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

Professional Training For

German Shepherds

Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan

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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 Metro Detroit, MI

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 Metro Detroit, MI 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Metro Detroit 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 Southeast Michigan 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!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Michelle Jonna
    Feb. 7, 2025
    I contacted Dog training Elite to training my four year old maltipoo to be therapy and service dog after many people told me Brady would be joy to others. We started working with Hailey and she guided myself to give me the proper tools so Brady can volunteer at medical, school, nursing homes and wherever someone might need some extra love. Even when Brady was being a bit stubborn Hailey never allowed me to give up and was so calm and loving. Words can’t express how highly I would recommend Hailey. Brady is always excited to see Hailey.. If your dog needs any training I highly recommend.
  • Kari Jones
    Feb. 7, 2025
    My 3 year old pup Zeus and I have been doing service dog training with Hailey for the past couple months. I could not be more happy with his progress! In around 10 weeks, he has gone from not really healing consistently — to today, when we went to DTW and practiced going through airport TSA. He healed, sat, and laid down on command, all the way through the airport, with flying colors. Hailey has made both Zeus and I feel more confident about taking the lessons we have learned and applying them in public settings. We’ve even had the opportunity to be around a couple other dogs from Dog Training Elite — including a second trainer (Steve?) bringing a dog to meet us at a store, so we could practice passing another dog in crowded store aisles. And they have group classes on the weekends, which we just haven’t been able to attend yet due to this crazy cold winter. Anyway, I rarely write reviews, but I am so happy with this company, and highly recommend Dog Training Elite! I have nothing but praise for the work Hailey has already done. Zeus adores her and is actively excited for our training sessions, and I feel confident that he will continue doing a great job moving forward, thanks to all the skills he has learned.
  • Jon Brown
    Feb. 3, 2025
    We could not be any happier making the decision to use Dog Training Elite to help train our dog, Pistachio! Steven is an amazing trainer and gave us very useful insight and tips on how to reinforce the training outside of the sessions. Even when our dog was challenged in the training sessions, Steven led the training in a way where our dog was still having fun and learning new things. We have noticed such a difference from when we began the training. Our walks and trips around town have become so much more enjoyable as the training has progressed. We look forward to working with Steven and the rest of the DTE staff in the future!
  • Pandy Arrieta
    Jan. 31, 2025
    I have a super energetic pup with an amazing personality and full of love. The way she makes people smile made me want to train her to be a therapy dog. I researched the different companies that offered the training and I am so happy that I have gone with Dog Training Elite because they come to my home to begin the training and use very humane methods. Holleigh is our trainer and she is fantastic! A great way of teaching both my pup and I. I’m so excited to know we will be able to visit places that will appreciate the joy and love she will bring them.
  • Cindy Warren
    Jan. 28, 2025
    I owned 4 previous dogs (labs) and trained them myself. But then I rescued a husky mix last April. I walk nearby trails everyday and I was struggling with my dog pulling, launching, and passing people and other dogs. Steven Dennison and Elite have helped me learn tips, tools, and training to allow my dog and I to enjoy our hikes without fear of falling, getting angry at her, having to get way off the trail in the poison ivy and tics when people and dogs pass, etc.. And with this new peaceful structure, my dog is more affectionate and attached to me! Steven was kind, understanding, helpful and positive in working with my dog and I. I am SO grateful!
  • Kara Vuich
    Dec. 17, 2024
    What an amazing program! Hailey helped me not only train my dog but understand him on another level! She really impressed me on first day alone and nust got better with each visit. Hailey encouraged me a lot throughout and kept checking in which also helped me stay motivated.
  • Debbie DeborahM
    Dec. 16, 2024
    My five year old rescue pup, Whiskey, just completed training with Hailey Roovers. He was a reactive barker, he jumped on everyone that came in the house and was nervous around other dogs. I could not be any happier with the results of our sessions. Hailey worked through every issue with Whiskey and me. Through Hailey’s instruction he is now a very confident pup! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan and Hailey Roovers.
  • Breann Shrock
    Dec. 16, 2024
