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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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults
Dog Training Elite Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island training method.
The Dog Training Elite
Difference
Dog Training Elite Rhode Island uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island’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!
Danielle was great. We have a 10 month old bully mix who is very energetic we also have a child on the way and knew we needed help before she arrives. She helped us to get him to listen to us and follow directions both around the house and while out on walks. We have seen steady improvement with our dog as his training progresses.— Benjamin Phillips
Posted April 23rd 2024
I am a student at Roger Williams University working on a dog scent project. I couldn’t have been happier with picking Dog Training Elite to help me out. Kona was very well trained puppy who showed great work doing her smell training. I would highly recommended this company for all type of training. Danel greatly helped me out answering any and all questions I had. And she did it with a smile on her face the entire time.— Seth Jablonki
Posted April 23rd 2024
In Dec 2022 I brought home an 8 week old, highly energetic, husky malamute shepherd mix. It was immediately clear that I needed more training than I knew at the time and I enlisted the help and expertise of Danielle at Dog Training Elite. I started with the puppy training package which provided the fundamentals. I then followed that with Advanced Training, which built on the fundamentals and included e-collar training and group classes. The group classes are where the rubber meets the road and the practice of all the training you’ve done comes together in practical application. Danielle excels at providing patient instruction to the dog and the owner. She offers solutions to problems that aren’t a one size fits all solution. I chose Danille because I highly valued a balanced training approach that came by way of treats and praise, as well as using the modern tools at our disposal including prong collars and e-collars. The e-collar is an invaluable communication tool and I knew it would be the right method for my dog. I highly recommend Danielle, her approach, and her training.— John Babb
Posted March 30th 2024
I would definitely recommend Dog Training Elite!! The amount of care and one on one experience is worth the money! I've seen such improvement in my pup since we started!— Kimberly Thompson
Posted February 26th 2024
We recently got a puppy to be little sister to our 6-year old lab mix, and looked into training for them both. We couldn’t be happier to have found Danielle at Dog Training Elite RI. They have both come so far with their obedience training, and we will also be doing service animal training. Danielle’s love of dogs shines through in all of her classes. This was the best decision for the happiness of our fur babies!!— Robert Bolt
Posted December 2nd 2023
Daniel is the best, From the initial training to the followup classes we have been very happy.— gary chiasson
Posted November 22nd 2023
Danielle and her team are fabulous! My dog, Phil, is very before and she work with him with such patience and care. He has built up his confidence and training skills so much with Danielle’s help. Highly highly recommend— Caroline Barr
Posted November 19th 2023
Owen has come a long way since starting training with Elite. He has improved with listening and understanding commands , as well as leash behavior. Highly recommended— Jeff Palumbo
Posted October 21st 2023
Danielle was great! Extremely easy to work with and made you feel comfortable right away. She really listened to your concerns and helped recreate the situation so that you can work through it in real time. My dog is extremely reactive and she worked with me to give me the tools and confidence I need to help my dog. I am grateful for the training and would recommend her to those whether you are just starting off or need help on problematic behaviors such as reactivity!— Jessica Contois
Posted October 6th 2023
My boyfriend and I have had such a positive experience with them. Our trainer is so patient and attentive to our dog, Skye, and he loves her. She is super helpful with any advice that we may need to better work with him. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a dog trainer.— Jamila Coulter
Posted October 3rd 2023
We highly recommend Danielle from Dog Training Elite Rhode Island. Our dog was experiencing aggression through his anxiety and Danielle was able to turn our dog into a confident and proud boy! She was knowledgeable in her practice and beyond patient while training our dog. We cannot thank her enough!— Miriam Eble
Posted September 30th 2023
We are so impressed with Danielle and Dog Training Elite! Aggie Rose, our Jack Russell, has really benefited from the private and group classes offered by Danielle. Aggie’s behavior around other dogs and humans has improved beyond our expectations – no more barking at other dogs, jumping on guests or pulling on her leash. Danielle has an approach that combines patience & knowledge into successful training sessions. The real bonus was Danielle’s ability to customize the training to address Aggie’s unique quirks. She helped Aggie to stop attacking the shovel and rake, making it possible to have her outside while working in the yard. After a few sessions, we were able to garden again with Aggie tagging along and only digging when we asked her too! Aggie Rose is a calmer and happier family member and we owe it to Danielle and Dog Training Elite. Thank you so much, Danielle!— Jeffrey Coolidge
Posted September 22nd 2023
I 100% recommend hiring Danielle to train your pup! She deals with all types of dogs with various training needs. Our 10 month old mini Australian shepherd puppy has completely transformed her behavior after just 5 private sessions. She still has to attend group classes and I can’t wait to see her progress even further. Thank you so much Danielle!— Kelly Compton
Posted September 1st 2023
Danielle knows what she’s doing with dogs. She is very patient, she goes out of her way to help dog owners train their own dogs, and she’s very accommodating. My dog has become much less reactive, and much more obedient.— Diana Oehrli
Posted August 12th 2023
It has been a great experience for me as a new dog owner and for my dog to learn so quickly the few commands. My dog knows all the commands to be around small children, busy public spaces and to stay within boundaries in big open spaces.— caroline murphy
Posted August 6th 2023
We love Danielle- she was fantastic and did such an excellent job with our pup Remy! We have seen such a positive difference in his behavior since training with Danielle. We would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for one on one training. Thank you Danielle- and Scruffy and Kona too! It's been a pleasure working with you and we look forward to Group Classes.— Cathy M
Posted July 12th 2023
Zappa is the best dog, so good natured and loving. He is, however 86 pounds and full of energy not knowing his own strength. We contacted Elite and Danielle responded right away. We talked for a while and she answered all my questions. I set up an appointment and after meeting Danielle, we knew she was right for us and Zappa. With Danielle’s patience & kindness Zappa has come a long way. He is no longer jumping when company comes to the house, which is huge! We can’t thank Danielle enough for all she’s done and continues to do for Zappa. He adores her!— Teresa Letourneau
Posted July 1st 2023
Danielle is amazing! She did a puppy consultation on our puppy and had him following new commands within minutes. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing puppy or older dog training. Thank you Danielle!— Cynthia MacDonald
Posted June 29th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island 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.