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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 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 will help any German Shepherd become an incredible companion to individuals and families.
German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults
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 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 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 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 15 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 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 training method.
The Dog Training Elite
Difference
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? Find a German Shepherd trainer near you today!
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!
I cannot give enough praise to Savannah and the team at Dog Training Elite. I worked with shepherds for years teaching them the basics on leash for a rescue in town and I am flabbergasted at the transformation of mine. She is going to be a great companion for life thanks to this team. Cannot recommend them enough!— Lucas Kolacki
Posted November 28th 2022
We had a great experience with Jake! I only wish we had done it sooner.— Kendra Sorenson
Posted November 28th 2022
This is hands down, the best training place you could do with your dog. They have an amazing program and it is a game changer for having an obedient dog. Evan runs a great program and our trainer Deidre was so awesome. They are so professional and are really there for you. So nice! Everyone who interacts with our dog is so impressed by her behavior.— Tina Sterzer
Posted November 26th 2022
They really helped me with my service doggo Kreios.He is really smart and amazing. They have also greatly helped me with my Belgian Mal. All the staff are kind and make me feel like they listen,it's something I really appreciate They help me understand things when I'm lost. Overall I would recommend them to anyone cause if I could give more than 5 stars 🌟 I would They truly are amazing!♡— Snow Storm
Posted November 21st 2022
We signed our pup up for the day camp and it has been a tremendous improvement. He is listening and following commands. We liked them so much we signed our other dog up. Staff is always great— ANTHONY STARACE
Posted November 17th 2022
Thanks to Neal and his team for helping our 6 yr old Puggles learn some manners for our new full time RV lifestyle. 5 yrs of growing up with invisible fence and back yard enclosure, our boys needed to learn obedience with distractions and how to share dog parks. We are so pleased with the results. Thanks again! Larry & Debbie Daniels Leo & Reggie 🐶🐶— Larry&Deb Daniels
Posted November 17th 2022
Our Staffie had some major Aggression and obedience issues; with him already being 5 years old and with recently bringing a newborn home, we were nervous and knew we needed help correcting our dogs bad behavior. A friend highly recommended Dog Training Elite and we could not be more grateful. We have learned how to fix the hierarchy in our family pack as well as how to communicate better with our Staffie and now feel like we are in control. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite to any one needing help with aggression or anxiety to basic obedience. The trainers are excellent and put your mind at ease when you are nervous in those first few appointments. The trainers are sure to make sure all of your concerns are addressed and teach you the tools to achieve success with your dog. We will be putting our second dog into obedience training next and we are very excited. Thank you Dog Training Elite!!!— Milani Hedquist
Posted November 16th 2022
I love working with Dog Training Elite. Every time I needed advice on how to work with my pup or just for anything in particular they were always there to help. Could just text him and they would just get back to me with great advice. Also they always work with me on making payments if I needed help. They're great dog trainers to learn from. Love those guys!— Marissa Gonzalez
Posted November 15th 2022
Jeff was so fun to work with! He was loving and kind and patient with our Deacon. He made training easy and fun! I would recommend this training service to anyone with training needs!— Kati Christensen
Posted November 14th 2022
Patient and helpful tips and tricks from coaches in the methods used to train dogs. Working with my service dog Marshmellow helpfully— Katherine Heyborne
Posted November 14th 2022
Hunter has this amazing understanding of dogs and their humans. Would definitely recommend Dog Training Elite, it was a great experience and totally worth the time and effort. We immediately saw results after the first session, how exciting!! Thanks for all your help, our Finn has done a 180 and we couldn't be happier.— debbie struckhoff
Posted November 9th 2022
We were on the verge of putting our dog down due to multiple instances with aggression and not wanting to have another family have the same problem. We were in tears for days about what to do. Then I got a recommendation from a friend to check out DTE and they offered a free consultation and so we decided to check it out. Evan and Ryan came over and he came in and talked to us and observed our yorkie, Chewie. After talking with us he asked if we wanted to go see his dog in the truck and see what the Training has done for his dog. I was floored by the obedience and submissiveness of his dog Echo. But was still unsure it would work for my dog and be worth the money. Evan told us to think about it and see if it was a good fit for us. No pressure from it at all but the confidence he has that it would help. Is what ended up selling us. So we signed up and started our training and our experience with our dog changed overnight. He got knocked down on the food chain from thinking he was large and in charge to realizing we were the owners and he needs to listen to everyone in our family. No matter the age. It has been a game changer for us and our family. We had never had a dog before and were lost at what to do and they helped us not only learn, but understand and implement. We had issues come up along the way and the owner came over immediately that day to address it and help correct his behavior and help us know what to do. The trainers, Ryan & Deidre, were always very good at explaining what they were doing, how the dog reacts, why he behaved or was acting a certain way to the training and they were gentle, kind, and patient during the whole process. I would recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for help with their dog. It is a game changer for me and my family and I know it will be for you too. It was worth every dime and we are only through the inhome training. I look forward to continuing with it all in the group lessons too for the next 12 group lessons. So glad we found them and the confidence and help this team brought us was phenomenal. Highly recommend.— Jessica Bentley
Posted November 9th 2022
Geneva was great. Wonderful with the puppies and even better at teaching the owners. Helped a bunch. Love the lifetime classes and assistance.— yva mazzella
Posted November 9th 2022
Loved working with Ryan and Deidre, they are super knowledgeable and honest! I would highly recommend going with this company to train your dog! I see a huge difference with my dog!— Mario Garcia
Posted November 3rd 2022
I own a year-old wire terrier (or Terror) mix, and I love her to pieces. However, my husband has had a stroke and needed our dog to be a lot calmer...and I was super-hesitant about any trainer being NICE enough to my dog, my little blond-haired Winnie. Well, I agreed to a home evaluation and was instantly impressed with both Evan and Ryan. You could tell they knew dogs well, and Winnie fell in love with them both, so I signed up and couldn't be more grateful. I loved the six visits to my home, and Winnie has learned so much about obeying simple commands, and she still loves both me and my husband. It's been a win-win situation all around.— Kathy Farnes
Posted November 1st 2022
I waited for over 3 years on multiple service dog wait lists before I found Dog Training Elite (DTE). I had no idea that I could have my own service dog, trained in my home, in a matter of weeks! Amanda is an AMAZING trainer. I thought I knew a lot about dogs until I met her. She trains not only the dog, but the person handling the dog as well. DTE is a "no brainer" if you need a service dog (or just a well mannered dog). With DTE and Amanda, I am lucky to have not only a best friend (my dog, Titus), but I also made new friends at the weekly training events. DTE and Titus brought me back into society from nearly a decade of being a hermit. I can't say enough great things about DTE, Amanda and Whitley. Thank you all for giving me my life back.— Jon Sexton
Posted October 29th 2022
Unbelievable experience with DTE! My family couldn’t be happier with the transformation because of their program.— Matt Bishop
Posted October 27th 2022
Highly recommend. Jason, Dominic and Hunter helped transform our 2 cane corsos from having no manners to being great dogs that listen and are now great in the house.— Dan Baker
Posted October 25th 2022
I was convinced on a video I saw where treats were thrown everywhere and the dogs simply ignored them. I am so proud to say that my dog Chef now ignores treats offered by straingers and food on floor when we go out for walks. Love that the training facility is always so clean. Personal are super friendly and knowledgeable. Amazed and proud on how my dogs Chef has learned so much, so fast, and now responds more posive on commands given. I personally learned alot, and feel more confident going out and having Chef help me with my Panic Disorder. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite, they are incredible!— Itza K. Pantoja
Posted October 20th 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite, 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 work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.