    We started with Dog Training Elite of Southeast Michigan a few weeks after we brought Bailey home. We had not had a puppy in almost 16 years, and forgot how overwhelming & joyful it could be at the same time. Dachshunds are stubborn and not easy to train! We started working with Hailey right away as we knew we wanted to obtain a service dog certification and eventually volunteer at the children’s hospital and hospice floor of our local medical facilities. We are very happy with the results of the basic commands and how well behaved our pup is around other dogs, people of all ages & in various environments. We also love that we can continue to attend group training classes for reinforcement! The mental stimulation proved to be far more beneficial for the puppy energy than any amount of walks we could get her to go on:) Our Doxie is stubborn, but we continue to reinforce the fundamentals - it is a commitment from the owner if you want to maximize what is taught during the 1x1s and group classes, but greatly pays off. Hailey was easy to work with, accommodated our crazy schedule, and truly loves animals & treated Bailey like she was her own. Highly recommend!
  • Teddy
    Nov. 18, 2024
    Hailey was a fantastic trainer for our dog Winnie! She is knowledgeable, kind, funny, and really cares about Winnie’s training🐶 it’s been great working with her and the whole DTE team!
  • Lynn Staten
    Oct. 26, 2024
    We have had THE best experience with this company and their trainers. Ryann has been exceptional to work with. Every tip and trick she has given us has changed how our puppy Chase has been for us. She is full of knowledge and never lets us get down on ourselves when Chase doesn’t get the hang of something immediately, she always reminds us that he is young and new to all of this. Thank you Dog Training Elite for all of your exceptional work and a special thank you to Ryann for your patience with Chase and I.
  • Alyssa Loria
    Oct. 23, 2024
    We have been having a wonderful experience with Dog Training Elite! Both Hailey and Steven have been great to work with and have been helping us understand how to best work with our dog. We have been loving our weekly training sessions with Hailey and our dog has been excelling throughout the training!
  • Michelle Foley
    Oct. 21, 2024
    Dog Training Elite of Southeast Michigan is the best of the best when it comes to training. They go above and beyond to make sure you are happy with the services they provide. They truly love the animals like their own and work with the families every step of the way. If I could give 6/5 stars I would. I would highly recommend.
  • Stephanie McGuire
    Oct. 18, 2024
    I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite enough. Hailey and Steve have been training my one-year-old Golden Retriever to be a therapy dog. Daisy has progressed so much in just a few sessions in the comfort of our home. She is so proud of herself and my whole family has benefitted from everything she’s learned.
  • Kei Wolfe
    Oct. 4, 2024
    We have sent 2 service dogs through training with them and their service is fantastic! We've specifically requested Hailey (sp) both times and she is amazing! Kind, upbeat, energetic and empathetic. The company is flexible, understanding and extremely helpful and available! They train you just as well as your pets!
  • Jameson Kyle Hagerty
    Sep. 26, 2024
    Couldn’t have asked for a more professional, yet fun and exciting experience for Murphy, my wife and I. This is our first golden retriever, and our experience with Dog Training Elite and Hailey (our trainer❤️) has been nothing short of perfect. Our Murphy has passed his public service access test (service animal) with the amazing training provided by Hailey and my wife. He is an absolutely perfect addition to our family, and we owe so much of that to Hailey and the team at Dog Training Elite.
  • Mark Jaffray
    Sep. 26, 2024
    Hailey was very knowledgeable and professional and I would recommend her with confidence.
  • Ashley Hagerty
    Sep. 24, 2024
    We contacted dog training elite prior to picking up our Murphy. They helped guide us with the initial pup search (we were seeking to get a PSD service dog). Once we got our Murph Hailey started with our training. She has been absolutely amazing to work with. She has done a fantastic job helping me to train him. He’s become the best well behaved (service dog) puppy we could’ve asked for, all thanks to the knowledge that Hailey has given me. I’m excited to see what she has in store for us next.
  • forrest hayford
    Aug. 31, 2024
    Our trainer Hailey , is a pro. She wants success for our dog and us. She is clear and patient. At a group session, another trainer Ryann came over to assist us. Great people and company leadership. Our dog is really being trained to be a better companion. Thanks all at Elite Dog Training. Forrest & Ann
  • Sarah Thomas
    Aug. 30, 2024
    Dog Training Elite is great! Ryann helped us train our 2 year old, very hyper dog, and he’s completely different now!! Plus he has a new friend. I highly recommend having your dog trained with DTE!
  • Christina E Agostino
    Aug. 28, 2024
    My dog Winnie has been completing therapy dog training with Hailey at Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan for a few months now, and we absolutely love Hailey and the program! It has been so fun to see Winnie's confidence and skills evolve, and I can't wait to continue the rest of our training with this team! If you're looking for high quality dog training in the metro-Detroit area I can't recommend them enough!
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Metro Detroit, MI 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 Southeast Michigan 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 stimulation they need.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan.
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An adorable German Shepherd with their owner - Dog Training Elite is your go-to choice for Metro Detroit german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Metro Detroit, MI

The Dog Training Elite Difference

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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 Metro Detroit, MI!