog takes time and dedication. The trainer’s just help build the foundation for the owners to expand on. DTE has given me the necessary tools to help my boy be as happy and safe as he can be and I know that it is now my job to use those tools to make it all worth it. I would recommend DTE to anyone with a dog and especially to anyone with a dog with any kind of behavioral issues.
  • Alyssa McCluskey
    Nov. 15, 2023
    Can't say enough wonderful things about this company. They helped my 14 yr old son train his service dog starting at 16 weeks. Each trainer we worked with was extremely friendly and patient with my son. They are very knowledgeable about everything to do with having a service dog (including helping me, the mom, what all the dog could and should do). They answered all our questions and helped us navigate the school system. They even have a monthly airport training so we did a 'trial' run before flying. From private sessions through the group classes, we always had great support and never felt like we were a bother. The trainers are great, the owners are wonderful. I highly recommend DTE to all my friends.
  • Ivonne Tostado
    Nov. 4, 2023
    My Doberman puppy and I have had great success with their training program. The instructors are professional dog trainers with an incredible amount of patience and experience with all types of dogs. My 8 month Doby is now 56lbs and I'm 5'1. Without their help I would not be able to walk my dog without being dragged by her, she's can already over power me, but she doesn't. Highly recommend their dog training services.
  • Claire Janet
    Oct. 31, 2023
    Went here for the dog open house haunted house. It was really cute and we had a great time. I would consider coming to this to get my dog trained, but something didn’t feel right. There was a guy, presumably, one of the owners of the company, walking around ominously with several guns and knifes hanging off him. I’m a gun girl, so normally this would not bother me, but it just kind of gave me a creepy vibe and made the experience quite uncomfortable for me and obviously other potential customers there too. I understand everyone has a right to carry fire arms, and if it is your own business, you may choose to carry then as well, but it seemed weird for an open house, where they are trying to attract customers.
  • Tyler Anderson
    Aug. 11, 2023
    DTE has been an amazing help for our rescue dog. From the first at home visit, we knew that the trainer, Alex, would be great for helping our dog with aggression issues and socialization. The one on one, at home training sessions that occur before group training give a perfect foundation and ample time for practice before joining group training sessions. Alex brought one of his dogs, Delta, who is immaculately well trained, to our house for our last at-home session to help socialize our dog and practice being around other dogs in as low-stress an environment as possible. We have really enjoyed the sense of community with group training each week and have seen wonderful changes in our dog's temperament and socialization. After a stray dog attack shortly after we adopted him, we feared he would never be able to be near other dogs, but he has many friends now that he happily sniffs and interacts with. I cannot recommend DTE highly enough!
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Madison, WI with Dog Training Elite today.

In-Home German Shepherd Training

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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 Madison 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.

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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 and physical stimulation they need.

Dog Training Elite has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs based on positive reinforcement. Our Madison German Shepherd trainers are dedicated to protecting your pets mental and physical health while ensuring the best possible results.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Madison.
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Victory Begins With Elite Education

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

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Madison, WI

The Dog Training Elite Difference

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Dog Training Elite uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement 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 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? Contact Dog Training Elite today for professional German Shepherd training in Madison, WI!