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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 Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults
Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire 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.
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.
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.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
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 Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire training method.
The Dog Training Elite
Difference
Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire’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!
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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!
Have worked with many trainers over the past 3 yrs and have appreciated this group the most. Had fun doing the platinum obedience course. They even humored me and we went to Rye beach in Nh for last class as dreamed of having my dog off leash here. Had great time and will b using them for future training needs. Reliable training with results can’t recommend enough!— Wendy Dyment
Posted April 9th 2024
We have a very "talkative" older dog. When I first met Beth I was so happy that someone was able to comunicate to as well to me as my dog. Beth has taught both of us many new ways to improve. I am so grateful that Beth has the patience to keep us on the right path. After just a few months my 8 year old dog is listening better to me and behaving much better in public places. The group training that we are given are the game changer for us. Missy is better each time I take her. Even when things don't go as planned and I or my dog is stressed the whole team with DTE spoke kindly to us and made me feel so much more confident in myself and my dog. Thanks so much for all your help and I am looking forward to the group lessons. Laura— James Howell
Posted February 15th 2024
I had the most cathartic experience with Beth and Renee and staff! I am a therapist by trade and I recently adopted a “therapy dog” named Oliver. “Olly” doesn’t know he is being trained to be a therapy dog by everyone at Dog Training Elite and myself! He just has so much fun learning the commands and practicing tricks for treats at first and eventually without them! Something I thought was impossible. He is such an amazing emotional support animal for now thanks to Dog Training Elite and will be an amazing therapy dog once our training is done. I loved the 1:1 classes but really found a benefit from group classes once Oliver was ready to socialize with the other dogs. He impressed me with his skill at our most recent group class! I am looking forward to going into the community and creating one of the most beautiful gifts: a service animal for patients to love.— Victoria Sterk
Posted January 31st 2024
Amazing experience Beth. From start to finish she gave us great tools, tips, and lessons to help us train our lab. We got him during covid and as a result he had little exposure to other people and public places. Over the course of two months training with Beth he’s gone from being a skittish, unsure dog with little confidence to a confident boy who takes commands, and who is much more confident around people and out in public places. The difference is like night and day. I’d highly recommend making the investment in the team at Dog Training Elite. They are highly skilled at what they do and provide a great experience. Thank you guys!— Peter Palmer
Posted November 16th 2023
My experience with Haley from Dog Elite was awesome! She was very knowledgeable and professional. She took the time to get to know our dog and me! Our training sessions were tailored to Moon's needs and the incorporation of new ideas for keeping him engaged was so valuable! Haley is a gem and loves the animals! Thank you to all of you for the work you are doing to make all the dogs and humans be better and more balanced!— Lauri Sowers
Posted November 11th 2023
The training was highly individualized to meet the specific needs of the my dog The patience demonstrated to us was deeply appreciated— Kirsten Knaebel
Posted October 25th 2023
We cannot recommend Dog Training Elite enough!!! Beth and her team are incredible. Our dog was a rescue who came to us as a puppy with a bit of PTSD - super timid around strangers and terrified of men. After a few weeks of training with Beth we saw an immediate improvement. Not only is the in-home training perfect for us, but we appreciate the real world training and continued socialization and sessions offered. Thank you team for helping Pongo build his confidence and live his best life!— Briana Palmer
Posted October 25th 2023
Our large breed Great Dane was territorial, dragging me around and within weeks, he sit, stay, and come on command. He went from dragging me around by his leash to being leachless in a few sessions. So happy that me and my pet got training and now work very well together. Money well spent.— Linda Battalagine
Posted October 24th 2023
After years of searching finally we found the right training institute for our 3 years old GSD. Few months ago I saw a very well behaved GSD at homedepot. The owners told me that they had been to Elite Dog training at Manchester. I was so impressed by their dog’s behavior that immediately decided to go for Elite Manchester. We have been experiencing issues with our dog in social situations such as he is antagonistic towards other dogs and far from being friendly with boys under the age 12. We didn’t want to use a shock collar to correct his behavior nor we wanted to use the prong collar. Fortunately Elite provided us the correct tools and methods. The e-collar is a savior. Knowing that we can use it without hurting our pup 🐶 is a big relief. Their unlimited group training sessions with other dog is a huge advantage. I’m not aware of other training institutes that offers unlimited group lessons. The people at Manchester Elite are very cooperative, friendly and seem like they understand the training needs of each individual dog. We had Healy as our “In home” trainer. When I first saw her I was a bit skeptical about her ability as a trainer because she looks very young . But I would say she proved me wrong. She is so efficient at the same time warm and friendly. On her first day at our residence our GSD recognized her as his buddy and obliged to her commands. Healy proved it that to be an efficient GSD trainer age and appearance don’t matter. It is a huge relief to be able to invite guests to our home again without keeping the pup in the crate though we are still working on him to be friendly towards little boys. We are very grateful to the Elite team at Manchester, NH comprised of Rene, Beth and Healy— Bornali Saikia
Posted October 15th 2023
I have been training with Haley for the past couple of months. I have an American pitbull puppy! Haley is very patient and knowledgeable when it comes to training. Iv seen such an improvement with my puppy and incredibly impressed how the business is ran. I highly suggest choosing Dog Training Elite with any and all training!— sara lewis
Posted October 11th 2023
I'm thrilled to see Nova's progress as a family pet and therapy dog. The trainers, especially Renee, have been impressive and the sessions have been both productive and enjoyable. I'm excited to witness Nova's growth and see her showcase her skills. I highly recommend this company, and I'm thrilled I lucked out. My experience with them was exceptional.— Jillian Burkley
Posted September 20th 2023
Trainer’s are great very patient and knowledgeable, Hayley is amazing after just the first session Cass’s behavior started to improve, he was always excited to see her and is a different dog because of her. The group classes are fun and informative and one is always willing to step aside and help you one on one if needed and Cass still gets excited to see Hayley!! I am so grateful to all the staff for helping me to have such a well behaved dog. Thank you all of !!!— Rebecca Powers
Posted September 8th 2023
Daisy is a different dog since we found Dog Training Elite. It’s nice to be able to take her for walks. All the trainers were so good with her, especially Haley! I think her Dad and I agree, worth both the investment of our time and money!— Trisha Evensen
Posted August 3rd 2023
Awesome trainers, my dog was difficult to walk and had no recall. Now I can actually walk my dog without him pulling and his recall is awesome. Thank you Dog Training Elite!— 30thramair
Posted August 1st 2023
They have a highly effective training program. They are very nice and were very good and gentle with our dog. We noticed results right away. Our dog had high excitability with small animals, a high prey drive And was a flight risk. He was terrible on leash and we did not enjoy walking him. During the 1st week, his excitability was under control and same with his prey drive. After 2 weeks, he was a joy to walk with. After 5 weeks, we are able to work with him in off leash in our yard without fear that he will run away. Rene was awesome to work with and my husband and I highly recommend their training methods and their company. We could not be happier with our results.— Linda Wilson
Posted July 20th 2023
We got two Chinese Crested rescues and we were struggling. They are 6 and 8 years old and were kept in a kennel for breeding for the first part of their lives. We did not have high expectations about training them- but had to do something. Haley came the first day and we thought it was fun. The dogs were amazing- they were receptive and good at everything - thanks to Haley. We learned sit, stay(place) , heel, come, and down. What a difference. The dogs are much calmer and easy to handle. Thank you Haley.— Bruce Jones
Posted April 14th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire, 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 Greater New Hampshire 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.