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

Professional Training For

German Shepherds

Dog Training Elite

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

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 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 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 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 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

  • Cindy DiPrimio
    Feb. 5, 2026
    At first, I wasn’t sure if this was something I wanted to do. But after training with Nathan and clint, it was definitely worth it! We have much more control over our dog. He listens so much better to us. So everyone is happy! And they gave us the tools for this to happen. We highly recommend Dog training Elite!
  • Bruce Morgan
    Feb. 14, 2026
    Magie is slowly turning an over the top wild reprobate into a responsible citizen. One week and it's night and early morning, not quite day yet. Following him with a pooper scooper has finally stopped..it's a good thing he is so cute.
  • Deborah Tomoff
    Feb. 13, 2026
    I was very impressed with Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland. All the trainers showed incredible patience for me and a deep knowledge of training. Most importantly, every single person there was so kind, so friendly and so helpful. Their clear instructions and personalized approach was above and beyond my expectations! I would recommend these amazing people to anyone!
  • Quenton Wellington
    Jan. 29, 2026
    Josh is awesome and does a great job. I would recommend him and this company to ANYONE looking for dog training.
  • Douglas Chan, MS, LPC S, CART
    Feb. 13, 2026
    If you are looking for professional service dog training, look no further than Jan, Alex P. , the other Alex and their team at Dog Training Elite West Houston. I wanted a company that would help me train our newly adopted dog, Groot, to be a service dog for my handicapped son. Their training philosophy is rooted in canine behavioral science, positive reinforcement , corrective actions, building confidences of both dog and the handler, consistency and clear communication, which helped Groot and I build an unbreakable bond. Here are some key highlights of our experience: Expert Instruction: They didn’t just trained Groot they also trained me (the handler) and soon my son to understand canine behavior. Customized Approach: Jan and Alex tailored every session to my specific needs and Groot’s personality. With this customization it allowed Groot to learn how to be less and less reactive. Professionalism: Jan, both Alex’s and the whole team are patient, knowledgeable, and always provide helpful follow-up notes after sessions. Thanks to their guidance, Groot is now growing into a stellar working dog. Five stars plus!!!!
  • Daniel Tropea
    Oct. 28, 2025
    Marshall did very well by us. He talks a little fast. But he’s very knowledgeable. In addition he’s very thorough when asking questions.
  • Destiny Harrison
    Feb. 13, 2026
    I would definitely recommend for pup training. They were always able to accommodate my schedule for training. Always on time! Day one was Information and my trainer had everything prepared and explained each week with clarity and a follow along pamphlet. Each week I met a different training getting advice and hands on training with my pup and different trainers. We even had puppy training with their own dogs adding an extra element for my pup. I am so happy with how obedient my pup has become. I wouldn’t have been able to get him to this point without them.
  • Jenny Carr
    Feb. 13, 2026
    I am so grateful I found josh at dog training elite. I had been to 4 other trainers with my german shepherd and was told there was nothing I could do that I should buy a kennel and crate for when people came to my home and to use a muzzle when out in public which to me was not a solution but after training with Josh, River is a completely different dog josh showed me how to train River to be cordial in public and around friends and family I feel so blessed to have found Josh. River and I are now considering joing a search and rescue team. If you are trying to decide if dog training elite is right for you or worth the money it definitely is.
  • Ann Justice
    Feb. 13, 2026
    I have a puppy and Anna has been super working with him and me. She’s very patient and great explaining and demonstrating what we should be doing. I was nervous when I first contacted Elite about training but Anna relieved all my nervousness with our first session. I’m very happy that I chose Elite and Anna and I’m excited about the future training that Anna has for us
  • Ashlee Levitch
    Feb. 12, 2026
    Payton, Jennie and the team at Dog Training Elite Austin are AMAZING! My puppy has learned so much, alongside my senior dogs who wanted to get in on the lessons. SO grateful for their help. Most certainly recommending them to all my puppy parent friends.
  • Kaela Thompson
    Feb. 12, 2026
    Del has been amazing to work with! Our dog has excelled each and every lesson! We went from counter surfing, jumping and mouthing to a perfectly respectable K9. The training plans a clear, organized and achievable. Dog Training Elite is worth every single penny! Do yourself a favor by investing in your furry family member! You won’t regret it!
  • Bonnie
    Feb. 12, 2026
    The entire staff is delightful. They treated our pup so well and were super patient with him (stubborn breed) and were so informative come pick-up time. They spent however long they needed to explaining the day and we never felt rushed to leave. Answered all of our questions and never made us feel stupid for asking them. We will continue working with them through home visits (the 1st one was fantastic) and group classes. If you're looking for a place to train your dog, this is it.
  • Kim Archambault
    Jan. 29, 2026
    What a fun week. This week was "down" which seems highly acheivable and can be added with other commands. Kurtis answered every question and was knowledgeable with canine behavior; mentioned situations we didnt even think of.
  • Melissa LaLonde
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Our 5-month-old puppy, Piper, just completed her in-facility training at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland, and we truly could not be more grateful for this experience. From day one, the staff has been absolutely amazing — knowledgeable, patient, supportive, and genuinely invested in Piper’s success. Piper learned so much during her time there — and honestly, so did we. The team not only worked with her, but made sure we understood the training process and felt confident moving forward. The communication, consistency, and care they provided exceeded our expectations. We’re excited to now begin in-home sessions and group lessons as we continue preparing for her certification test. We know we still have a ways to go, but it’s incredibly reassuring to have Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland by our side every step of the way. We are so thankful to be partnering with such an outstanding organization. If you’re considering training for your dog, we wholeheartedly recommend them! — Melissa, Lori, and Piper 🐾🐶
  • Bryann-Rose Arnold
    Feb. 11, 2026
    This place is great! I have, or rather, had, a very reactive heeler. She would bark at everything and everyone. Snapping, nipping and if it weren’t for her muzzle maybe even biting. I did a consultation and the woman they sent out was great. Very friendly, understanding and overall very welcoming. My dog even stopped growling in her presence which I was amazed by. A few weeks later we had our first session with Kayla C. and she is now one of my favorite people! She has a great, warm personality. She did great with my dog and even now my heeler lets Kayla touch her. 8 weeks of one on one training with Kayla and I now feel SO comfortable taking my dog out in public. She had a dog get in her face the other day and she was unbothered by it. She’s had random people come up and have conversations with me, and now people are able to get closer than 20 ft. I’m so amazingly proud of the progress my dog has made and I’m grateful to Kayla for her help in guiding us through this. There was no judgment, just understanding. I definitely recommend this group of trainers.
  • Sharon
    Dec. 31, 2025
    Logyn was empathetic with challenges experienced with our now 22 week old Lab. We visited Lowes to expose our puppy to different noises. I had so much anxiety. Not knowing how she would react to the environment. But she did well. We worked on commands. Very good training, we have homework. Thanks Logyn!
  • Riley Stanley
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Del is a great teacher and very thorough in teaching the lesson and answering all of my questions. My dog is learning very quickly, and I’m excited to see how he’ll end up once the lessons are complete!
  • Barbara Philson
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Our training today was amazing with immediately responses from our dogs. We are so pleased with the training. 😊
  • Lynne Vendetti
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Kayla and Kristen were great! Made great progress with helping with my dogs issues in the first visit. I am very happy and I know my dog and I will benefit from their help greatly
  • Jon Kristof
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Outstanding trainers who truly value your time and expectations.
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training 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 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.

Additional Breeds We Train

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

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers

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!