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

Professional Training For

German Shepherds

Dog Training Elite Naperville

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 Naperville, IL

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 Naperville, IL 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 Naperville 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 Naperville 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 Naperville 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

  • Meghan Grzetich
    Feb. 22, 2025
    Amazing! Wonderful , caring staff and very effective training
  • Macie Samek
    Dec. 27, 2024
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite Western Chicago Facility are the best and most reliable people I have met! Everything is well communicated and easy on my side. The facility is so clean inside and out. DTE hosts also amazing activities themed after holidays! Overall they are an amazing experience! Pauline is Benny main trainer and let’s just say me and Benny both love her. She has made such an amazing impact with Benny basic obedience and I can’t wait for our next step with DTE and start service dog training! Thank Pauline and Grace for helping Benny get to wear he is now!
  • Antonia Tienda
    Dec. 23, 2024
    Grace and the team were so patient with our Lab Puppy Duke. They took their time with him and kept a consistent tone to keep him engaged and listening at all times.
  • phil kotas
    Dec. 18, 2024
    Grace at Dog Training Elite Western Chicago Facility demonstrated exceptional patience, reliability, firmness, encouragement, and knowledge throughout the training process, helping my dog master various commands and behaviors. Grace's expert guidance and personalized approach made Dog Training Elite, and of course Grace, the perfect choice for my puppy's in-home dog training needs.
  • Kelly N
    Oct. 14, 2024
    DTE is incredible. They have helped my dog and I develop a deeper bond and trust, all while teaching her how to be a good listener!! Grace and Pauline are super experienced, make group classes fun, and truly love what they do which the dogs can tell! The owners, Katie and Tim are so knowledgeable, I have seen them help dogs and owners come into their own (myself included). I simply cannot express how amazing DTE has been for me and my dog.
  • Carly Paluszek
    Oct. 4, 2024
    We chose Dog Training Elite because they do e-collar training, which is a really great communication tool for our stubborn Great Pyrenees. We did the 7-day training camp with trainer Pauline and noticed an improvement after day 1 in our dog’s recall. We’ve also been able to better manage her leash reactivity. The group classes are fun and engaging, and they host them at different locations around the area. All of the trainers are awesome - patient and sweet with the dogs and always willing to answer questions. We will 100% be using Dog Training Elite for any future dogs we get!
  • Gregory Long
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Our dog didn't play well with others. If another dog showed any interest she responded by lunging, barking, and generally being out of control. Not only was this embarrassing, it was unsafe. She nearly caused my son to fall as she dashed to get other dog. Prior to working with Dog Training Elite, we tried two different trainers. Both relied exclusively on positive reinforcement and neither was able to change our girl's behavior. While this approach works with a lot of dogs, it wasn't helpful for us. We found the combination of e-collar training coupled with treats and praise to be very effective. I couldn't be happier with the results.Also, I'm a fan of the Saturday morning group classes. The opportunity to interact with other dogs has made ours much more relaxed. Although she's still a work in progress, she's so much better and safer now.
  • Cindi Clark
    Apr. 8, 2024
    I am so grateful for finding Dog Training Elite Naperville, the owners and the rest of the team are off the charts amazing, kind, caring, knowledgeable and supportive. Ollie and I are forever grateful and will be their cheerleaders, we both highly recommend Katie, Tim, Pauline and the rest of the team! ☮️❤️🐾
  • Kizito Chibyke
    Mar. 25, 2024
    Dog Trainingin Naperville, IL Very interesting and good quiet place to relax,
  • Kathi Goveia
    Feb. 1, 2024
    I am so happy with the progress that my dog has made since starting at dog training elite! Pauline was absolutely fantastic in explaining everything thoroughly and I’m looking forward to seeing my dogs progress!
  • Janet Anderson
    Jan. 17, 2024
    Tim and Katie are the ultimate dog trainers! My Quinn’s behavior has improved dramatically since we trained there. They came to my home annd eventually we did location tests at various stores and locations. And this is a Western Chicago location but I love that now, no matter where I move, I can find another location and join them for weekend group training for free. My dog is now my certified service dog. She knows when she’s “on the job” and is so excited to wear her vest. Thank you Katie and Tim!
  • Nadine Stanley
    Dec. 30, 2023
    Dog Training Elite has been amazing every step of the way with my son's service dog. From assisting us in finding a dog/breeder for autism service dogs, preparing our family prior to the arrival of Scout, working with us in defining Scout's service skills, to helping us refine my son's understanding of how to be the main handler! We consistently get compliments on his manners, gentle mannerisms (he's a 95lb sweetie!), and the support others see him providing my son. Thank you Dog Training Elite!!!
  • Ana M
    Dec. 10, 2023
    Ms Katie and Ms Pauline are absolutely incredible! So much care and love in their work. They transformed my crazy pup to a manageable good girl! Of course still a puppy but now I have an amazing foundation of obedience to work with. Ms Pauline your amazing walking us through the day. Thank you so much and we will see you soon for more! BB sends hellos to Russo!!
  • Samantha Reimann
    Nov. 15, 2023
    Pauline did such a great job with Harlies (my dog) training! She makes you feel so comfortable when discussing your pups progress and you can tell she genuinely cares about the success of your dogs training. I love that we went with them for our dogs training and cannot wait for the group classes!!
  • Chelsea Ochs
    Sep. 27, 2023
    If I could give more than five stars I would! My experience with Dog Training Elite has been incredible thus far. Katie and Pauline have been incredibly kind, thorough and helpful throughout our entire training process! Every morning and evening Pauline has walked me through specific training focuses and how Hendrix,my two year old Newfie,has responded each day. Not only that, but she puts very detailed effort into training write ups & videos so that I can apply what’s been taught each day! They have been so helpful to reference for continued training at home. It can be challenging trusting others with our pets, but Hendrix loves training and spending time with Pauline. I can tell she’s so loved by your team and we are forever grateful for the hard work and help. Can’t wait to continue with group training & additional courses. :)
  • Diana Kassel
    Sep. 12, 2023
    Drop off days not helps reinforce their training, but for the young pups that need more activity when moms at work it’s great!! Money well spent
  • Karen Vetrovec
    Sep. 12, 2023
    Kate and Tim very effective. Social dog sessions beyond our home just not close to where we live like we thought.
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Naperville, IL 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 Naperville 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 Naperville.
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An adorable German Shepherd with their owner - Dog Training Elite is your go-to choice for Naperville german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Naperville, IL

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 Naperville, IL!